Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Set five years after the first book, Council sees Helga has now settled near King Eirik’s court in Uppsala, where she’s worked hard to become a well-regarded healer. But her quiet life is about to get a bit more exciting, when she is called to the grisly discovery of the body of an unknown boy near to the river. But with delegations from all over the country arriving for the King’s Council; rumours of an imminent attack and flaring tempers, the death is brushed off as an accident. Only Helga suspects murder, until a second body makes it clear that someone’s intent on breaking up this important council and that a traitor may walk among them.

We follow the majority of this fast, gripping and twisting story through the eyes of the ever watchful and insightful Helga. First as she witnesses and notes the arrival of each tribe’s delegations for the council; which includes a dangerous, unwanted face from Helga’s past. Then, having established herself as the resident healer, she is called upon to treat wounds and examine the bodies, which puts her in a prime position to seek clues and wheedle out information, with all the cunning traits she learnt from her wise adoptive mother, Hildigunnur and a wisdom that belies her years.

Yet this time Helga does make mistakes and mistakes that put her in grave danger. To be fair it is totally understandable as this second mystery is set in the larger, busier setting of Uppsala, which offers a much larger cast of players and suspects. Plus with the arrival of the delegations and the fear of attack, there is a loaded atmosphere of threat, where potential violence lurks at every wrong word or step. All of which piles the pressure on Helga. And with so many characters, all of whom have their own motivations, Helga is left not knowing who to trust and creates a general air of confusion.

Like the previous book, what took a very good murder-mystery to a whole new level was the fantastic Viking setting. Here there are no forensics, finger-printing or databases to aid Helga’s investigations. Instead it all has to be done with her careful observations; her medical and herbal knowledge; and, now and again, the god-like interference of visions. All of which is cleverly weaved together to make a believable trail of clues and deductions. I also enjoyed seeing how this mystery lay naturally alongside the daily Viking life of growing and preserving food and herbs; trading furs, medicine and tools; and politics, negotiations and fighting.

All in all, I thought Council was a heart-pounding, page-turner, with a darker, thriller twist to it than the previous book. My only issue was the cliffhanger end… I want to know what happens next, now!

From Good Reads:
I read the first one so was looking forward to this.

We start with a body - here's a good old fashioned whodunnit? - like reading Miss Marple with your eyes screwed up

Love Helga - a strong ,smart woman in a man's world - she gets through life as a thinker.

Set itself up well - bodies, rivals, enemies. - good start, got a bit lost in the middle where I wondered how we got here and then pulled itself back in the last third.
Ended a bit abruptly and set itself up for book 3

Did enjoy ,but not as much as Kin - but am looking forward to further adventures

Council by Snorri Kristjansson is not an 'easy' read, but rather a worthwhile one.

Beginning a few years after the events of Kin, the start of Council is a little jarring. I imagine those lucky enough to read Kin and then head straight into Council will not have the same problem of trying to remember who everyone is, and what happened in the previous book.

Which begs the question, do you need to have read Kin to enjoy Council? Possibly not, although it does add to the background story of the main character, and Kin is an excellent book, well worth reading.

Council is deeply ingrained in the day to day lives of the people of Uppsala, and there are many factions and people to come to know, although the story threaded through it is not complicated. The hints of events in the wider world keep the reader hooked - references to Hedeby and Harald Bluetooth.

Yet, it is in the final stages of the novel that the story really comes alive. While some of the book had been a struggle - I was disappointed that it ended when it did, although it does hint at much more to come for the main character.

