Content levels
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
"A Nabokovian goof on Agatha Christie ; a madcap mystery in the deceptive tradition of The Crying of Lot 49 ; The Third Policeman meets The Da Vinci Code. Icelander is the debut novel from a brilliant new mind, an intricate, giddy romp steeped equally in Nordic lore and pulpy intrigue. When Shirley MacGuffin is found murdered one day prior to the annual town celebration in remembrance of Our Heroine's mother -- the legendary crime-stopper and evil-thwarter Emily Bean -- everyone expects Our Heroine to follow in her mother's footsteps and solve the case. She, however, has no interest in inheriting the family business, or being chased through steam-tunnels, or listening to skaldic karaoke, or fleeing the inhuman Refurserkir, or-- But evil has no interest in her lack of interest, and thus ; adventure ensues."
Is Icelander appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This is a literary postmodern fantasy-mystery hybrid with comedic elements, Norse mythology references, and some violence (murder, chase sequences). The sophisticated metafictional narrative style and literary allusions are aimed at adult readers rather than teens.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder and violence.
Who'll love this
Readers who enjoy clever, puzzle-box mysteries with humor and literary wordplay will appreciate this quirky adventure.