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Silenced by Snow
A shattered life. A sharp mind. A truth no one wants uncovered.
Sander Solvang is done with life, or so he tells himself.
Prague offers beer, anonymity, and a way to disappear. That is, until a headline about a snowmobile accident back home in Northern Norway jolts something awake in him.
When Sander returns to Tromsø, nothing is as he remembers. His own body is failing him, his memories slip in and out of focus, and fragments of the accident start to circle in ways he can't explain. The official story feels wrong. The people involved feel nervous. And the more Sander pays attention, the more it seems someone is desperate to keep the truth out of sight.
Soon he’s pulled into a web of fear, loyalty and silence in a small Arctic community where keeping secrets is a survival skill and asking questions is a threat.
For the first time in years, Sander finds himself with a purpose.
But following the truth means walking straight into the dark, and someone out there is willing to kill to keep it that way.
Perfect for readers of Jo Nesbø, Ragnar Jónasson, and Tove Alsterdal.
Sander Solvang is done with life, or so he tells himself.
Prague offers beer, anonymity, and a way to disappear. That is, until a headline about a snowmobile accident back home in Northern Norway jolts something awake in him.
When Sander returns to Tromsø, nothing is as he remembers. His own body is failing him, his memories slip in and out of focus, and fragments of the accident start to circle in ways he can't explain. The official story feels wrong. The people involved feel nervous. And the more Sander pays attention, the more it seems someone is desperate to keep the truth out of sight.
Soon he’s pulled into a web of fear, loyalty and silence in a small Arctic community where keeping secrets is a survival skill and asking questions is a threat.
For the first time in years, Sander finds himself with a purpose.
But following the truth means walking straight into the dark, and someone out there is willing to kill to keep it that way.
Perfect for readers of Jo Nesbø, Ragnar Jónasson, and Tove Alsterdal.
- GenresMystery
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an enjoyable roller coaster. The dark cover illustration is surprisingly on-point, with the crutch that I first thought was a long gun, and the helmet and tracks in the snow leading into the hospital corridor. It’s a well-executed medical mystery cum police procedural with some exciting sequences of high-speed snowmobile racing in a night forest – it almost lets me understand the idiots people who go high-marking in avalanche territory, so popular and deadly in my country. Increasing complexity with multiple crimes and suspects maintain the tension and suspense throughout, with a grand showdown in the final quarter.
The story reminds me a bit of Josephine Tey’s The Daughter of Time, where Ms. Tey’s 20th Century Chief Inspector Grant investigates the 15th Century disappearance of the English “princes in the tower”, from his hospital bed.
Mr. Magnus has done his research. His descriptions of hospital procedures sound spot on, and though there does seem to be a lot of them, they all turn out to be significant in the story. His police operations sound valid and honourable. His descriptions of the lead-up to the protagonist’s catastrophic illness, and the difficulties of his recovery, ring true. And I’m pretty sure the author himself has done some high-speed snowmobiling.
I’m not sure if this edition was written in English or translated – I don’t see a translator listed in the credits. Short sentences in short chapters with many different narrative points of view give the story an energy that I often find missing from translations of Nordic mysteries. Since that’s one of my favourite genres, I’m hoping this is a translation, and shows that the style is evolving.
Later in the story the author introduces the enigmatic protagonist’s enigmatic back story, which answers a lot of questions that arose for me earlier. The biggest of these was, where is the first book in this series? There are references to a previous case where Sandor and Kari worked together, and I really wanted to read it. But no luck … yet.
I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author.
The story reminds me a bit of Josephine Tey’s The Daughter of Time, where Ms. Tey’s 20th Century Chief Inspector Grant investigates the 15th Century disappearance of the English “princes in the tower”, from his hospital bed.
Mr. Magnus has done his research. His descriptions of hospital procedures sound spot on, and though there does seem to be a lot of them, they all turn out to be significant in the story. His police operations sound valid and honourable. His descriptions of the lead-up to the protagonist’s catastrophic illness, and the difficulties of his recovery, ring true. And I’m pretty sure the author himself has done some high-speed snowmobiling.
