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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
An entertaining read, really picking up pace in the final third.
The story shifts between at least dozen POVs and two timelines so that made things a little confusing to follow and I felt not enough time was devoted to any one character to really "get" them; I didn't feel invested in anyone and everyone seemed too simple. There are a few mysteries woven together and for me a few solutions sort of come out of nowhere. This is actually the first mystery I've read where I really had no clue who did what until it was revealed. I can't tell if it was because the ever-changing narrating confused me or the number of characters or what. The book is anything but predictable.
The story shifts between at least dozen POVs and two timelines so that made things a little confusing to follow and I felt not enough time was devoted to any one character to really "get" them; I didn't feel invested in anyone and everyone seemed too simple. There are a few mysteries woven together and for me a few solutions sort of come out of nowhere. This is actually the first mystery I've read where I really had no clue who did what until it was revealed. I can't tell if it was because the ever-changing narrating confused me or the number of characters or what. The book is anything but predictable.
I have read several books by this author and have enjoyed all of them. Sometimes the "Nordic Noir" is a little too brutal for me but I haven't found that so far from Jonasson. I love the setting of this series being in a very remote part of Iceland, which is pretty remote in itself. I always feel that I would love to experience a year in an isolated place like this but I am sure the reality would be quite different. I liked many of the characters, who are not perfect and all have faults. We are set up for future mysteries and I know there are four books so far in the series. I am looking forward to reading them.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Alcohol
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
It’s a wonderful description of living in the far north during the long dark winter. And a decent mystery But the setting is the star and really adds to the oppressive feeling the main character is struggling with in all aspects of his life
This felt like reading something written by Musso or Marc Levy, except that the setting is Iceland ( which scores some points tbh )
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Snowblind is the first book in the Dark Iceland series. This is a well-written crime fiction novel that is mysterious and suspenseful. I really liked it. It was a quick and easy read, very fast paced. It started out a little slow, but picks up pretty quickly. It is character driven, which makes the characters very intriguing. The book has gorgeous Nordic landscapes during winter in Iceland. Ragnar Jonasson is one of my favorite authors, ever. He paints a very vivid picture. I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland but now I desperately want to visit after reading this novel. Highly recommended if you like Nordic Noir and winter themed books!
Very enjoyable scandi noir blended with classic detective crime novel. Incredibly atmospheric!