Agnes has grown up knowing that her grandfather was suspected of murder. Forty years earlier, her grandfather fled Iceland after his wife and infant daughter were murdered, and most of the residents of his small town believed he was guilty. The crime has never been solved. Now Nora Carter, a true crime podcaster, reaches out to Agnes, as she is recording a podcast about her grandfather’s case. Agnes travels to Iceland to participate in the podcast, but shortly before she arrives, a young woman disappears, and it may be connected to the long ago murders.

I had very high hopes for this one, as I’m a lover of the podcast trope, but unfortunately, this one just didn’t really work for me. One of my main issues was the pacing. This book is VERY slow burn, but it feels like nothing happens at all for the middle third of the book, because it’s so slow. Perhaps due to the lack of action, it got very repetitive; it felt like all we were doing was watching Agnes pop pain pills, do something too physically taxing for her body, and then fall asleep. We heard so much about Agnes’ leg injury, but then she would constantly push her body too far, and be shocked by the consequences, which got annoying to read about over and over again. I’m also growing very tired of the pill popping, narrator who doesn’t take care of themselves at all and just kind of stumbles through things, making bad choices, and that was Agnes. I think our female main characters deserve a little better at this point. The relationship in this book, was, in my opinion, completely unnecessary. It was very insta-love, and didn’t really add anything to the story. Finally, the big reveal of what happened was so lacklustre and so bland that I was annoyed that I stuck around for it. Overall, I think this book had a great concept, but needed some editing to tighten things up. I gave it two stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Agnes travels to Iceland to be interviewed for a true crime podcast about a cold case, hoping to clear her grandfather’s name. When she arrives, a local student has just gone missing, and the two cases begin to intertwine. As Agnes learns more about her family’s past, she must face the possibility that her beloved grandfather is actually a murderer.

The story had me hooked, especially in the second half. I had an early theory of how the plot would work out, and while I turned out to be right, the author managed to keep me doubting myself down to the last minute.

The setting was one thing that was done really well - I easily felt the fear and isolation of being lost in the freezing, snow-covered woods. At times, the story was a little slow, and there were a few red flags that went suspiciously unaddressed (like Nora and the cellphone). It was a great winter weekend binge read.

My thanks to Net Galley and St Martin s/Minotaur for allowing me to review this arc.

This was not what I expected from the summary. The premise was great. Agnes, a young woman returns to her former Icelanic home per an invitation from Podcaster Nora to help solve a 40 year old murder in which Agnes grandfather was accused. She also.finds herself involved in a current murder. But the story seemed to stall and drag with the different generation characters and too much background info...Did pick up a bit toward the very end. Just on the fence with this

This chilling thriller is not only in the weather but in the cold case as well.
This book was very atmospheric giving a good feeling of Iceland and the people in Bifrost, Iceland. I read the ebook and audiobook in tandem and I found with both I could easily picture the snow falling, the ice-covered roads, the knee-deep walkways filled with snow, the thrilling moments in the outdoors the sub-zero temperatures and snow storms. I did suspect the correct killer so that lack of surprise was disappointing but it was nice to know I was right!

This story is about Agnes Glin, who goes on a trip to Iceland alone to take part in a cold case podcast by Nora Carver, who is looking into an old cold case in Iceland from 40 years early that involved the murders of Agnes`s grandmother and baby aunt. Agnes’s grandfather, Einar Palsson, was suspected but never charged with the murders and Agnes would like to prove his innocence and clear her family’s name. There is also a subplot line where another local woman has gone missing just before Agnes arrives and Nora suspects it might be linked to past murders as the woman looked a lot like Agnes' grandmother.


Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and for this ARC. This is my honest review.

12/13/2024
Melissa Larsen’s "The Lost House" is an atmospheric and haunting thriller about a troubled young woman, Agnes, invited to her ancestral Icelandic home by a top-rated true crime podcaster (Nora). It's the fortieth anniversary of the gruesome murders of Agnes' grandmother and her infant aunt.

The community has always blamed Agnes' grandfather, but this is a man she loved and adored. There is no way he could have committed such brutal and heinous murders. But her grandfather and father would never speak of that day, and now he's dead. Her relationship with her father has always been a little distant, so nothing stops her from leaving California and doing a little investigation on her own and with this podcaster.

Larsen weaves together an icy web of secrets, tragedy, and relentless determination for redemption from multiple angles and multiple characters - it's really fascinating. From the very first page, I was captivated by the haunting setting of Bifröst, Iceland—its snow-covered landscapes and small-town tensions becoming characters in their own right. Larsen masterfully balances the claustrophobic intimacy of a remote village, that small-town feel where everyone is in your business and knows everything about you, with the vast, freezing cold expanses of the Icelandic winter, creating a palpable sense of unease that lingers throughout.