I’m not sure if this edition was written in English or translated – I don’t see a translator listed in the credits. Short sentences in short chapters with many different narrative points of view give the story an energy that I often find missing from translations of Nordic mysteries. Since that’s one of my favourite genres, I’m hoping this is a translation, and shows that the style is evolving.
Later in the story the author introduces the enigmatic protagonist’s enigmatic back story, which answers a lot of questions that arose for me earlier. The biggest of these was, where is the first book in this series? There are references to a previous case where Sandor and Kari worked together, and I really wanted to read it. But no luck … yet.
I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Snowmobile joyride takes a dark turn and exposes hospital shortcomings - 5 stars
There were two interlocking stories. One story followed a snowmobile crash in which the rider (Jens) fell off while doing a pursuit ride with friends at the start of the winter season in Norway. What happened next seemed like a normal recovery after severe injuries in a local hospital with a long path to recovery. In the second story, a depressed man (Sander) tried to commit suicide by drinking alcohol in the Czech Republic and somehow arrived back in Norway and was admitted into the same hospital recovery room as the snowmobile rider.
For sure both men had regrets about their respective journeys that brought them together as roommates. Anchored to their beds with their injuries, they shared confidences and became friends. They were buoyed by the diligence of the hospital staff and the daily routine. Jens, the snowmobiler, was visited by his friends and his brother. Sander's brother visited briefly and a professional collogue (Kari), a policewoman who called Sander to talk about a recent case.
There was nearly no privacy in the hospital room. Jens and Sander discussed their injuries and realized that their recoveries would not be quick. Both men were excellent observers and had habits of keeping detailed notes regarding what they had seen. Sander's brother tried to encourage him to file a legal claim against the hospital for not noticing a worsening foot wound which led to an amputation.
Sander discussed Jen's accident with his police contact, Kari, and suggested that there were some things that the police should investigate before closing the investigation of Jens's accident. From that point, the story became an active police procedural investigation with multiple twists. The police findings were anything but usual. Combined with medical ups and downs, the story pulled me in. Before the unexpected conclusion, Jens and Sanders notetaking became critical to the police investigation.
There were two interlocking stories. One story followed a snowmobile crash in which the rider (Jens) fell off while doing a pursuit ride with friends at the start of the winter season in Norway. What happened next seemed like a normal recovery after severe injuries in a local hospital with a long path to recovery. In the second story, a depressed man (Sander) tried to commit suicide by drinking alcohol in the Czech Republic and somehow arrived back in Norway and was admitted into the same hospital recovery room as the snowmobile rider.
For sure both men had regrets about their respective journeys that brought them together as roommates. Anchored to their beds with their injuries, they shared confidences and became friends. They were buoyed by the diligence of the hospital staff and the daily routine. Jens, the snowmobiler, was visited by his friends and his brother. Sander's brother visited briefly and a professional collogue (Kari), a policewoman who called Sander to talk about a recent case.
There was nearly no privacy in the hospital room. Jens and Sander discussed their injuries and realized that their recoveries would not be quick. Both men were excellent observers and had habits of keeping detailed notes regarding what they had seen. Sander's brother tried to encourage him to file a legal claim against the hospital for not noticing a worsening foot wound which led to an amputation.
Sander discussed Jen's accident with his police contact, Kari, and suggested that there were some things that the police should investigate before closing the investigation of Jens's accident. From that point, the story became an active police procedural investigation with multiple twists. The police findings were anything but usual. Combined with medical ups and downs, the story pulled me in. Before the unexpected conclusion, Jens and Sanders notetaking became critical to the police investigation.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Setting:
Sander Solvang, a brilliant man who seems to have lost his way in life, is in Prague. He had sold his belongings before hopping on his motorcycle, and intends to drink himself to death, feeling his life has no purpose nor direction. An infected foot lands Sander right back home in Troms, Norway, and in hospital. His roommate is the victim of a snowmobile accident, which occurred under suspicious circumstances. His friend Kari Eidem is investigating the incident.
