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A review by what_heather_loves
Dimma by Ragnar Jónasson
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"Your daughter, what was she called?' His voice was kind, his interest genuine. Hulda realised all of a sudden that it was years since she had last spoken her daughter's name aloud and felt ashamed of herself. 'An unusual name. Dimma. Her name was Dimma. It means the darkness.'"
In present day Reykjavík, Iceland, widowed Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir is reluctantly counting the days until her retirement after a long and productive career. Her boss, misogynist Magnus is considerably keener to see her go and, after suggesting she retires early, allows her time to dig into a cold case. The case she chooses is that of believed drowned Russian immigrant, Elena, mishandled by a colleague. It doesn't take her long to convince herself Elena was murdered, so she begins to investigate.
The first in a series of Nordic Noir police procedurals, this is the introduction to protagonist Hulda, who, once her personal circumstances are explained over the course of the novel, is rather a lonely and tragic figure. Rekyavik, nearby highlands and isolated fjords provide atmosphere, almost a character in their own right. With short chapters, switching between Hulda and someone connected with Elena's death, the plot is both slow-burning and tense. Female-focused on Hulda and Elena, tragic elements of the plot are handled sensitively, with some light and hope for Hulda with friend and potential partner, Pétur following the death of husband Jón many years ago. This very much reads like the beginning of the series and I have book two in my TBR, so will no doubt read that soon. Gripping and tense, atmospheric and commanding, this is a dark and icy thriller.
In present day Reykjavík, Iceland, widowed Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir is reluctantly counting the days until her retirement after a long and productive career. Her boss, misogynist Magnus is considerably keener to see her go and, after suggesting she retires early, allows her time to dig into a cold case. The case she chooses is that of believed drowned Russian immigrant, Elena, mishandled by a colleague. It doesn't take her long to convince herself Elena was murdered, so she begins to investigate.
The first in a series of Nordic Noir police procedurals, this is the introduction to protagonist Hulda, who, once her personal circumstances are explained over the course of the novel, is rather a lonely and tragic figure. Rekyavik, nearby highlands and isolated fjords provide atmosphere, almost a character in their own right. With short chapters, switching between Hulda and someone connected with Elena's death, the plot is both slow-burning and tense. Female-focused on Hulda and Elena, tragic elements of the plot are handled sensitively, with some light and hope for Hulda with friend and potential partner, Pétur following the death of husband Jón many years ago. This very much reads like the beginning of the series and I have book two in my TBR, so will no doubt read that soon. Gripping and tense, atmospheric and commanding, this is a dark and icy thriller.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Abandonment, and Misogyny