Agnes is a compelling protagonist; her vulnerability and grit make her journey to uncover the truth deeply personal and engrossing. Her partnership with Nora, who's sharp and ambitious, adds layers of tension and intrigue as old wounds are reopened for Agnes and new mysteries emerge. The dual timelines of the decades-old murder and the present-day disappearance of a college girl are seamlessly interwoven, each revelation more shocking than the last. I often found myself putting the book down and saying - what the....!

Larsen’s writing is both evocative and razor-sharp, pulling readers into a world where every character hides a secret, and nothing is as it seems. The twists are genuinely jaw-dropping, and the final chapters left me breathless. "The Lost House" is an unforgettable exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. 5+ stars!!

Thank you, #NetGalley, #MelissaLarsen, #StMartinsPress, and #MinotaurBooks, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheLostHouse.

I enjoyed this! I am a huge fan of literary mysteries and THE LOST HOUSE definitely hit the spot! However, I will say that while I loved the mystery and the characters, the story did drag at times for me. I loved that the pacing and plot captured the barren beauty of the setting as well, I just wished the pacing moved a bit faster toward the end. Overall, a great, atmospheric mystery!

This wonderful atmospheric story takes place in Iceland in February. Agnes, who lives in California, ventures to Iceland. Her paternal grandfather was suspected of murdering his wife and infant daughter there forty years ago, and she hopes to clear his name. The book also features Nora, an American podcaster, who is investigating the cold case. The book is set in two timelines, 1979 and 2019. This is a slow book, beautifully written. I look forward to reading more from this author. Recommended!

Wanting personal justice and putting to rest a decades old rumor that her loving grandfather killed his wife and baby daughter, Agnes travels to Iceland to be interviewed by a Podcaster, Nora, who is digging into the deaths. After arriving Agnes discovers that a woman has gone missing reminiscent of her grandmother.
With the killer hiding in plain sight, will history repeats itself or will Agnes finally clear the cloud of suspicion hanging over her family? I liked the character of Agnes who seemed to become more self assured as the book progressed. I did not care for Nora. I felt she was too pushy and dismissive of some of the characters she interviewed. Although the story lagged at times, it was a good suspense story and held my interest. Thank you Netgalley and St Martin’s Books/Minotaur for the ARC. This review is my personal opinion.

This is a chilling (pun intended) thriller that's perfect for those who love a slow, creepy sense of dread. The sense of isolation and the small cast made if a lot of fun to try anticipating the twists and reveals, and I wasn't disappointed. Definitely read this one on a dark winter night!

This book starts with a cold case in Iceland of a double murder of Agnes’ grandmother and baby daughter. This happened 40 years ago and the main suspect Agnes’ grandfather left the country and raised Agnes in the United States. Agnes has returned to Iceland to clear her grandfather’s name. While she is there another murder happens which seems to have ties to Agnes' family.

This book has a great book for winer with the Icelandic atmosphere. I live in a snowy state this book really hit home. The setting and difficulty of traveling in winter added to the secluded, claustrophic feeling throughout the book.

I had a hard time connecting to Agnes or any of the other characters. She felt superficial and not realistic. This book was also more slowly paced and at times I felt it was quite boring and repetitive. I wish publishers would stress whether a book is more of a mystery/suspense versus a mystery/thriller. I would call this book suspense because there was little thrill to it. I think if I knew this wasn’t a thriller going into it then I would’ve adjusted my expectations and that had an impact on my reading experience.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.

Thank you to Melissa Larsen, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for this arc of The Lost House, out January 14, 2025!

📜Quick Summary: Agnes is going back home to Iceland to help podcaster Nora solve the cold case murder of her grandmother and aunt. Agnes never believed her grandfather, who was suspected for the crime, could have murdered them. Her father always told her to leave it alone, but she just can’t shake away the feeling of not knowing the whole truth. Can she prove his innocence? Nora takes on the cold cases to help her find resolve in something that happened to her in the past. Will she be able to take on this case? As soon as Agnes arrives in town, another young girl goes missing. Is this a coincidence? Or just bad luck for a small town who is still recovering from the murders forty years ago.

❣️Initial Feels: The Icelandic setting is beautiful (even though I hate cold and snow) and this seems like the book will be filled with many chills and thrills!

