Book Reviews
The novel’s subplots ripple out from the opening collision, circling a story rich with wicked smart allusions to Russian literature and clever nods to Western culture's most famous fishing story—Moby-Dick. Pirio is a fascinating character and Elo a noteworthy new voice in the genre.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The author chose the thriller genre for her debut novel because she loves a strong protagonist who drives the action. She’s created a dandy in Pirio Kasparov.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
(Starred review.) Elo’s outstanding debut stars an intelligent, confident woman of Russian descent, Pirio Kasparov, who survives for nearly four hours in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic.... Pirio begins to believe that the collision at sea was deliberate.... The brisk plot smoothly incorporates such far-flung subjects as environmental issues, the fishing industry, and the perfume business.
Publishers Weekly
Gritty downtown Boston and the awe-inspiring but unforgiving North Atlantic coast come to life in Elisabeth Elo’s debut suspense novel...readers will...be rooting for the doggedly determined Pirio right to the end.
BookPage
(Starred review.) Pirio Kasparov is an alluring heroine. She’s sharp-witted, hell-bent on finding the truth, and her narrative voice is laced with surly sexiness. Pirio’s baldly honest, slightly melancholic reflections and Elo’s use of extreme natural settings will have strong appeal for Scandinavian crime fans. An impressive debut with surprising literary depth.
Booklist
North of Boston grapples with and melds seemingly disparate subject matter (commercial fishing, perfume, alcoholism, issues of class, environmental consciousness, self-determination) in an original and entertaining way.... Judging from North of Boston, Pirio’s next puzzle promises to be nothing short of unpredictable and exciting.
Kirkus Reviews