Itβs getting hard to think of new ways to say how much I love Ragnar Jonassonβs crime novels, but allow me to try once more. Just when I think Jonasson has surely written what will be my forever favorite book of his, he goes and outdoes himself yet againβand thatβs exactly whatβs happened here. I absolutely loved Jonassonβs 2018 release THE DARKNESS, the launch of his new trilogy featuring Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdottir, and I can now decidedly say that I loved the second trilogy installment, THE ISLAND, even more. In THE ISLAND, Jonasson ratchets up the tension and bone-chilling atmosphere of this Icelandic mystery trilogyβand the result is a downright unputdownable crime novel that captivates as much with its spine-tingling suspense as it does with its clever plotting. Jonasson has a knack for writing crime fiction that blends the old with the new seamlessly, and his skill is on full display in THE ISLAND. Weaving together a years-old crime with a present-day βlocked room mysteryβ, Jonasson masterfully crafts a complex story that is hugely readable and entertaining. And letβs not forget this trilogyβs fantastic protagonist, Hulda; any excuse to spend more time with this spirited and down-to-earth character is one Iβll jump at. Itβs worth reading THE DARKNESS (Book 1 in the Hulda trilogy) before THE ISLAND, but donβt let that two-book commitment put you off: these books are well worth your time. Inventive and original, atmospheric and chilling, THE ISLAND is another stellar release from one of Icelandβs foremost crime writers.
Read MoreBest Scandinavian Crime Novels of 2018
Dark atmospheres, richly developed characters, vivid sense of place, complex plotsβthese are just a few of the qualities that the Scandinavian crime fiction genre boasts, and they are all qualities that shine in the books Iβve selected for my Best Scandinavian Crime Novels of 2018. As CBTB readers well know, thereβs nothing I love more than a really great Nordic crime read, and the Scandinavian books I read in 2018 absolutely blew me away. From new series launches to the return of old favorite characters and everything in between, I loved every moment spent in these booksβ pages - and Iβm so excited to share them with you today, too! Read on for my favorite Scandinavian crime fiction releases of the yearβand make sure youβre all caught up on the best Nordic Noir of 2018 before 2019 arrives!
Read MoreRecommended October 2018 Releases
There are few things I love more than a fall afternoon spent cozied up with a great crime novel - and Octoberβs new releases have lots to offer if youβre in the market for a perfect fall read! This month, Icelandic author Ragnar Jonasson launches a new series in the US, Sharon Bolton serves up a perfect Halloween suspense novel, the very first book by Denmarkβs Queen of Crime finally comes to America, and more! Itβs been a great month for crime fiction, so letβs dive right in to this monthβs Recommended Releases.
Read MoreBook Review: THE DARKNESS by Ragnar Jonasson
Ragnar Jonasson, you have simply outdone yourself. Just when I thought I couldnβt love Ragnarβs books more, he goes and writes THE DARKNESS - and man, is it excellent. Already known around the world for his modern classic Dark Iceland series, Ragnar proves with THE DARKNESS that his winning brand of crime fiction can work just as well - if not better - in a new series as it did in his Ari Thor books. THE DARKNESS has all the brooding atmosphere of the Dark Iceland books with a creativity and breath-of-fresh-air protagonist all its own. Readers will travel eagerly from the streets of Reykjavik to the desolate wilds of Iceland alongside Hulda, a detective whose retirement is on the horizonβand who is determined to make the most of her time left on the force. Thereβs an addictiveness to THE DARKNESS that elevates this readβJonasson beautifully balances slow-burning plotting with binge-worthy tension, and the result is just plain gripping. Thereβs so much that works so well in this book, and I have a feeling Jonassonβs new series will become my favorite of his workβ¦ that is, until we see what this talented writer comes up with next.
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