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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was later coming to Ragnar Jónasson's Dark Iceland series which meant I was able to read the first five novels in the same year. It seemed as though Whiteout would be the final book but, much to my joy, Ragnar has been persuaded to bring back Ari Thór Arason for one more story.
Seven years have passed since Ari Thór first arrived in Siglufjörður and in some ways he's a very different man. He's now the Inspector and contrary to the previous novels where he was mentored by the patient, understanding Tómas, he now has a younger officer working beneath him. However, he hasn't developed the same sort of rapport with Ögmundur and leads a rather lonely, solitary life since being separated from his girlfriend, Kristin and three-year-old son.
He isn't affected as badly by claustrophobia during the long, dark winter nights and has learned to accept and perhaps even embrace the frequently inclement weather conditions. Nevertheless he is in the odd position of still feeling that he will always be somewhat of an outsider, while also recognising that he has been accepted by many of his fellow Siglufjörður residents. Ari Thór could never be considered an open book, he is an inherently reserved man but Winterkill gives us a fascinating glimpse into his mind, revealing his various thoughts, particularly his worries about his relationship with his son and his dilemmas regarding the direction of his career and where he wants to end up living. In some ways, he has grown to think of Siglufjörður as home and has even become resistant to change in the town; the building of a new tunnel has reduced the risk of the town being cut off from the world during the harshest winter months and the new wave of prosperity following the financial crisis means there has been an influx of visitors from all over the world. He might still be considering a move back to Reykjavik but when he grumbles to himself about the constant upheaval and the Easter tourists, he sounds more like a local than perhaps he is aware.
Siglufjörður remains a safe place to live and so it's perhaps not surprising that Ari Thór should be so affected by the discovery of a young woman who has fallen, jumped or been pushed to her death. There is little violence in Winterkill with Unnur's death occurring off the page but although Ari Thór betrays no outward sign of emotion, the sparse power of Ragnar Jónasson's prose leaves readers left in little doubt that sight is horrific. He suspects the cause of death is probably suicide but ever meticulous, almost single-handedly conducts the investigation, despite it meaning he misses out on precious time with Kristin and Stefnir. He is reunited with his old flame, Ugla when she comes to him, concerned that an old man who lives in the care home she works in may know something about the death, as he has written 'She was murdered' over and again on his bedroom walls. However, he is suffering from end-stage dementia and is therefore not a reliable enough witness to base an entire case around. As the book progresses, it seems that almost everybody could be a suspect as they all seem so reluctant to divulge the truth. Winterkill is not a graphic action-packed novel but it is undeniably suspenseful - a blizzard hits town causing a power cut and the frigid darkness corresponds to the chilling tone of the investigation which takes a bleak turn as the dreadful truth behind what really led to Unnur's tragic death is finally revealed.
There is something about Ragnar Jonasson's writing which is so immersive, I lose all track of time when I'm reading his books and Winterkill is no exception. David Warriner's excellent translation perfectly captures the rhythm and tone of the original, meaning it flows effortlessly throughout. There is such a timeless quality to Winterkill yet it is still utterly contemporary. Elegant, melancholy and poignant, this exquisitely atmospheric book is almost certainly the final Dark Iceland novel and although I'll always leave a light on for Ari Thor's return, it is a moving, fitting conclusion to this exceptional series.
Seven years have passed since Ari Thór first arrived in Siglufjörður and in some ways he's a very different man. He's now the Inspector and contrary to the previous novels where he was mentored by the patient, understanding Tómas, he now has a younger officer working beneath him. However, he hasn't developed the same sort of rapport with Ögmundur and leads a rather lonely, solitary life since being separated from his girlfriend, Kristin and three-year-old son.
He isn't affected as badly by claustrophobia during the long, dark winter nights and has learned to accept and perhaps even embrace the frequently inclement weather conditions. Nevertheless he is in the odd position of still feeling that he will always be somewhat of an outsider, while also recognising that he has been accepted by many of his fellow Siglufjörður residents. Ari Thór could never be considered an open book, he is an inherently reserved man but Winterkill gives us a fascinating glimpse into his mind, revealing his various thoughts, particularly his worries about his relationship with his son and his dilemmas regarding the direction of his career and where he wants to end up living. In some ways, he has grown to think of Siglufjörður as home and has even become resistant to change in the town; the building of a new tunnel has reduced the risk of the town being cut off from the world during the harshest winter months and the new wave of prosperity following the financial crisis means there has been an influx of visitors from all over the world. He might still be considering a move back to Reykjavik but when he grumbles to himself about the constant upheaval and the Easter tourists, he sounds more like a local than perhaps he is aware.
