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Siglufjörður #5
Whiteout
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead beneath the cliffs of the deserted village of Kalfshamarvik.
Did she jump, or did something more sinister take place beneath the lighthouse and the abandoned old house on the remote rocky outcrop? With winter closing in and the snow falling relentlessly, Ari Thor Arason discovers that the victim's mother and young sister also lost their lives in this same spot, twenty-five years earlier.
As the dark history and its secrets of the village are unveiled, and the death toll begins to rise, the Siglufjordur detectives must race against the clock to find the killer, before another tragedy takes place.
Dark, chilling and complex, WHITEOUT is a haunting, stunningly plotted thriller from one of Iceland's bestselling crime writers.
Did she jump, or did something more sinister take place beneath the lighthouse and the abandoned old house on the remote rocky outcrop? With winter closing in and the snow falling relentlessly, Ari Thor Arason discovers that the victim's mother and young sister also lost their lives in this same spot, twenty-five years earlier.
As the dark history and its secrets of the village are unveiled, and the death toll begins to rise, the Siglufjordur detectives must race against the clock to find the killer, before another tragedy takes place.
Dark, chilling and complex, WHITEOUT is a haunting, stunningly plotted thriller from one of Iceland's bestselling crime writers.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2013
994 people are currently reading
3454 people want to read
About the author
Ragnar Jónasson
50 books3,885 followersRagnar Jonasson is author of the award winning and international bestselling Dark Iceland series.
His debut Snowblind, first in the Dark Iceland series, went to number one in the Amazon Kindle charts shortly after publication. The book was also a no. 1 Amazon Kindle bestseller in Australia. Snowblind has been a paperback bestseller in France.
Nightblind won the Dead Good Reader Award 2016 for Most Captivating Crime in Translation.
Snowblind was called a "classically crafted whodunit" by THE NEW YORK TIMES, and it was selected by The Independent as one of the best crime novels of 2015 in the UK.
Rights to the Dark Iceland series have been sold to UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Poland, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Armenia and Iceland.
Ragnar was born in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he works as a writer and a lawyer. He also teaches copyright law at Reykjavik University and has previously worked on radio and television, including as a TV-news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service.
He is also the co-founder of the Reykjavik international crime writing festival Iceland Noir.
From the age of 17, Ragnar translated 14 Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic.
Ragnar has also had short stories published internationally, including in the distinguished Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine in the US, the first stories by an Icelandic author in that magazine.
He has appeared on festival panels worldwide, and lives in Reykjavik.
His debut Snowblind, first in the Dark Iceland series, went to number one in the Amazon Kindle charts shortly after publication. The book was also a no. 1 Amazon Kindle bestseller in Australia. Snowblind has been a paperback bestseller in France.
Nightblind won the Dead Good Reader Award 2016 for Most Captivating Crime in Translation.
Snowblind was called a "classically crafted whodunit" by THE NEW YORK TIMES, and it was selected by The Independent as one of the best crime novels of 2015 in the UK.
Rights to the Dark Iceland series have been sold to UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Poland, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Morocco, Portugal, Croatia, Armenia and Iceland.
Ragnar was born in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he works as a writer and a lawyer. He also teaches copyright law at Reykjavik University and has previously worked on radio and television, including as a TV-news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service.
He is also the co-founder of the Reykjavik international crime writing festival Iceland Noir.
From the age of 17, Ragnar translated 14 Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic.
Ragnar has also had short stories published internationally, including in the distinguished Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine in the US, the first stories by an Icelandic author in that magazine.
He has appeared on festival panels worldwide, and lives in Reykjavik.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 498 reviews
November 26, 2017
What have I been missing out on!? "White Out" is my first venture into the impressive 'Dark Iceland' series by Ragnar Jonasson and I can't believe I have been missing such a fantastic set of stories. I loved it, loved it and LOVED IT some more!
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead at the bottom of some cliffs of a deserted Icelandic village. Did she jump or did something more sinister take place? Detective Ari Thor Arason discovers that the victim's younger sister and mother also died in the same spot, 25 years earlier. As dark secrets and the sinister history of the village and lighthouse are unveiled, the detectives must race against the clock to find the killer, but will they be able stop further tragedies?
This fabulous book was like a stimulating blast of icy fresh air, dark, chilling and so atmospheric. I've never felt more connected to a setting before in a story. So beautiful, rugged and truly haunting, it feels like I've been actually living in Iceland these past few days.
I adored the characters, each one was perfect for the role they portrayed and I especially liked how the plot was not over filled with complex characters, just the perfect minimum to keep the story and the suspense flowing.
Written by Iceland's best selling crime writer and translated expertly by Quentin Bates, this is a must buy and with a definite Christmas theme to it, it's an ideal read for this time of year - cool, chilling and utterly absorbing. The storyline literally keeps you hooked from the first page, if I could give this more than 5 stars I would. It's been a long time since a book has held my attention and completely shrouded me in a superbly crafted modern crime mystery.
I HIGHLY recommend "White Out", this author and the respected publisher Orenda Books, I'm now going to raid the backlist in this fantastic series as I'm now Ragnar's number one fan!
5 stars and then some!!
Merged review:
What have I been missing out on!? "White Out" is my first venture into the impressive 'Dark Iceland' series by Ragnar Jonasson and I can't believe I have been missing such a fantastic set of stories. I loved it, loved it and LOVED IT some more!
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead at the bottom of some cliffs of a deserted Icelandic village. Did she jump or did something more sinister take place? Detective Ari Thor Arason discovers that the victim's younger sister and mother also died in the same spot, 25 years earlier. As dark secrets and the sinister history of the village and lighthouse are unveiled, the detectives must race against the clock to find the killer, but will they be able stop further tragedies?
This fabulous book was like a stimulating blast of icy fresh air, dark, chilling and so atmospheric. I've never felt more connected to a setting before in a story. So beautiful, rugged and truly haunting, it feels like I've been actually living in Iceland these past few days.
I adored the characters, each one was perfect for the role they portrayed and I especially liked how the plot was not over filled with complex characters, just the perfect minimum to keep the story and the suspense flowing.
Written by Iceland's best selling crime writer and translated expertly by Quentin Bates, this is a must buy and with a definite Christmas theme to it, it's an ideal read for this time of year - cool, chilling and utterly absorbing. The storyline literally keeps you hooked from the first page, if I could give this more than 5 stars I would. It's been a long time since a book has held my attention and completely shrouded me in a superbly crafted modern crime mystery.
I HIGHLY recommend "White Out", this author and the respected publisher Orenda Books, I'm now going to raid the backlist in this fantastic series as I'm now Ragnar's number one fan!
5 stars and then some!!
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead at the bottom of some cliffs of a deserted Icelandic village. Did she jump or did something more sinister take place? Detective Ari Thor Arason discovers that the victim's younger sister and mother also died in the same spot, 25 years earlier. As dark secrets and the sinister history of the village and lighthouse are unveiled, the detectives must race against the clock to find the killer, but will they be able stop further tragedies?
This fabulous book was like a stimulating blast of icy fresh air, dark, chilling and so atmospheric. I've never felt more connected to a setting before in a story. So beautiful, rugged and truly haunting, it feels like I've been actually living in Iceland these past few days.
I adored the characters, each one was perfect for the role they portrayed and I especially liked how the plot was not over filled with complex characters, just the perfect minimum to keep the story and the suspense flowing.
