Arnaldur Indridason Reading Order
5 series · 30 books
Arnaldur Indriðason is a prolific Icelandic crime fiction author known for his gripping narratives and atmospheric storytelling. With 30 books spanning five series—including the acclaimed Inspector Erlendur and Detective Konrad—his work has captivated readers since 1997. His notable contributions to the genre continue to resonate, with his most recent titles still being released in 2024.
Detective Konrad Series
Likely Complete5 books (2017–2023)
Start with The Darkness Knows, the first of 5 books in the Detective Konrad series.
Inspector Erlendur Series
Complete14 books (1997–2014)
Start with Synir duftsins, the first of 14 books in the Inspector Erlendur series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Synir duftsins 1997Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 | Dauðarósir 1998Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 | Jar City / Tainted Blood / Mýrin 2000Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 | Silence of the Grave / Grafarþögn 2001Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 | Voices / Röddin 2002Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 | The Draining Lake / Kleifarvatn 2004Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 | Arctic Chill / Vetrarborgin 2005Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 | Hypothermia / Harðskafi 2007Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 | Outrage / Myrká 2008Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 | Black Skies / Svörtuloft 2009Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 | Strange Shores / Furðustrandir 2010Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 | Einvígið 2011Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 13 | Reykjavík Nights / Reykjavíkurnætur 2012Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 14 | Into Oblivion / Kamp Knox 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
Reykjavik Wartime Mystery/Flovent and Thorson Thrillers Series
Complete3 books (2013–2016)
Start with The Shadow District and read in order.
Standalone Novels Series
Ongoing5 books (1999–2024)
Start with Operation Napoleon, the first of 5 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Young Inspector Erlendur Series
Complete3 books (2011–2014)
Start with Einvígið and read in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Arnaldur Indridason written?
- Arnaldur Indridason has written 30 books across 5 series. Their published works span from 1997 to 2024.
- What is the first book in each Arnaldur Indridason series?
- Here are the first books in Arnaldur Indridason's series: Detective Konrad: The Darkness Knows; Inspector Erlendur: Synir duftsins; Reykjavik Wartime Mystery/Flovent and Thorson Thrillers: The Shadow District; Young Inspector Erlendur: Einvígið.
- What order should I read Arnaldur Indridason's books?
- We recommend reading Arnaldur Indridason's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Arnaldur Indridason still writing new books?
- Yes, Arnaldur Indridason has 1 ongoing series: Standalone Novels.