I have a feeling this might be a 'bridging' book, between Kin, and what might happen to Helga in the future, and I find the possibilities exciting.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

This is my first story of Helga Finnsdottir a healer. She is settled near the court of King Eirik. A healer is either well thought of when healing wounds and the sick but at a time when people still believed in gods a women has to take care to watch the signs all around. Due to the simplicity of life at this time the first body found is taken as an accident but Helga is not sure. When more accidents occur Helga is the one to link the crimes but leaves herself in great danger. This is an involving story which takes you back to a different world. With a cliff hanger at the end to lead you back into Helga’s world with the next story.
I was given an Arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Having read a number of reviews of the previous novel I approached this with high anticipation. There are a lot of good ideas here, weaving a murder mystery into historical events and particularly with a unique setting in Viking times in Scandinavia. However I just couldn’t get into the story and struggled to reach the end.

4 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2019/06/10/council-helga-finnsdottir-2-by-snorri-kristjansson/
Council is the second in the Helga Finnsdottir series and is another really good story that builds on the world and characters established in Kin.

I’m enjoying this series so far, the second book is undoubtedly different from the first in that Helga has now left the homestead but it continues in the same tone as the first which is something I really enjoyed. There’s a simplicity to the life here plus a casual brutality that is always threatening to break out which adds a layer of tension to the story and makes the pages turn all that much faster.

Taking place a few years after Kin we find Helga living in Uppsala as a healer. She seems to be gaining something of a reputation for herself and is generally well respected. Basically Helga is a young woman who pays attention, she notices things and figures out what they mean or how they relate to events and this makes her unique in many respects because most others simply don’t pay attention. On top of that Helga has learned to keep her intelligence under wraps. For the large part she is ignored by the men around her and she uses this to her advantage.

As the story begins the King is planning a Council in which the leaders of his tribes will meet. This is a time of threat and the atmosphere is loaded with potential violence as the men take part in different bouts to demonstrate their strength. There’s a lot of chest beating that eventually calms down as the real purpose of the meet is discussed but between times a young boy is discovered dead in a nearby field. Helga is asked to take a look at the body and immediately determines that the boy’s death was not an accident. Of course she has to tread very carefully, these are very superstitious times and it would be easy for any actions Helga takes to be misinterpreted. To be honest it’s difficult to really go too much into the plot without giving away things so I’m going to leave it alone. All I can really say is that Helga unwittingly finds herself as part of a delegation where everyone suspects everyone else and things become incredibly tense and rife with deceit.

What I’m really enjoying about this is the atmosphere and sense of place. There’s a real starkness and brutality to the way of life and a simplicity that makes this a very unique murder mystery. There are no crime scenes, no dusting for fingerprints, no forensics, no nothing really. Just one young woman trying to look beyond the immediately obvious and draw conclusions about the whys and wherefores and on top of that there is the odd inkling of god-like interference which is very subtly worked into events.

Helga is a character that I’m really enjoying. She makes mistakes and she can’t always puzzle things out quickly, which means as a reader you’re also in the dark. You only know as much as Helga does and if she is sometimes frustrated by the thoughts that won’t work their way loose then those feelings are sure to be the same for you as a reader. Personally, I like that Helga struggles a little with making her deductions – it makes things more relatable somehow and adds to the air of mystery.

As well as Helga there are a number of other characters here, a character from her past who she is less than happy to see and also a romantic interest. But, many of the characters have their own motivations at heart and this helps to increase the feelings of mistrust between them all and create a real air of confusion. There are also a number of twists and turns (some obvious, some not so much). What I will say is that one of the characters is becoming a real thorn in Helga’s side and needs dealing with – that is all – well, that being said, I’d kind of like this character to pop up and cause trouble again if I’m going to be totally honest. Sorry Helga.

In terms of criticisms. Nothing major to report. I think there was a point in the story where I felt events were lulling a little bit but then the action took off and pretty much didn’t relent until the conclusion – which brings me to my other little issue – this ends on something of a cliff hanger (which I’m not overly fond of). It definitely makes me hankar after the next book all the more and thankfully these books have been published so far in a rather snappy fashion so fingers crossed that the next isn’t a lengthy wait.

Overall I think Council is a really good second instalment that sees the main character really grow having learnt some harsh life lessons. It will be very interesting to see where Helga winds up next and I very much look forward to picking up the next instalment.