Written by Iceland's best selling crime writer and translated expertly by Quentin Bates, this is a must buy and with a definite Christmas theme to it, it's an ideal read for this time of year - cool, chilling and utterly absorbing. The storyline literally keeps you hooked from the first page, if I could give this more than 5 stars I would. It's been a long time since a book has held my attention and completely shrouded me in a superbly crafted modern crime mystery.
I HIGHLY recommend "White Out", this author and the respected publisher Orenda Books, I'm now going to raid the backlist in this fantastic series as I'm now Ragnar's number one fan!
5 stars and then some!!
Merged review:
What have I been missing out on!? "White Out" is my first venture into the impressive 'Dark Iceland' series by Ragnar Jonasson and I can't believe I have been missing such a fantastic set of stories. I loved it, loved it and LOVED IT some more!
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead at the bottom of some cliffs of a deserted Icelandic village. Did she jump or did something more sinister take place? Detective Ari Thor Arason discovers that the victim's younger sister and mother also died in the same spot, 25 years earlier. As dark secrets and the sinister history of the village and lighthouse are unveiled, the detectives must race against the clock to find the killer, but will they be able stop further tragedies?
This fabulous book was like a stimulating blast of icy fresh air, dark, chilling and so atmospheric. I've never felt more connected to a setting before in a story. So beautiful, rugged and truly haunting, it feels like I've been actually living in Iceland these past few days.
I adored the characters, each one was perfect for the role they portrayed and I especially liked how the plot was not over filled with complex characters, just the perfect minimum to keep the story and the suspense flowing.
Written by Iceland's best selling crime writer and translated expertly by Quentin Bates, this is a must buy and with a definite Christmas theme to it, it's an ideal read for this time of year - cool, chilling and utterly absorbing. The storyline literally keeps you hooked from the first page, if I could give this more than 5 stars I would. It's been a long time since a book has held my attention and completely shrouded me in a superbly crafted modern crime mystery.
I HIGHLY recommend "White Out", this author and the respected publisher Orenda Books, I'm now going to raid the backlist in this fantastic series as I'm now Ragnar's number one fan!
5 stars and then some!!
October 31, 2017
4.5 STARS
As per my usual with these books, I would like to start off by giving you what I feel is the best reading order for chronological consumption of this series. It gets a little tricky as we are at the mercy of the order of translation, but for those who have been holding off on reading the Dark Iceland series, you now have enough buffer material to avoid major spoilers being revealed before their time. Below is my current (as of November 2017) recommended reading order:
Snowblind
Blackout
Rupture
Whiteout
Nightblind
Now, as for Whiteout in particular... Wow! Another fantastic entry in the series. I found this one to have a slightly different format than the previous books I have read featuring Ari Thor; Whiteout actually features the characters pertaining to the individual case for quite some time before jumping in with our reoccurring cast, a switch-up that I quite enjoyed. I also found that, even though I knew some of the outcomes because I have already read Nightblind (such as ) it still didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story.
I don't like to discuss specific plot details when it comes to sequels, but I will say that if you've enjoyed the previous novels in the series you will very likely enjoy this one as well. There was an intriguing balance of the heavy, dark atmosphere weighing against the light, hopeful anticipation of Christmas, among other things (see spoiler above). One of my favorite things about this book was how we get to learn more about Kristin and who she is. Previously, I felt that she was a little cold and judgmental, but after reading this installment I've come to really appreciate her character in an entirely new light. If you enjoy nordic crime fiction with slow building suspense, mystery, and characters who are easy to grow fond of, please give this series a try! Highly recommended!
I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.
As per my usual with these books, I would like to start off by giving you what I feel is the best reading order for chronological consumption of this series. It gets a little tricky as we are at the mercy of the order of translation, but for those who have been holding off on reading the Dark Iceland series, you now have enough buffer material to avoid major spoilers being revealed before their time. Below is my current (as of November 2017) recommended reading order:
Snowblind
Blackout
Rupture
Whiteout
Nightblind
Now, as for Whiteout in particular... Wow! Another fantastic entry in the series. I found this one to have a slightly different format than the previous books I have read featuring Ari Thor; Whiteout actually features the characters pertaining to the individual case for quite some time before jumping in with our reoccurring cast, a switch-up that I quite enjoyed. I also found that, even though I knew some of the outcomes because I have already read Nightblind (such as ) it still didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story.
I don't like to discuss specific plot details when it comes to sequels, but I will say that if you've enjoyed the previous novels in the series you will very likely enjoy this one as well. There was an intriguing balance of the heavy, dark atmosphere weighing against the light, hopeful anticipation of Christmas, among other things (see spoiler above). One of my favorite things about this book was how we get to learn more about Kristin and who she is. Previously, I felt that she was a little cold and judgmental, but after reading this installment I've come to really appreciate her character in an entirely new light. If you enjoy nordic crime fiction with slow building suspense, mystery, and characters who are easy to grow fond of, please give this series a try! Highly recommended!
I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.
January 27, 2021
I can't think of a much better reading atmosphere than to read a thriller set in Iceland, looking out my front window while snow is falling. Just gorgeous and a nice hot cup of coffee makes it just about perfect.
This is one of my favorite Nordic series, I just love how this author puts his stories together. An old house, a village that was once populated but is now deserted except for the few who remain, a lighthouse, a roaring ocean and some treacherous cliffs, set the scene. When the body of a young girl turns up dead at the foot of the cliffs, a long, heartbreaking history is eventually revealed. Ari, is the young detective tasked with putting together this case and he is not easily satisfied with less than full answers. Although there were few suspects, I found not quite figure out the who done it and needed Ari's help. Which he handsomely provided.
A very good series, and I'm on to one I seemed to have skipped over which I'm sure has some interesting tidbits to add about the personal life of said Ari.
This is one of my favorite Nordic series, I just love how this author puts his stories together. An old house, a village that was once populated but is now deserted except for the few who remain, a lighthouse, a roaring ocean and some treacherous cliffs, set the scene. When the body of a young girl turns up dead at the foot of the cliffs, a long, heartbreaking history is eventually revealed. Ari, is the young detective tasked with putting together this case and he is not easily satisfied with less than full answers. Although there were few suspects, I found not quite figure out the who done it and needed Ari's help. Which he handsomely provided.
A very good series, and I'm on to one I seemed to have skipped over which I'm sure has some interesting tidbits to add about the personal life of said Ari.
April 19, 2024
4.5
Bleak and atmospheric
The body of a young woman is found at the bottom of a cliff in an isolated village in Iceland.
Initially the police assume either she committed suicide or it was an accident. But not for long, as further investigation reveals that the deceased’s mother and later her 5 year old sister have died in the same manner and at the same spot.
Are the three deaths connected to each other? What is the motive behind the deaths?
Bleak and atmospheric
The body of a young woman is found at the bottom of a cliff in an isolated village in Iceland.
Initially the police assume either she committed suicide or it was an accident. But not for long, as further investigation reveals that the deceased’s mother and later her 5 year old sister have died in the same manner and at the same spot.
Are the three deaths connected to each other? What is the motive behind the deaths?
November 28, 2017
Ari Thor and his boss, Tomas, are police officers in charge of investigating the death of a young woman in Kálfshamrvik, Iceland. The body of a local woman named Asta was found beneath steep cliffs and the two must determine if it was an accident, suicide, or murder. It is two days before Christmas, and both are under pressure to return to their homes for the holidays. Ari is troubled when he learns that Asta’s mother and sister both lost their lives in a similar fashion.
