Point of View

The novel is written from the third person limited point of view, primarily following Erlendur’s perspective. Occasionally, it switches to Sigurdur Óli or Elínborg. The reader is only allowed access to the thoughts of the character they are following. They are not able to know what anyone else is thinking. This creates a sense of mystery. Other characters could be lying or hiding something and the reader would have no idea until the character they are following finds out.

The majority of the novel follows Erlendur because he is the lead detective of the investigation. This allows the reader to see the major events of the story first hand rather than learn them through another character informing them of developments in the case. However, the author does occasionally change the perspective to follow Sigurdur Óli or Elínborg. Most of Sigurdur Óli’s...