In the wake of Iceland's recent economic recession, this pacifist nation finds some of its inhabitants don't mind murdering a few of the culprits they hold responsible for the situation. The Icelandic Police Force isn't used to investigating these types of horrific crimes, but Boston detective Magnus Jonson is no stranger to murder. On loan from the Boston PD following a threat on his life, Magnus still feels like a fish-out-of-water, even though he was born in Iceland.

As Magnus becomes more involved in the current investigation, he finds more and more of his past coming back to haunt him. Will he be able to deal with the crimes of his past and still solve the murders of the present?

Michael Ridpath's prose and narrative easily transports readers to a cold, barren country with a small population who must learn to deal with financial upheaval along with the rest of the world. Characterization feels right on target with the intriguing plotline in FAR NORTH.