The investigation requires interviewing four people from the small village. Each person interviewed reveals secrets and insights to Asta and her family’s past. With strong alibis, Ari has problems narrowing down his list of suspects and establishing a motive. The more he delves into each person’s past, the more he becomes convinced that they know more about Asta then they are revealing.
This crime book by Ragnar Jonasson is another addition to his Dark Island series. It can be read as a stand alone without issue. I enjoyed this chilling, fast paced book, which is available in multiple languages.
The investigation requires interviewing four people from the small village. Each person interviewed reveals secrets and insights to Asta and her family’s past. With strong alibis, Ari has problems narrowing down his list of suspects and establishing a motive. The more he delves into each person’s past, the more he becomes convinced that they know more about Asta then they are revealing.
This crime book by Ragnar Jonasson is another addition to his Dark Island series. It can be read as a stand alone without issue. I enjoyed this chilling, fast paced book, which is available in multiple languages.
April 28, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
August 6, 2018
3.5★s for me.
And so we close the “Dark Iceland” series, and bid adieu to Ari Thór (or do we…).
This was a solid book to end this series, which is primarily set in Siglufjordur, Iceland. Ari Thór partners up again with his old boss Tómas, to solve the crime of a young woman who appears to have jumped off the cliffs near a lighthouse at Kálfshamarvík. Bitter family secrets and resentments simmer to the surface.
Ragnar Jónasson has a beautiful simplicity in his writing. He conveys so much, in such a straightforward manner. His descriptions of the scenery in Iceland are breathtaking. While these are crime books, they’re not your usual police procedural. They have a more empathetic style, as we see so much from Ari Thór’s viewpoint, as he struggles with his place in the police force, his relationship with his partner Kristin, and his continuing bewilderment at the deaths of his parents at a young age.
Is it just me, or does the ending seem to be open-ended, and that we might well meet Ari Thór again? I certainly hope we do.
”There was usually no escaping the snow in the wintertime in this, the northernmost town in Iceland, which was so close to the Arctic Circle, the sun disappeared behind the mountains in the depths of winter.”
And so we close the “Dark Iceland” series, and bid adieu to Ari Thór (or do we…).
This was a solid book to end this series, which is primarily set in Siglufjordur, Iceland. Ari Thór partners up again with his old boss Tómas, to solve the crime of a young woman who appears to have jumped off the cliffs near a lighthouse at Kálfshamarvík. Bitter family secrets and resentments simmer to the surface.
Ragnar Jónasson has a beautiful simplicity in his writing. He conveys so much, in such a straightforward manner. His descriptions of the scenery in Iceland are breathtaking. While these are crime books, they’re not your usual police procedural. They have a more empathetic style, as we see so much from Ari Thór’s viewpoint, as he struggles with his place in the police force, his relationship with his partner Kristin, and his continuing bewilderment at the deaths of his parents at a young age.
Is it just me, or does the ending seem to be open-ended, and that we might well meet Ari Thór again? I certainly hope we do.
”There was usually no escaping the snow in the wintertime in this, the northernmost town in Iceland, which was so close to the Arctic Circle, the sun disappeared behind the mountains in the depths of winter.”
September 10, 2017
I have been waiting (im)patiently for Whiteout ever since I finished reading Rupture. I’m pretty sure everyone knows by now how much of a big fan I am of this series. So you can imagine my absolute glee in getting to read Whiteout before publication!
In Whiteout, we are back with Ari Thór and Tómas, both of whom are tasked with investigating the circumstances in which a young woman ends up at the bottom of the cliffs at Kálfshamarvík. Only a couple of days before Christmas, the men must work quickly and effectively to try to find out what has happened and how the woman ended up dead.
Whiteout is a really well-written mystery. With a large cast of characters, it really makes the reader work hard to try to figure things out alongside Ari Thór. I love Ragnar Jónasson’s writing style. There is something almost poetic in the way he describes the Icelandic location. The stunning visual imagery is second to none in terms of creating a clear location in the reader’s mind.
The author has assembled a really interesting cast of characters for this one. There are many of them, all with their own secrets that they are holding close to their chest. I found myself suspecting everyone at one time or another, such is the unreliable nature of the narrative Jónasson has created in Whiteout.
There is a haunting element to Whiteout as well. The cliffs, the lighthouse and the old abandoned house almost seem to become characters as well due to how well the author describes them. This creates a sense of foreboding as the reader gets drawn more into the story. It is quietly chilling and there seems to be a sinister element in the background when they are investigating in and around Kálfshamarvík.
I don’t want to say any more because the joy of reading these books is often found in unravelling the mystery alongside Ari Thór. Whiteout is another superb instalment in the Dark Iceland series. It has left me wanting more, and has also made some questions arise. So Ragnar, if you’re reading this, you and I need to have a bit of a chat...
I cannot recommend this series, and this book highly enough. Always atmospheric, often chilling and with plenty to keep the reader turning the pages, Whiteout is definitely a book to add to your TBR. The whole series is though, to be honest. If you haven’t read them, then you really should get on it!
I could keep rattling on about how much I enjoyed Whiteout. And the whole series in general. But I would be here all day, and still not do justice to my fave Icelander and his awesome books.
So yeah, Whiteout is all kinds of brilliant. Great characters, a gripping plot and a hauntingly atmospheric location. Another book added to my all time favourites list.
Highly recommended.
All the stars, always.
#AriThór
In Whiteout, we are back with Ari Thór and Tómas, both of whom are tasked with investigating the circumstances in which a young woman ends up at the bottom of the cliffs at Kálfshamarvík. Only a couple of days before Christmas, the men must work quickly and effectively to try to find out what has happened and how the woman ended up dead.
Whiteout is a really well-written mystery. With a large cast of characters, it really makes the reader work hard to try to figure things out alongside Ari Thór. I love Ragnar Jónasson’s writing style. There is something almost poetic in the way he describes the Icelandic location. The stunning visual imagery is second to none in terms of creating a clear location in the reader’s mind.
The author has assembled a really interesting cast of characters for this one. There are many of them, all with their own secrets that they are holding close to their chest. I found myself suspecting everyone at one time or another, such is the unreliable nature of the narrative Jónasson has created in Whiteout.
There is a haunting element to Whiteout as well. The cliffs, the lighthouse and the old abandoned house almost seem to become characters as well due to how well the author describes them. This creates a sense of foreboding as the reader gets drawn more into the story. It is quietly chilling and there seems to be a sinister element in the background when they are investigating in and around Kálfshamarvík.
I don’t want to say any more because the joy of reading these books is often found in unravelling the mystery alongside Ari Thór. Whiteout is another superb instalment in the Dark Iceland series. It has left me wanting more, and has also made some questions arise. So Ragnar, if you’re reading this, you and I need to have a bit of a chat...
I cannot recommend this series, and this book highly enough. Always atmospheric, often chilling and with plenty to keep the reader turning the pages, Whiteout is definitely a book to add to your TBR. The whole series is though, to be honest. If you haven’t read them, then you really should get on it!
I could keep rattling on about how much I enjoyed Whiteout. And the whole series in general. But I would be here all day, and still not do justice to my fave Icelander and his awesome books.
So yeah, Whiteout is all kinds of brilliant. Great characters, a gripping plot and a hauntingly atmospheric location. Another book added to my all time favourites list.
Highly recommended.
All the stars, always.
