There are so many factors to consider when choosing a setting for a murder mystery. A writer has to ask: What is the relationship between the novel’s main character and their surroundings? Are they at odds with each other? A battle of survival? Or perhaps it’s a place the protagonist is trying to protect. In most instances, the location becomes a character in and of itself.

I’m in the beginning stages of plotting my next story, and I’m thinking about having it take place abroad. Just imagine the added tension you could create by embroiling your poor characters in a murder on foreign soil. Sounds great, right? Maybe.

I could research the heck out of Bolivia or Myanmar or Burundi—all offering ideal environments for mayhem. But having never been to any of these locales, would my words carry the authenticity readers demand? Probably not.

That age-old advice about writing what you know has me looking back at places I’ve actually been. Today, I’m placing Iceland in my sights for a potential murder—and from what I see so far—it’s all pro and zero con.

For instance…

**Driving**
Right from the get-go, the protagonist would be challenged by indecipherable maps, unfamiliar signage, and roadside distractions. I foresee radical, cross-traffic swerves to make a turn. Coming to a dead-stop debating left or right. Unintentionally entering the 3.5 mile-long Hvalfjörður Tunnel with a suspicious white van on your tail. Wild Icelandic horses. Sheep. More sheep. A wayward puffin. Cars, animals, tourism: a perilous mix.

And how about…

Food and Drink

Beware the seemingly charming sea-cliff café or downtown Reykjavik pub. Food allergies? Poison? Ingesting an overdose of prescription meds hidden in the Kjötsúpa? Egads, even I’m unsettled by this one.

Dangerous Objects

Crushing blow. Impalement. A dare to climb things you shouldn’t? Crimes made to look like accidents are endless in their possibilities.

Waterfalls

A sub-category of crimes made to look like accidents—waterfalls need no further explanation.

Killer Birds

Arctic Terns get downright aggressive during nesting season and will dive-bomb anyone deemed a threat. What if, just once, these birds snap and it’s bye-bye tourist. Could you blame them?