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The Darkness

Hidden Iceland (Book 1)

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

The audiobook edition of The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson, read by Amanda Redman.

Before Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir of the Reykjavik Police is forced into early retirement she is told to investigate a cold case of her choice, and she knows just the one. A young woman who was looking for asylum found dead on remote seaweed-covered rocks. Her death ruled a suicide after a cursory investigation.

But Hulda soon realizes that this was not the only young woman to disappear around that time. And no one is telling the whole story. When her own force tries to put the brakes on the investigation Hulda has just days to discover the truth. Even if it means risking her own life . . .

© Ragnar Jónasson 2018 (P) Penguin Audio 2018

Critics Review

An intelligent, provocative whodunit with a killer twist
Ian Rankin
Superb
100 Best Crime Novels since 1945, The Times
Icelandic detective Hulda Hermannsdottir is the best tragic heroine our reviewer has read for years
The Times, Must Read List
A superb thriller
Summer Reads, The Sunday Times
A complex, fascinating mix of Icelandic community and alienation, atmospheric tension, and timely issues (immigrant exploitation and vigilante justice), Jonasson's latest series is another must-read for crime fans who follow the work of Arnaldur Indridason and Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Booklist
I've ONLY recently discovered the extraordinary Icelandic writer who adds several shades of darkness to Nordic noir . . . it builds to a deeply shocking climax
Daily Mail, Ten Thrillers to Die For
If you have ever doubted the appropriateness of the phrase 'Nordic noir', The Darkness will dispel any hesitation . . . in what way this happens (and how badly) is the strength of the book. There are ever-darker surprises, culminating in a finish that leaves one with a highly disturbing image.
The Press
The wait was worthwhile and The Darkness first in the new trilogy, is a very efficient piece of work. Jonasson has the full measure of the Nordic noir genre, and pushes all the requisite buttons
Barry Forshaw, Financial Times
To read Ragnar Jonasson is to plunge into snowy Iceland . . . much of its atmosphere and subtle pacing to the traditional 'golden age' detective fiction as the mystery unfolds and builds to a startling climax, elegantly handled.
The Witness
Superb . . . Chilling . . . and establishes her as a great tragic heroine of modern detective fiction
Crime Book of the Month, Sunday Times
Author Ragnar Jónasson
Narrator Amanda Redman
Series Hidden Iceland
Duration 5 hours and 33 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9780718189228
Format Audiobook
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Genre Crime and mystery: police procedural, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Fiction in translation, Psychological thriller
Availability AU, GB, IE

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