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jess_reads_books's review against another edition
4.0
In 1955 two young couples move to the secluded fjord of Hedinsfjordur. This area is uninhabited except for them. Their stay ends abruptly when one of the women dies in a manner that seems to be suicide. Those closest believe these suicidal feelings must have come about from the pressure of being isolated from the rest of the country. With inconclusive evidence the case is left unsolved. Fifty years have passed when a photograph comes to the surface. There is an unknown person with the couples. Were they not actually alone after all?
Ari Thor, a police officer working in nearby Siglufjordur has been asked to finally solve this cold case. Assisted by local news reporter, Isrun, the duo will work to find not only the identity of the mystery man, but also the truth. Complicating their investigation is a chilling case of a missing child, a quarantine of Siglufjordur, and a town full of secrets. Are something better left buried in the past?
RUPTURE is the fourth book in Jonasson’s Dark Iceland series and it picks up not long after the events of the previous novel. We find our main character, Ari Thor, continuing to work as a policeman in Siglufjordur. His caseload has come to a halt, as the town has been placed under quarantine under the threat of a deadly illness that was recently brought to their town. This gives Ari Thor the perfect opportunity to investigate a cold case one of the town residents recently brought to his attention.
The reader is given alternating storylines with the mysterious cold case Ari Thor is investigating, as well as what is happening in the life of local reporter, Isrun, who has been enlisted to help with solving this death. Isrun is juggling not only Ari Thor’s case, but also a hit and run and a child abduction in Reykjavik that could be connected. Each of these cases are incredibly detailed, which lure the reader into becoming invested in the outcomes. Once you’re hooked, you have to keep reading so that you’ll know the answers. Jonasson aides this addiction for the reader by keeping the chapters short and easy to binge read.
Jonasson is one of my favorite atmospheric writers! He has this incredible ability to transport the reader to Iceland and experience not only the events of the story, but the impact that the country has on these events. That can range from the location, which in this case is an extremely isolated fjord, or the weather. With RUPTURE Jonasson adds another element to these feelings by putting the town under quarantine, which builds a sense of isolation and paranoia when Ari Thor is out investigating.
This series is perfect for readers who enjoy classic mysteries with an unbeatable atmospheric quality. I have grown to love Ari Thor with this series and always look forward to what his next case will bring!
Ari Thor, a police officer working in nearby Siglufjordur has been asked to finally solve this cold case. Assisted by local news reporter, Isrun, the duo will work to find not only the identity of the mystery man, but also the truth. Complicating their investigation is a chilling case of a missing child, a quarantine of Siglufjordur, and a town full of secrets. Are something better left buried in the past?
RUPTURE is the fourth book in Jonasson’s Dark Iceland series and it picks up not long after the events of the previous novel. We find our main character, Ari Thor, continuing to work as a policeman in Siglufjordur. His caseload has come to a halt, as the town has been placed under quarantine under the threat of a deadly illness that was recently brought to their town. This gives Ari Thor the perfect opportunity to investigate a cold case one of the town residents recently brought to his attention.
The reader is given alternating storylines with the mysterious cold case Ari Thor is investigating, as well as what is happening in the life of local reporter, Isrun, who has been enlisted to help with solving this death. Isrun is juggling not only Ari Thor’s case, but also a hit and run and a child abduction in Reykjavik that could be connected. Each of these cases are incredibly detailed, which lure the reader into becoming invested in the outcomes. Once you’re hooked, you have to keep reading so that you’ll know the answers. Jonasson aides this addiction for the reader by keeping the chapters short and easy to binge read.
Jonasson is one of my favorite atmospheric writers! He has this incredible ability to transport the reader to Iceland and experience not only the events of the story, but the impact that the country has on these events. That can range from the location, which in this case is an extremely isolated fjord, or the weather. With RUPTURE Jonasson adds another element to these feelings by putting the town under quarantine, which builds a sense of isolation and paranoia when Ari Thor is out investigating.
