Gallows Rock: A Nail-Biting Icelandic Thriller With Twists You Won't See Coming

A man is found hanging from Gallows Rock, and a four-year-old boy is left in his flat. Detective Huldar and child psychologist Freyja investigate the murder and the boy's origins, revealing a story of violence, entitlement, and revenge. Yrsa Sigurdardottir's novel is praised for its compelling writing, suspense, and twists, and is considered one of the best crime novels of the year.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

On a jagged, bleak lava field just outside Reykjavik stands the Gallows Rock. Once a place of execution, it is now a tourist attraction. Until this morning, when a man was found hanging from it, the nail embedded in his chest proves it wasn't suicide. But when the police go to his flat, a further puzzle awaits: a four-year-old boy has been left there. He doesn't seem to have any link with the victim, his parents cannot be found, and his drawings show he witnessed something terrible.

As detective Huldar hunts the killer, and child psychologist Freyja looks for the boy's parents, the mystery unfolds: a story of violence, entitlement, and revenge.

Praise for Yrsa Sigurdardottir:

Iceland's outstanding crime novelist, Daily Express.

A magnificent writer, Karin Slaughter.

The undisputed queen of Icelandic Noir, Simon Kernick.

Believe all the hype - this is crime at its best, Heat.

NetGalley Reader Reviews:

Just as compelling as the previous books in the series.

All of Yrsa Sigurðardóttir's books are extremely well written and a joy to read.

There is plenty of suspense and twists in this story (. . .)

I read this book in one sitting, I was unable to put it down. Highly recommended.

There is such a skill to the author's writing, the way in which she creates tension and atmosphere and uses setting to bring and edge to the story, that it is difficult to put down. And she brings such a range of emotions out in me as a reader that I feel slightly battered myself when I finish reading. . . . Truly powerful storytelling and characters I have come to love.

I was hooked from the very first page and enthralled and completely drawn in throughout the book. (. . .) This is a story which builds.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473693425