Kin (Book 1 Of Helga Finnsdottir, The)

Description: 'A dark mystery in a dark age brought vividly to life' says Robert Fabbri, author of the bestselling Vespasian series Everyone loves a family reunion. He can deny it all he likes, but everyone knows Viking warlord Unnthor Reginsson brought home a great chest of gold when he retired from the longboats and settled down with Hildigunnur in a remote valley. Now, in the summer of 970, adopted daughter Helga is awaiting the arrival of her unknown siblings: dark, dangerous Karl, lithe, clever Jorunn, gentle Aslak, henpecked by his shrewish wife, and the giant Bjorn, made bitter by Volund, his idiot son. And they're coming with darkness in their hearts. The siblings gather, bad blood simmers and old feuds resurface as Unnthor's heirs make their moves on the old man's treasure - until one morning Helga is awakened by screams. Blood has been shed: kin has been slain. No one confesses, but all the clues point to one person - who cannot possibly be the murderer, at least in Helga's eyes. But if she's going to save the innocent from the axe and prevent more bloodshed, she's got to solve the mystery - fast . . . Lies. Manipulation. Murder. There's nothing quite like family . . .

Review: Timeless and universal . . . It will be interesting to see where Kristjansson's imagination takes his beguiling heroine next * Starburst * As I read Kin, I kept thinking of friends and family who I wanted to share it with, fans of murder mysteries, fans of character driven stories, fans of historical fiction. This book would appeal to all of them . . . With such an interesting group of characters, I found myself returning to the book frequently. It was a fun read, and I'd recommend it * Blog in Basket * I loved Kin and the ending just made my head spin with its cleverness and impact . . . I can't wait to read even more of Helga Finnsdottir's adventures * A Fantastical Librarian * It has been a very long time since I finished a book in a day. But today everything came together, and it also helped that I could not put the book down . . . So if you like crime, read it. If you are a historical fan, read it. If you just like a good story (like we all do!) then well duh, this is a must read. Oh it was just so good! I truly enjoyed this one * Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell * This series is set to be a huge success not least because it's leading lady is one of the smartest and funniest you will encounter * The Madwoman in the Attic * Well written, descriptive and well-paced and is a very enjoyable read . . . Helga could become an insightful Dark Age sleuth. Well met! Helga Finnsdottir * Mature Times * A new style read that is gripping, enjoyable and easily accessible . . . I, for one, look forward to continuing Helga's adventures . . . Kin will appeal to fans of crime, thrillers, mystery and historical fiction and is well worth a read * The Tattooed Book Geek * I was completely swept away . . . couldn't put it down . . . completely beguiling . . . I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending this and I look forward to seeing where Helga's adventures lead us to next * Lynn's Book Blog * If the combination of Vikings, mystery and murder sound good, then this is the book for you . . . If you're in a Scandi-noir mood, and willing to leap back through the centuries, then this is a book which will reward a reading; I, for one, look forward to the further adventures of Helga Finnsdottir * Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews * The remote setting of Viking village, the historical period and Helga's character are very refreshing * The Book Bag * The start of an interesting crime series * Book Worm Mum * If you're a fan of crime fiction and enjoy a bit of added history, then I would suggest you look no further than Kin. When it comes to murder you want to be kept guessing right up till the last and Kin does that and more * The Eloquent Page * An entertaining and claustrophobic tale of familial tension and murder * SciFiNow * Praise Odin, it's a terrific mystery! With Viking family values and a sharp-witted heroine, Snorri Kristjansson delivers a first-rate chronicle of intrigue and murder * Stephen Gallagher, bestselling author of Red, Red Robin * An exciting new voice. With his Viking mystery, Snorri has created a new and interesting sub-genre of Icelandic noir * Ragnar Jonasson * Kin is well paced and skilfully plotted, with a strong sense of everyday life at the time . . . I suspect this will not be the last Viking noir novel we see * The Times * Truly entertaining: a new and original Viking Noir voice * Yrsa Sigurdardottir, author of the Thora Gudmundsdottir series * For Vikings done right, come to Snorri Kristjansson * Mark Lawrence, bestselling author of Red Sister * For lovers of the Vikings TV series and Lindsey Davies alike. Helga Finnsdottir is the Flavia Alba of the Viking world. A dark mystery in a dark age brought vividly to life. I look forward to reading more * Robert Fabbri, author of the bestselling Vespasian series *

Author Biography: Snorri Kristjansson was born in Iceland and is a writer and a teacher, as well as a stand-up comedian, actor and musician. He currently lives in Edinburgh with his artist wife. The Valhalla Saga, his Viking fantasy series, and The Helga Finnsdottir books, his Viking historical/crime series, are all published by Jo Fletcher Books.