This series is perfect for readers who enjoy classic mysteries with an unbeatable atmospheric quality. I have grown to love Ari Thor with this series and always look forward to what his next case will bring!
calistaandrechek's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoy these novels because they seem like such cozy, but dark mysteries with characters that I really root for. I would read anything Jonasson writes at this point because I love the Islandic thrillers and the amazing character development. This one was no different; I flew through it and didn’t want to put it down until I knew what exactly was going on! These are just the perfect length to sit and read in one sitting and feel like everything is so nicely tied up! Can’t wait to read more of these types of novels!
suspensethrill's review against another edition
4.0
Before going into my official review, I feel it necessary to rehash the importance of the order you read these books in IF you care about spoilers featuring the reoccurring characters. While these were translated in a certain order into english, now that four (almost five) of the series are out, you have the ability to avoid unwelcome spoiling. As best I can tell, the order you should read these is as follows (for chronological consumption):
[b:Snowblind|25067569|Snowblind (Dark Iceland #1)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432024220s/25067569.jpg|14716938]
[b:Blackout|29562395|Blackout (Dark Iceland #3)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458513755s/29562395.jpg|49873860]
[b:Rupture|33257659|Rupture (Dark Iceland #4)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480949184s/33257659.jpg|53978242]
[b:Nightblind|27248849|Nightblind (Dark Iceland #2)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445431789s/27248849.jpg|43168376]
Now that I got that out of the way, let's move on to the review.
" 'You think someone may have murdered her?' Ari Thor asked straight out, having long ago given up packaging awkward questions in tactful ways. He had never been particularly considerate in that regard, anyway."
^ Well said Ari, well said. I have always felt my book boyfriend from Iceland expresses the things we introverts wish we could on a daily basis. Maybe it's his lack of filter, his dry sense of humor, and his general sense of unawareness to many a situation we would find to contain common sense, but Ari is a wholly engaging protagonist who is heavily flawed, yet you still love him to pieces. I always try to keep sequel reviews brief and free of spoilers past and present, but I will say that this fits nicely between [b:Blackout|29562395|Blackout (Dark Iceland #3)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458513755s/29562395.jpg|49873860] and [b:Nightblind|27248849|Nightblind (Dark Iceland #2)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445431789s/27248849.jpg|43168376], not because of the individual case load, but due to the fact it again features Isrun the reporter from B.O. and also comes chronologically before the events of N.B. I did already know what would happen with a few of the ongoing storyline reveals, as I had already read N.B. which continues from the outcome in Rupture. This was fine; I felt like it wasn't anything major and it gave me a greater appreciation for what I had read before. I also really enjoyed the storyline limited to just this novel, as it was equal parts historical and contemporary fiction and had the feel of solving a cold case that has been haunting you for years. Highly recommended to fans of the series!!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
[b:Snowblind|25067569|Snowblind (Dark Iceland #1)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1432024220s/25067569.jpg|14716938]
[b:Blackout|29562395|Blackout (Dark Iceland #3)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458513755s/29562395.jpg|49873860]
[b:Rupture|33257659|Rupture (Dark Iceland #4)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480949184s/33257659.jpg|53978242]
[b:Nightblind|27248849|Nightblind (Dark Iceland #2)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445431789s/27248849.jpg|43168376]
Now that I got that out of the way, let's move on to the review.
" 'You think someone may have murdered her?' Ari Thor asked straight out, having long ago given up packaging awkward questions in tactful ways. He had never been particularly considerate in that regard, anyway."
^ Well said Ari, well said. I have always felt my book boyfriend from Iceland expresses the things we introverts wish we could on a daily basis. Maybe it's his lack of filter, his dry sense of humor, and his general sense of unawareness to many a situation we would find to contain common sense, but Ari is a wholly engaging protagonist who is heavily flawed, yet you still love him to pieces. I always try to keep sequel reviews brief and free of spoilers past and present, but I will say that this fits nicely between [b:Blackout|29562395|Blackout (Dark Iceland #3)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1458513755s/29562395.jpg|49873860] and [b:Nightblind|27248849|Nightblind (Dark Iceland #2)|Ragnar Jónasson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445431789s/27248849.jpg|43168376], not because of the individual case load, but due to the fact it again features Isrun the reporter from B.O. and also comes chronologically before the events of N.B. I did already know what would happen with a few of the ongoing storyline reveals, as I had already read N.B. which continues from the outcome in Rupture. This was fine; I felt like it wasn't anything major and it gave me a greater appreciation for what I had read before. I also really enjoyed the storyline limited to just this novel, as it was equal parts historical and contemporary fiction and had the feel of solving a cold case that has been haunting you for years. Highly recommended to fans of the series!!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy.