I received a copy courtesy of the publishers, through Netgalley, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

Snorri Kristjansson started off his writing career with the Valhalla saga, a series of Viking fantasy novels. The Helga Finssdottir series is also set in Viking times, around end of the 10th century and is full of subterfuge, pig-headed men and unscrupulous women.

Read the rest of this review on Crime Fiction Lover at the following address:
https://crimefictionlover.com/2019/05/council/

Thank you to Jo Fletcher Books (Quercus) for the review copy of this book.

This book is the second in the series with an older Helga. The first one was Kin, and I really enjoyed it. Again, this was a good murder mystery. I like the characters, the writing and the intrigue.

Thanks a lot to the publisher and Netgalley for this copy.

Please note, Council is the second book in an ongoing series. If you have not read Kin then it is likely that what follows may contain some minor spoilers. Consider yourself duly warned.

Helga Finnsdottir left her foster parents, the old Viking chieftain Unnthor Reginson and his knowing wife Hildigunnur, to see the world, but she stopped in Uppsala when she fell in love. Now she’s established herself as a local healer and herb-woman on the outskirts of town, and life is good – until King Eirik the Victorious calls a trade council and hairy northerners and southern Swedes alike descend on the town.

Unfortunately for Helga, one delegation is headed by a very determined young woman who has her own agenda and will let nothing – and no one – get in her way. But the last time Helga saw Jorunn Unthorsdottir, her foster-sister was being cast out by their father for killing their brother Bjorn and trying to pin the blame on Helga.

So perhaps it’s no great surprise when one of the delegates is murdered, or that Helga’s soon tagged as the lead suspect. It doesn’t take her long to clear her own name, but that only leads suspicion to fall on to her man.

Once again, Helga must solve a murder, and fast, before the innocent pays with his head.

Back in 2018, I read Kin by Snorri Kristjansson. I really enjoy the sub-genre of historical crime fiction, and Kin is a particularly good example. Lacking all the technology available today, historic detectives are reliant on the most basic of skills. The fundamentals of crime investigation remain the same irrespective of time period. The who, what, why, where and when are always going to lie at the heart of the matter. Setting a murder mystery during the Viking era worked well, so I was glad when I heard Helga Finnsdottir has returned for another tale.

Council picks up not long after the events of book one. There is a nice sense of evolution to Helga’s character in the time that has passed. She has become more certain of her abilities, and since leaving home she is a little wiser in the ways of the world. Helga has continued to hone her abilities and she has a growing confidence in what she is capable of. Coupled with her new knowledge as a healer and herbalist, she makes her an ideal detective. The natural tenacity she has exhibited in the past, in tandem with keen observational skills, also stand her in good stead. As a woman, Helga is often ignored by the ignorant menfolk, but she has learned to use this discourtesy to her advantage. She knows how to become all but invisible in larger gatherings. Anonymity has become an ally and allows her a freedom that many of her kinsman can never have.

Helga finds she must tread a delicate path during the course of her investigations. People are immediately suspicious of anything they don’t understand. Any peace is hard fought, and the various clans tend to be insular in nature. Even when they come together to meet and trade, the threat of violence hangs heavy in the air. Old rivalries and blood feuds have a tendency to reignite at a moment’s notice.

There are subtle nods to Nordic mythology and religion throughout. How much you wish to read into that element of the story is entirely up to you. I suspect different readers will take different interpretations of some content. I can think of one scene in particular where a character’s actions can certainly be described as enigmatic. I’ll be honest, I know it may drive some readers to distraction, but I think a bit of ambiguity can be a good thing. If you choose to look for the hand of the Norse gods and goddesses in this novel, I think you’ll find it. If that’s not your thing, then you won’t.

Council is entirely serviceable as a story in its own right, but if you get the opportunity, I would strongly advise reading its predecessor beforehand. The first novel in the series goes a long way in fleshing out Helga’s character and the world she inhabits.

