cover image Trap

Trap

Lilja Sigurdardóttir, trans. from the Icelandic by Quentin Bates. Orenda (IPG, dist.), $15.95 trade paper (276p) ISBN 978-1-912374-35-9

Set in 2011, Sigurdardóttir’s edgy sequel to 2018’s Snare follows three Icelandic women in perilous post–financial crash escapades. Sonja, who was broke and driven to smuggling drugs in Snare, tries to extricate herself and her young son, Tómas, from her slave driver/dealer ex-husband, Adam. Sonja’s estranged female lover Agla, who’s facing a prison sentence for market manipulation, dreams up an enormous money-laundering scheme and hopes to win Sonja back. Maria, who’s investigating financial chicanery at the acting special prosecutor’s clandestine request, gradually gets the goods on Agla, but she must contend with the corrupt Icelandic legal system. Meanwhile, customs official Bragi, who’s close to retirement, covers up for Sonja in return for cash that allows him to keep his beloved, Alzheimer’s-stricken wife at home. As the tension rises, the crimes become too bizarre to be credible. Still, fans of Nordic noir will find plenty to like. (Apr.)