Sorting that out seems, at first, to be the only problem needing to be worked out. As the story develops, activities at the hospital in which Sander Solvang finds himself, take abruptly on ominous aspects. Instead of being an easy matter to sort out, it becomes quite complicated, and the solution a surprise!
Critique:
This is one of those books that, once started, is hard to put down. It is well written, having several storylines threading through it, all of which have some relationship to the main mystery of ‘who ran over a man with a snowmobile and left him for dead’. On top of excellent plot development, well developed characters, surprising turns of events, there is a surplus of accurate medical details.
There is a professional relationship between Kari, the policewoman working the case of the “hit-and-run’ man, and the main character Sanders. Is there also a romantic attraction? Too soon to say, but I would not be surprised to see one develop in future books. This old fashioned “who done it” is appropriate for, and will be enjoyed by, all ages.
I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary and reflects my own opinions.
Sander Solvang, a brilliant man who seems to have lost his way in life, is in Prague. He had sold his belongings before hopping on his motorcycle, and intends to drink himself to death, feeling his life has no purpose nor direction. An infected foot lands Sander right back home in Troms, Norway, and in hospital. His roommate is the victim of a snowmobile accident, which occurred under suspicious circumstances. His friend Kari Eidem is investigating the incident.
Sorting that out seems, at first, to be the only problem needing to be worked out. As the story develops, activities at the hospital in which Sander Solvang finds himself, take abruptly on ominous aspects. Instead of being an easy matter to sort out, it becomes quite complicated, and the solution a surprise!
Critique:
This is one of those books that, once started, is hard to put down. It is well written, having several storylines threading through it, all of which have some relationship to the main mystery of ‘who ran over a man with a snowmobile and left him for dead’. On top of excellent plot development, well developed characters, surprising turns of events, there is a surplus of accurate medical details.
There is a professional relationship between Kari, the policewoman working the case of the “hit-and-run’ man, and the main character Sanders. Is there also a romantic attraction? Too soon to say, but I would not be surprised to see one develop in future books. This old fashioned “who done it” is appropriate for, and will be enjoyed by, all ages.
I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary and reflects my own opinions.
April 4, 2026
An interesting and engaging storyline with complex characters that kept my attention throughout the book.Sander was struggling at the opening, and into the middle, as he mended from his infection and dehydration. The effect that had on his cognitive processing was the focus, as this was his real strength - seeing patterns and analyzing information. His roomate in the hospital was the victim of a snowmobile accident, one he read about previously. His friendship with Jens had him wanting to help solve the mystery of what actually happened. Things, however, take a darker turn before Sander gets the answers he's looking for. Fortunately, he has the help of a police officer friend, Kari, who he works with to keep things moving forward despite setbacks. He's also friendly with a nurse on staff he has history with, Eirin. She's dealing with a daughter who's recently gotten involved with drugs, and the toll it's taking on the family.
This is a complex storyline that pulls you in completely. I read it in one day, having to know what happened next I simply kept reading "one more chapter". I'm definately excited to see what adventures Sander gets up to next!
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
This is a complex storyline that pulls you in completely. I read it in one day, having to know what happened next I simply kept reading "one more chapter". I'm definately excited to see what adventures Sander gets up to next!
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Review of advance copy
An entertaining read. Mostly set in Norway but with a dash of Prague thrown in to give the main character a bit more background and depth. And while this character has demons, including the usual drink issues, he is certainly different from the run-of-the-mill personalities that you find in such crime-related books - read it and you will see why. There are twists and turns as the story develops and the author, who reveals a depth of knowledge in terms of hospitals and medical procedures, keeps a good one to the end. Relationships play a key role in the book - not just between the two lead characters trying to solve the crime but also that of a group of snowmobile friends, various family groups and within the police and hospital command structures. You get a sense that this book is part of a series and the ending definitely points in that direction. This book is certainly good enough to make me want to follow up on that and read whatever comes next from this author.