Fans of Kin are bound to enjoy Council. Kristjansson has an evocative style that is easy to get caught up in. If you’ve not already discovered these books, and you enjoy your crime fiction historic in nature, I heartily recommend checking them out.

Selecting the ideal soundtrack to accompany Council is relatively straightforward when you have access to Spotify. There is a plethora of wonderfully atmospheric music that fits the time period perfectly. I selected Hringras by Danheim*. There is little better when it comes to setting an appropriate tone for my reading than a good piece of music.

Council is published by Jo Fletcher Books and is available from 16th May. It’s a worthy successor to Kin. I look forward to finding out where Helga’s journey will take her next.

*Danheim are a Nordic folk/Viking inspired project from Copenhagen. Told you they were a perfect fit.

Usually I'm not a fan of Scandinavian mystery but the blurb seemed unusual so I requested this book.
It's darker than what I usually read but I couldn't help falling in love with this book and Helga.
Helga is a very great character, strong and wise, and the other characters are well written and fleshed out.
The plot is engaging and atmospheric, I couldn't put this book down, the setting is detailed and fascinating. The only issue was the final that seemed a bit rushed.
The mystery was very good and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading other installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

I requested this book because I loved the first one in this Viking murder mystery series and was really looking forward to reading more about Helga. I wasn't disappointed!

Council is set about five years on from the first book, Kin. Helga has settled in Uppsala, near the court of King Erik. She is well regarded as a healer and is now in her first serious relationship. The King has summoned all who owe him fealty to a council and, with rumours of an imminent attack, tempers are fraying, even before the discovery of a body. Can Helga solve the murder before anyone else is killed? And can King Erik get everyone to work together to prevent a war?

I love the character of Helga and it is so refreshing to read a murder mystery set amongst the Vikings! I'm fascinated by history and I enjoyed the appearances of real-life vikings Harald Bluetooth and Styrbjorn the Strong! My favourite part of the story was when Helga joins a party of spies heading to Harald Bluetooth's court. Although I thought I'd worked out one of the twists I was completely wrong. The ending was extremely nail-biting and I also liked that there was a hint of the next adventure to come.

The pace is slow to start with, which didn't bother me, but I can appreciate some readers might not like this. There were also a lot of characters, which could be confusing at times. But I'm sure anyone who enjoys stories about vikings, or historical mysteries that are a little bit different, would love reading Council.


I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book, which will be published on 16th May 2019.

Thank you to Snorri Kristjansson and Jo Fletcher Books (Quercus) for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

In this outing, Helga has now settled in Uppsala at the court of King Eirik. A council is summoned - and as the leaders from the four points of the compass arrive, nerves are frayed, tension is rising, and death rears its heads adding to the atmosphere of suspicion.

At times, the narrative is mundane and drags a bit; about halfway through I was wondering how much more of the story can there be but all this sets up the rest of the story nicely. The plot reminded me a bit of the "Old Lady Who Swallowed The Fly" - this happened because this happened because this happened, etc etc. We have all the elements of a good drama (Scandi or otherwise): murder, betrayal, espionage, adventure. There is still more to come as the fate of Helga is left in the lap of the Gods.

This second instalment felt a lot more like the traditional 'Vikings' I was expecting compared to the first book. Another decent murder mystery, but with a slightly older Helga, some intrigue, great characters of the untrustworthy backstabbing variety and a smidgen of meddling gods. I really enjoyed it, not so much the cliffhanger though as it made the ending feel rather abrupt. I am rather keen to read the next one now...

(ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley)

The second installment in the Helga saga, and a good one, if with a slightly abrupt ending. Helga is older now, living in Uppsala and working as a healer. She has learned a lot, but she still has a lot to learn. A Viking murder mystery, with plenty of violence, backstabbing, and character development to keep readers gripped.