#AriThór
November 5, 2017
4.5/5
I’ve become such a huge fan of this series though I haven’t read every book I did enjoy both Snowblind and Rupture. What makes these books different is that there’s a quiet quality to the mystery aspect, they don’t rely on cheap thrills and insane plot twists, rather they’re a classic whodunnit. That doesn’t mean that they’re predictable or boring at all, there is still an intensity to the story, it’s just more subtle and refined which always makes me feel like I’m reading a mature novel.
It was a true pleasure to spend time with Ari again and there are things happening in his personal life that were very interesting and gave more insight into his character as well as that of his partner Kristin. The case him and Tomas are working is unusual and links back to years earlier and it also focuses on a group of people, some related to each other, some old friends. They live in an stark, isolated town with a very eerie feel that added so much tension. On top of that, it’s only a few days before Christmas and this added extra pressure to get the case solved quickly. There was a fairly small list of suspects but that didn’t stop me from being tricked, the outcome of the mystery definitely surprised me.
No one does imagery as beautifully as Jonasson and Whiteout was no exception. There is always a strong sense of claustrophobia in his books and the weather always plays a huge role in the story taking on a life of its own. The writing is gorgeous, it’s hauntingly poetic and I always pause a few times while reading to let the words really sink in. This is my favorite in the series (that I’ve read) and I cannot wait to read more!
I’ve become such a huge fan of this series though I haven’t read every book I did enjoy both Snowblind and Rupture. What makes these books different is that there’s a quiet quality to the mystery aspect, they don’t rely on cheap thrills and insane plot twists, rather they’re a classic whodunnit. That doesn’t mean that they’re predictable or boring at all, there is still an intensity to the story, it’s just more subtle and refined which always makes me feel like I’m reading a mature novel.
It was a true pleasure to spend time with Ari again and there are things happening in his personal life that were very interesting and gave more insight into his character as well as that of his partner Kristin. The case him and Tomas are working is unusual and links back to years earlier and it also focuses on a group of people, some related to each other, some old friends. They live in an stark, isolated town with a very eerie feel that added so much tension. On top of that, it’s only a few days before Christmas and this added extra pressure to get the case solved quickly. There was a fairly small list of suspects but that didn’t stop me from being tricked, the outcome of the mystery definitely surprised me.
No one does imagery as beautifully as Jonasson and Whiteout was no exception. There is always a strong sense of claustrophobia in his books and the weather always plays a huge role in the story taking on a life of its own. The writing is gorgeous, it’s hauntingly poetic and I always pause a few times while reading to let the words really sink in. This is my favorite in the series (that I’ve read) and I cannot wait to read more!
June 12, 2019
A few days before Christmas, policeman Ari Thor and his former boss, Tomas, are asked to investigate the death of a young woman visiting the home in which she was raised in Kálfshamrvik, Iceland. Asta's dead body was discovered beneath the steep cliffs and the two must determine if it was an accident, suicide, or murder. Ari is bothered to learns that Asta’s mother and younger sister both lost their lives in a similar fashion while her father died in a mental institution. Besides the two policemen and the evidence team, there are only four characters: the wealthy owner of the home, the brother and sister who are the caretakers, and the neighbor, who takes care of the horses. The writing is crisp, the weather cold, the landscape stark but beautifully described, the atmosphere dark and threatening, and the secrets many. My only complaint was that the murderer was too obvious.
March 14, 2021
I've enjoyed this Dark Iceland series, written by Ragnar Jonasson and translated by Quentin Bates, an author himself.
In Whiteout, Ari Thor Arason is pulled into an investigation by his former boss, Tomas, just a few days before Christmas that takes them to an isolated home and lighthouse to look into the death of a young woman who died after falling/being pushed off a cliff.
Tomas, who joined the Reykjavik police team since leaving Siglufjordur as its commander, is out to prove himself to his newest colleagues. Tomas hopes to make a name for himself and gain respect by moving the investigation along speedily and affecting an arrest as soon as possible.
With only five suspects to interview, it seems as if Tomas will achieve his goals. Ari Thor, though, is unsure of Tomas's conclusions and steadfastly continues the investigation.
In Whiteout, Ari Thor Arason is pulled into an investigation by his former boss, Tomas, just a few days before Christmas that takes them to an isolated home and lighthouse to look into the death of a young woman who died after falling/being pushed off a cliff.
Tomas, who joined the Reykjavik police team since leaving Siglufjordur as its commander, is out to prove himself to his newest colleagues. Tomas hopes to make a name for himself and gain respect by moving the investigation along speedily and affecting an arrest as soon as possible.
With only five suspects to interview, it seems as if Tomas will achieve his goals. Ari Thor, though, is unsure of Tomas's conclusions and steadfastly continues the investigation.
August 30, 2022
Ragnar Jonasson knows how to weave a dark mood and grand mystery using bleakly gorgeous locations and strangely intriguing characters. The concept of multiple members of the same family dying the exact same way over a span of twenty + years was shocking. The author spins the story in a way that does not feel at all contrived. It helps to read the series in chronological order but not absolutely necessary to appreciate this story.
January 12, 2024
Pues confirma mi comentario con la cuarta de la serie.
Ha bajado un poco el nivel respecto a las tres primeras pero se leen con interés.
Serie recomendable.
Ha bajado un poco el nivel respecto a las tres primeras pero se leen con interés.
Serie recomendable.
August 26, 2025
Cada libro que leo de ésta serie más me gusta,pronto el último.Una pena despedirme de todos los personajes,y, sobre todo del sitio donde se desarrolla,que ojalá pudiera conocer.
November 9, 2017
White Out – Icelandic Noir at its Best
Ragnar Jónasson has returned with one of the best Icelandic Noir of recent times, with White Out. What Jónasson delivers is a classic crime story a real whodunnit, that keeps you gripped right to the end. Jónasson brings out the claustrophobic cold dark winters that help to give the darkness that delivers a chiller of a thriller. Like the Queen of the Murder Mystery, Agatha Christies, Jónasson gives a modern twist, to the rollercoaster ride of whodunnits.
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead beneath the cliffs of the deserted village of Kálfshamarvík. The police are called in to determine if this was murder or suicide, and with the added twist that her mother and younger sister dying on the same cliffs, questions are asked.
Tomas is now a detective Superintendent in Reykjavik, and asks Ari Thór Arason if he would like to join him in the investigation as it may help his career in the long term. With Christmas closing in, the darkness and the snow is overwhelming, they begin to uncover a dark and sinister history, and as much as the few people involved try to hide the truth, the stones get turned over, and the truth will out.
What the reader gets is Icelandic Noir at its best, something that is dark, chilling and complex, and it is that which gives it the claustrophobic, tautness. This really is required reading for all lovers of Nordic Noir, and it is the best way to see snow, through the pages of a book!
Ragnar Jónasson has returned with one of the best Icelandic Noir of recent times, with White Out. What Jónasson delivers is a classic crime story a real whodunnit, that keeps you gripped right to the end. Jónasson brings out the claustrophobic cold dark winters that help to give the darkness that delivers a chiller of a thriller. Like the Queen of the Murder Mystery, Agatha Christies, Jónasson gives a modern twist, to the rollercoaster ride of whodunnits.
Two days before Christmas, a young woman is found dead beneath the cliffs of the deserted village of Kálfshamarvík. The police are called in to determine if this was murder or suicide, and with the added twist that her mother and younger sister dying on the same cliffs, questions are asked.
