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Tuva Moodyson Mystery #6
Ice Town
ONE WAY IN. NO WAY OUT.
Deaf teenager goes missing in Esseberg. Mountain rescue are launching a search party but conditions hinder their efforts.V The tunnel is being kept open all night as an exception.
When journalist Tuva Moodyson reads this news alert she knows she must join the search. If this teenager is found, she will be able to communicate with him in a way no one else can.
Esseberg lies on the other side of a mountain there is only one way in and one way out. When the tunnel closes at night, the residents are left to fend for themselves. And as more people go missing, it becomes clear that there is a killer among them ...
ICE TOWN is the unputdownable new Tuva novel, which will delight existing fans of the series and bring many new readers to it.
Deaf teenager goes missing in Esseberg. Mountain rescue are launching a search party but conditions hinder their efforts.V The tunnel is being kept open all night as an exception.
When journalist Tuva Moodyson reads this news alert she knows she must join the search. If this teenager is found, she will be able to communicate with him in a way no one else can.
Esseberg lies on the other side of a mountain there is only one way in and one way out. When the tunnel closes at night, the residents are left to fend for themselves. And as more people go missing, it becomes clear that there is a killer among them ...
ICE TOWN is the unputdownable new Tuva novel, which will delight existing fans of the series and bring many new readers to it.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2024
55 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Will Dean
22 books1,596 followersWill Dean grew up in the East Midlands, living in nine different villages before the age of eighteen. He was a bookish, daydreaming kid who found comfort in stories and nature (and he still does). After studying Law at the LSE, and working in London, he settled in rural Sweden. He built a wooden house in a boggy clearing at the centre of a vast elk forest, and it's from this base that he compulsively reads and writes. He is the author of Dark Pines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
November 17, 2025
There were some really great parts in this book, but there was too much death and a very unlikely twist that I didn’t much care for.
October 29, 2024
How wonderful it is to discover a book with such an excellent likable main character and then to discover there’s a whole series with Tuva Moodyson. I’m happy this title can be read as a stand alone though; there is enough background information to get acquainted with Tuva soon but not so much that you’ve got the idea you’re reading not one book but several.
I like my books dark and thrilling and Ice Town delivered that in spades. First of all the location, an almost hidden town in a valley that can only be reached by a tunnel that’s closed at night. And of course, the whole town and the horrible winter weather play a big part in this story. As so many people, I like skiing – and as so many people, I like my slope tracks to be smooth and preferable sunny. No such thing for Tuva in this thrilling story – I could almost feel her fear, the cold and the general feeling of being somewhere where you might meet your death.
There are some interesting characters in this story and there are lots of surprises. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover and will certainly try and read more of this series.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this review copy.
I like my books dark and thrilling and Ice Town delivered that in spades. First of all the location, an almost hidden town in a valley that can only be reached by a tunnel that’s closed at night. And of course, the whole town and the horrible winter weather play a big part in this story. As so many people, I like skiing – and as so many people, I like my slope tracks to be smooth and preferable sunny. No such thing for Tuva in this thrilling story – I could almost feel her fear, the cold and the general feeling of being somewhere where you might meet your death.
There are some interesting characters in this story and there are lots of surprises. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover and will certainly try and read more of this series.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this review copy.
November 1, 2024
A deaf teenager has gone missing in Esseberg, a small mountainside town in Sweden. Out of town journalist, Tuva Moodyson, decides to join the search party, as being deaf also, she will be able to communicate with him on a different level. Esseberg a.k.a. ‘Ice Town‘ has one tunnel which leads in and out of the town, and which closes at night. As more bodies turn up, it’s clear that there is a killer amongst them.
This is the sixth book in the Tuva Moodyson series, but my first read, though it can be read as a stand-alone. I’m a huge fan of Nordic crime dramas, and Skandi noirs, and this was the perfect read for me, with a likeable MC, a murder spree, and an small town, in the middle of nowhere, which has less daylight hours, and in which the residents have to fend for themselves, once the tunnel is closed at night.
All the way through this book, I was guessing who the killer could be, but I was in complete shock, once the killer was revealed…didn’t see that one coming, at all!! This is an unputdownable thriller, which keeps you guessing until the very end, with a ‘killer’ ending, and I devoured each and every page. Now, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the sixth book in the Tuva Moodyson series, but my first read, though it can be read as a stand-alone. I’m a huge fan of Nordic crime dramas, and Skandi noirs, and this was the perfect read for me, with a likeable MC, a murder spree, and an small town, in the middle of nowhere, which has less daylight hours, and in which the residents have to fend for themselves, once the tunnel is closed at night.
All the way through this book, I was guessing who the killer could be, but I was in complete shock, once the killer was revealed…didn’t see that one coming, at all!! This is an unputdownable thriller, which keeps you guessing until the very end, with a ‘killer’ ending, and I devoured each and every page. Now, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 15, 2024
A brilliant series that goes from strength to strength. Location and characters are superb and the ongoing angst surrounding Tuva is so intense . Enthralling and heartbreaking. Thank you Will Dean
November 24, 2024
In this outstanding series, Will Dean has yet to put a foot wrong, and Ice Town continues the trend. However, this instalment is a point of departure in other ways, which happily secure the longevity of the series. Firstly, Tuva is working a long way from home, secondly she asserts herself professionally with her boss Lena, in a way that she hasn't really done before, and then there are the personal developments that really took me by surprise. This gives Dean the scope to do a lot more with this wonderful character in the future.
It has been about 2 years since the madness of the previous books. While Tuva has been dealing with the most difficult of personal circumstances at home, her work as Deputy Editor at the Gavrik Posten has been thankfully routine and unremarkable. But when she learns that a deaf teenager has gone missing in the far north of Sweden, her journalistic instincts kick in and almost before we know it, she has hit the road in her trusty Hilux to drive non-stop into the Arctic Circle.
Her destination is Esseberg - Ice Town - which is only accessible by a single-lane tunnel. One way in, same way out, provided the conditions are right and the stars align! Esseberg used to be a top ski resort, but with failing infrastructure its heyday is in the distant past and the small local population makes its living from much more mundane industry, such as the local powerstation. But a relic of the glory days still exists in the form of the big hotel up on the mountain, which can only be accessed by chairlift. The only other accommodation is the small B&B in the township, that actually doesn't provide the second B. It's a lot cheaper, so with Lena's tight budget in mind, Tuva opts to stay there. She's quickly on the case; talking to police, getting involved in the search party, and meeting with the missing young man's grandmother. Then a body is discovered in the snow...
This is a great story with a most unexpected ending. I always look forward to Tuva's exploits, but now that her world has expanded so much, I'm desperate for more!
As always I opted for the audiobook edition, narrated by Maya Lindh, who brings Tuva and her world to life. At the end there is an extended chat between Will Dean and his sensitivity reader (Deafinitely Girly), which was really worth a listen. They discuss deafness of course, but also reflect on the 6-book arc of Tuva's personal growth, and thoughts on the the upcoming TV series. Happily there is also a mention of plans for #7.
It has been about 2 years since the madness of the previous books. While Tuva has been dealing with the most difficult of personal circumstances at home, her work as Deputy Editor at the Gavrik Posten has been thankfully routine and unremarkable. But when she learns that a deaf teenager has gone missing in the far north of Sweden, her journalistic instincts kick in and almost before we know it, she has hit the road in her trusty Hilux to drive non-stop into the Arctic Circle.
Her destination is Esseberg - Ice Town - which is only accessible by a single-lane tunnel. One way in, same way out, provided the conditions are right and the stars align! Esseberg used to be a top ski resort, but with failing infrastructure its heyday is in the distant past and the small local population makes its living from much more mundane industry, such as the local powerstation. But a relic of the glory days still exists in the form of the big hotel up on the mountain, which can only be accessed by chairlift. The only other accommodation is the small B&B in the township, that actually doesn't provide the second B. It's a lot cheaper, so with Lena's tight budget in mind, Tuva opts to stay there. She's quickly on the case; talking to police, getting involved in the search party, and meeting with the missing young man's grandmother. Then a body is discovered in the snow...
This is a great story with a most unexpected ending. I always look forward to Tuva's exploits, but now that her world has expanded so much, I'm desperate for more!
As always I opted for the audiobook edition, narrated by Maya Lindh, who brings Tuva and her world to life. At the end there is an extended chat between Will Dean and his sensitivity reader (Deafinitely Girly), which was really worth a listen. They discuss deafness of course, but also reflect on the 6-book arc of Tuva's personal growth, and thoughts on the the upcoming TV series. Happily there is also a mention of plans for #7.
November 1, 2024
Actual rating 4.5.
This may just be my favourite Tuva book yet! If you haven’t picked up these books but love atmospheric scandi thrillers and crime novels, these are an absolute MUST!
Tuva is a deaf journalist working in Sweden, who often ends up in dangerous situations whilst investigating crimes, and has also been dealing with some tragedies in her personal life. In this latest novel, she heads to Esseberg (or “Ice Town”), an isolated town where the only way in is through a tunnel which gets closed at night - so once you’re there, you’re well and truly trapped! Whilst she initially goes to investigate the disappearance of a young deaf teenager, she soon ends up investigating far worse crimes, as multiple bodies turn up. The isolated setting and the cold which Will describes so perfectly only added to the tense nature of this story, and had me reaching for all the blankets! I was kept guessing right until the end and didn’t even come close to guessing correctly - what a twist! I also love the way that there’s always some kind of personal layer added to the story to do with Tuva, which only made this more compelling! Would absolutely recommend for an atmospheric and seriously addictive read!
This may just be my favourite Tuva book yet! If you haven’t picked up these books but love atmospheric scandi thrillers and crime novels, these are an absolute MUST!