I received an advanced reader copy through the auspices of the StoryOrigin system and my thanks go the them, as well as to the author. This is my independent assessment.
I received an advanced reader copy through the auspices of the StoryOrigin system and my thanks go the them, as well as to the author. This is my independent assessment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sander Solvang is a unique character. You can’t help but feel very frustrated with him and routing for him at the same time. I think his intellect is the only thing that keeps him sane and grounded while at the same time is the root of many of his issues. And he has many issues. Substance abuse among them. He left northern Norway on his motorcycle (in winter) for Prague with the intent to drink himself to death. His main reason for choosing Prague? It is cheaper. He is so out of it he has no clue how he got back to Norway from Prague and in the hospital. He does remember hearing a newscast about a snowmobile accident and began working the case in his mind. He started trying to put facts together and work the case. He ends up being hospital roommates with the victim. This is a dark story about friendship, family, loyalty and self preservation. You can’t find a book with better world building and character development. Very relevant.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do not fool with Mother Nature!
This is a story that mixes Mother Nature, guys out messing around on snowmobiles, and alcohol! What could possibly go wrong?
Then add another that is trying desperately to find his beer... he is waking up in the hospital, and the poor guy thinks that someone took his beer! Those are fighting actions in some places of the world, maybe the whole world.
Sander is the guy who cannot find his beer, and when he wakes up, he finds out that his foot is really hurting.
Jens wakes up in the bed next to Sanders, and he was in a snowmobile accident.
The police work very efficiently on the information they receive from people at the hospital. The ending is one that I had not thought would happen, either!
Showing the world the power of a man newly in a wheelchair, Bravo!
Thank you, Ole Magnus, for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This is a story that mixes Mother Nature, guys out messing around on snowmobiles, and alcohol! What could possibly go wrong?
Then add another that is trying desperately to find his beer... he is waking up in the hospital, and the poor guy thinks that someone took his beer! Those are fighting actions in some places of the world, maybe the whole world.
Sander is the guy who cannot find his beer, and when he wakes up, he finds out that his foot is really hurting.
Jens wakes up in the bed next to Sanders, and he was in a snowmobile accident.
The police work very efficiently on the information they receive from people at the hospital. The ending is one that I had not thought would happen, either!
Showing the world the power of a man newly in a wheelchair, Bravo!
Thank you, Ole Magnus, for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Sander Solvang was trying to die until he realized he couldn't do it and went back home, he never knew how he got there, all he knew was that he was very sick and once in hospital he was placed in the same room as the man who had an accident while on a snowmobile. His capacity to observe and see leads where no one realizes there are leads too be investigated and the support of Kari, a detective who believes in his capabilities, will disclose who was responsible for the snowmobile accident, who was killing patients and the motive behind those deaths, as well as a drug trafficking ring. Easy to read, relatable characters, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Solvang Series.
I thank the author and StoryOrigin for this ARC.
I thank the author and StoryOrigin for this ARC.
Review of advance copy
A very suspenseful, dark mystery that will keep you engaged until the surprising end. An excellently written main plot with several sub-plots threading many twists and turns together leading to an end no-one could see coming. Even though the main character, Sander, spends the majority of his time in the same hospital bed, there is no shortage of action. The characters, on both sides, are so relatable because they are as imperfect as we are, with fears and worries, hopes and dreams. It also shows how having a purpose outside of yourself can make a world of difference. An absolutely great read that I would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those novels that just grabs you right from the start. There is an intertwining of fates as Sander and Jen rehash the 'accident' that brought Jen to the hospital. Lots of subtlety from Sander as he theorizes on the event. He should be a private investigator as he certainly has the abilities to do so.
Well recommended read, as the start of a new trilogy or series.
