Stop Dead by Katrín Júlíusdóttir (translated by Larissa Kyzer)

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Stop Dead, the second book from Icelandic author Katrín Jùlíusdóttir, translated into English by Larissa Kyzer. Huge thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me and to the publisher for my review copy. I am so sorry this has gone up a day late - The constant noise of the workmen (worst day so far by far) in the house next door to mine - I live in a terrace - yesterday sent me to bed with a bad head!

The Blurb

Icelandic detective-in-training Sigurdís is studying criminal psychology in the US, but her plans are thrown into disarray when she discovers that her boss and mentor, Garðar, has been put on leave from Reykjavík CID over his investigation into Sigurdís’s father’s death.

Returning to Iceland to deal with the fallout, Sigurdís finds herself pulled into a disturbing case: controversial TV personality Olga Einarsdóttir has been stabbed to death during the Reykjavík Marathon. Struggling to locate a runner wearing bib number 1407, who was seen near the murdered woman during the race, the police soon discover that several masked runners were wearing the same number.

As the mystery deepens, Sigurdís and her fellow detective Unnar soon learn exactly how unpopular Olga was – not just with the interviewees she humiliated on live TV, but with her own son, her business partner, a widower who insists that she had a hand in his wife’s death, and her ex-husband, who died in suspicious circumstances thirty years ago…

As her exploration into Olga’s past becomes ever darker and more harrowing, Sigurdís must also face the truth about her own father, while searching for an attacker who will go to any lengths to cover up their crimes…

My Review

I very much enjoyed Dead Sweet, which introduced us to Sigurdís, when it came out. Since the events of that book, Sigurdís has been studying in the States until a phone call from Unnar, her colleague in the Icelandic police, changes things and she is soon on a plane back home. She can't be involved in any fresh investigation about her father's death, of course, but she joins the team looking into the murder of a TV personality.

This is a very character driven story. It's not full of 'kick down the door and shoot' type action, although there is plenty going on, and it's the characters that are at the heart of it. Sigurdís, of course, but there isn't a weak character here - all come across as fully formed people. Too many to mention them all, but I particularly loved Emilia and Ana, who are new characters, and hope we'll see more of them in future books. But coming back to Sigurdís, I love how she's intuitive, determined, and mentally strong, unbowed by her experiences. 

The investigation itself shows just how much the actions of one person, the victim in this case, can affect other people. The list of people who could possibly want her dead is not small. A wee reminder that in real life we don't know how our actions might affect others, so we should make them kind ones. Sorry, I digress! Unnar, Sigurdís and the rest of the team leave no stone unturned to get to the truth, all while Sigurdís has the stuff about her dad going on, and feels like she's being watched. 

Stop Dead was a thoroughly enjoyable read with a big emphasis on readable, relatable characters, and a protagonist you'll be rooting for - give it a go! 

The Author

Katrín Júlíusdóttir has a political background and was a member of the Icelandic parliament from 2003 until 2016. Before she was elected to parliament, Katrín was an advisor and project manager at a tech company and a senior buyer and CEO in the retail sector. She worked from a young age in the fishing industry, was a store clerk and also worked the night shift at a pizza restaurant. She studied anthropology and has an MBA from Reykjavík University. Katrín’s debut novel Dead Sweet received the Blackbird Award and was an Icelandic bestseller upon publication, with rights sold in 15 countries. She is married to critically acclaimed author Bjarni M. Bjarnason, who encouraged her to start writing. They have four boys and live in Garðabær.

Boy B by Ruth Dugdall #Blogathon

It's a late post for me today as I wasn't organised in advance and was at the launch of Bloody Scotland 2026 this afternoon, so huge apologies for that. Today is my blogathon post for Book 3 of the Cate Austin Case Files by Ruth Dugdall, Boy B. This was my most emotional read yet. Many thanks to Tracy Fenton at Compulsive Readers for the invitation and to the publisher for my review copy. I'll see you next week for Book 4. 

The Blurb

He was ten years old when the world decided he was evil.

A child is killed falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only – their anonymity.

Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Boy B's reintegration into society, but her loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime.

