The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer is the latest Ragnar Jónasson book to be translated into English. With a September 9, 2025, release date in North America, it is the second book in the Helgi trilogy. The first book, Death at the Sanatorium, ended on a cliffhanger, and this one picks up a few months later. This time, Helgi has been tasked with finding a missing crime writer while also dealing with some personal drama. What should his priority be, work or family?
I want to thank Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer. All opinions presented here are my own.
CW/TW: death, domestic violence, stalking
Synopsis from Goodreads
One winter evening, bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing.
There are no clues to her disappearance, and it is up to young detective Helgi to crack the case before it’s leaked to the press.
As he interviews the people closest to her – a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge – he realises that Elín’s life wasn’t what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than her stories.
As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of a very unexpected life . . .
Positives
- Under 350 pages.
- Quick and immersive read.
- The multiple timelines are well-defined.
Negatives
- The various timelines were initially confusing. How did they fit in the story?
My Opinions
Ragnar Jónasson is credited with being the force behind Agatha Christie’s books being translated into Icelandic. As such, he finds his way into this book as a brief mention. It was an Easter egg of sorts that made me smile when I read it.
There are three mysteries discussed in this 320-page book. What happened to the mystery writer? How is it connected to events in the past? What happened to Helgi’s predecessor? At the end of the book, two of those questions are answered. The way the information is presented at first is a tad confusing; I found myself wondering what one event had to do with the other. But I decided to trust the process. And it worked out in my favor to do so.
There is a subplot that continues from the first book in the series, revolving around domestic violence. It’s interesting to see how Jónasson approaches the subject. Without trying to give too much away, I will tell you that Helgi is the victim.
This is the third book I’ve read by Ragnar Jónasson, and it won’t be the last. Who do I think would enjoy reading The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer? As his works are often compared to those of Agatha Christie, I believe anyone who has enjoyed reading her books will also enjoy this one. However, I would recommend starting with Death at the Sanatorium, as it is the first in this series. And there may be some spoilers if you read this one first.
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Sounds like an interesting book! Though thanks for the suggestion to start with book one. I’ll see if I can find that one first. (Sometimes with mysteries it matters more to read the books in order… sounds like this series is one of those cases.)
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by him. While he’s a best selling author, I feel like he’s under-appreciated in North America.
Sadly, I think a lot of translated authors are underappreciated in North America.