Snowblind – Dark Iceland Series #1

Author: Ragnar Jónasson
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
302 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books
Translator: Quentin Bates, 2015

Synopsis
Siglufjörður: an idyllically quiet fishing village in Northern Iceland, where no one locks their doors – accessible only via a small mountain tunnel. Ari Thór Arason: a rookie policeman on his first posting, far from his girlfriend in Reykjavik – with a past that he’s unable to leave behind. When a young woman is found lying half-naked in the snow, bleeding and unconscious, and a highly esteemed, elderly writer falls to his death in the local theatre, Ari is dragged straight into the heart of a community where he can trust no one, and secrets and lies are a way of life. An avalanche and unremitting snowstorms close the mountain pass, and the 24-hour darkness threatens to push Ari over the edge, as curtains begin to twitch, and his investigation becomes increasingly complex, chilling and personal. Past plays tag with the present and the claustrophobic tension mounts, while Ari is thrust ever deeper into his own darkness – blinded by snow, and with a killer on the loose.

My review
Snowblind by Ragnar Jónasson was a somewhat engaging read for me. Jónasson skillfully captured the essence of small-town life, where everyone is familiar with each other’s business. The story featured numerous characters, and I felt that Jónasson successfully navigated between them. He provided enough backstory for each character, and I felt as if I knew them personally, just as I would if I lived in a small town; however, I didn’t get to know Ari Thór, the main protagonist, very well. This might be because he is the newcomer, and we will likely learn more about him as the series progresses.

The most compelling aspect of Snowblind is the eerie, chilling atmosphere of a small fishing town located in the northernmost part of Iceland during winter. Jónasson frequently mentions claustrophobia, and I can understand how Ari Thór would feel a sense of loneliness and confinement, being new to town, experiencing winter with minimal sunlight, and having little to no contact with anyone outside of the small community. Jónasson did an excellent job creating this sense of place, and I felt what it would be like to live in Siglufjörður.

Where this story fell short for me was in creating tension, mystery, or engaging puzzle-solving. I found the main two mysteries rather run-of-the-mill. While the novel moved at a steady pace, it lacked a sense of urgency, and I felt more like an observer of the story as it unfolded rather than being fully drawn in. Additionally, some of the dialogue felt stiff and formal, which might be due to the translation rather than Jónasson’s writing.

Overall, Snowblind was an easy reading experience, driven by its atmosphere and sense of place. Unfortunately, it lacked the complexity and tension I usually expect in Nordic Noir and crime thrillers, and I finished the story feeling like it simply ended without any urgency or surprises. The mysteries were interesting enough that I’ll read the next installment, but like the pace of the story, I’ll be in no rush to pick it up.

My recommendation: read it if you’re looking for an interesting story driven by its atmosphere and sense of place!