One True Word

Arngrímsson makes his English-language debut with a grim thriller narrated by Júlia, a twitchy, unreliable journalist whose relationship troubles balloon into a missing persons case. Júlia has persuaded her partner, Gíó, to accompany her on a research trip to Geirshólmur, an uninhabited islet in a remote Icelandic fjord. After they arrive, Júlia begins to suspect Gíó is hiding something from her, precipitating a fight in which he viciously insults her. Júlia then abandons Gíó and sails back to the mainland alone. Later, overcome with conflicting emotions, Júlia returns to Geirshólmur, but Gíó has vanished. From there Júlia becomes entangled in the increasingly complex lies she tells authorities and locals to deflect suspicion. During her search for Gíó, Júlia finds a notebook implying that he had an affair with her younger sister, but Arngrímsson has delicious fun keeping readers guessing as to who’s playing whom. Far from a standard Scandinoir, this tale of feuding lovers expands in provocative and strange directions en route to a thunderous climax. It’s a good bet for thriller fans seeking something off the beaten path. (Feb.)