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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
Overall I liked it, it had the familiar sparse style of other nordi-crime fiction, although I'm thinking some of that might be the lost in translation factor. The array of characters (suspects?) were varied and interesting, the setting was well described and formed part of the atmosphere of the book as our newly minted policeman struggles to find his place in it. I did have some issue with how he handled the change of scenes at the chapter breaks - they seemed very abrupt, you were reading some segment of the story, some plot element with character X and then it would just stop and you'd be off to the next chapter. It just seemed kind of abrupt and I felt he wasn't done describing what he was in the middle of although I imagine it was intentional and not that they forget some pages at the publisher.
I'll probably read his other novel, but unless that really pulls me in I may stick with some other authors for my Nordi-Crime reading menu, like Arnaldur Irridsson or Hakan Nesser.
I'll probably read his other novel, but unless that really pulls me in I may stick with some other authors for my Nordi-Crime reading menu, like Arnaldur Irridsson or Hakan Nesser.
I like Scandinoir but I've yet to find a writer I can really get behind... Arnaldur Indridason is probably the nearest. Ragnar here is pretty good, however: the detail of life in the fjords seems genuine (I have a little experience of the Westfjords, and lots of time in the Hebrides which, as not a lot of people know, have a lot in common with Icelandic village life). Ragnar's familiarity with Agatha Christie really shows (he translated her) and that's a good thing, in that characters are quickly but interestingly drawn and the tricksy bits are satisfying. The level of gruesomeness seems exactly Christie's, midpoint between the inhuman sanitisation of cozy Midsomer Murders and the inhuman and unimaginable brutality if Nesbo. This is murder on a human scale, shocking enough but also real and domestic.
It feels just a little jarring to juxtapose the slightly safe murder with the thundering Icelandic landscape... but that too is an Iceland feature.
It feels just a little jarring to juxtapose the slightly safe murder with the thundering Icelandic landscape... but that too is an Iceland feature.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
I read this book for a book club (not my choice), but I did enjoy it! The weather/geography is so present in this book that it almost becomes like a character in itself. It definitely helps in establishing the dark, chilling, almost claustrophobic feeling throughout the story. Good plot, good character development and some surprises along the way. Wasn’t totally satisfied with the wrap-up in the end, but as it’s the first of a series, I’m looking forward to reading the rest!
mysterious
tense
This was a random find, and I really loved the concept. A young police officer moves to a small Icelandic town to begin his career, and falls into the midst of connected cases. He’s the “out-of-towner” becoming involved with this tight-knit community and definitely isn’t welcomed by the locals. There was a great amount of tension throughout, and it felt very realistic. There were some time jumps to reveal certain important plot points, which I liked. It felt satisfying when all of that came together. However, the ending was a little confusing and dissatisfying. I don’t really understand what the whole point of the murderer reveal was, and there were some loose ends that didn’t get tied up but there definitely was enough time to do it. It was fine, I just didn’t like the ending as much as I liked the rest of the story
Couldn’t get into the characters. The women didn’t seem real, and the men were annoying.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing was actually horrible, I’m assuming because of the translation - but that’s me giving them the benefit of the doubt. The story was interesting enough and kept me guessing but was missing the stressfulness I was promised. And the “twists” were laughable. Just a no from me.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This wasn't exactly a whiz-bang series start, but quiet and solid like a lot of Icelandic things I've read. I think I enjoyed the characters and community aspect more than the actually mystery, though it was pretty good too (if a bit complex for such a short novel). The setting of the northern fjords instead of Reykjavik was an interesting change from other novels I've read. I'm sure I'll snap up the next translation when it comes out... And this Kristin can't help but hope that Ari Thór stays with his girlfriend Kristín! :)
The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.
The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.