Siglufjörður remains a safe place to live and so it's perhaps not surprising that Ari Thór should be so affected by the discovery of a young woman who has fallen, jumped or been pushed to her death. There is little violence in Winterkill with Unnur's death occurring off the page but although Ari Thór betrays no outward sign of emotion, the sparse power of Ragnar Jónasson's prose leaves readers left in little doubt that sight is horrific. He suspects the cause of death is probably suicide but ever meticulous, almost single-handedly conducts the investigation, despite it meaning he misses out on precious time with Kristin and Stefnir. He is reunited with his old flame, Ugla when she comes to him, concerned that an old man who lives in the care home she works in may know something about the death, as he has written 'She was murdered' over and again on his bedroom walls. However, he is suffering from end-stage dementia and is therefore not a reliable enough witness to base an entire case around. As the book progresses, it seems that almost everybody could be a suspect as they all seem so reluctant to divulge the truth. Winterkill is not a graphic action-packed novel but it is undeniably suspenseful - a blizzard hits town causing a power cut and the frigid darkness corresponds to the chilling tone of the investigation which takes a bleak turn as the dreadful truth behind what really led to Unnur's tragic death is finally revealed.
There is something about Ragnar Jonasson's writing which is so immersive, I lose all track of time when I'm reading his books and Winterkill is no exception. David Warriner's excellent translation perfectly captures the rhythm and tone of the original, meaning it flows effortlessly throughout. There is such a timeless quality to Winterkill yet it is still utterly contemporary. Elegant, melancholy and poignant, this exquisitely atmospheric book is almost certainly the final Dark Iceland novel and although I'll always leave a light on for Ari Thor's return, it is a moving, fitting conclusion to this exceptional series.
It felt good to be reunited with Ari Thór.
After taking a long break from the Dark Iceland series, Ragnar Jónasson takes us back to the remote Siglufjörður. Ari Thór, now the local chief of police, leads an investigation into the apparent suicide of a teenage girl while trying to reunite with his son over the Easter holidays.
For those who have followed the series, it’s a beautiful trip down the memory lane – a lot of old characters pops up in this newest instalment. But if it’s your first encounter with Dark Iceland, don’t worry, all relevant past events are neatly explained (in a spoiler-free fashion) so you can easily start with this one and then catch up with the rest after you get hooked.
Winterkill gives you a detective story with a bonus insight into a small, Icelandic town. Siglufjörður provides a perfect setting for dropping some red herrings, since coincidences and unexpected interrelationships are rather understandable in such a tight community. I really appreciated the realism, there’s a whole palette of grey characters and down-to-earth romance, no pretentious good/bad split of the cast or Hollywood love stories.
But what I love most about Ragnar Jónasson’s books is that, with balancing Agatha Christie’s cosy vibes and the Nordic chill, he sets the pace that keeps you invested in the story, yet allows you to fully relax. Just as his previous books, Winterkill makes a perfect read for the winter holiday season.
It was nice to watch Ari Thór slowly becoming native to Sigló throughout the series, and in Winterkill, after the conclusion of the criminal plot, we get a quiet good bye to our town and our boy. I found it very sentimental, yet I still hope it was just the end of the season and not the series finale.
I would like to thank Orenda Books and Edelweiss+ for the ARC of this book.
After taking a long break from the Dark Iceland series, Ragnar Jónasson takes us back to the remote Siglufjörður. Ari Thór, now the local chief of police, leads an investigation into the apparent suicide of a teenage girl while trying to reunite with his son over the Easter holidays.
For those who have followed the series, it’s a beautiful trip down the memory lane – a lot of old characters pops up in this newest instalment. But if it’s your first encounter with Dark Iceland, don’t worry, all relevant past events are neatly explained (in a spoiler-free fashion) so you can easily start with this one and then catch up with the rest after you get hooked.
Winterkill gives you a detective story with a bonus insight into a small, Icelandic town. Siglufjörður provides a perfect setting for dropping some red herrings, since coincidences and unexpected interrelationships are rather understandable in such a tight community. I really appreciated the realism, there’s a whole palette of grey characters and down-to-earth romance, no pretentious good/bad split of the cast or Hollywood love stories.
But what I love most about Ragnar Jónasson’s books is that, with balancing Agatha Christie’s cosy vibes and the Nordic chill, he sets the pace that keeps you invested in the story, yet allows you to fully relax. Just as his previous books, Winterkill makes a perfect read for the winter holiday season.
It was nice to watch Ari Thór slowly becoming native to Sigló throughout the series, and in Winterkill, after the conclusion of the criminal plot, we get a quiet good bye to our town and our boy. I found it very sentimental, yet I still hope it was just the end of the season and not the series finale.
I would like to thank Orenda Books and Edelweiss+ for the ARC of this book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to NetGalley, Ragnar Jonasson and Orenda books for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to another Ari Thor novel, but I was also a bit nervous that maybe one more would be too many and I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the last few. But I was wrong, this one jumps right into the thick of things like we never left. The crime and the investigation was different this time around with Ari running things on his own. I really enjoyed the novel and as always the small snowy town. I am so glad that Jonasson decided to write another Thor novel. Definitely recommend.
I was looking forward to another Ari Thor novel, but I was also a bit nervous that maybe one more would be too many and I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the last few. But I was wrong, this one jumps right into the thick of things like we never left. The crime and the investigation was different this time around with Ari running things on his own. I really enjoyed the novel and as always the small snowy town. I am so glad that Jonasson decided to write another Thor novel. Definitely recommend.
slow-paced
mysterious
slow-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced