In her fiction debut, Death on the Island, Eliza Reid brings readers to the remote and atmospheric Westman Islands of Iceland, crafting a murder mystery that combines the closed-circle suspense of Agatha Christie with the stark landscapes and psychological depth of Nordic noir. Drawing from her unique perspective as both a Canadian expat and Iceland’s former First Lady (2016-2024), Reid delivers a compelling whodunit that explores not just the central murder but also the complex interpersonal dynamics of diplomatic life and small island communities.
Islands of Secrets and Suspense
Death on the Island introduces us to a carefully constructed cast of characters trapped on Vestmannaeyjar, a small Icelandic archipelago, when a diplomatic visit coincides with a violent storm that cuts off all access to the mainland. The story centers on Jane Shearer, wife of Canada’s ambassador to Iceland, who reluctantly accompanies her husband Graeme on what should be a routine cultural visit to open an art exhibition.
Reid’s intimate knowledge of both diplomatic protocol and Iceland’s unique geography creates an immersive setting. The island itself becomes a character—with its volcanic history, close-knit community, and isolation creating both physical and psychological pressure on the increasingly anxious visitors. When deputy ambassador Kavita Banerjee drops dead after drinking from a ceremonial “Flaming Viking” cocktail at a restaurant called Skel, the diplomatic visit transforms into a murder investigation.
What follows is a multilayered mystery where the initial death appears to be just the tip of the iceberg. Mayor Kristján, already grieving his husband Ari’s recent passing, becomes convinced the two deaths are connected. As Jane reluctantly steps into the role of amateur sleuth, she uncovers a web of corruption, plagiarism, and long-buried secrets that touch nearly everyone in their circle.
Strengths: Authenticity and Atmosphere
Reid excels at creating an authentic portrait of diplomatic life rarely seen in fiction. The subtle power dynamics between ambassadors and their deputies, the carefully orchestrated performances at official events, and the way diplomatic spouses navigate their undefined roles—all ring true in ways that suggest Reid is drawing from extensive first-hand observation.
The author also demonstrates remarkable skill in capturing Iceland’s distinctive atmosphere:
- The unpredictable weather that can trap visitors with little notice
- The claustrophobic dynamics of island communities where “everyone knows everyone”
- The tug-of-war between traditional industries and modern ethics
- The persistent daylight of Icelandic summers contrasted with the metaphorical darkness of human secrets
When Reid describes the Herjólfur ferry lurching through the churning North Atlantic or the volcanic landscape of Vestmannaeyjar with its grass-topped peaks, readers will feel transported to this remote corner of Iceland. These vivid settings elevate what might otherwise be a standard locked-room mystery into something more distinctive.
Layered Characters With Complex Motivations
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its nuanced characterization. Jane Shearer emerges as a compelling protagonist—a diplomatic spouse who has spent decades subsuming her own identity to support her husband’s career while nursing deep resentments about his past infidelity. Her evolving relationship with Graeme forms the emotional backbone of the story, even as she forges unexpected connections with others in their circle.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed:
- Kristján, the bereaved mayor struggling to prove his husband’s death wasn’t accidental
- Ben Rafdal, a charismatic Canadian author with Icelandic ancestry hiding darker secrets
- Hanna Kovacic, an artist whose exhibition provides the pretext for the diplomatic visit
- Piotr Tómasson, the ambitious local chef with a flair for dramatic cocktails
- Thór Magnússon and his wife Linda, whose fishing company dominates the island’s economy
- Officer Jónas Jónasson, the young policeman determined to prove himself capable
Reid avoids the trap of creating simplistic villains or heroes, instead presenting characters whose flaws and virtues are realistically intertwined. Each harbors secrets and ulterior motives that gradually come to light, creating a satisfying puzzle for readers to unravel alongside Jane.
A Masterful Blend of Classic and Contemporary Mystery Elements
What makes Death on the Island stand out in the crowded mystery field is how deftly Reid combines traditional mystery conventions with contemporary social awareness. The novel features classic elements like:
- A closed-circle of suspects trapped by weather (reminiscent of Christie’s And Then There Were None)
- A poison murder at a dramatic dinner party
- Red herrings and misdirection
- An amateur sleuth working alongside official investigators
Yet Reid updates these tropes with thoughtful exploration of modern concerns like workplace harassment, immigrant exploitation, and the psychological toll of diplomatic life on families. The result feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Where the Novel Sometimes Falters
Despite its considerable strengths, Death on the Island isn’t without flaws. The middle section occasionally drags as characters sift through documents and theories that ultimately lead to dead ends. Some readers might find the connection between the two murders somewhat convoluted, requiring suspension of disbelief as new motives emerge.
The novel’s handling of the refugee subplot, which Reid acknowledges in her author’s note is “completely made up and unlikely to happen in real life,” occasionally feels like a plot convenience rather than an organic element of the story. While it provides necessary motivation for certain characters, it’s not explored with the same depth as other aspects of the novel.
Additionally, the solution to the mystery—while surprising—may strike some readers as unnecessarily complex when compared to the more straightforward motives established earlier in the narrative. The final reveal requires careful attention to subtle clues that might be easy to miss on a first reading.
Verdict: A Promising Series Debut
These minor criticisms aside, Death on the Island is an impressive fiction debut that showcases Reid’s storytelling abilities and her unique perspective on diplomatic life in Iceland. The novel’s conclusion hints at further adventures for Jane Shearer, and readers will likely be eager to follow her into future investigations.
For fans of:
- Louise Penny’s Three Pines mysteries
- Yrsa Sigurðardóttir’s Thóra Gudmundsdóttir series
- Ann Cleeves’ Shetland Island novels
- Anthony Horowitz’s meta-mysteries
Reid demonstrates a strong command of the mystery genre while bringing fresh perspectives on diplomatic life and Icelandic culture. Her background as co-founder of the Iceland Writers Retreat and her non-fiction success with Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World serve her well in creating an authentic fictional world that feels lived-in and thoroughly researched.
The Making of a Memorable Mystery
What ultimately makes Death on the Island work is the care Reid takes in constructing her puzzle. Careful readers will appreciate how seemingly incidental details—a missing garnish, an old leather-bound notebook, a distinctive watch—ultimately prove crucial to unraveling the truth. The novel rewards attentive reading without feeling deliberately obfuscated.
The book’s structure—dividing the narrative into sections that move forward and backward in time—allows Reid to gradually build tension while strategically revealing information. By the time we reach the epilogue, which shows us a crucial scene that occurred before any of the murders, the satisfaction of seeing all pieces fall into place is considerable.
Final Thoughts: A Murder Mystery With Diplomatic Credentials
Death on the Island introduces readers to a refreshing new voice in mystery fiction. Reid’s unique background has enabled her to create a world rarely seen in the genre—one where diplomatic protocol intersects with small-town secrets, where cultural differences create both friction and intrigue, and where the stunning but sometimes unforgiving Icelandic landscape provides more than just scenic backdrop.
As the first in a planned series, this novel establishes Jane Shearer as a compelling amateur detective whose diplomat-adjacent status will presumably give her access to investigations in various corners of Iceland. Based on this strong debut, readers will have good reason to follow her future cases.
For anyone seeking a mystery that combines the satisfying puzzle-solving of classic detective fiction with atmospheric Nordic settings and contemporary social awareness, Death on the Island offers a compelling reading experience. It’s a promising start to what could become a distinctive series in the crowded mystery landscape.