Tomas is now a detective Superintendent in Reykjavik, and asks Ari Thór Arason if he would like to join him in the investigation as it may help his career in the long term. With Christmas closing in, the darkness and the snow is overwhelming, they begin to uncover a dark and sinister history, and as much as the few people involved try to hide the truth, the stones get turned over, and the truth will out.
What the reader gets is Icelandic Noir at its best, something that is dark, chilling and complex, and it is that which gives it the claustrophobic, tautness. This really is required reading for all lovers of Nordic Noir, and it is the best way to see snow, through the pages of a book!
December 19, 2021
Another enjoyable installment in the Dark Iceland mystery series. Its quite atmospheric, as is the author's style. The story set in a large home on a sea cliff in view of a light house. Several female members of the household have lost their lives going over the cliff into the sea. Another death from the same family occurs on Christmas Eve and Ari Thor is called in to assist his old boss, Tomas in solving the crime. This is a much tighter mystery than his usual with only about four suspects all within the same vicinity. The translation was crisp with none of the errors that have plagued a few of his other books (all so far translated by Quentin Bates).
There were some big events in Ari Thor's life and hints of his past coming back to haunt him. Some I was already aware of as I have given up on trying to determine the proper sequence to read the books in this series. You are on your own there, I just don't have a clue. This book is listed as #5 but some of the events in Ari's personal life are prior to Nightblind, which is listed as #2. I can only say I am enjoying the series despite my inability to determine their proper order and have one more to read published/translated in the Dark Iceland series titled, Winterkill. No idea where this one falls in the sequence of events in Ari Thor's life but Im sure I will enjoy it ( interestingly, my copy is translated from the French edition by David Warriner).
,
There were some big events in Ari Thor's life and hints of his past coming back to haunt him. Some I was already aware of as I have given up on trying to determine the proper sequence to read the books in this series. You are on your own there, I just don't have a clue. This book is listed as #5 but some of the events in Ari's personal life are prior to Nightblind, which is listed as #2. I can only say I am enjoying the series despite my inability to determine their proper order and have one more to read published/translated in the Dark Iceland series titled, Winterkill. No idea where this one falls in the sequence of events in Ari Thor's life but Im sure I will enjoy it ( interestingly, my copy is translated from the French edition by David Warriner).
,
November 27, 2017
It is always a pleasure to settle down with the newest Ragnar Jonasson as this series has been sheer delight since that very first book to have featured Ari Thór. I have such a soft spot for this Icelandic detective and love the slowly developed characterisations of Ari Thór, Tómas and especially Kristín who I felt I got more of an insight into this time as I’ve found her quite distant previously.
This is the perfect book to cuddle up with over the festive period as it’s set over the Christmas holiday period in Iceland. Ari Thór is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with 8 month pregnant Kristín as they await the birth of their first child. There was a wonderful inclusion of the Icelandic tradition that I would love to see started in the UK where everyone gifts books on Christmas Eve and spends time reading with their loved ones. Unfortunately, this may not be possible for the expectant parents as a suicide that takes place at an isolated lighthouse has now been classed as a murder and the pair head out together to the outreach so that the detective pairing of Ari Thór and Tomas can try to solve the case quickly before Christmas Day.
I became gripped very early on by the way in which we spent time with the murder victim in the days leading up to her death, before the involvement of the police. Although there was only a very small cast of suspects, it was fascinating to watch the way they all reacted once the police arrived. I have to admit to having had no idea as to why Asta had returned to the place where she had such bad memories and where she had lost her mother and sister so I was curious as to whether their deaths had anything to do with her own murder. And if so who could possibly have had something to hide that warranted committing murder?
Set within an atmospheric, cold and dark environment with the lighthouse and the cliffs standing dramatically at the centre of the mystery, I think this chilling storyline has actually been my favourite case so far. The narrative flowed perfectly and the inclusion of old family diary entries added an extra dimension to the mystery which hit me with an unexpected wave of nostalgia especially after reading the notes at the back of the book. Knowing there was a personal connection weaved skilfully into the storyline gave an added insight into the family history.
There’s a comforting feeling reading this Dark Iceland series, which is unusual in a crime drama, and that calmness made a pleasant change from the adrenaline fuelled crime novels on the market today. Ragnar Jonasson often draws a comparison to Agatha Christie and I think that’s a perfect analogy. Any fans of her classic whodunnits will love these books as will lovers of Nordic Noir who haven’t yet discovered this series. I would say though that it’s probably best to start at the very beginning of the series so that you can follow the development of the characters and get more from the finer plot details.
And once again I have to mention the stunning translation by Quentin Bates who makes you forget that WhiteOut was ever written in any language other than English from the start, but still manages to maintain the heart of the Icelandic language and the people at the core of this wonderfully moving story.
Highly recommended by me!
This is the perfect book to cuddle up with over the festive period as it’s set over the Christmas holiday period in Iceland. Ari Thór is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with 8 month pregnant Kristín as they await the birth of their first child. There was a wonderful inclusion of the Icelandic tradition that I would love to see started in the UK where everyone gifts books on Christmas Eve and spends time reading with their loved ones. Unfortunately, this may not be possible for the expectant parents as a suicide that takes place at an isolated lighthouse has now been classed as a murder and the pair head out together to the outreach so that the detective pairing of Ari Thór and Tomas can try to solve the case quickly before Christmas Day.
I became gripped very early on by the way in which we spent time with the murder victim in the days leading up to her death, before the involvement of the police. Although there was only a very small cast of suspects, it was fascinating to watch the way they all reacted once the police arrived. I have to admit to having had no idea as to why Asta had returned to the place where she had such bad memories and where she had lost her mother and sister so I was curious as to whether their deaths had anything to do with her own murder. And if so who could possibly have had something to hide that warranted committing murder?
Set within an atmospheric, cold and dark environment with the lighthouse and the cliffs standing dramatically at the centre of the mystery, I think this chilling storyline has actually been my favourite case so far. The narrative flowed perfectly and the inclusion of old family diary entries added an extra dimension to the mystery which hit me with an unexpected wave of nostalgia especially after reading the notes at the back of the book. Knowing there was a personal connection weaved skilfully into the storyline gave an added insight into the family history.
There’s a comforting feeling reading this Dark Iceland series, which is unusual in a crime drama, and that calmness made a pleasant change from the adrenaline fuelled crime novels on the market today. Ragnar Jonasson often draws a comparison to Agatha Christie and I think that’s a perfect analogy. Any fans of her classic whodunnits will love these books as will lovers of Nordic Noir who haven’t yet discovered this series. I would say though that it’s probably best to start at the very beginning of the series so that you can follow the development of the characters and get more from the finer plot details.
And once again I have to mention the stunning translation by Quentin Bates who makes you forget that WhiteOut was ever written in any language other than English from the start, but still manages to maintain the heart of the Icelandic language and the people at the core of this wonderfully moving story.
Highly recommended by me!
December 20, 2024
Whiteout is the fifth book in the Nordic Noir series of Dark Iceland written by Ragnar Jonasson in his characteristic chilling and poetic beauty in this remote Icelandic country. It is two days before Christmas when a young woman is found dead beneath the cliffs of a deserted seaside village of Kalfshamarvik. The question looms whether she lost her footing and fell or was there something more sinister that occurred beneath the lighthouse on the rocky outcrop. Ari Thor Arason has been called to this village to work on the investigation, quickly discovering that the victim’s mother and younger sister lost their lives similarly in that same spot twenty-five year ago. Slowly the dark history and secrets of the village become known, there is more loss of life. The story unfolds as the detectives from Siglufjorour race to find the killer before more deaths occur. This is a haunting, atmospheric and well-plotted mystery in one of the most remote areas just below the Arctic Circle. The whole series has been a chilling delight. And it was delightful to be reading during the Christmas season.
