“It's impossible to see that the book is written by a foreigner who just recently got to know the country he is writing about. His descriptions of the mentality after the crash are perfect. ... Far North is an exciting and entertaining read.” —Morgunbladid (Iceland)
“A complex and splendid story which is hard to put down.” —Vidskiptabladid Weekly (Iceland)
“Excellent stuff, bang up to date as those seeming responsible for the financial collapse start to die.” —The Bookseller
“It's brave of Ridpath to try to beat Nordic crime writers on their own turf, but he does his best – which is very good indeed.” —The Guardian
“Ridpath's novel uses Iceland's stark landscape to bring into vivid focus the effect of a troubled economy on people's lives.” —San Antonio News
“Michael Ridpath is on the war path, trouncing the Scandinavians on their home turf. This is international thriller writing at its best, fine characters, page turning suspense and a great, fresh location.” —Peter James, #1 international bestselling author of Dead Like You, on Where the Shadows Lie
“The latest novel by British crime writer Ridpath is highly imaginative, with a striking setting and a marvelous story… Ridpath does a fine job of immersing us in Icelandic culture, and Magnus, who is the anchor of a proposed series of novels, is a thoroughly fascinating character, not so much a fish out of water as a man reconnecting with his own heritage. Exotic and compelling, a first-class mystery.” —Booklist, starred review on Where the Shadows Lie
“This highly atmospheric and addictive thriller brings in elements that will entice both crime fiction and fantasy readers. If your readers like a treasure-hunting chase, give them this one. With Tolkien groupies, Internet hacking, and revenge, this title has no shortage of appeal. Clearly, Ridpath, the author of eight financial thrillers, has his own trilogy in mind.” —Library Journal, starred review on Where the Shadows Lie
“A clever blend of murder mystery, myth and up-tothe- minute mayhem.. . Whether you're a fan of orcs, Gimli and Legolas or Elmore Leonard and "The Sopranos", there's something in this. . . thriller for you.” —The London Times on Where the Shadows Lie
“This is a good story set in a fascinating place and spiced with some sharp observation.” —Literary Review, on Where the Shadows Lie
“Where the Shadows Lie is ingenious, and briskly narrated. Like many good thriller writers, Ridpath is adept at informing as well as thrilling — you can learn a great deal about Iceland, ancient and modern, here, and it’s fascinating stuff.” —The Spectator on Where the Shadows Lie
“A superbly entertaining thriller. . . Michael Ridpath, no stranger to big sales figures, has another hit on his hands.” —Shots Magazine on Where the Shadows Lie
“A five-star effort as an entry in the select genre called ‘Icelandic novels written by non-Icelanders'” —IceNews, on Where the Shadows Lie
“Kinetic… Apart from the impressive scene setting, Ridpath makes a mark with his detective, Iceland-born, Boston-raised homicide cop Magnus Johnson, as striking a protagonist as readers will have encountered in the crime fiction field for some time. It's looking like Ridpath will be giving his Scandinavian rivals a run for their money.” —The Good Book Guide on Where the Shadows Lie
“It's an intriguing story, all the more so for its unusual backdrop, and Magnus makes a particularly convincing detective, with his unconventional background.” —The Oxford Times on Where the Shadows Lie
“Ridpath has that read-on factor that sets bestsellers apart” —The Guardian
“Ridpath's thrillers are remarkable for having their finger on the pulse.” —Mail on Sunday
“Riveting reading.” —The Times (London)
“Taut strongly plotted… provides a rush of blood to the head and stings your page-turning fingertips.” —Independent
“Thrillers… that never fail to deliver satisfaction and excitement.” —Daily Mail