Is a child capable of premeditated murder? Or is there a greater evil at play?

My Review

Well, the story of Boy B really pulled on my heartstrings. Eight years after being found guilty of the death of a boy his own age, a friend, Ben is released into a new life in Ipswich, a town he doesn't know. And having gone to prison at the tender age of ten, he doesn't know how the world works - he's never had a mobile phone, for instance, or bought clothes, or cooked. His case has landed on Cate's desk because, as her colleague suggests, she 'always gets the strange ones'. It's her job to help Ben to adjust to life outside prison, and keep him on the straight and narrow. 

We see things from both Ben and Cate's points of view, with flashbacks to the day of the incident. We're with Ben as he struggles to adapt to the outside world, we're there when he experiences kindness for the first time in a long time, and it's lovely. The flashbacks give us an idea of the home Ben, and his brother Adam, grew up in. I found myself rooting for Ben, wanting things to work out for him, now that he's served the time for what he'd done. And I really felt for Cate, often a lone voice in support of Ben in the meetings about his case. But nothing is simple. Things are complicated by unexpected visitors and a Facebook page set up by the dead boy's mother. At least Cate had a new distraction away from this case and work.

As the book progresses we learn more about the day of the crime, and my allegiances were tested! And the denouement was truly shocking - I had guessed some parts but not all of it, and I wasn't ready for how things actually ended. 

Boy B is the third Ruth Dugdall book I've read, and the most emotional, so far, for me.  And probably the hardest to read. Ben pulled on my heartstrings and the denouement shocked me. Well worth a look.  

The Author

Ruth studied English at university and then took an MA is Social Work. Following this she worked in the Criminal Justice System as a social worker then as a probation officer. Part of this time was spent seconded to a prison housing serious offenders. She continues to work within the Criminal Justice System, most recently in Luxembourg.

Ruth's novels are informed by her experience and are "authentic and credible".

Ruth's first novel, The James Version, is a historical fiction based on the actual murder of Maria Marten at the Red Barn in Suffolk. The story is re-told with a fresh light on who really killed Maria.

Her second novel, The Woman Before Me, won the Debut Dagger when it was originally published in 2005. It is the first in a series featuring probation officer Cate Austin.

"Probation officers have more face-to-face contact with criminals than any other profession," says Ruth, "they are the unsung heroes of the Criminal Justice System."

Under the Blazing Sun by Jenny Lund Madsen (translated by Paul Russell Garrett)

I loved Jenny's previous book, Thirty Days of Darkness, and was excited for this new book, Under the Blazing Sun. Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this new one, translated by Paul Russell Garrett, which again features author Hannah. Big thanks to Anne Cater for the invitation and to the publisher for my review copy. 

The Blurb

Hannah is miserable. Her love life is in ruins, her contract demands a sequel to her bestselling crime debut – and she’s out of ideas. After a mortifying TV interview, her agent ships her off to a sun-drenched Sicilian villa with a simple order: finish the book. No distractions. No excuses.

But inspiration doesn’t strike – murder does.

When a night out ends in murder, Hannah finds herself at the centre of a murder investigation … again. The police want her out of the way, and the only person who seems to believe her is a young but charming Italian police officer. That is, until she doesn’t. Soon Hannah is chasing suspects, fleeing crime scenes, and doing whatever it takes to avoid becoming the next victim. She came to write a crime novel. Now she's trapped inside one.

My Review

When we first met Hannah in Thirty Days of Darkness she was really quite unlikable. She's much the same here, although she's better at pretending to be nice. She needs to write a book. She wants to write another literary one. The trouble is, the last one didn't sell. What did sell was her crime novel, and her publisher is pressing for a new one. But Hannah thinks crime writing is beneath her. But after storming out of a prime time tv interview, her publisher packs her off to a loaned (a mystery benefactor) villa in Sicily to finish the crime novel she hasn't actually started yet. Her first few days are pretty idyllic as she pretends to be on holiday, until she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time....

