A review by zoeferry
Death at the Sanitorium by Ragnar Jónasson

dark tense medium-paced

3.75

Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson follows Helgi, a young police officer who newly returned to the Reykjavík Police after completing his master’s in criminology. While working on his dissertation, which focuses on a series of murders that took place at a former sanatorium, Helgi uncovers unsettling new details when a former nurse connected to the case turns up dead 30 years later. As he delves deeper into the secrets that have been buried for decades, Helgi slowly begins to unravel the truth behind the original murders—and the new killing. 

Nordic noir has quickly become one of my favourite subgenres within mystery fiction. There’s something about the bleak, atmospheric settings that heightens the sense of dread and builds a gripping, dark mystery. Jónasson excels at creating this tension, and the chilling environment of the Sanatorium is almost a character in itself. 

However, my only critique is the pacing. The plot took a bit too long to develop, and once the revelations started coming, they were resolved too quickly, leaving me wishing for a more satisfying buildup. The writing is solid, and the characters are well-drawn, particularly Helgi, whose personal journey adds depth to the story. If you’re a fan of classic mysteries with a moody, atmospheric twist, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Death at the Sanatorium.