Eliza Reid’s debut mystery novel, “Death on the Island,” offers readers a compelling modern take on the classic locked-room mystery. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Iceland’s remote Westman Islands, Reid weaves a tale of diplomatic intrigue, small-town secrets, and murder that unfolds during a storm that traps a group of suspicious characters together.
Reid, who served as First Lady of Iceland from 2016 to 2024, brings an insider’s perspective to the diplomatic world portrayed in the novel. Her attention to protocol details and the inner workings of embassy life lends authenticity to the narrative, while her evident love for Iceland—particularly the fascinating Westman Islands setting—shines through in evocative descriptions that make the location as important as any character.
A Diplomatic Trip Gone Terribly Wrong
The story follows Jane Shearer, the wife of Canada’s ambassador to Iceland, as she accompanies her husband Graeme on what should be a routine diplomatic visit to Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands). The trip’s official purpose is to open a Canadian artist’s exhibition, but Graeme’s real agenda involves courting the island’s largest employer, Bláhafid Seafood Products, for an expansion into Canada.
What begins as a tense diplomatic mission—already complicated by Jane’s ultimatum to her philandering husband about the state of their marriage—spirals into tragedy when Kavita Banerjee, the embassy’s deputy ambassador, dies after drinking a poisoned cocktail during a dinner at the local restaurant Skel. Suspicion quickly falls on various attendees, including Graeme himself, following an earlier public argument with Kavita.
The situation darkens further when Mayor Kristján Gunnarsson, who recently lost his husband Ari to what he insists was murder rather than natural causes, also dies in a suspicious house fire. With the entire group stranded on the island due to a violent storm, Jane finds herself working alongside a young police officer named Jónas to uncover connections between these deaths and the secrets various characters are keeping.
Strengths: Character Development and Setting
Reid’s greatest achievement in this novel lies in her characterization. Jane Shearer emerges as a compelling protagonist—a diplomatic spouse who has spent years in her husband’s shadow but possesses keen observational skills and emotional intelligence that prove crucial to solving the mystery. Her journey from feeling uncertain of her worth to assertively pursuing the truth offers satisfying character development.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. From Graeme’s patronizing demeanor and mounting desperation to preserve his career to Kristján’s grief-fueled determination to prove his husband was murdered, each character feels fully realized. Even minor players like the ambitious Chef Piotr and the charismatic writer Ben Rafdal have distinct personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward.
The Westman Islands setting is masterfully depicted—Reid transforms what could be merely exotic background into an essential element of the story. The islands’ dramatic landscape, shaped by a devastating 1973 volcanic eruption, creates both physical and psychological isolation. References to local history, including the Algerian pirate raid of 1627, add depth to the community portrayed.
Pacing and Plot: A Slow-Burning Mystery
The novel unfolds at a deliberate pace that may test impatient readers but rewards those who appreciate methodical storytelling. Reid structures the narrative through multiple viewpoints and time periods, gradually revealing crucial information and allowing readers to piece together clues alongside Jane.
Some of the novel’s most effective sections involve Jane and Ben searching through Ari’s papers, the reenactment of the fatal dinner, and the final revelation scene at Hanna’s exhibition. These sequences balance character moments with plot revelations that maintain tension throughout.
The central mystery—who poisoned the cocktail and why—offers genuine surprises. While astute readers might identify certain suspicious behaviors, the full picture remains cleverly obscured until the final chapters. The solution incorporates elements established earlier without relying on implausible coincidences or deus ex machina revelations.
Thematic Depth: Power, Marriage, and Identity
Beyond its murder mystery framework, “Death on the Island” explores several compelling themes:
- The price of ambition: Characters compromise their principles for career advancement, financial gain, or artistic recognition.
- The complexities of marriage: Jane and Graeme’s troubled relationship reflects the strain that diplomatic careers place on families.
- Small community dynamics: The novel examines how power operates in isolated communities, particularly through Bláhafid’s influence.
- Authenticity versus deception: Questions of genuine talent and identity run throughout the story.
These themes add substance to what might otherwise be a straightforward whodunit, encouraging readers to consider the ethical dilemmas facing various characters.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its considerable strengths, “Death on the Island” isn’t without flaws. The large cast of suspects, while true to the Agatha Christie tradition Reid clearly admires, occasionally creates confusion about characters’ movements and relationships. Some readers may need to flip back to earlier chapters to refresh their understanding of who’s who.
Additionally, certain plot elements strain credibility. The coincidental timing of the exhibition’s reopening six months after the murders feels convenient rather than organic, and some character decisions—particularly during the confrontation scenes—prioritize dramatic revelation over plausible behavior.
The novel’s pacing in the middle chapters sometimes drags, with repetitive discussions of Bláhafid’s business practices that could have been streamlined. While these sections establish important motivations, they occasionally detract from the central mystery’s momentum.
Final Assessment: A Promising Debut
For a debut mystery novel, “Death on the Island” shows remarkable assurance. Reid successfully blends elements of classic locked-room mysteries with contemporary themes and Nordic noir atmosphere. Her confidence with the genre’s conventions suggests a natural affinity for mystery writing that bodes well for future installments in what is planned as a series featuring Jane Shearer.
Fans of Louise Penny’s thoughtful character development, Anthony Horowitz’s cleverly structured puzzles, and the atmospheric qualities of Icelandic crime writers like Yrsa Sigurðardóttir will find much to appreciate here. The novel stands apart from Reid’s previous non-fiction work, “Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World,” while still showcasing her keen observational skills and deep understanding of Icelandic culture.
Highlights That Make This Mystery Worth Reading
- Authentic diplomatic setting: Reid’s insider knowledge of diplomatic protocol and pressures creates a believable backdrop.
- Vivid Icelandic locale: The Westman Islands emerge as a distinctive setting with fascinating history and geography.
- Well-crafted central mystery: The poisoning and its aftermath offer genuine surprises within a logically consistent framework.
- Strong female protagonist: Jane’s growth from diplomatic spouse to independent investigator provides a satisfying character arc.
- Cultural insights: Icelandic customs, foods, and social dynamics are seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
For Those Who Enjoy…
“Death on the Island” will appeal particularly to readers who enjoy:
- Classic locked-room mysteries in contemporary settings
- Atmospheric Nordic noir with strong sense of place
- Character-driven mysteries with emotional depth
- Insights into diplomatic life and international relations
- Stories featuring complex female protagonists finding their voice
Verdict: A Fresh Voice in Mystery Fiction
With “Death on the Island,” Eliza Reid establishes herself as a promising new voice in mystery fiction. Though the novel isn’t flawless—occasional pacing issues and some convenient plot developments stand out—it succeeds admirably in its primary goals: entertaining readers with a clever murder puzzle, creating memorable characters worth following into future adventures, and bringing Iceland’s distinctive landscape and culture vividly to life.
The novel’s strengths considerably outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid four-star debut that should leave mystery readers eager for the promised sequel. For those fascinated by Iceland or the inner workings of diplomatic life, the novel offers additional pleasures beyond its central mystery.
Reid demonstrates a natural storyteller’s instinct for revealing character through dialogue and action rather than exposition. Her writing style strikes an effective balance between detailed description and narrative momentum, particularly in the novel’s climactic scenes. Most importantly, she creates in Jane Shearer a protagonist with enough complexity and untapped potential to sustain a series.
“Death on the Island” marks an impressive transition from non-fiction to fiction for Reid, suggesting that her experiences have provided rich material for storytelling. Readers who appreciate thoughtfully constructed mysteries with international settings will find this a satisfying introduction to what promises to be an engaging series.
