Exploring the dual timelines and historical depth that make this book by Sara Winokur, unique.
Sara Winokur’s Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders is a thrilling, intricately woven narrative that blends historical mystery with modern forensic science. Set against the stark beauty of Iceland, Winokur’s novel explores the long-lasting effects of historical events on the present, seamlessly combining the terror of 17th-century Barbary pirates with a chilling contemporary murder mystery. The story’s multifaceted intrigue is what makes it so compelling, as it pulls readers through centuries of history, uncovering forgotten truths along the way. From the heart-pounding present-day crime to the haunting remnants of Iceland’s past, Ivory Bones offers a captivating journey for fans of both historical fiction and modern-day crime thrillers.
The Barbary Pirate Raids and the Beginnings of Historical Intrigue
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ivory Bones is its deep dive into the 1627 Barbary pirate raids, which devastated the Westman Islands off the southern coast of Iceland. In the early 17th century, pirates from North Africa—specifically Morocco and Algeria—invaded Iceland, abducting hundreds of Icelanders, many of whom were sold into slavery along the Barbary Coast. The events of this raid, known as the “Turkish” or Barbary raid, left a deep scar in the collective memory of the Icelandic people and remain a tragic chapter in their history.
Winokur uses this historical backdrop to set the stage for a mystery that spans centuries. The novel introduces Brynja Pálsdóttir, a forensic geneticist, who becomes entangled in a case that links the present with the past. A key piece of evidence in the investigation is a centuries-old diary written by a woman who was captured during the raid and sold into slavery. This diary contains cryptic clues that could lead to the discovery of the missing Lewis Chessmen, a set of medieval chess pieces believed to have been lost after their discovery on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. By intertwining this historical tragedy with a present-day investigation, Winokur brings a long-forgotten piece of Icelandic history into sharp focus, creating a captivating mystery that spans both time and geography.
A Modern Murder and the Role of Forensic Science
While the Barbary pirate raids provide the historical foundation for the story, the novel is also very much rooted in the present. The contemporary investigation into the murder of a museum guard, Helga Egilsdóttir, kicks off the action. When the body is discovered at the National Museum of Iceland, forensic evidence quickly points to foul play, with the victim found disfigured in an unrecognizable state. The brutal murder serves as the central mystery of the novel, propelling Brynja into an investigation that brings her face-to-face with both personal and professional dilemmas.
Winokur’s expertise in forensic science shines through in her portrayal of Brynja’s investigative process. The forensic geneticist uses cutting-edge technology, such as DNA analysis, to uncover evidence that may not be immediately apparent to the casual observer. As the investigation progresses, Brynja uncovers links between the murder and the ancient artifacts, the Lewis Chessmen, drawing her deeper into a web of deception, betrayal, and intrigue. Through her eyes, the reader is introduced to the fascinating world of forensic science, where every clue—whether a hair fiber or a blood sample—could be the key to unlocking the truth.
The contrast between the modern-day murder and the historical events that precede it highlights Winokur’s deft storytelling. By using forensic science as a bridge between the two timelines, the author underscores the lasting impact of historical events on contemporary life. The murder at the museum isn’t just a random crime; it is intrinsically linked to the events of centuries past. This theme of legacy, where the past continues to influence the present, is central to Ivory Bones and provides the novel with its depth and complexity.
The Search for the Missing Lewis Chessmen
The heart of the novel lies in the search for the Lewis Chessmen, a set of ancient chess pieces that were discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, off the coast of Scotland. The chessmen are believed to date back to the 12th century and are considered one of the most important archaeological finds of their kind. However, after being removed from their original location, the chess pieces mysteriously disappeared, and their fate remains one of history’s unsolved puzzles.
As Brynja digs deeper into the murder investigation, she discovers that the victim may have been involved in a larger conspiracy to uncover the whereabouts of the missing chessmen. A centuries-old diary, written by one of the Barbary pirates’ captives, contains clues that may point to their location. As Brynja deciphers the historical puzzle, she finds herself drawn into a race against time to find the chessmen before the murderer strikes again. The intertwining of historical artifacts with modern crime creates a layered and suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Winokur’s ability to blend historical fiction with contemporary mystery is one of the novel’s strongest features. The mystery of the Lewis Chessmen is both a literal and figurative puzzle, as the characters in the novel must piece together a fragmented history to solve a present-day crime. The author’s attention to detail in her historical research is evident throughout the novel, as she brings the story of the chessmen—and the traumatic Barbary raids—vividly to life. The result is a complex, multi-layered mystery that rewards readers with every twist and turn.
Themes of Legacy, Guilt, and Truth
At its core, Ivory Bones is about the search for truth—both personal and historical. Brynja’s investigation into the murder is complicated by her own emotional baggage, particularly her unresolved guilt over the disappearance of her twin brother, Lúkas, when they were children. Her personal quest for answers mirrors the larger historical investigation into the chessmen, as both characters and readers grapple with the idea of truth that has been buried, distorted, or lost over time.
Winokur explores the themes of legacy and guilt through Brynja’s character, whose past continues to haunt her as she seeks to uncover the truth behind the murder. The novel suggests that our understanding of the past—whether personal or historical—shapes the way we engage with the present. As Brynja unravels the mysteries of both her own life and the history of the Lewis Chessmen, she must confront painful truths and reconcile with the ghosts of the past.
A Gripping Blend of Historical Intrigue and Modern Mystery
Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders is a remarkable novel that expertly blends historical intrigue with modern forensic science. Winokur’s intricate storytelling, rich historical context, and compelling mystery make for a thrilling read that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The novel’s layered narrative, which spans centuries and explores the consequences of both historical events and personal guilt, adds depth to the murder mystery at its core.
For readers who enjoy a compelling mix of crime fiction, historical intrigue, and forensic science, Ivory Bones is an unmissable read. Winokur’s ability to seamlessly intertwine the two timelines, while offering a nuanced exploration of legacy, guilt, and truth, makes this novel one of the most fascinating mysteries of recent years.
To learn more about Ivory Bones: The Lewis Chessman Murders and Sara Winokur’s other works, visit her website at www.sarawinokur.com.