thereadinghobbit's review against another edition
4.0
I forgot to review this book when I'd finished reading it (six months ago, oops) so I can only say a few things about it. I liked the story, it's pacing was good, the plot was interesting and kept me guessing, the characters intrigued me. I couldn't tell how it would end until it did end, and I like how it's not just a thriller, not just a murder, but also a story about the characters who live in this tiny town. Would recommend to anyone who likes murder mysteries (because I can't really call it a thriller, to be honest) or Iceland.
pagesandpints's review against another edition
4.0
Dark and atmospheric, Rupture is a tense thriller that weaves together several different plot lines into one suspenseful story. While I enjoyed all of the Dark Iceland books, I think Rupture was my favorite of the four. It still revolved around Ari Thor and an Agatha Christie-eque mystery, but the writing seemed more mature and the plot felt much more elaborate.
Much like in the prior novels, there are several different story lines and narrations to follow with everything tying up succinctly back together at the very end. I enjoyed reading more from other characters' perspectives in addition to Ari Thor this time and the suspense was much more prevalent in this book compared to Nightblind and Blackout.
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a more traditional thriller and doesn't need fast-paced action. I think what's particularly enjoyable about the Dark Iceland books is the atmospheric elements that the author includes. There's something about such a small Icelandic town that makes everything seem even more frightening in these crime novels. Such a fun read!
Much like in the prior novels, there are several different story lines and narrations to follow with everything tying up succinctly back together at the very end. I enjoyed reading more from other characters' perspectives in addition to Ari Thor this time and the suspense was much more prevalent in this book compared to Nightblind and Blackout.
I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a more traditional thriller and doesn't need fast-paced action. I think what's particularly enjoyable about the Dark Iceland books is the atmospheric elements that the author includes. There's something about such a small Icelandic town that makes everything seem even more frightening in these crime novels. Such a fun read!
bibliophilebookclub's review against another edition
5.0
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but you know when you’ve been waiting for the next book by an author whose work you love? Well that was me, until yesterday evening. I had been waiting patiently, biding my time until Rupture’s release on Christmas Eve. Imagine my utter joy and excitement when I got an email last night and Rupture was attached. Needless to say, I dropped EVERYTHING to start reading, and I finished it this afternoon.
There’s always that’s tiny bit of fear when reading a book by an author you enjoy, will it be good? Will it be as good as their last book? Well it’s safe to say I was in no way disappointed upon reading the final page of Rupture, it made me smile.
Rupture is a chillingly beautiful book. Atmospheric, subtle and utterly enthralling. Opening the book felt like coming home, catching up with friends and seeing what’s been going on in their lives. A gentle and easy prose lends itself perfectly to the story, creating tension at the right times, while keeping the reader completely gripped.
There is more than one thread running through Rupture in terms of stories, yet they all weave together seamlessly as you progress through the pages. With Siglufjörður in the grips of a deadly virus, Ari Thor is tasked with rehashing an old case to see if anything can be gleaned in relation to a suspicious death from many years ago. Running parallel to his investigation, news reporter Ísrún is investigating a case of her own. We have met Ísrún before, and it was great to see her in Rupture as well. She’s a very interesting character and I really enjoyed reading more about her.
I don’t want to get too much into the plot for fear of giving anything away. What I will say though, is I wasn’t expecting Rupture to go in the direction that it did. The past is a funny thing, and it can resurface at any time and in some very unexpected ways. Rupture is testament to that fact, the past can definitely return to haunt people.
Honestly, I think these books just keep getting better. With every new book, I find that Ragnar Jónasson is tackling some very interesting and hard-hitting issues, and always with sensitivity. There is nothing gratuitous in these books, every word serves a purpose. Like flakes of snow falling from the sky, his words fall gently on the reader and have the ability to chill.
Rupture was everything I had been hoping for, and so much more. Stunning. Gripping. So completely worth the wait.
All the stars. Always.
There’s always that’s tiny bit of fear when reading a book by an author you enjoy, will it be good? Will it be as good as their last book? Well it’s safe to say I was in no way disappointed upon reading the final page of Rupture, it made me smile.
Rupture is a chillingly beautiful book. Atmospheric, subtle and utterly enthralling. Opening the book felt like coming home, catching up with friends and seeing what’s been going on in their lives. A gentle and easy prose lends itself perfectly to the story, creating tension at the right times, while keeping the reader completely gripped.
