Hildur

A cold case crime and dark secrets of a close-knit community intertwine in this bracing crime novel with a twist.

Hildur kansi

Everyone does their best to survive amidst the freezing fjords of remote Iceland. Hildur Rúnarsdóttir is no different as she takes to surfing in the icy waters of the Atlantic to try and forget her traumatic childhood and the burden of the cases occupying her mind as head of the missing children’s unit of the Ísafjörður police.

When Jakob Johanson, a Finnish police trainee with a knitting hobby arrives in Iceland to work alongside Hildur and try to escape his own, complicated life back at home, soon he, too, realises that the picturesque fjords also harbour their dark sides in the marginalized, exploitative, and power-hungry who dwell in their midst. Hildur and Jakob find themselves investigating a strange tangle of crimes as the fog obscuring secrets that have been in the dark for decades gradually begins to lift. Revenge may be sweet in theory, but will it solve anything in the end?

Hildur Rúnarsdóttir, a police detective who surfs the icy waters of Iceland, barrels into the genre like a tsunami. This book must be read in one sitting.
Max SeeckNYT and Der Spiegel bestselling author
In addition to the fine and moody description of the milieu, the plotting of the novel is cleverly woven, and the characters in their everyday life are believable. Rämö plans to continue Hildur’s story, and if she does it as well as in this, her debut novel, she may become a significant new name in Nordic crime fiction. Or at the very least, a domestic one.
Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Finland
Not only is Rämö a stylish, absorbing storyteller, but she also succeeds in offering up something novel and even touching to the rather tired serial killer genre. The bar for debut crime novelists has been set high in recent years, but Satu Rämö surpasses it effortlessly and lifts the bar even higher. Such well-executed, mature and uniquely their own crime debuts are a joy to read. […] The ending of Hildur sets the scene for the next installment, and just as well as we need more of this treat.
Kansan Uutiset newspaper, Finland
Here’s the best crime debut of the summer: it pulls you along like a train, is interesting, and has the right balance of personal relationships. It’s fresh and new, and also relatable. This is a genre that thrives on cliches, and these are needed, but in good measure – not too many – and this [book] strikes the right balance. The text is snappy, smart and tells just the right amount. I love it! Chapeau, Satu Rämö.
Emma AlftanFormer publisher and founder of Mellakka Management, Finland
Splendid!
Kirjaluotsi blog, Finland
Rämö constructions interesting characters for her main characters. When I read the description of the book, I admit I was skeptical, as it is so common to insert gendered characters of traumatized and complex police officers into crime novels. Hildur is gnawed at by the memory of her lost little siblings in childhood, and Jakob battles with his Norwegian ex-wife over visitation rights to his son. As the book progresses, the individuals are fleshed out, the personalities become stronger, as do the friendships of the co-workers. Gendered roles are also reversed, as Hildur is an engrossed surfer and Jakob produces Icelandic sweaters with the power of knitting. Healthy!
Tuijata blog, Finland
The motive behind the pattern of murders in Hildur is ultimately, satisfyingly Icelandic and the plotting cunning. Combine this with an incomparably interesting milieu and pleasant and interesting protagonists and one will patiently wait for the next installment.
Kirsin kirjanurkka blog, Finland
Perfect entertainment for a dark evening.
Litteratursiden, Denmark
Rämö does everything right; an exciting plot, an interesting main character and an appealing environment. This makes Hildur an excellent debut that fits well into the Scandi tradition and certainly calls for a sequel...
Thrill Zone blog, The Netherlands
Thoroughly enjoyable
Eesti Päeväleht
With its wonderfully depicted landscapes and plentiful Icelandic atmosphere, this results in an incredibly readable, exciting crime novel that will delight both crime fiction- and Iceland fans.
Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany
Nerve-wracking. A masterpiece in the crime fiction genre.
Ingallil Mosander, Aftonbladet, Sweden
Original and well-written.
Femina magazine, Sweden
Rosa ja Björk

Rósa & Björk

An unusual murder occurs in the remote fjords of Iceland. An influential local politician is found shot on the ski slopes. During the investigation into the murder, Detective Hildur Rúnarsdóttir and her Finnish partner Jakob Johanson, are faced with a difficult question. Is it wise to uncover every secret?

Read more »
siggan ja satun islantilaiset villapaidat

Sigga & Satu’s Icelandic Sweaters​

A passion-project collaboration between renowned Icelandic knitwear designer Sigríður Sif ‘Sigga’ Gylfadóttir and Iceland-based Finnish writer, Satu Rämö with this collection of Icelandic sweater designs for sizes S–XXL  honouring traditional Icelandic yarns with a twinkle in the eye.

Read more »
2025 © Satu Rämö