Looking back, it was the promise Ursula made on her first day in office that led to her downfall.

Ursula has just returned to Iceland after years of working in the world’s most dangerous regions. The calm day-to-day rhythm of life in Reykjavik doesn’t suit her at all, so she happily accepts an unexpected offer for a seat in the federal government, where she can make a difference again. But politics is a dirty game, and the media is watching the new interior minister’s every move.

What’s more, she is constantly being followed by a homeless man who seems to want to warn her of imminent danger. Does he have information that could threaten someone in the inner circle? A swift and suspenseful story of power and powerlessness, abuse and silencing, betrayed trust and broken promises.

• The Drop of Blood – The Icelandic Crime Novel Award 2019
• Nominated for the Glass Key 2019, the Nordic Crime Novel Award

“Lilja Sigurdardottir has revealed herself to be another of Iceland’s major authors.”
LE DEVOIR, FRANCE