👀Trigger Warnings: opioid addiction, mention of abortion

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: It was really hard for me to connect to any characters in this novel. Nora’s personality just felt fake to me, and her persona just felt off. Agnes showed strength at times, when she put herself in full detective mode when the other girl went missing.

📖Read if you want: atmospheric setting, podcaster who solves cold cases, slower paced mystery

💡Final Sentiments: The book’s setting grabbed my interest right away. For some reason, the beginning felt muddled in its writing and setting the scene for what was to come. I did end up enjoying the book, but it took a hot minute for it to really take off. I felt like some of it was rushed and too trusting…like how did Agnes just go stay with a stranger she didn’t know to investigate her family’s murder!? Maybe it is the worrier in me, but it felt like she just jumped right in, stayed out in a secluded place and was like, this is normal! Nora just was odd to me… her tone of voice and frequent reminders of how she fully embraces her cases just threw me off for some reason. The setting was my favorite part; the author did a really good job describing the setting!

🌟Overall Rating: 3.5 stars

This novel was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller

"The Lost House" takes place in the frigid and icy landscape of Iceland. It’s about Agnes, a young woman with a troubled past. She returns to her family’s old home to investigate a brutal murder that happened in her family.

The brutal murder of Agnes's grandma and baby daughter was discovered in the snow forty years ago. The grandpa of Agnes, who escaped to the United States, was perpetually the object of suspicion and the case was never solved. Having been brought up by her grandfather, Agnes has always held the belief that he is innocent.

By agreeing to assist true crime podcaster Nora in her investigation, Agnes perceives a chance to exonerate her grandfather. Their collaborative investigation into the case uncovers long-forgotten truths and presents them with peril at every step.

Let’s start with the positive stuff. The book has a really crazy, spooky vibe. The harsh Icelandic landscape adds a terrifying element, heightening the suspense. On top of that, the storyline is fantastic. Your interest is captivated and held by the mystery surrounding the unsolved murder and the missing girl from the area.

The book has some strengths, but its slow pace and repetitive nature detracted from the overall reading experience. There were moments when I felt impatient and wished the story would progress more quickly. Despite these issues, it is a decent read for those who enjoy atmospheric mysteries and are willing to be patient as the plot unfolds.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.

The Frozen Madonna and Child is a forty year old unsolved murder mystery set in Bifröst, Iceland. Nora Carver is a highly successful true crime podcaster in Iceland looking to uncover new information about the tragic deaths of the mother and her infant daughter. She has invited Agnes Glin, niece and namesake of the dead child, to join her there.
Atmospheric Nordic thriller. You can really imagine just how bitterly cold and dark it is during an Icelandic winter. You can feel the misery Agnes is suffering between the frigid weather, her unrelenting pain, her drug addiction, and facing up to her family’s past; her agony and distress are easy to envision. It’s a good story even though I guessed the killer’s identity early on in the story. The author made me doubt myself a few times by throwing in a few other suspects along the way. I felt a sense of dread the further I got into the book. This is a real nail-biter for sure and very well done. 5 stars

This book contained some of the best things I love about a really good mystery. It was well crafted and beautifully written, an intriguing historical mystery combined with a current one, unique possibly unreliable characters, and the beautiful frozen landscape of Iceland was front and center. This is the first book of Melissa Larsen’s that I’ve read but it won’t be the last.

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I requested this after seeing one of my favorite book bloggers recommending it on Instagram - I’ve been in a bit of a slump and a good thriller is usually a slump buster. This was…fine, but it wasn’t quite as absorbing as I hoped. I keep trying to get into these Icelandic noir books, and I just don’t think they are for me! I can’t quite put my finger on why - I love an isolated location thriller, but most Iceland books leave me wanting.

Our main character Agnes is connected to a famous Icelandic cold case - forty years ago, her grandmother (and her baby, so I guess Agnes’s aunt?) was found frozen in a snowback. Her throat had been slashed, and the baby was frozen in her arms (I think it had been drowned?). The case was never officially solved, but the popular assumption is that Agnes’s grandfather, Einar, murdered them both (or maybe Marie killed the baby in a fit of postpartum psychosis and Einar killed her out of rage - both theories seem equally plausible). Einar and his son Magnus fled to the US, where Magnus met Agnes’s mother and started a new life (he was like 9 when it all happened). They never returned to Iceland, and although Agnes was aware of the story, she’s always operated under the assumption that her grandfather was innocent. In the meantime, the “Bifrost Murder House” has become something of a tourist destination. On the 40-year anniversary of the crime, she’s contacted by Nora, a true crime podcaster hoping to solve the case once and for all. She’ll be staying near the original property, but a dude named Thor (son of…another dude named Thor) has purchased the land and plans to tear down all of the old houses and create some rental property. But by the time Agnes gets to Iceland, Nora has been drawn in by a shiny new case - the disappearance of a college student named Asa. Asa and friends were at the last ever Bifrost Murder House party, and she left in something of a huff and never made it home the next day.