There is more than one thread running through Rupture in terms of stories, yet they all weave together seamlessly as you progress through the pages. With Siglufjörður in the grips of a deadly virus, Ari Thor is tasked with rehashing an old case to see if anything can be gleaned in relation to a suspicious death from many years ago. Running parallel to his investigation, news reporter Ísrún is investigating a case of her own. We have met Ísrún before, and it was great to see her in Rupture as well. She’s a very interesting character and I really enjoyed reading more about her.
I don’t want to get too much into the plot for fear of giving anything away. What I will say though, is I wasn’t expecting Rupture to go in the direction that it did. The past is a funny thing, and it can resurface at any time and in some very unexpected ways. Rupture is testament to that fact, the past can definitely return to haunt people.
Honestly, I think these books just keep getting better. With every new book, I find that Ragnar Jónasson is tackling some very interesting and hard-hitting issues, and always with sensitivity. There is nothing gratuitous in these books, every word serves a purpose. Like flakes of snow falling from the sky, his words fall gently on the reader and have the ability to chill.
Rupture was everything I had been hoping for, and so much more. Stunning. Gripping. So completely worth the wait.
All the stars. Always.
jackielaw's review against another edition
5.0
Rupture, by Ragnar Jónasson (translated by Quentin Bates), is the fourth book in the author’s Dark Iceland series to be published in English. Chronologically it sits between Blackout and Nightblind.
In this instalment Siglufjörður, the small fishing town on the northern coast of Iceland where much of the series is set, has been quarantined due to a deadly virus. Policeman Ari Thór Arason uses the opportunity this creates to look into an old case from the 1950s. Two couples had moved to nearby Héðinsfjörður, an uninhabited and isolated fjord. Whilst there a child was born, Hédinn, and one of the woman apparently committed suicide. A photograph has recently come to light depicting an unknown young man alongside the two couples. Hédinn, who now lives in Siglufjörður, asks Ari Thór to investigate as some believed the death may have been murder.
Further south an aspiring musician is involved in a hit and run. He was estranged from his parents, high ranking politicians forced to step aside from public life due to their son’s drink and drug fuelled behaviour. Ísrún, a young journalist, is tasked with investigating the incident alongside her work reporting on the virus in Siglufjörður. With little new to report on either story she is amenable to assisting Ari Thór in seeking more information on his 1950s case.
Meanwhile another young man is disturbed when he discovers that his home is being targeted by an intruder. A series of events unfolds threatening all he holds dear.
Each thread of the story is enticingly presented offering the reader potential clues that are then woven together. Ari Thór has matured but remains vulnerable to the claustrophobia of his adopted home. The atmospheric darkness of Iceland alongside the isolation and introspection of its people are beautifully evoked.
A crime thriller that uses setting to full effect whilst presenting each character as fully rounded individuals. The writing effortlessly winds the reader in before revealing a satisfying denouement. This whole series is a chilling delight to read. To my mind Rupture is the most skilfully constructed yet.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher.
In this instalment Siglufjörður, the small fishing town on the northern coast of Iceland where much of the series is set, has been quarantined due to a deadly virus. Policeman Ari Thór Arason uses the opportunity this creates to look into an old case from the 1950s. Two couples had moved to nearby Héðinsfjörður, an uninhabited and isolated fjord. Whilst there a child was born, Hédinn, and one of the woman apparently committed suicide. A photograph has recently come to light depicting an unknown young man alongside the two couples. Hédinn, who now lives in Siglufjörður, asks Ari Thór to investigate as some believed the death may have been murder.
Further south an aspiring musician is involved in a hit and run. He was estranged from his parents, high ranking politicians forced to step aside from public life due to their son’s drink and drug fuelled behaviour. Ísrún, a young journalist, is tasked with investigating the incident alongside her work reporting on the virus in Siglufjörður. With little new to report on either story she is amenable to assisting Ari Thór in seeking more information on his 1950s case.
Meanwhile another young man is disturbed when he discovers that his home is being targeted by an intruder. A series of events unfolds threatening all he holds dear.
Each thread of the story is enticingly presented offering the reader potential clues that are then woven together. Ari Thór has matured but remains vulnerable to the claustrophobia of his adopted home. The atmospheric darkness of Iceland alongside the isolation and introspection of its people are beautifully evoked.
A crime thriller that uses setting to full effect whilst presenting each character as fully rounded individuals. The writing effortlessly winds the reader in before revealing a satisfying denouement. This whole series is a chilling delight to read. To my mind Rupture is the most skilfully constructed yet.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher.
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