Reviews - Winterkill | The StoryGraph

105 reviews for:

Ragnar Jónasson has a knack for bringing the bleak Icelandic winter to life in all it’s atmospheric realism. His Dark Iceland series does exactly that while also firmly putting the North Icelandic fishing and skiing village, Siglufjörður, on the Nordic Noir map. Winterkill, marks the end of the series and I must admit I read it with a little tinge of melancholy. Jónasson’s main character of the series, Detective Ari Thór Arason, is a likeable and authentic man, not as damaged as the usual Nordic Noir characters, but equally as complex and layered. Winterkill sees his character develop a little more and Jónasson really lets the reader walk beside Ari and get to know him quite deeply.

I must admit, Winterkill is not actually the best in the series in my opinion and while a really well crafted murder mystery, is a little one-dimensional for my liking. So I was kind of disappointed after being so enthusiastic about reading this one. However, it was a fitting end to the series and left Ari Thór in a good space, hopeful for whatever comes his way next.

The story essentially revolves around the mysterious death of a young woman, seemingly following falling from a balcony. But as in all good mysteries, things are not necessarily as they seem. The investigation ensues and as is to be expected, the resolution to the crime has a few layers and twists in it.

Winterkill is a quick read and a fair page turner. I really enjoyed the entire series, and feel like I know my way around Siglufjörður. I have definitely put it on the itinerary when next in Iceland. I loved Ari Thór Arason, would love to have a beer with him and might even email him using the email address on Ragnar Jónasson’s website. 4 stars for this book but 5 stars for the series.

rosemarie_cawkwell's review against another edition

5.0

Full review on blog 7th January 2021

suzid's review against another edition

3.75

mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I've enjoyed this series of books and finding out about life in a Northern, very cold in Winter, area of Iceland. Ari Thor is finally settling down and starting to accept he'll be staying in Siglufjordur for the remainder at least of his working life, but it isn't going to be the hardship he might have once imagined. This is meant to be the last book but it would be nice to have another to read at some point.