Although Hannah is rude, objectionable and impatient, I can't help but like her. There's just something about her, and that, I suspect, is down to the writing. But, goodness me, she can rub people up the wrong way with her confrontational attitude. I felt, though, that there was a bit of a softening in her personality - she makes friends, or acquaintances, at least, and asks for help when she needs it. But it is because of one of these new friendships that she finds herself in the middle of a murder inquiry. A suspect, even. Her own investigation to find the real perpetrator is clumsy, and often foolish, but I couldn't help admiring her gumption. There's an air of desperation, and frustration at the police, about it and I really liked that. There's an added complication in the shape of her married lover and Hannah struggles to keep her head as her investigation gets closer to the truth and she is more at risk. And there is still a book to write... 

Much as the Icelandic weather and scenery played a part in the last book, the same is true for Sicily in this book, although it's much warmer. I've never been there but now I want to go. We don't meet many Sicilian natives but I loved the gentle, caring husband and wife team who looked after the house and garden. 

Like the author's previous book, Under the Blazing Sun is a crime novel about writing a crime novel whilst investigating a crime. It's clever and funny and again plays with the idea that crime fiction is somehow 'less' than other genres. It's well written with a great, if somewhat annoying, protagonist. And the crime itself reaches a very satisfying conclusion. All in all, a great read, and I look forward to the next instalment from Jenny Lund Madsen. 

Just before I go though, a big shout out for an excellent translation, provided here by Paul Russell Garrett. Translators really are unsung heroes - my reading has widened and been so enriched by including translated work from abroad - a big thank you to translators everywhere! 

The Author

Jenny Lund Madsen is one of Denmark’s most acclaimed scriptwriters (including the international hits Rita and Follow the Money) and is known as an advocate for better
representation for sexual and ethnic minorities in Danish TV and film. She made her debut as a playwright with the critically acclaimed Audition (Aarhus Teater) and her debut literary thriller, Thirty Days of Darkness, first in an addictive new series, won the Harald Mogensen Prize for Best Danish Crime Novel of the year, was shortlisted for the coveted Glass Key Award, longlisted for the CWA Crime in Translation Dagger, and won the Crime Fiction Lover Award for Best Crime Book in Translation. She lives in Denmark with her wife and young family.

Book Blanket 2026

It's not a great picture but I love the colours of this square. If you haven't already seen, I'm crocheting a granny square for every book I read, based on the colours on the front cover (or as close a match as I can get). At the end of the year, they'll be joined together into a unique (and quite large, I think!) keepsake blanket.

The Sacrificial Man by Ruth Dugdall #Blogathon

Today I'm sharing my review of The Sacrificial Man by Ruth Dugdall, the second Cate Austin casefile. This was a really interesting read. Many thanks to Tracy Fenton at Compulsive Readers for inviting me to take part and to the publisher for my review copy. 

The Blurb

A deadly choice in the name of love.

Probation officer Cate Austin faces the highest‑profile case of her career: Alice Mariani, a celebrated university lecturer, has been charged with assisting in the death of her lover. But at what point does a private pact become a public crime?

Every interview with Alice peels back another layer of secrecy. As media and campaigners swarm the courtroom, Cate is forced into a legal blind spot — and a brutal dilemma.

Will a lover's last request become a deadly price to pay?

The Sacrificial Man was reissued on 21st May by HQ Digital.

My Review

Well, this was a story! Date Austin has to finished her stint working with prisoners and is back in the office with a full caseload. But due to her success with her previous big news case, Alice Mariani's file lands on her desk. Alice is an intelligent, articulate woman who has been accused of helping her lover die. Cate's job is to recommend a sentence to the judge.

Through Cate and Alice's meetings we discover more about Alice and her story. She is certainly an unusual woman, who answered an unusual personal ad, which led her to where she is now. She firmly believes she has done nothing wrong and as the book goes on we learn more about her life and why she believes what she does. We also learn about her lover, which was an interesting read. 

There's one part of the storyline that perhaps won't be for everyone, and a couple of 'ew' moments resulting from a very curious turn of events but a fascinating story. 

The Sacrificial Man is well written and certainly threw up a few surprises. I didn't expect either the denouement, or the conclusion of the story so that was great. The book was interesting, and the storyline was unusual, making for an enjoyable read. 

