Ice, Flower, Herbarium

By Džena Andersone.

How many secrets can a small town bury before they begin to surface?

In Ice, Flower, Herbarium, Džena Andersone transports readers to the rural Latvian town of Dansile, where the discovery of a body in a sack outside police chief Vincents' home sets in motion an investigation that exposes long-hidden truths, fractured relationships and the lingering effects of childhood trauma.

Although the murder provides the catalyst for the story, this is far more interested in the people connected to the crime than the crime itself. As Vincents follows each lead, the lives of those around him gradually unravel, revealing a community built on silence, obligation and secrets that have been left untouched for years.

What I enjoyed most was the sense of place. Latvia provides a refreshing setting for psychological crime fiction, and the remote landscape creates an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and quietly unsettling. The isolation of Dansile seeps into every chapter, making it easy to understand why so many characters feel trapped by both their surroundings and their past.

Vincents is an engaging lead because he never feels larger than life. He's simply a man trying to do his job while his personal life steadily slips beyond his control. His failing marriage and growing frustration with those around him make him a believable protagonist, and I appreciated that his personal struggles never overshadowed the investigation itself.

The psychological elements were equally compelling. Rather than focusing solely on solving the murder, the story explores how neglect, loneliness and generational trauma can shape lives over many years. Jens, in particular, is written with sensitivity, becoming far more than simply a suspect as his circumstances are gradually revealed.

Readers expecting relentless twists or high-octane action may find the pacing slower than a conventional thriller. Personally, I felt that worked in the book's favour. It allows the tension to build naturally and gives the characters room to develop, making each revelation feel earned rather than manufactured for shock value.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was that every development seemed to deepen the emotional stakes rather than simply complicate the investigation. The mystery remains compelling throughout, but it is the relationships between the characters and the hidden history of the town that give the story its greatest impact.

Thoughtful, atmospheric and quietly unsettling, Ice, Flower, Herbarium blends literary crime with psychological suspense to create a story that is as interested in human nature as it is in uncovering a killer. It's an excellent choice for readers who enjoy immersive settings, nuanced characters and mysteries that unfold with patience rather than spectacle.

Thank you to Sarah-Jayne and the team at Fly On The Wall Press for sending an early copy of the book! The book is out now and available to purchase!

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