We actually open with Asa’s POV at the party - she’s texting some mystery person. At first I assumed they’d broken up with her and she was trying to guilt trip them, but it’s actually the other way around. Either way, she never makes it home. We then switch to Agnes as she arrives in Iceland for the first time in her life. She’s dealing with her own baggage - a breakup and recovery from a pretty serious surfing accident. he and Nora latch onto each other fairly quickly, and I really thought something was going to come of this but it kind of goes nowhere. Nora seems a bit shady, but nothing ever comes of it. I kind of wanted some chapters from her perspective instead. She’s the classic true crime tourist, while Agnes is the real person actually affected by these events, and whatever revelations may come from Nora’s reporting. She’s a little callous about it, and Agnes is also frustrated that she kind of drifts off into the Asa case instead of continuing to dig in on her grandfather. The weird wrinkle is that all three of these women - Marie, Agnes, and Asa, look remarkably similar.

As the novel progresses, Agnes tries to come to terms with the facts of the case, and the fact that maybe she didn’t know her grandfather as well as she thought. She’s also unwittingly drawn into Asa’s disappearance. Without giving too much away, we do have a somewhat satisfying conclusion to all of this, but I wish we’d been able to hear from someone other than Agnes.

This one had a lot of promise and the setting was great. The ending was a bit predictable but overall the mystery had a great pace.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book was everything I wanted and more. Nordic noir, atmospheric setting, deeply developed characters, unanswered questions finally answered. And I was even given the Swedish term: Smultronstalle.

Smultronstalle is defined as a place where wild strawberries grow. The word is used to describe a place that is special and private to you. There may be nothing particularly spectacular about it, but it calls to you and your heart. I have a place like that of my own, maybe you do, too. And that settling and comforting realization made me fall even more in love with this book.

I loved the way this story was told. It was so gentle, frank, beautifully plotted. It was fast paced and relatable in the sense that we all have someone in our lives we love dearly despite their pasts. It tugged at my heart. I really could not read it fast enough.

The Lost House is a book about Agnes Glin, a first generation American whose family hails from Iceland. Her grandfather fled with his son Magnus after her grandmother and aunt were brutally murdered. Shortly after her grandfather’s death, Agnes decides to return to Iceland to clear his name once and for all, but shortly after arriving, Agnes realizes nothing is ever as it seems— what if her grandfather did commit those unspeakable acts? When another young girl goes missing on the fortieth anniversary of her grandmothers death, can Agnes help save her?

This book was fun— but I found it difficult to keep the various generations separate. The first generation read identically to the second generation, so keeping characters and their respective ages separate was more of a challenge. There were several elements that made it difficult to follow or connect with Agnes. It was apparent she was struggling with both addiction and maybe something dissociative in nature, but it was hard to follow based on the descriptions. The relationship dynamics were also unusual— The instant love story felt forced and very much one-night-stand-ish, but the intense emotional enmeshment that came out of it — it was almost too much to believe, and then Nora’s reaction to it was incredibly possessive and crossed so many boundaries.

There was a lot going on in this book and I do still have questions— BUT it was fun, and I did enjoy the mystery and the climax was very satisfying.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you @minotaur_books #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

If you’re looking for an Icelandic crime thriller to snuggle up under your cozy blanket and dive into consider this one! I am a huge fan of snowy settings. Couple that with Iceland 🇮🇸 (my favorite vacation spot ever) I was sold! The author did a great job describing the setting and making me feel like I was also trekking through knee high snow. The missing people, the freezing cold, and the blizzard made for a a stellar atmospheric experience. The setting was by far my favorite part of this book. On the other hand, the story did move pretty slow and dragged a bit for me. The ending was satisfying as the three parts came together however I wouldn’t say it was completely surprising. I do think however it could be my mood so if cold snowy mysteries are your jam, grab this one and give it a go!

This book was a pretty good read. I did figure out what happened within the first 100 pages, but I think that’s just because I read too many thrillers lol. I loved the atmospheric setting, and how the story played out. I did seem a bit repetitive at some parts and I wasn’t a big fan of the MC she kept putting herself in bad spots, which got frustrating.

But overall, I enjoyed the story and if you are looking for a snowy atmospheric thriller I would recommend this one. PUB Date: 1/14