Tuva is a deaf journalist working in Sweden, who often ends up in dangerous situations whilst investigating crimes, and has also been dealing with some tragedies in her personal life. In this latest novel, she heads to Esseberg (or “Ice Town”), an isolated town where the only way in is through a tunnel which gets closed at night - so once you’re there, you’re well and truly trapped! Whilst she initially goes to investigate the disappearance of a young deaf teenager, she soon ends up investigating far worse crimes, as multiple bodies turn up. The isolated setting and the cold which Will describes so perfectly only added to the tense nature of this story, and had me reaching for all the blankets! I was kept guessing right until the end and didn’t even come close to guessing correctly - what a twist! I also love the way that there’s always some kind of personal layer added to the story to do with Tuva, which only made this more compelling! Would absolutely recommend for an atmospheric and seriously addictive read!
October 20, 2024
Last night I've finished the new addition to Tuva Moodyson series by Will Dean called "Ice Town". I was approved to get the eArc by Netgalley which I'm extremely grateful for. Back to the book.
First of all - despite being next part in the series this book can be read as a standalone. Our main character Tuva is a deaf journalist, who after hearing about a deaf teenager going missing, decided to drive for hours to follow the story and give it a justice. She ends up in a small town accessible by the tunnel that gets closed at night. The village has a diverse characters and each and every one of them can be a villain in the story. Action develops quite quickly and as usual, good few red herrings are to be found to confuse us, mere readers.
I love Will Dean's books but it's so hard to give them a justice, without spoiling it by describing the plot. Let me tell you one thing. It is good. Chillingly good ❄️🌨️ and with amazing description of the scenery, that makes you feel like you've been there before. Be aware as once you start it - you might end up reading until 4am 😂 The extra surprise at the end makes you thrive for more immediately and it makes it even more exciting.
To sum it up - Chilling, clever with the twist you won't see coming.
5 of 5
First of all - despite being next part in the series this book can be read as a standalone. Our main character Tuva is a deaf journalist, who after hearing about a deaf teenager going missing, decided to drive for hours to follow the story and give it a justice. She ends up in a small town accessible by the tunnel that gets closed at night. The village has a diverse characters and each and every one of them can be a villain in the story. Action develops quite quickly and as usual, good few red herrings are to be found to confuse us, mere readers.
I love Will Dean's books but it's so hard to give them a justice, without spoiling it by describing the plot. Let me tell you one thing. It is good. Chillingly good ❄️🌨️ and with amazing description of the scenery, that makes you feel like you've been there before. Be aware as once you start it - you might end up reading until 4am 😂 The extra surprise at the end makes you thrive for more immediately and it makes it even more exciting.
To sum it up - Chilling, clever with the twist you won't see coming.
5 of 5
November 8, 2024
I am delighted to be part of the "influencer tour" for Will Dean's latest book featuring Tuva Moodyson. Ice Town is the 6th book in this incredible series, but you can absolutely read this as a standalone because the series is so brilliant. So if you haven't read any yet read this now and then immerse yourself in the back catalogue and follow Tuva from the beginning starting with Dark Pines, Red Snow, Black River, Bad Apples and then Wolf Pack.
For those who aren't familiar with this series, Tuva Moodyson is the main character. She's a deaf reporter working for a small-time local paper in a remote village in rural Sweden. The weather is always brutal. The landscape is harsh and unforgiving. The writing is always atmospheric yet claustrophobic. The crimes are complex and compelling in each book.
Ice Town is set in Esseberg, hundreds of miles away from Tuva's home of Gavrik. A tiny town only accessible through a mountain tunnel shared by drivers and trains; this tunnel is closed at night. It is a place surrounded by snow and ice. It is cut off from the nearest town at night. The residents are left snowbound and in the dark. When a deaf teenage boy goes missing, she is compelled to drive for hours across Sweden to help find Peter because she feels a strong connection to him, being deaf.
I don't want to give much away, but the missing deaf teenager isn't the only crime as more residents start to go missing, bodies are discovered and Tuva finds herself in the middle of a very dangerous situation.
Ice Town is a very personal and painful journey for Tuva both physically and mentally. She has to confront her own emotions and feelings from past events.
Overall, this is a chillingly, atmospheric crime novel with a highly emotional element which is guaranteed to melt even the iciest hearts.
For those who aren't familiar with this series, Tuva Moodyson is the main character. She's a deaf reporter working for a small-time local paper in a remote village in rural Sweden. The weather is always brutal. The landscape is harsh and unforgiving. The writing is always atmospheric yet claustrophobic. The crimes are complex and compelling in each book.
Ice Town is set in Esseberg, hundreds of miles away from Tuva's home of Gavrik. A tiny town only accessible through a mountain tunnel shared by drivers and trains; this tunnel is closed at night. It is a place surrounded by snow and ice. It is cut off from the nearest town at night. The residents are left snowbound and in the dark. When a deaf teenage boy goes missing, she is compelled to drive for hours across Sweden to help find Peter because she feels a strong connection to him, being deaf.
