'This is well-written, pacey and wonderfully atmospheric, but the USP here is the character of Gudmundsdottir. Wry, very funny and valiantly trying to balance the demands of her private life with her work - she is a joy. I'm looking forward to number three.' -- Guardian 'Sigurdardotittir delivers terrific clammy atmosphere and frequent frissons of fear; she is entitled to join the front rank of Nordic crime writers.' -- The Times 'Both frightening and funny - a terrific trick if you can pull it off' -- Observer 20090405 'Distinguished by superb evocations of extraordinary landscapes and... rivetingly gruesome inventiveness' -- Independent 20090415 'The numerous twists and turns are worthy of Agatha Christie and keep the reader guessing until the very end.' -- Sunday Telegraph 20090415 'A suspenseful, sophisticated story' -- Sunday Telegraph 20090415 'A welcome second outing for the good-natured lawyer-sleuth Thora Gudmundsdottir ... Yrsa Sigurdardottir's lightness of touch is refreshing' -- Daily Telegraph on MY SOUL TO TAKE 20090415 'The novel is both spooky and gruesome. But Thora's distinctly chaotic private life provides a welcome contrast and moments of very black humour ... It's rare to find a crime novel that's both chilling and witty - an agreeable combination' -- Andrew Taylor, Spectator 20090415 'Dark, rich and satisfying' -- Woman & Home 20090406 'Glacially chilling and dark as an arctic winter, this gripping Icelandic page-turner will keep you guessing all the way' -- Choice 20090406 'An irresistible read. And very, very chilly inded' -- City AM 20090406 'More splendidly accomplished - and involving - fare from Sigurdardottir' -- Good Book Guide 20090406 'Considering its population is only around 300,000, Iceland seems to have more than its fair share of good crime writers. Yrsa Sigurdardottir keeps up the standard... untypically, instead of the usual gloomy middle-aged man, her sleuth is a young woman... a personable heroine.' -- Sunday Telegraph 20080106 'Yrsa Sigurdardottir has arrived, fully formed, it seems, as something of a unique talent in the field... [She] matches Tess Gerritsen and Kathy Reichs in the bloodchiller stakes.' -- Waterstone's Books Quarterly 20080129 Iceland is fast becoming a hotbed of fine crime writing, and Sigurdardottir is at the front of the pack. This second novel builds on her already impressive reputation ... brilliantly paced and expertly constructed. -- The Big Issue 20080129 'Dark, deep and icy as an Icelandic fjord; this is a rich and rewarding debut novel of ancient mysteries and very modern murder.' -- Mark Billingham on LAST RITUALS 20071207 'Given the dark subject matter, this is a surprisingly funny book... a quirky and interesting read.' -- Guardian on LAST RITUALS 20071222 'A satisfying mix of mystery and pure madness.' -- Time Out 20071222

Yrsa Sigurdardottir works as a civil engineer in Reykjavik. Her books for children have won prizes and great acclaim. MY SOUL TO TAKE is her second adult novel.