A Reykjavík district judge is arrested for the murder of a woman who provides escort services. His wife turns to Konrad, a man with deep connections within the investigative police, for help. Before long, Konrad is drawn into a long and murky night, searching for answers among murderers, prostitutes, homeless people, and a former financial high-flyer, each with something to hide.  

Absence of Justice is the gripping finale to Indridason’s bestselling Konrad series, a fast-paced urban noir about lies, corruption, and betrayal. At its core, it’s a chilling story of brutal crimes and a society that turns its back on the most vulnerable.

★★★★★ (five stars out of five)
“A crime novel of the highest quality… Konrad is unique and one of the most memorable fictional characters in the world of crime novels. The Konrad series is exceptionally well-written, with every description, of characters, setting, and atmosphere, artistically rendered. The narrative feels natural, and a comfortable calm presides over the unfolding events, even as the story moves swiftly”
SG, MORGUNBLADID DAILY

“Absence of Justice is an exceptionally well-written book. It holds the reader’s attention well with an exciting plot. Arnaldur writes here with great sensitivity and understanding about people in a vulnerable position and their search for justice within a system that has repeatedly failed them. He also succeeds in painting a credible picture of how connections can form between people on some inexplicable basis. This is an exceptionally captivating story and particularly interesting.”
SS, LIFDU NUNA

“the crown rests securely on King Arnaldur’s head.”
BARRY FORSHAW, FINANCIAL TIME (ON THE QUIET MOTHER)

“From the very first page it’s clear we are in the hands of a master … the godfather of Icelandic crime”
MARK SANDERSON, THE TIMES (ON THE QUIET MOTHER)