I don't want to give much away, but the missing deaf teenager isn't the only crime as more residents start to go missing, bodies are discovered and Tuva finds herself in the middle of a very dangerous situation.
Ice Town is a very personal and painful journey for Tuva both physically and mentally. She has to confront her own emotions and feelings from past events.
Overall, this is a chillingly, atmospheric crime novel with a highly emotional element which is guaranteed to melt even the iciest hearts.
November 14, 2024
4.5 stars
Ice Town is a tense, atmospheric and gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Firstly the author has done a great job with the setting in this book and I loved the vivid descriptions of the isolated, snowy town which made me feel cold as I read it. The single entry in or out of Ice Town helps create a bit of a locked room mystery which I found very intriguing and a little bit claustrophobic at times as the number of victims slowly increases. This is further added to by the weird set up of the town which has no police force and a rector who seems to be in charge aided by some scary looking bikers. The cold artic conditions also play a factor with limited daylight and visibility due to the snow hampering the investigation.
Having loved all the previous books in this series I was very excited to be following her in another investigation. As she’s not on her own turf this time it was very interesting to see how she starts an investigation in a new town and what she tries to do in order to gain the residents trust. This book had lots of surprise twists in it, and I enjoyed the unpredictability of the investigation as I was never sure which direction it would go in next. I had lots of theories about who was behind the murders, but I was ultimately unable to guess which I always love. The ending was really fantastic and I really hope there will be more from this series in the future.
Huge thanks to Alainna from Hodder and Stoughton for inviting me onto the blog and for my copy of this book.
If you are a fan of dark, gripping crime fiction then I highly recommend this book.
Ice Town is a tense, atmospheric and gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Firstly the author has done a great job with the setting in this book and I loved the vivid descriptions of the isolated, snowy town which made me feel cold as I read it. The single entry in or out of Ice Town helps create a bit of a locked room mystery which I found very intriguing and a little bit claustrophobic at times as the number of victims slowly increases. This is further added to by the weird set up of the town which has no police force and a rector who seems to be in charge aided by some scary looking bikers. The cold artic conditions also play a factor with limited daylight and visibility due to the snow hampering the investigation.
Having loved all the previous books in this series I was very excited to be following her in another investigation. As she’s not on her own turf this time it was very interesting to see how she starts an investigation in a new town and what she tries to do in order to gain the residents trust. This book had lots of surprise twists in it, and I enjoyed the unpredictability of the investigation as I was never sure which direction it would go in next. I had lots of theories about who was behind the murders, but I was ultimately unable to guess which I always love. The ending was really fantastic and I really hope there will be more from this series in the future.
Huge thanks to Alainna from Hodder and Stoughton for inviting me onto the blog and for my copy of this book.
If you are a fan of dark, gripping crime fiction then I highly recommend this book.
October 29, 2024
The last in the Tuva Moodyson series. I haven’t read any of the others but I will be getting the back library of this series after reading since Town.
It gave off chilling, creepy, eerie vibes from the start. I loved the location of the town in a valley which was closed off by a tunnel each night, giving the fear factor. Tuva is such a loveable character. I was left a little confused by the ending though, which seems to be a trait of Wills 🤣 overall, a brill all round excellent thriller
I received a copy of an e-Arc with thanks
It gave off chilling, creepy, eerie vibes from the start. I loved the location of the town in a valley which was closed off by a tunnel each night, giving the fear factor. Tuva is such a loveable character. I was left a little confused by the ending though, which seems to be a trait of Wills 🤣 overall, a brill all round excellent thriller
I received a copy of an e-Arc with thanks
July 19, 2024
I have been waiting (not so) patiently for this book! Tuva is my absolute favourite character in any book or series ever! The second I was approved on Netgalley, I dropped the book I was reading and dove in.
It was like sitting down to coffee with an old friend. Ice Town is chilling in more ways than one. The town is even more isolated and cut off than Gavrik, and the weather is even more harsh. So, when a deaf teenager goes missing, Tuva rushes to help in the search.
It soon becomes clear that there is more to this story when a dead body turns up. Tuva and Astrid, a fellow journalist from another neighbouring town, both try and dig for the truth, the identity of the killer, and to find the missing teen.
The whole story is eerie as hell. This is made worse by the fact that Ice Town is only accessible by a tunnel that is closed each night. It's claustrophobic, tense, creepy, and absolutely captivating.
Tuva had me in floods of tears, both at the beginning and the end. Will Dean explored grief with such tenderness and sensitivity that I had to message him and thank him for that.
If you haven't read any of this series, why not??? Do it now. It's incredible!
