The Draining Lake

The Draining Lake (Icelandic: Kleifarvatn) is a 2004 crime novel by Icelandic author Arnaldur Indriðason, an entry in the Detective Erlendur series.

The title is based on a real Icelandic lake Kleifarvatn, which began draining away in 2000 following an earthquake. In the novel, the dropping water level reveals a body long hidden in the lake. The Guardian reviewed the book as being one of the best modern crime fiction novels. The book won the Barry Award for the best crime novel in 2009.

Awards and honors
2009 Macavity Award: Nominee