Thrillers in Reykjavik

Passport to Plotlines: Behind the Scenes

In Gray Horizon, Dr. Lillian Whyte lands in Reykjavik—a city where dramatic Nordic sky meets colorful charm and whispers of Viking legends swirl on the sea breeze. When I wrote the scene where Lillian wanders the streets, I imagined the crisp air, the hush of the harbor, and the quirky energy of Iceland’s capital. Then, lucky me—I got to walk those same streets in person in August 2025. And let me tell you… Reykjavik did not disappoint.

Hallgrímskirkja: The Watchful Giant
First stop: the cathedral.
Hallgrímskirkja—yes, it’s a mouthful—rises like a basalt mountain, all sweeping columns and austere beauty. It’s impossible to miss; the tower stands sentinel over the entire city like a guardian carved out of glacier stone. In my book, Lillian pauses beneath its soaring presence, feeling that curious blend of awe and insignificance that only grand architecture can inspire.

I did exactly the same.

Walking up to it, I felt small in the best way—like the universe was reminding me how big the world truly is. Inside, the organ pipes stretch toward the rafters like they might break into song any moment. Outside, the view from the top delivers a panorama of tin-roofed houses in cheerful reds, blues, and golds, hugging the shoreline like they’ve braced against centuries of Atlantic wind.

Talk about mood-setting perfection for the start to a suspense thriller with global stakes.

A Cozy Pause at Loki Café
After soaking in all that grandeur, even fictional heroes need a lunch break. Enter Café Loki—a charming spot directly across from the cathedral (image below) and named after Iceland’s favorite mischievous deity. (Yes, that Loki.)

In the book, Lillian stops here to observe the locals and gather her thoughts. The café is warm and unpretentious, with the kind of mismatched charm that makes you want to curl up with a notebook (or secret intelligence file, depending on your life choices). It has a view of the cathedral, making it a perfect perch to people-watch and imagine what secrets travelers might be hiding beneath their knit scarves and wind-tousled hair.

Where Fiction Meets Footprint
Exploring Reykjavik in person gave me an even deeper connection to the scenes in Gray Horizon. The city is small but spirited, quiet yet electrifying, grounded in ancient sagas yet pulsing with modern art and culture. Exactly the kind of place where an unsuspecting doctor might stumble into international intrigue. 😉

If you want to wander Reykjavik’s streets through Lillian’s eyes—and maybe discover what danger follows her there—you can dive into Gray Horizon [link] and join the adventure. 

Until the next stamp in our story passport--
Skál! 🥂 Iceland, thanks for the inspiration.

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