Ashes to Dust by Yrsa Sigurdardottir (#3)

Ashes to Dust: A Thriller (Thora Gudmundsdottir #3) 

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Some mistakes can have lifelong consequences.

This third book in the series has the lawyer Thora trying to clear Markus, a man accused of multiple murder when bodies are found in the basement of his childhood home. The house was covered with ash and lava after a 1973 eruption of a volcano in his village and is just now being excavated when this grisly discovery is made.

A very complex case involving events of the past, as well as crimes in the present, and many characters makes this quite an interesting read. Thora doggedly follows the leads she is able to uncover from information that is very difficult for her to get as most of the people involved are either long dead or incapacitated. Bella, the difficult office secretary who is usually a thorn in Thora's side, has more of a role in this book than does Thora's love interest, Matthew, who is still trying to decide about moving to Iceland.

Even though I guessed some of what probably happened in the Icelandic village where the bodies were discovered, there was a huge surprise twist at the end that I did not see coming. I like the writing style and the description of the methodical way that Thora investigates. Her personal life is part of the story, but most of the narrative is focused on the case and the clues. In addition, I've learned quite a bit about the country of Iceland and the people who call it home.

I've only one more to read to be caught up with the entire series, and though I have read it out of order, I've thoroughly enjoyed each book.