The Author

Ruth studied English at university and then took an MA is Social Work. Following this she worked in the Criminal Justice System as a social worker then as a probation officer. Part of this time was spent seconded to a prison housing serious offenders. She continues to work within the Criminal Justice System, most recently in Luxembourg.

Ruth's novels are informed by her experience and are "authentic and credible".

Ruth's first novel, The James Version, is a historical fiction based on the actual murder of Maria Marten at the Red Barn in Suffolk. The story is re-told with a fresh light on who really killed Maria.

Her second novel, The Woman Before Me, won the Debut Dagger when it was originally published in 2005. It is the first in a series featuring probation officer Cate Austin.

"Probation officers have more face-to-face contact with criminals than any other profession," says Ruth, "they are the unsung heroes of the Criminal Justice System."

Bloody Scotland Debut Prize 2026 Shortlist

I don't go to many book festivals but Bloody Scotland, held in Stirling, is always on my diary. The festival has always championed and encouraged new writers and today the shortlist for the Bloody Scotland 2026 Debut Prize has been announced. Like a Denise Mina below, I am delighted to see a shortlist made up of women writers. I've only read one of the books so far so I'd better get to reading the rest! 

SHORTLIST FOR THE BLOODY SCOTLAND DEBUT PRIZE 2026

The Prize is sponsored by The Glencairn Glass and the winner will be presented on the opening evening of the festival, Friday 18th September 2026.

Bloody Scotland prides itself on supporting new talent and The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize which began in 2019 has launched the careers of numerous Scottish crime writers including Natalie Jayne Clark, Tariq Ashkanani, Allan Gaw, Claire Askew, Kate Foster and Callum McSorley.

For the first time ever, the shortlist for The Bloody Scotland Prize is entirely made up of women, which feels extremely appropriate given that Denise Mina – a vocal champion of women’s rights – is guest programmer for the festival in 2026. She said:

“As a previous judge of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, I am absolutely delighted to see that the 2026 Bloody Scotland Debut shortlist is entirely made up of women. For decades, short lists only had occasional women or none at all. A debut is always a howl into an indifferent abyss. Sometimes the abyss is listening and it thinks you’re fucking brilliant. Congratulations!”

The full shortlist for the 2026 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize is revealed to be:

Frances Crawford with A Bad, Bad Place (Transworld) An alumni of the University of Glasgow creative writing course, she was tutored by bestselling crime writer, Louise Welsh. Described as The List of Suspicious Things meets Shuggie Bain it was acquired by Transworld in a ten publisher auction. It has also just been shortlisted for the Theakston’s McDermid Debut Prize. She lives in Glasgow.

Frances Crawford

Linda Duncan McLaughlin with Original Sins (Into Books). The manuscript for this novel was nominated for the CWA’s Debut Dagger. In the book a troubled young woman discovers that her birth father is a convicted serial killer and confronts the possibility that she has inherited his darkness. Linda is a playwright and a screenwriter for River City on BBC Scotland.

Linda Duncan McLaughlin

Kirsty Lockwood with We Know What You Did (Orion) which will be published on 4 June. Described as Strange Sally Diamond meets Listen for the Lie, it is a character-driven suspense novel from an award-winning Scottish journalist. Kirsty lives in Glasgow.

Kirsty Lockwood

Zoe Rankin with The Vanishing Place (Viper). She grew up in Scotland but now lives in New Zealand where her love of hiking in remote locations inspired the idea for her novel about a young girl who has witnessed a double murder deep in the bush. 

Zoe Rankin

May Rinaldi with Liar Thief (Black Spring). She has previously been selected for Pitch Perfect and won the 2023 Black Spring Press Crime Novel which led to their publishing it in 2025. It’s a psychological thriller about two childhood friends, one a self-confessed serial killer, one a cop. She lives in Dumfries & Galloway. 

May Rinaldi

The judges for 2026 are broadcaster, Bryan Burnett and crime writer, Vaseem Khan chaired by Bloody Scotland founder, Alex Gray who said:

“Lin Anderson and I decided from the start of Bloody Scotland that we wanted to bring on the crime writers of tomorrow as well as showcasing the best of Scotland and elsewhere. Now, as the chair of the judging panel for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, I’m thrilled to read the shortlist and help select the winner each year.”

Alex Gray, chair of judging panel

Kirsty Nicholson, Marketing Director at Glencairn – sponsors of The Bloody Scotland Debut Prize with The Glencairn Glass, the official glass for whisky, said:

“We’re always excited to see the shortlist for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and this year it’s particularly encouraging to see so many talented women represented. We’re also delighted to see Frances Crawford included following her success in winning our 2023 Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition – it’s wonderful to see her career continuing to flourish. We congratulate all of the shortlisted authors and wish them the very best of luck.”

All but one of the shortlisted authors will be at the Bloody Scotland programme launch in Stirling at noon on 4 June 2026. The winner will be revealed on the opening night of the festival at the Church of the Holy Rude on 18 September. 

The Bone Mother by Suzy Aspley

 
Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Bone Mother by Suzy Aspley, the second book featuring journalist Martha Strangeways, following Crow Moon. It's a novel full of atmosphere. Big thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for the invitation and the publisher for my review copy.

The Blurb

Martha Strangeways has settled into a quiet life in Strathbran, after the horrific events that traumatised the village a year earlier. But all this is turned upside down when her friend at Glasgow CID, DI Derek Summers,

calls on her to help with a disturbing case: a human ear, with an unusual Celtic earring, has been found next to a railway line in the Highlands.

And when the body of a young woman wearing matching jewellery turns up at a landmark church shortly after, the mystery deepens. Why has she been laid out in a ritualistic fashion? Does her trek along the little-known Cailleach Way have anything to do with her death? And who is running the Facebook Group where she posted details of her journey to the shrine of the Bone Mother goddess?

As Martha tries to unpick the threads, she finds herself entwined with a ghost from her own past, and in conflict with the owner of a project that threatens to destroy the goddess’s sacred land.

With Halloween approaching, and someone determined to protect the goddess at all costs, can Martha and Summers catch the killer before they strike again – and this time much closer to home…?

My Review

Well, what a book! Creepy and atmospheric and full of folk history. 

Emma is staying for a few days with a host she connected with through the Facebook group Sofa Sistas before she walks the Caillech Way to the goddess's shrine in time for Samhain, or Halloween, to show how important it is and that it shouldn't be destroyed. To show how important the Bone Mother is. Martha's editor, who is keen for her to get back to work properly, give a her a tip about human remains being found near the railway but she chooses not to get involved. That is, until DI Derek Summers asks her to take a look. And what she finds is terrifying...

The first thing to say is that the scene setting in is terrific. The countryside of the Scottish Highlands is a character in itself, especially when the folklore is weaved into and around it. We see what Emma sees and feel what she feels on her hike, and the same with Martha, whether she is walking the dogs or investigating the crime. 

Speaking of Martha, she's a great character. She's been through so much but is now looking forward, making a life for her and her son, rebuilding her relationship with her partner. She's settled, has friends, particularly Orla, and is being encouraged back to work. She carries her pain well, and is diligent and determined when it comes to getting to the truth. She's trustworthy too, hence she has been able to build a positive relationship with Derek Summers, and we see that develop here. 

The storyline of The Bone Mother is sinister with links to old legends, and is full of fear and violence. Tension rises through the book as Martha, and the reader, realise something is very wrong indeed. The outcome was unexpected for me - I hadn't seen it coming - and hit close to home for Martha but she never stopped. Perhaps she's a little foolhardy and headstrong but I'm going go with brave. And I love that about her. Well worth checking out. 

The Author

Originally from the north-east of England, former journalist Suzy Aspley has lived in Scotland for almost thirty years. She writes crime and short stories, often inspired by the strange things she sees in the landscape around her. She won Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect in 2019 with the original idea for her debut novel and was shortlisted for the Capital Crime New Voices Award. In 2020, she was mentored by Jo Dickinson as part of the Hachette future bookshelf initiative. Crow Moon was longlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award, and shortlisted for the Val McDermid Debut Award and the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. When she’s not writing, she’s either got her nose buried in a book, or is outside with her dogs dreaming up more dark stories. She lives in Stirlingshire with her family.