Well recommended read, as the start of a new trilogy or series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I preordered this book from Amazon, then received an ARC from the author. I wasn't sure I would like the character of Sander Solvang, but he turned out to be one of the most interesting characters I have read about in years. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, and recommend it to readers who appreciate Sherlock Holmes.
April 14, 2026
good story
Good story from start to finish. The ending was not expected. I've already ordered the next one and am looking forward to it.
Good story from start to finish. The ending was not expected. I've already ordered the next one and am looking forward to it.
April 14, 2026
Cold fresh air
Had a great time reading it. Lots of suspects and twists! There were more suspects than good guys!
Nicely written!
Had a great time reading it. Lots of suspects and twists! There were more suspects than good guys!
Nicely written!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this ARC from the author through Story Origin.
I am certain that it evoked a whole array of emotional responses as I read through the pages.
I’m still trying to breathe properly — I held my breath so many times, especially the last third of the book.
A believable story, and one you can dive in and get fully immersed. Great job.
Edit
I am certain that it evoked a whole array of emotional responses as I read through the pages.
I’m still trying to breathe properly — I held my breath so many times, especially the last third of the book.
A believable story, and one you can dive in and get fully immersed. Great job.
Edit
Review of advance copy received from Author
💙🤗Unexpected and very captivating.
Jens and his friends were having a blast on their snowmobiles despite the night and the cold.
Intoxicated by alcohol and the thrill of danger, he floored the accelerator...
-------
A very good, captivating thriller to read, featuring an endearing main character who has been through a lot, a compelling plot, unexpected twists, and an unforeseen ending.
A highly entertaining and enjoyable read.
I highly recommend it!
#############################
💙🤗Inattendu et très captivant.
Jens et ses amis faisaient les fous à bord de leurs motos-neige malgré la nuit et le froid.
Grisé par l’alcool et le danger, il appuya sur l’accélérateur à fond...
-------
Un très bon thriller captivant à lire avec un personnage principal blessé par la vie et plutôt attachant, une intrigue de fond très prenante, des imprévus et une fin inattendue.
Un excellent moment de lecture très divertissant.
Je recommande vivement !
Jens and his friends were having a blast on their snowmobiles despite the night and the cold.
Intoxicated by alcohol and the thrill of danger, he floored the accelerator...
-------
A very good, captivating thriller to read, featuring an endearing main character who has been through a lot, a compelling plot, unexpected twists, and an unforeseen ending.
A highly entertaining and enjoyable read.
I highly recommend it!
#############################
💙🤗Inattendu et très captivant.
Jens et ses amis faisaient les fous à bord de leurs motos-neige malgré la nuit et le froid.
Grisé par l’alcool et le danger, il appuya sur l’accélérateur à fond...
-------
Un très bon thriller captivant à lire avec un personnage principal blessé par la vie et plutôt attachant, une intrigue de fond très prenante, des imprévus et une fin inattendue.
Un excellent moment de lecture très divertissant.
Je recommande vivement !
Want to Read
March 9, 2026PAPERBACK NOW AVAILABLE - KINDLE RELEASING EARLY APRIL
I’ve read many series by these authors and they still maintained their skill at sprinkling profound phrasing into this new-to-them genre (taken from my review of an early taste).
I've thoroughly enjoyed the BETA version and can't wait for an ARC so I can revisit.
I’ve read many series by these authors and they still maintained their skill at sprinkling profound phrasing into this new-to-them genre (taken from my review of an early taste).
I've thoroughly enjoyed the BETA version and can't wait for an ARC so I can revisit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!! Incredible!! I started reading this book this morning and didn't stop until the very last word. Although this is not my usual reading genre I found the intrigue, mystery and case solving was top notch. The MC's Sander and Kari are very well written and have a working chemistry that gets the job done. Their growth within the story is fantastic. Ole Magnus' world building is brilliant, vivid and captivating. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more Sander Solvang crime stories. I highly recommend reading this book!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews