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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
So good! I love Ari Thór in this book! Such a relatable character in such a relatable part of his young life! It was an easy read and I appreciate that! I can’t wait to read the next one.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh boy, I officially have a major book boyfriend crush on Ari Thor (along with a large gaggle of other women no doubt). What started out as a slow burning noir suddenly turned into a twisty, fast-paced mystery around the half way point. This is technically listed as book #2 in the Dark Iceland series, but for those of us who are reading in english rather than icelandic, this is our beginning. The first third of the book does a nice job setting up our story; we get a good amount of the current state of affairs in our lead character’s life while also getting a bit of his history. We’re given just enough to keep us hooked on Ari Thor but left wanting more that will hopefully be revealed in further books.
Again, I think we all became a little obsessed with Ari Thor from the beginning. He’s so down to earth and cute in that clueless young man way. I did feel the pacing was a bit steady until we are introduced to the crimes described in the summary, but quickly picked up after that. What I had assumed would be a cozy murder mystery soon turned into so much more! I wasn’t expecting the major twists, and I think that is what catapulted this into such a great read. I love how the book is structured; we have chapters alternating from present time to a crime that has or will happen at some point, and as the reader we are left in the dark until that beautiful moment with Ragnar brings all the pieces together and connects every detail to a perfect T. I cannot express enough how fantastic it felt to be blown away by so many twists in a single book; as a reader of many mysteries and suspenseful thrillers, it’s getting harder to find stories that feel unique and fresh. I can see this being considered a classic police procedural that is talked about for many years to come.
Overall, this was a well-written crime novel that is equal parts thorough mystery and breathtaking suspense. The fact that this book is such a compelling, character driven read only adds to the appeal, and the setting itself is like another main character adding massive amounts of intrigue and darkness. This book has only fueled my desire to visit Iceland more, and I’m sure the remainder of the series will increase this passion as well. If you are a fan of nordic noir that is an excellent example of the crime fiction genre, look no further. This series needs to go on your must read list for 2017.
While I received my arc from Minotaur Books (thank you so much!), I have to also thank Karen Sullivan over at Orenda for putting this one on my radar (and also offering to send me a few others in the series to keep me appetite satiated); without her I’d be missing out on so many fantastic books that I wouldn’t be able to get my hands on otherwise!
Again, I think we all became a little obsessed with Ari Thor from the beginning. He’s so down to earth and cute in that clueless young man way. I did feel the pacing was a bit steady until we are introduced to the crimes described in the summary, but quickly picked up after that. What I had assumed would be a cozy murder mystery soon turned into so much more! I wasn’t expecting the major twists, and I think that is what catapulted this into such a great read. I love how the book is structured; we have chapters alternating from present time to a crime that has or will happen at some point, and as the reader we are left in the dark until that beautiful moment with Ragnar brings all the pieces together and connects every detail to a perfect T. I cannot express enough how fantastic it felt to be blown away by so many twists in a single book; as a reader of many mysteries and suspenseful thrillers, it’s getting harder to find stories that feel unique and fresh. I can see this being considered a classic police procedural that is talked about for many years to come.
Overall, this was a well-written crime novel that is equal parts thorough mystery and breathtaking suspense. The fact that this book is such a compelling, character driven read only adds to the appeal, and the setting itself is like another main character adding massive amounts of intrigue and darkness. This book has only fueled my desire to visit Iceland more, and I’m sure the remainder of the series will increase this passion as well. If you are a fan of nordic noir that is an excellent example of the crime fiction genre, look no further. This series needs to go on your must read list for 2017.
While I received my arc from Minotaur Books (thank you so much!), I have to also thank Karen Sullivan over at Orenda for putting this one on my radar (and also offering to send me a few others in the series to keep me appetite satiated); without her I’d be missing out on so many fantastic books that I wouldn’t be able to get my hands on otherwise!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the best mysteries I’ve read in a long time - clever writing, character driven, and a unique setting. Definitely reading the next in the series.
An interesting mystery set in the far reaches of Iceland. It is very moody as most of the story takes place in the winter time and it is dark and very snowy. The town is quite isolated and at one point gets cut off from the rest of Iceland because of an avalanche and bad weather. The main character, Ari Thor, is a young policeman that gets his first posting in this small town and leaves Reykjavik. His girlfriend stays behind and their relationship is quite strained because of his move. He gets a bit claustrophobic in the town and feels like it is closing in on him. His superior says not much ever happens in the town and at the beginning it appears that way. He has to deal with being an outsider in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and their business.
The story goes back and forth between a crime that was committed in the past and what is happening in the future. Their is also sections where quite a few of the characters have their past discussed. When a well known author who lives in town dies at the theater it appears to be an accident but Ari Thor isn't quite sure. As the new guy he is told to not stir things up. When a woman is found almost dead in her garden several days later he wonders if things are connected and starts digging. He convinces his boss that they need to investigate and many suspects in both cases start popping up. Ari Thor is interested in a young woman who is associated with the theater and he shares some information with her but then realizes she also could be a suspect. He is torn between his developing feeling for her and his girlfriend.
The author does a good job of setting the scene and adding some interesting twists to the story. He gives a lot of back stories on each character and ties them to each other in interesting ways. Talks about typical small town Icelandic life and how many travel to other countries for work and eventually make their way back. Talks about how hard it is starting off in a new career and in a new place and being accepted and some of the sacrifices that have to be made.
A good story and looking forward to reading more in this series.
The story goes back and forth between a crime that was committed in the past and what is happening in the future. Their is also sections where quite a few of the characters have their past discussed. When a well known author who lives in town dies at the theater it appears to be an accident but Ari Thor isn't quite sure. As the new guy he is told to not stir things up. When a woman is found almost dead in her garden several days later he wonders if things are connected and starts digging. He convinces his boss that they need to investigate and many suspects in both cases start popping up. Ari Thor is interested in a young woman who is associated with the theater and he shares some information with her but then realizes she also could be a suspect. He is torn between his developing feeling for her and his girlfriend.
The author does a good job of setting the scene and adding some interesting twists to the story. He gives a lot of back stories on each character and ties them to each other in interesting ways. Talks about typical small town Icelandic life and how many travel to other countries for work and eventually make their way back. Talks about how hard it is starting off in a new career and in a new place and being accepted and some of the sacrifices that have to be made.
A good story and looking forward to reading more in this series.
3.5 stars. It was interesting, but not spectacular. It was a one time read which was good while it lasted, but not the kind I would really recommend to everyone to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Icelandic murder mystery-- reminded me a little bit of Agatha Christie's style! (And for me, I can't think of a higher compliment than that #agathachristie4ever) The depiction of the town Siglufjörður and its residents really makes the book. Now off to price the second book in this series, Nightblind, even though I'm on an unofficial book buying ban!
I mostly liked this, but oh boy, was it ever slow! I did feel like this book dragged quite a bit. I don't feel any sense of urgency to continue the series, but I did find Ari Thor to be a compelling character, so I may pick up the next book at some point to find out where his story goes.
*Used for PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge prompt "Nordic noir" and Read Harder 2018 prompt "A book of genre fiction in translation."
*Used for PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge prompt "Nordic noir" and Read Harder 2018 prompt "A book of genre fiction in translation."
I must admit that I did not get very far into Ragnar Jonasson's Snowblind before giving up on it. I chose it for the Iceland stop on my Around the World in 80 Books project, and was really looking forward to it. I had issues from the very start with the translation, however; the writing seemed very clunky and matter-of-fact. I also wasn't gripped by the opening chapter, and could not muster enough interest in the story to overcome these two elements.