Book Blanket 2026

Here is the granny square for The Bone Mother to be added to my crochet book blanket - there are some great colours in the cover when you look closely. You can't see it well by there is a bit of sparkle in the white yarn to try to emulate the shading in and around the skull on the cover. It's not a perfect match but I'm pleased with it. 

The Woman Before Me by Ruth Dugdall #Blogathon

This month - and beyond for a bit - is all about prioritising personal care, rest and recovery where possible (as instructed by a professional), and lots of things have been put to one side in an effort to do just that. I am, however, endeavouring to keep up with my commitments on the blog. 

Today I am helping to celebrate the re-publication of The Woman Before Me, by Ruth Dugdall, the first novel featuring probation officer Cate Austin and the author's debut psychological thriller. My thanks to Tracy Fenton for asking me to take part in the blogathon and to the publisher for my review copy. 

The Blurb

Love can destroy. Obsession can kill.

Emma Hatcher has all that Rose Wilks lacks. Effortless beauty. A loving husband. A healthy son. Until tragedy strikes, leaving Rose the only suspect.

After nearly five years in prison, Rose is just weeks away from freedom. If she is granted parole.

Probation officer Cate Austin must decide whether Rose is remorseful for the shocking crime that put her behind bars, or whether she remains a threat to society. As Cate is drawn in, she begins to doubt her own judgement.

Where is the line between love and obsession? Can justice be served and, if so … by what means?

The Woman Before Me is out today from HQ Digital.

My Review

Rose Wills has always maintained her innocence but still spent years behind bars. Whilst having been a probation officer for a number of years, this is Cate Austin's first time placement in a prison. A women's prison where the majority of staff are men, and seem to be quite misogynistic, and also speak about the women in their care in a very demeaning way. Cate's first big case is to determine whether Rose is fit for parole. 

Rose is such a sad character, one who has known so much tragedy and loss already in her life. She was in a relationship when she went into prison and he still visits  regularly, but their relationship is clearly under strain. The majority of the book is from her point of view, sometimes in  the present day, but often in the form of her black book entries - a volume she is writing to give to her partner - which give us details of events in the past. The problem for the reader is that we don't know how much of a reliable narrator Rose is. Contrasting against her is Cate, brand new to the case, having to make difficult decisions. We see her sometimes unpleasant exchanges with her colleagues and difficult conversations with Rose, her partner and those affected by the crime in question. 

I enjoyed the dual points of view, especially as the women are so different. Cate hasn't experienced the losses that Rose has, but she has her own difficulties nevertheless. But the juxtaposition between the two women is interesting. I was disturbed by attitude of some of the prison staff but the author has experience of the probation service so I guess it might be accurate. 

I enjoyed the story but it is a hard read in places, so be aware going into it. There are so many elements within it that are very sad, and the denouement is heartbreaking. But a good book.

The Author

Ruth studied English at university and then took an MA is Social Work. Following this she worked in the Criminal Justice System as a social worker then as a probation officer. Part of this time was spent seconded to a prison housing serious offenders. She continues to work within the Criminal Justice System, most recently in Luxembourg.

Ruth's novels are informed by her experience and are "authentic and credible".

Ruth's first novel, The James Version, is a historical fiction based on the actual murder of Maria Marten at the Red Barn in Suffolk. The story is re-told with a fresh light on who really killed Maria.

Her second novel, The Woman Before Me, won the Debut Dagger when it was originally published in 2005. It is the story of Rose Wilks, a female stalker imprisoned for killing a child, who claims to be innocent, and is the first in a series featuring probation officer Cate Austin.

"Probation officers have more face-to-face contact with criminals than any other profession," says Ruth, "they are the unsung heroes of the Criminal Justice System."

Book Blanket 2026

And, finally, here is my 'The Woman Before Me' granny crochet square, ready to take its place in my book blanket at the end of the year!