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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 Polar Region Suspense

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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
Beautifully written, not an unnecessary word anywhere:
Amanda red man is the best woman narrator on audible
Can't WAIT to listen to book 2

Had my earbuds in all day!!

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As a story, it never gripped me from the start to the end.

I simply could not get on with the narration, first of all, as others have said, the reading was too speedy, - I slowed it down; secondly I found it was read with no feeling with no characterisation and whilst not quite monotone it was definitely mono feel. I did wonder if the translation in to English had dampened down some of the atmosphere that always, somehow for me, felt missing. I was sad, I like Amanda as an actor and she has a soft toned voice.

Whist not wanting to give anything away, with the ending as it was it made me wonder what was the point of the whole story, all a bit miserable - maybe the Icelandic weather etc. does that to folk; although I was privileged to live next door to Icelandic neighbours for several years and they were bright happy people.

Only OK

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I was in two minds about this one, like many I enjoy a bit of Nordic Noir but a one-off book about a 64 year old lady detective coming up to retirement? To my shame I wasn't entirely sure that would appeal to me. By the end of my listen though I was thinking that a series involving Hulda Hermannsdottir might have been an interesting prospect.

To be fair during the early parts of the book I wasn't so sure but given the relative brevity I was impressed by just how detailed a view Jonasson was able to give of his characters and how strong a feeling of place he evoked of his Icelandic setting. It has a refreshingly different feel to most of the thrillers I've read recently.

The ending is also extremely strong in my view and not something I saw coming. There is a lot of clever irony in the epilogue too which seemed particularly poignant.

Amanda Redman carried the story well with her narration without ever being over-demonstrative and the whole thing generates a decent atmosphere.

I often find it hard recommending shorter books like this but in this case I'd definitely put it in the worth a shot category.

Icy Cool Refreshment

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I feel privileged and humbled to be read a story by Amanda Redman who has definitely got hidden talents apart from acting, you could say she has New Tricks no pun intended or maybe just a little one.
Loved it !!! Awesome !!!

The Darkness By Ragnar Jonasson

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This book was recommended to me and I'm so pleased to have discovered this series of books. As the reader journeys with Hilda through the story one can fully imagine the people she meets and the problems she faces along with the turmoil and worries that goes through her mind. Original and convincing characterisation.

A gripping story!

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