“The usual magnificent tree stood in the center of the Town Hall Square. The people of Siglufjordur were quietly getting ready for the holiday, which in Iceland was celebrated on Christmas Eve, with evening mass at the old church and then dinner and unwrapping of presents, followed by what in Ari Thor’s mind was one of the most important Christmas Eve traditions of all—the reading of a book well into the night.”
December 27, 2018
A fast-paced, easy, and most importantly very snowy read for Christmas Eve. The only other Dark Iceland book I've read is Snowblind, the first in the series (in English at least), so I've skipped rather a lot. Not that it has any detrimental effect on the reading experience – this works fine as a standalone. It has less of a 'classic crime' feel to it than Snowblind, and could have come from the pen of Yrsa Sigurðardóttir if not for the wishy-washy protagonist. I still think Ari Thór Arason is pretty useless, but the mystery kept me occupied and the setting is wonderfully atmospheric.
The ending is rather awkwardly phrased but I'm guessing it's been tacked on to the translation – it seems to be setting up a flashback to the plot of Fölsk nóta, the first book of the Icelandic-language series.
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The ending is rather awkwardly phrased but I'm guessing it's been tacked on to the translation – it seems to be setting up a flashback to the plot of Fölsk nóta, the first book of the Icelandic-language series.
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August 12, 2025
With an upcoming trip to Iceland in the works, I wanted to tick off two boxes: a better understanding of the country and some crime thrillers to entertain me. Ragnar Jonasson was one author whose thrillers were recommended to me, so I decided to do some reading to see for myself. In this fifth and penultimate novel of the series, Inspector Ari Thór Aranson is called to a small village community when a woman is found dead amongst the rocks. Had she jumped or did someone give her a push? Ari Thór seeks answers, as the body count mounts and his girlfriend is about to have their first child. Jonasson shows his abilities once more with this novel that has a mix of dark and tense moments.
In the days leading up to Christmas, a woman’s body is found at the bottom of the cliffs in the village of Kálfshamarvík. Questions emerge as to whether she jumped or was pushed onto a rocky area beneath a lighthouse. Police Inspector Ari Thór Arason is called out to investigate, where he discovers the woman’s mother and young sister died in the same spot twenty-five years beforehand.
As Ari Thór explores even more, troubling things begin to happen in Kálfshamarvík and more bodies turn up dead. Ari Thór worries that he may have tripped upon a killer with great patience who has been targeting this family for reasons unknown. He must rush to get to the truth before tragedy strikes again. The investigation moves swiftly and keeps Ari Thór working with blinders on.
All the while, Ari Thór’s girlfriend is about to have their first child and she is in a precarious position. The roads are poor as the snow falls heavily leading up to Christmas Eve. Ari Thór will have to split his time between a potential killer and a car accident that could have horrible consequences. Ragnar Jonasson keeps readers attentive in this novel that has all the elements needed to impress series fans.
Ragnar Jonasson is the second Icelandic thriller writer recommended to me before my trip to Iceland. With tickets to Reykjavík purchased, I chose to read some of his thrillers so I might find new and exciting sites to probe when I arrive. I love Scandinavian noir thrillers, which this series has been labelled by many, and this novel substantiated the sentiment. The narrative serves as a strong foundation for this thriller, while juggling multiple storylines. The chapters help push things along and there is little time to waste with all the action that follows. The backstory revelations of Ari Thór Arason keep the curious reader sated, as many other new faces prove helpful to shape the larger reading experience. The plot thickens well, with twists and surprises that have all added depth to this series. I am eager to see how Ragnar Jonasson ties things off in the series finale, as I reach for it now.
Kudos, Mr. Jonasson, for a series that has never let me down.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
In the days leading up to Christmas, a woman’s body is found at the bottom of the cliffs in the village of Kálfshamarvík. Questions emerge as to whether she jumped or was pushed onto a rocky area beneath a lighthouse. Police Inspector Ari Thór Arason is called out to investigate, where he discovers the woman’s mother and young sister died in the same spot twenty-five years beforehand.
As Ari Thór explores even more, troubling things begin to happen in Kálfshamarvík and more bodies turn up dead. Ari Thór worries that he may have tripped upon a killer with great patience who has been targeting this family for reasons unknown. He must rush to get to the truth before tragedy strikes again. The investigation moves swiftly and keeps Ari Thór working with blinders on.
All the while, Ari Thór’s girlfriend is about to have their first child and she is in a precarious position. The roads are poor as the snow falls heavily leading up to Christmas Eve. Ari Thór will have to split his time between a potential killer and a car accident that could have horrible consequences. Ragnar Jonasson keeps readers attentive in this novel that has all the elements needed to impress series fans.
Ragnar Jonasson is the second Icelandic thriller writer recommended to me before my trip to Iceland. With tickets to Reykjavík purchased, I chose to read some of his thrillers so I might find new and exciting sites to probe when I arrive. I love Scandinavian noir thrillers, which this series has been labelled by many, and this novel substantiated the sentiment. The narrative serves as a strong foundation for this thriller, while juggling multiple storylines. The chapters help push things along and there is little time to waste with all the action that follows. The backstory revelations of Ari Thór Arason keep the curious reader sated, as many other new faces prove helpful to shape the larger reading experience. The plot thickens well, with twists and surprises that have all added depth to this series. I am eager to see how Ragnar Jonasson ties things off in the series finale, as I reach for it now.
Kudos, Mr. Jonasson, for a series that has never let me down.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 25, 2021
I don't read a lot of detective stories, but this one sounded a bit appealing because of the Iceland setting. It was a quick read with a small cast of characters, set if a remote section of a remote country. The occasional cryptic hints kept me interested enough to keep reading, trying to puzzle out who did what to whom. A pretty typical mystery for those who enjoy the genre.
May 21, 2021
Another good crime story taking place in remote far North Iceland. This installment was much simpler than previous ones, with only one crime and everything taking place in one town, but the crime was really interesting. I had a hunch and am usually clueless, so pro-sleuths might find it too simplistic. We learn a bit more about Ari Thor and I'm still sucked in enough to want to keep reading them.
November 7, 2017
Well to begin with I have to say that I have not read the previous books in the series and although readers that have are recommending doing so I didn’t feel at all out of my depth or lost at anytime. I am sure that reading the whole series is a brilliant way to go but just saying it can be stand alone too.
This is a little beauty to read, a real mystery of a family seemingly involved in tragic accidents and suicides over the years or is there a murderer on the prowl wiping this family out for some reason? Well when things don’t quite add up in the present day investigation, it begins to unsettle cases from years before too. Detectives Ari Thór and Tómas make a perfect coupling for the case.
There is a more than a normal urgency about solving this case quickly as Christmas is rapidly approaching and Ari Thór is very soon to become a father but there aren’t any short cuts. The story itself is not a fast paced read but more of a get all the facts and lets see who the most likely suspect is. It is a methodical investigation no matter how urgent the result is wanted.
I loved the area it was set as there was a very raw beautiful ruggedness about it all, with a very unforgiving landscape that suited some of the seemingly cold characters in the story. The place and the people seemed timeless with an array of suspects that all appeared to be capable of murder, in this quite deep and dark story surrounded by a real whodunit mystery.