It was like sitting down to coffee with an old friend. Ice Town is chilling in more ways than one. The town is even more isolated and cut off than Gavrik, and the weather is even more harsh. So, when a deaf teenager goes missing, Tuva rushes to help in the search.
It soon becomes clear that there is more to this story when a dead body turns up. Tuva and Astrid, a fellow journalist from another neighbouring town, both try and dig for the truth, the identity of the killer, and to find the missing teen.
The whole story is eerie as hell. This is made worse by the fact that Ice Town is only accessible by a tunnel that is closed each night. It's claustrophobic, tense, creepy, and absolutely captivating.
Tuva had me in floods of tears, both at the beginning and the end. Will Dean explored grief with such tenderness and sensitivity that I had to message him and thank him for that.
If you haven't read any of this series, why not??? Do it now. It's incredible!
February 6, 2025
I enjoyed this writing and story and the setting. Beautiful imagery of Swedish mountains and small village. A pleasant change from usual thriller/mystery reads. I will read more of his work and more on the series of Tuva Moodyson. Entertaining and enjoyable
May 1, 2025
I think this is my favourite one so far! It felt darker and grittier somehow but still with a good heart. #teamtuva all the way.
August 5, 2025
This latest nook in the series sees Tuva travel to a remote town in northern Sweden to investigate the disappearance of a deaf teenager. The book is as captivating and compelling as all the other books in the series. i can not wait for the next one 😀
November 8, 2024
4.5*
A welcome return for our intrepid Swedish journalist, Tuva Moodyson. This time Tuva's been called far away from home to investigate the disappearance of a deaf teenager in the isolated northern town of Esseberg, known as Ice Town.
For a series that got strong and stronger with each release this is another fantastic instalment. This book can be easily read as a standalone but a lot of the richness comes from the development of Tuva’s character and all the trials and tribulations that we’ve gone through with her in previous books. This book, like the rest of the series, is an intriguing mystery accompanied by a rich and evocative setting with a sinister and unsettling undercurrent running throughout. The supporting cast of characters are well realised with quirks and foibles that add to the story and setting and the entire reading experience is immersive, and tense with a surprising reveal (for me) for the who and they why.
I hope we’ll get to see more of Tuva in the future, especially as I've devoured this entire series over the course of 5 months and whilst I read this edition in ebook form (and it read so quickly I was so absorbed) I also highly recommend listening to the audiobooks for this series as Maya Lindh's voice is Tuva's in my head now!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this digital review copy of "Ice Town" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
A welcome return for our intrepid Swedish journalist, Tuva Moodyson. This time Tuva's been called far away from home to investigate the disappearance of a deaf teenager in the isolated northern town of Esseberg, known as Ice Town.
For a series that got strong and stronger with each release this is another fantastic instalment. This book can be easily read as a standalone but a lot of the richness comes from the development of Tuva’s character and all the trials and tribulations that we’ve gone through with her in previous books. This book, like the rest of the series, is an intriguing mystery accompanied by a rich and evocative setting with a sinister and unsettling undercurrent running throughout. The supporting cast of characters are well realised with quirks and foibles that add to the story and setting and the entire reading experience is immersive, and tense with a surprising reveal (for me) for the who and they why.
I hope we’ll get to see more of Tuva in the future, especially as I've devoured this entire series over the course of 5 months and whilst I read this edition in ebook form (and it read so quickly I was so absorbed) I also highly recommend listening to the audiobooks for this series as Maya Lindh's voice is Tuva's in my head now!
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this digital review copy of "Ice Town" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
November 21, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
Tuva Moodyson is a deaf journalist working for Gavrik Posten in Sweden.
When a deaf teenager goes missing further up north, the case strikes a chord with her. Peter Hedberg is a vulnerable young man with no money and no contacts outside of his hometown of Esseberg.
Esseberg, also known as the Ice Town, can only be accessed via a one-way entry tunnel which closes each night.
When Tuva arrives in Esseberg, she discovers that the local police quickly dismiss the case as suicide. Peter was perceived by the locals as a ‘loner’ and an ‘odd one out’.
However, something darker is brewing in this isolated town.
When bodies start appearing, it becomes clear that there is a murderer in their midst…
What a chilling book!
Very apt for the current blast of cold weather we’ve been having in the UK.
I love a locked-in mystery – give me a blast of snow, characters stuck in the middle of nowhere, with a killer getting rid of them one by one, and I am one happy girl. This book delivered just that!
It’s the sixth book in the Tuva Moodyson series and although you can read it as a standalone, I wholeheartedly recommend that you read them all. All of the books feature great characters, complex cases, and great endings. You will not be disappointed.
I definitely recommend this book.
Tuva Moodyson is a deaf journalist working for Gavrik Posten in Sweden.
When a deaf teenager goes missing further up north, the case strikes a chord with her. Peter Hedberg is a vulnerable young man with no money and no contacts outside of his hometown of Esseberg.
Esseberg, also known as the Ice Town, can only be accessed via a one-way entry tunnel which closes each night.
When Tuva arrives in Esseberg, she discovers that the local police quickly dismiss the case as suicide. Peter was perceived by the locals as a ‘loner’ and an ‘odd one out’.
However, something darker is brewing in this isolated town.
When bodies start appearing, it becomes clear that there is a murderer in their midst…
What a chilling book!
Very apt for the current blast of cold weather we’ve been having in the UK.
I love a locked-in mystery – give me a blast of snow, characters stuck in the middle of nowhere, with a killer getting rid of them one by one, and I am one happy girl. This book delivered just that!
It’s the sixth book in the Tuva Moodyson series and although you can read it as a standalone, I wholeheartedly recommend that you read them all. All of the books feature great characters, complex cases, and great endings. You will not be disappointed.
I definitely recommend this book.
October 21, 2024
I’ve been a fan of Will Dean’s for a while and read a few of his standalone novels. I wasn’t aware of the Tuva Moodyson series and although this is the sixth novel in the series, I felt it could be read as a standalone. Having said that, I would like to read the earlier novels in the series.
So what’s to like about this novel. Pretty much everything. The author has a way of conjuring a deliciously deep and dark atmosphere. From the first page you are transported to the cold landscape of a Swedish winter, as a deaf teenager goes missing in Esseberg. A search party has been launched but harsh conditions are hampering their efforts. When dead journalist Tuva reads the news alert, she knows she has to join in the search. If the teenager is found, she’ll be able to communicate with him. Esseberg has only one way in and one way out via a tunnel. But when the tunnel closes for the evening, the town is left to fend for itself and as more people go missing, it’s clear the killer is amongst them. This book had me hooked from the start. I really liked Tuva’s character and felt I was living and breathing the whole story with her. This plot unfolds at pace and keeps you guessing throughout. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
So what’s to like about this novel. Pretty much everything. The author has a way of conjuring a deliciously deep and dark atmosphere. From the first page you are transported to the cold landscape of a Swedish winter, as a deaf teenager goes missing in Esseberg. A search party has been launched but harsh conditions are hampering their efforts. When dead journalist Tuva reads the news alert, she knows she has to join in the search. If the teenager is found, she’ll be able to communicate with him. Esseberg has only one way in and one way out via a tunnel. But when the tunnel closes for the evening, the town is left to fend for itself and as more people go missing, it’s clear the killer is amongst them. This book had me hooked from the start. I really liked Tuva’s character and felt I was living and breathing the whole story with her. This plot unfolds at pace and keeps you guessing throughout. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.
October 28, 2024
Journalist Tuva Moodyson reads on a news report that a deaf teenager has gone missing in Esseberg. Due to feeling like she can communicate with him better than others, she knows she must join the search. The town lies on the other side of the mountain where one tunnel allows the only access. Soon more people start to go missing and residents are left to fend for themselves.
This is my first Tuva book and I found it a really intriguing locked room mystery. Not only was I interested in the description but I also felt drawn to the cover, all of which made me really want to read this. I found this started strongly, slowly drawing me in. The author does a fantastic job creating an ‘icy’, eerie atmosphere. I could really picture the setting, the descriptions were done wonderfully.
The main character Tuva is unique and you can’t help but root for her. However, I feel like I would have got more out of her character by reading the earlier books in the series. Saying that, this can easily be read as a standalone. I did find the pacing a bit slow at times, however it did pick up and have a satisfactory outcome. I’ll be revisiting Tuva in some of her earlier books in the series. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This is my first Tuva book and I found it a really intriguing locked room mystery. Not only was I interested in the description but I also felt drawn to the cover, all of which made me really want to read this. I found this started strongly, slowly drawing me in. The author does a fantastic job creating an ‘icy’, eerie atmosphere. I could really picture the setting, the descriptions were done wonderfully.
The main character Tuva is unique and you can’t help but root for her. However, I feel like I would have got more out of her character by reading the earlier books in the series. Saying that, this can easily be read as a standalone. I did find the pacing a bit slow at times, however it did pick up and have a satisfactory outcome. I’ll be revisiting Tuva in some of her earlier books in the series. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2024
A series that I still haven’t got round to, but Ice Town works perfectly well as a standalone. Perhaps knowing a little more of the character’s background would deepen our understanding of her experience, but there’s plenty of details given that help us build a picture of her.
Journalist Tuva is concerned to see an alert regarding a deaf teenager going missing. She feels compelled to investigate, and can’t help but feel a sense of empathy with this boy. The town she is based in closes down overnight, literally trapping its residents until the tunnel opens the next morning. This means that as things progress we build a real sense of fear for what might be facing these characters.
Though Peter is not found straight away, other bodies are discovered. There appear to be links between the cases and it soon appears that there is a spree killer going about their business.
Tuva is not without her flaws. Yet she is tremendously likeable and it’s hard not to admire her grit and resolve. The developments regarding the identity of the killer came somewhat out of the blue, but it was a definite hit.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication. Now to go back to the beginning and get on with reading this series from the start.
