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The Darkness

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The Darkness

By: Ragnar Jónasson, Victoria Cribb - translator
Narrated by: Amanda Redman
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About this listen

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

 Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Police Procedural Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Crime Suspense

Critic Reviews

An intelligent, provocative whodunit with a killer twist
Superb
Icelandic detective Hulda Hermannsdottir is the best tragic heroine our reviewer has read for years
A superb thriller
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
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 (Anthony Horowitz)
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. (BOOK OF THE WEEK)
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
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.
Superb . . . Chilling . . . and establishes her as a great tragic heroine of modern detective fiction (Joan Smith)
All stars
Most relevant
Once again the author has you on a hook. You are introduced to storyline but there is a twist or a distraction. I was devastated at the end. I kept saying "if only she".

Lost in sadness

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Not Ragnarsson's finest. The plot was unravelled early and the killer easily identified early on. The Narrator gave a poor, rushed performance- sometimes sounding like she was on fast-forward mode; and her pronounciation of Icelandic nouns was terrible, including Hulda Hermannsdóttir's name!

I wouldn't bother with it- thank you, next!

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I loved the book. loved Hilda & wished for her to have a happy life in the end.

unusual ending

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No really, why would a book end in such a frustrating way? So disappointing after quite an enjoyable read.

Why did it have to end like that?

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i love crime fiction and the crime itself was somewhat interesting, however the protagonist's subplot is very depressing.

a buzz kill

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The narration was good and the story was well written at a good pace. However I found the protagonist painted in such a bleak manner and given such a traumatic life which I felt was gratuitous. It painted being a woman as always being a victim with no agency. Is that how all women are in Iceland? Or is that how the author sees women? Not one single female character in the book was given an opportunity to overcome their circumstances.

Overall disappointing (mild spoilers)

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