This is a super Nordic Noir book with a definite chill factor that gave me goosebumps and put a lump in my throat. A super mystery to put your wits against.
I wish to thank Orenda Books for supplying a copy of this book to me which I have honestly reviewed.
This is a little beauty to read, a real mystery of a family seemingly involved in tragic accidents and suicides over the years or is there a murderer on the prowl wiping this family out for some reason? Well when things don’t quite add up in the present day investigation, it begins to unsettle cases from years before too. Detectives Ari Thór and Tómas make a perfect coupling for the case.
There is a more than a normal urgency about solving this case quickly as Christmas is rapidly approaching and Ari Thór is very soon to become a father but there aren’t any short cuts. The story itself is not a fast paced read but more of a get all the facts and lets see who the most likely suspect is. It is a methodical investigation no matter how urgent the result is wanted.
I loved the area it was set as there was a very raw beautiful ruggedness about it all, with a very unforgiving landscape that suited some of the seemingly cold characters in the story. The place and the people seemed timeless with an array of suspects that all appeared to be capable of murder, in this quite deep and dark story surrounded by a real whodunit mystery.
This is a super Nordic Noir book with a definite chill factor that gave me goosebumps and put a lump in my throat. A super mystery to put your wits against.
I wish to thank Orenda Books for supplying a copy of this book to me which I have honestly reviewed.
November 6, 2024
A young woman returns to the deserted village of Kalfshamarvik and the former home where she had lived with her father, mother and younger sister as a child. Its a difficult journey because her memories of those times are very unhappy. It was along the cliffs where both her mother and her sister fell to their deaths and now decades after those deaths, she herself is found at the foot of the same cliffs.
But this time, the incident is not accepted as either an accident or suicide. Police detectives Ari Thor Arason and his former supervisor Tomas begin an investigation shortly before Christmas, and race against the clock, digging deeper into not only what happened now but what happened 23 years before. And unusually, all the key players from the past are on the scene for this latest death.
And they find dark secrets between siblings, childhood associates and employer/employees, once hidden but slowly cracking the facade of their lives. Arason will find himself unable to stop digging for the final clues to what happened in one woman's childhood and its effect on her life and death, as well as those who were involved in those times.
A well written and exciting mystery that readers can find themselves engrossed in the who, how and why. A very good story well told.
But this time, the incident is not accepted as either an accident or suicide. Police detectives Ari Thor Arason and his former supervisor Tomas begin an investigation shortly before Christmas, and race against the clock, digging deeper into not only what happened now but what happened 23 years before. And unusually, all the key players from the past are on the scene for this latest death.
And they find dark secrets between siblings, childhood associates and employer/employees, once hidden but slowly cracking the facade of their lives. Arason will find himself unable to stop digging for the final clues to what happened in one woman's childhood and its effect on her life and death, as well as those who were involved in those times.
A well written and exciting mystery that readers can find themselves engrossed in the who, how and why. A very good story well told.
October 4, 2021
Jónasson ha la capacità di rappresentare eventi crudi e tragici con un tono così calmo e rassicurante che sembra quasi di leggere una favola per bambini. È la stessa sensazione che dà una scena di un film splatter che ha come sottofondo una sonata di Beethoven.
Forse questa caratteristica dei suoi gialli è al contempo il suo più grande pregio e difetto, perché sinceramente un po' questa lettura può annoiare.
In compenso, i colpi di scena non mancano mai nelle cronache di Ari Þór, e la voglia di arrivare a districare il mistero prima che ci venga svelato vince sicuramente la lentezza di certi passaggi.
Una lettura secondo me leggera, nonostante le sue vicende pesanti, che se da una parte svelano una faccia sinistra, mai raccontata dell'Islanda, dall'altra non hanno fatto che aumentare la mia voglia di scoprire il paese "più tranquillo del mondo".
Forse questa caratteristica dei suoi gialli è al contempo il suo più grande pregio e difetto, perché sinceramente un po' questa lettura può annoiare.
In compenso, i colpi di scena non mancano mai nelle cronache di Ari Þór, e la voglia di arrivare a districare il mistero prima che ci venga svelato vince sicuramente la lentezza di certi passaggi.
Una lettura secondo me leggera, nonostante le sue vicende pesanti, che se da una parte svelano una faccia sinistra, mai raccontata dell'Islanda, dall'altra non hanno fatto che aumentare la mia voglia di scoprire il paese "più tranquillo del mondo".
August 18, 2018
I only finished this book to find out what happened, and I’m a bit sorry I wasted my time.
I am perplexed as to why this has such good reviews.
The characters are more caricatures. Overblown, shallow portraits... cardboard cutouts with no depth.
The dialogue is the worst I’ve ever read.
Descriptive prose reads like it was written by a 20-year-old, full of cliche.
The only saving grace was the actual plotting of the murders. The ‘whodunnit’ feature was very good, although the portrayal of the detectives was dismal, boring and frankly unbelievable.
The author needs to be taken under the wing of a good writing teacher. This should never have been published.
I am perplexed as to why this has such good reviews.
The characters are more caricatures. Overblown, shallow portraits... cardboard cutouts with no depth.
The dialogue is the worst I’ve ever read.
Descriptive prose reads like it was written by a 20-year-old, full of cliche.
The only saving grace was the actual plotting of the murders. The ‘whodunnit’ feature was very good, although the portrayal of the detectives was dismal, boring and frankly unbelievable.
The author needs to be taken under the wing of a good writing teacher. This should never have been published.
November 19, 2017
Find all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
I’ve not read any of the previous books in the Dark Iceland series and, although there are references to events in earlier books (and some suggestions of possible future storylines), I didn’t consider it affected my enjoyment of Whiteout at all. I felt the translator, Quentin Bates, managed the difficult task of delivering the author’s intention of keeping the reader guessing at certain points: glances toward unidentified persons or possibly significant reactions to conversations. The downside of this, of course, is to remind us that we’re not an actual witness to the scene, only readers of a book with a deliberately obscured view of what is taking place. However, these little ‘tricks’ certainly keep the reader guessing when it comes to working out what might be the solution to the mystery.
There’s nothing revolutionary about the plot of Whiteout or the motives of those involved when finally revealed but it’s certainly a very accomplished mystery with a limited number of suspects. Like this reader, you’ll probably suspect just about each of them at some point and, like detectives Ari Thór Arason and his boss, Tomas, also wonder if perhaps the death of the victim isn’t suicide rather than murder after all. I’m certainly not going to spoil it by telling you anything more…
The author has created an interesting character in Ari Thór Arason and I liked learning about his personal back story and the intriguing hints about events in previous books. Whiteout is set shortly before Christmas and I particularly enjoyed learning about Icelandic traditions and customs such as broadcasting seasonal messages of goodwill to friends and family on the radio and – proving they are indeed a most civilized nation – the exchanging of books on Christmas Eve which, for Icelanders, is the important day of the Christmas period.