Journalist Tuva is concerned to see an alert regarding a deaf teenager going missing. She feels compelled to investigate, and can’t help but feel a sense of empathy with this boy. The town she is based in closes down overnight, literally trapping its residents until the tunnel opens the next morning. This means that as things progress we build a real sense of fear for what might be facing these characters.
Though Peter is not found straight away, other bodies are discovered. There appear to be links between the cases and it soon appears that there is a spree killer going about their business.
Tuva is not without her flaws. Yet she is tremendously likeable and it’s hard not to admire her grit and resolve. The developments regarding the identity of the killer came somewhat out of the blue, but it was a definite hit.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication. Now to go back to the beginning and get on with reading this series from the start.
October 22, 2024
I've read a number of Will Dean's books but seems to have missed the Tuva Moodyson series as Ice Town is number 6 in the series. Much as I hate reading a series out of order I ploughed on and was glad I did. Based in Sweden in the middle of winter the size of the country is expressed when Tuva thinks nothing of driving 9 hours from where she lives in South mid Sweden to still be in North mid Sweden when she reaches Esseberg. The atmosphere of the book is very dark and dangerous. Just staying outside too long can kill you. It is only light for a few hours a day.The town of Esseberg is accessed by a tunnel which is closed at night effectively cutting off the town and it's residents. Added to this a serial killer is on the loose. Our main character Tuva herself is damaged. She is in mourning for her partner. She is deaf. She is more than a little self destructive. She will stop at nothing to get another good story for her newspaper to maintain her reputation. All things which add to the sense of menace and urgency in the book. And that ending! Wow! Definitely worth waiting for! I enjoyed the book enough to go back and read the previous five Tuva books as I really enjoy the authors talent for character and background description and narrative build up. Definitely a 5* recommendation from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the
publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the
publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2024
Tuva heads off to Esseberg in this instalment to the series, investigating the disappearance of a deaf teenager in the mountains. It hits close to home for her, as she can empathise with how he was treated due to his deafness. There is no shortage of potential suspects, despite it being a small town, and Dean does a good job of describing the icy conditions, the mountains, and the claustrophobia of being in a town whose only entry/exit is via a tunnel that closes each night…
This is a good addition to the series, and I like seeing Tuva begin to grow as a person - she was quite aloof to start with (and with a frustrating tendency to let batteries go flat for her phone and hearing aids), but she is starting to have a bit more warmth and self-awareness now. I think this is Nora’s legacy, which is ❤️. And as for the potential big news for Tuva… it will be interesting to see where that goes, and whether he is who he says he is…
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
This is a good addition to the series, and I like seeing Tuva begin to grow as a person - she was quite aloof to start with (and with a frustrating tendency to let batteries go flat for her phone and hearing aids), but she is starting to have a bit more warmth and self-awareness now. I think this is Nora’s legacy, which is ❤️. And as for the potential big news for Tuva… it will be interesting to see where that goes, and whether he is who he says he is…
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
September 23, 2024
I love a good Will Dean novel and when I got accepted for Ice Town, I was super excited.
Apparently this is in a series of novels but I found it was fine for me to read as a standalone.
We meet main character Tuva, who is a journalist and also deaf.
When a young boy goes missing in Esseberg, Tuva knows she has to go and help find him and with him being deaf she knows she can communicate with him. Ice Town is such a great read, I loved how Will Dean writes his novels, they never disappoint.
Wow, this book captivated me and held my attention - and now I am going to go back and start the whole series from book number 1.
I loved Tuva, such a feisty character and written so well.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Apparently this is in a series of novels but I found it was fine for me to read as a standalone.
We meet main character Tuva, who is a journalist and also deaf.
When a young boy goes missing in Esseberg, Tuva knows she has to go and help find him and with him being deaf she knows she can communicate with him. Ice Town is such a great read, I loved how Will Dean writes his novels, they never disappoint.
Wow, this book captivated me and held my attention - and now I am going to go back and start the whole series from book number 1.
I loved Tuva, such a feisty character and written so well.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2024
The graphic and atmospheric description of a small Swedish town in winter proved categorically that I would not survive in such a place … a missing deaf teenager and several ensuing murders confirmed it. A deaf journalist, Tuva Moodyson, pursues the case as someone well-placed to help the missing youth. As someone with a hearing challenge, I had expected to identify with Tuva rather more; whilst I felt for her suffering for her partner, I was strangely distanced from Tuva but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the novel. Descriptions of the townspeople lend tension to the snow and ice and danger - and creepiness! Blessed relief comes in the form of Tuva’s editor and best friend and the investigating police inspector. But the resolution to the crimes is an out-of-the-blue (or snow!) breath-taker. Readers will have to truly think out of the box for this one! I haven’t read anything else in the series, but will make sure I do – evocative and emotive writing, an unusual lot, and a fascinating cast of characters make for good reading. I am grateful to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this ARC and for introducing me to a new author.
