The Greenland Party: A Mystery Story

This novel is a 78,000-word 'whodunit', set in and around Vatsaaq, a small settlement in East Greenland. 'The Greenland Party' is used in two senses. It is the name the tour party gives itself. It also becomes that of the frenetic drinking bout on the night when a murder takes place. Harry Lanier, a forcibly 'retired' policeman from the UK, is out walking near Vatsaaq, with Lars Erikssen, the Danish tour guide and local part-time policeman. They make a horrifying discovery. This is the body of Essie Smith, a member of 'the Greenland Party', attached to a block of ice. This starts a train of events that turns a 'dream holiday' into a nightmare. Weather conditions prevent the full-time detective flying in and Lars undertakes the preliminary investigation. He is assisted by Harry. Early signs point to Nanoq, a local man, as the murderer. Harry insists things cannot be so straightforward. His relationships with everyone, including his wife Vonnie and Lars, become strained. Harry's own memory of the night is lost in a blur of alcohol. Is he in the clear himself? See more