Another element I really enjoyed was the authentic sense of place created by the author. The reader really gets a feeling of the cold, the harsh snow-covered landscape and the remoteness of a small community. The perfect location, in fact, for secrets and events from the past to come to light…with devastating consequences.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers Orenda Books, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I’ve not read any of the previous books in the Dark Iceland series and, although there are references to events in earlier books (and some suggestions of possible future storylines), I didn’t consider it affected my enjoyment of Whiteout at all. I felt the translator, Quentin Bates, managed the difficult task of delivering the author’s intention of keeping the reader guessing at certain points: glances toward unidentified persons or possibly significant reactions to conversations. The downside of this, of course, is to remind us that we’re not an actual witness to the scene, only readers of a book with a deliberately obscured view of what is taking place. However, these little ‘tricks’ certainly keep the reader guessing when it comes to working out what might be the solution to the mystery.
There’s nothing revolutionary about the plot of Whiteout or the motives of those involved when finally revealed but it’s certainly a very accomplished mystery with a limited number of suspects. Like this reader, you’ll probably suspect just about each of them at some point and, like detectives Ari Thór Arason and his boss, Tomas, also wonder if perhaps the death of the victim isn’t suicide rather than murder after all. I’m certainly not going to spoil it by telling you anything more…
The author has created an interesting character in Ari Thór Arason and I liked learning about his personal back story and the intriguing hints about events in previous books. Whiteout is set shortly before Christmas and I particularly enjoyed learning about Icelandic traditions and customs such as broadcasting seasonal messages of goodwill to friends and family on the radio and – proving they are indeed a most civilized nation – the exchanging of books on Christmas Eve which, for Icelanders, is the important day of the Christmas period.
Another element I really enjoyed was the authentic sense of place created by the author. The reader really gets a feeling of the cold, the harsh snow-covered landscape and the remoteness of a small community. The perfect location, in fact, for secrets and events from the past to come to light…with devastating consequences.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers Orenda Books, in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 18, 2017
White Out is another powerful triumph from Nordic Noir master Ragnar Jonasson and translator Quentin Bates. With it's trademark policeman, Ari Thor and Tomas, the reader is taken to the dark depths of Iceland to try and get to the bottom of the death of young women, Asta.
Once again Jonasson uses imagery and the enigmatic beauty of Iceland in winter to really create an almost physical atmosphere - I certainly wrapped the blanket around myself a little tighter every time I sat down to read. This novel in particular is set in the few days lead up to Christmas, where this year Ari Thor is keen to enjoy it with his beloved and heavily pregnant lady, Kristin. But even Christmas can't get in the way when an investigation gets under his skin and Tomas's eagerness to make an arrest on this case makes him feel uneasy about too much extra digging around.
After the second death in the space of a few days however, both men know something sinister is at hand and can not be ignored. Jonasson creates characters so well, and with the group involved, Thora, Oskar, Reynir and Arnor we soon learn they all have secrets they wish to keep hidden. But it seems that at least one person is aware of each others secret and it is impossible to tell who can be trusted or what lengths they may go to in order to keep those secrets just that.
Jonasson never produces just a plain old 'who done it'. It is always multi-layered with a touch of history, personal and paranormal aspects explored. This always makes it impossible to try and guess the ending. However, whereas some authors do this and then spoil the result by giving a completely implausible and outlandish ending, in these books it never happens. The truth is completely believable and realistic and most importantly satisfying.
The final pages of White Out leave the reader as hooked as the first few, with an enticing and tantalising teaser and I for one can not wait for the next instalment of the Dark Iceland series.
Once again Jonasson uses imagery and the enigmatic beauty of Iceland in winter to really create an almost physical atmosphere - I certainly wrapped the blanket around myself a little tighter every time I sat down to read. This novel in particular is set in the few days lead up to Christmas, where this year Ari Thor is keen to enjoy it with his beloved and heavily pregnant lady, Kristin. But even Christmas can't get in the way when an investigation gets under his skin and Tomas's eagerness to make an arrest on this case makes him feel uneasy about too much extra digging around.
After the second death in the space of a few days however, both men know something sinister is at hand and can not be ignored. Jonasson creates characters so well, and with the group involved, Thora, Oskar, Reynir and Arnor we soon learn they all have secrets they wish to keep hidden. But it seems that at least one person is aware of each others secret and it is impossible to tell who can be trusted or what lengths they may go to in order to keep those secrets just that.
Jonasson never produces just a plain old 'who done it'. It is always multi-layered with a touch of history, personal and paranormal aspects explored. This always makes it impossible to try and guess the ending. However, whereas some authors do this and then spoil the result by giving a completely implausible and outlandish ending, in these books it never happens. The truth is completely believable and realistic and most importantly satisfying.
The final pages of White Out leave the reader as hooked as the first few, with an enticing and tantalising teaser and I for one can not wait for the next instalment of the Dark Iceland series.
November 12, 2017
Ari Thór is back with another dark and fascinating case. Ragnor Jónasson's writing is excellent and the cases he comes up with are incredibly unique and fascinating.
The first few chapters in Whiteout, follow Ásta who is returning to her childhood home after over twenty years. We don't get much information about her as she is quiet and reticent, but we know enough to really get to care about her and what will happen on her visit "home". I thought it was a really nice touch, getting to know the victim first and joining her on her last few days before her untimely death.
As always Iceland is one of the main characters of the story and the dark, cold isolation of Kálfshamarsvík really comes through the pages. I could feel the bitter chill of the winter and the wildness of the sea crashing against the cliff bottoms. Such a lonely and sad place to die.
On this case, Ari is back working with Tómas, his old boss as a favour and as a way to possibly move to a different police force. It was good to see them back together, though they seemed to have drifted apart in the time they haven't been working together as Tómas isn't aware of some major happenings in Ari's life. We also see more of Kristin in Whiteout and her and Ari's relationship is an interesting one. They've been through a lot together, but I personally don't know if they really work.
As this is a sequel and a crime book, I won't be talking about the plot as I would never want to spoil anyone discovering what has happened on their own. As usual you can read this as a stand alone, but there are some minor spoilers from previous books, but nothing too major that I can recall. The translation is absolutely spot on and again you wouldn't know this was originally written in another language. I think this is so very important in translated books so as not to make the reading difficult and put anyone off trying more.
Overall another excellent nordic noir from Ragnor Jónasson and one that has left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the Dark Iceland series. If you haven't already, go check out the series!
The first few chapters in Whiteout, follow Ásta who is returning to her childhood home after over twenty years. We don't get much information about her as she is quiet and reticent, but we know enough to really get to care about her and what will happen on her visit "home". I thought it was a really nice touch, getting to know the victim first and joining her on her last few days before her untimely death.
As always Iceland is one of the main characters of the story and the dark, cold isolation of Kálfshamarsvík really comes through the pages. I could feel the bitter chill of the winter and the wildness of the sea crashing against the cliff bottoms. Such a lonely and sad place to die.
On this case, Ari is back working with Tómas, his old boss as a favour and as a way to possibly move to a different police force. It was good to see them back together, though they seemed to have drifted apart in the time they haven't been working together as Tómas isn't aware of some major happenings in Ari's life. We also see more of Kristin in Whiteout and her and Ari's relationship is an interesting one. They've been through a lot together, but I personally don't know if they really work.
As this is a sequel and a crime book, I won't be talking about the plot as I would never want to spoil anyone discovering what has happened on their own. As usual you can read this as a stand alone, but there are some minor spoilers from previous books, but nothing too major that I can recall. The translation is absolutely spot on and again you wouldn't know this was originally written in another language. I think this is so very important in translated books so as not to make the reading difficult and put anyone off trying more.
Overall another excellent nordic noir from Ragnor Jónasson and one that has left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the Dark Iceland series. If you haven't already, go check out the series!
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