June 27, 2025
The books in the Tuva Moodyson series always take us somewhre dark. Dark - literally and figuratively. This time our deaf prize winning journalist is in the far north of Sweden in mid-winter - so darkness and isolation are instantly characters.
Tuva, scouting for her next piece, hears of a missing deaf teenager in Esseberg, she feels this is her story and heads north to join the search. A once thriving ski resort, this small, isolated town has been left behind by changing times. Hells Angels double as police when the only access to the town, a tunnel, is closed at night. Inevitably the plot thickens and in the sub-zero cold, snow and ice, bodies start to pile up with next to no leads on any connection, motive or perpetrator.
Dean is fanatastic at creating pace, atmosphere and character, all of which make this book come to life. Tuva is as unforgiving as the elements around her as she delves deep into her investigation. A real emotional roller-coaster.
Tuva, scouting for her next piece, hears of a missing deaf teenager in Esseberg, she feels this is her story and heads north to join the search. A once thriving ski resort, this small, isolated town has been left behind by changing times. Hells Angels double as police when the only access to the town, a tunnel, is closed at night. Inevitably the plot thickens and in the sub-zero cold, snow and ice, bodies start to pile up with next to no leads on any connection, motive or perpetrator.
Dean is fanatastic at creating pace, atmosphere and character, all of which make this book come to life. Tuva is as unforgiving as the elements around her as she delves deep into her investigation. A real emotional roller-coaster.
April 12, 2025
This was the first Will Dean novel I have read and therefore I went into Ice Town unaware that this was in fact the 6th of the Tuva Moodyson series. However I don’t think this was a bad thing as I loved this story loads. Tuva is great, her snarky comments, and tenacious spirit won me over from the start.
This thriller starts with a missing deaf teenager with journalist Tuva travelling to Esseberg to get the scoop and find out what’s really going on. Loads of twists which I didn’t see coming and I flew through this book in no time.
Can’t wait to read more Will Dean in future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
This thriller starts with a missing deaf teenager with journalist Tuva travelling to Esseberg to get the scoop and find out what’s really going on. Loads of twists which I didn’t see coming and I flew through this book in no time.
Can’t wait to read more Will Dean in future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
June 24, 2025
Great to have Tuva back. Book 6 of 6 in the series so far.
This one is set out of Gavrik in Esseberg, which translates as “Ice Town” so lots of new characters but still plenty of mentions of those whom we are familiar with, if you’ve read the first 5 books.
Will leads you down a path and just when you think you might know whodunnit, there’s another turn to a different direction.
Beautifully written, you really get a feel for the look and feel of Ice Town.
New characters and relationships introduced which hopefully will be explored in future books in the series.
Love Tuva’s little one liners that make me smile, such a great character.
Not ashamed to say, this one hit me in the feels more than a couple of times. And that ending…..you got me. 🥺 Nicely done Will.
Can’t wait for Tuva #7.
This one is set out of Gavrik in Esseberg, which translates as “Ice Town” so lots of new characters but still plenty of mentions of those whom we are familiar with, if you’ve read the first 5 books.
Will leads you down a path and just when you think you might know whodunnit, there’s another turn to a different direction.
Beautifully written, you really get a feel for the look and feel of Ice Town.
New characters and relationships introduced which hopefully will be explored in future books in the series.
Love Tuva’s little one liners that make me smile, such a great character.
Not ashamed to say, this one hit me in the feels more than a couple of times. And that ending…..you got me. 🥺 Nicely done Will.
Can’t wait for Tuva #7.
October 24, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up
Thank you for the eARC
I still love Tuva but unfortunately this didn't give me the intimate, slow-burn, claustrophobic thriller that I've been waiting for with this series.
(and the first 50% led me to believe)
Thank you for the eARC
I still love Tuva but unfortunately this didn't give me the intimate, slow-burn, claustrophobic thriller that I've been waiting for with this series.
(and the first 50% led me to believe)
December 18, 2024
Creepy, claustrophobic setting, a cut-off town and a luxury hotel that’s seen better days. I’m never quite sure about the combination of first person and present tense, but Will makes it work with Tuva’s narration and it certainly helps us feel as though we know her well. Hopefully, given the twist the story took, we will be back in Esseberg in the future.
January 28, 2025
I thought the book was on the weird side because of some of the events and characters. The atmosphere with the cold , snow and isolation was well done . The main character Tuva was clever but made some irresponsible decisions at times . I just felt the ending was somewhat far fetched and the killers motives didn’t sit right with me.
March 15, 2025
This was a really enjoyable novel. Atmospheric, eerie, and it was unusual - but so good - to have a deaf protagonist. It allowed an understanding of how difficult situations can be for others. Overall I enjoyed the plot, the claustrophobic setting and the narrative.
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