Devi Nair
🎭 Genre: Nordic Thriller 🎧 Format: Audiobook 🎙 Narrator: Sam Woolf ⏳ Duration: 7 hours Publisher: Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio
Book blurb:
Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson is a gripping thriller that effortlessly builds atmosphere and tension from the first chapter, pulling you into its chilling mystery set in Iceland. I found the pacing smooth and engaging, carrying me almost all the way to the end. The ending, however, didn’t hit quite as hard as I hoped — a bit underwhelming next to the story’s strong momentum. What truly deepened my connection was Jónasson’s author’s note, revealing his deep admiration for Agatha Christie and his efforts translating her work into Icelandic, which added a special layer of appreciation for his storytelling.
Let’s Talk about the book:
From the very first chapter, Death at the Sanatorium gripped me. The atmosphere, pacing, and tension carried me smoothly from start to (almost) finish, and Jónasson’s ability to craft a chilling mystery is undeniable. The ending, however, left me feeling a little unsatisfied—it felt slightly off compared to the brilliant drive of the rest of the book, and I couldn’t help but wish it had landed with more impact.
What truly deepened my appreciation, though, wasn’t just the story itself but the author’s note at the end (which, of course, I read first). Jónasson revealed how much of an admirer he is of Agatha Christie, and how he has translated 14 of her novels into Icelandic. He also shared that he started reading Christie’s work at a very young age—just like me. The only difference is that, growing up, I had the privilege of reading her books in English and always had access to her complete body of work. Jónasson, on the other hand, struggled to find Icelandic translations, since not all of her books were available in his language. Instead of accepting that gap, he decided to solve it for the next Christie-loving kid in Iceland by translating them himself.
As a huge Christie fan, this revelation instantly endeared him to me. I can see her influence woven into his storytelling, and it makes me appreciate his writing on an entirely different level.
Overall, while the conclusion didn’t quite meet the heights of the build-up, the journey was still captivating. And knowing the Christie connection? That gives Jónasson’s books a special place on my shelf.
Would I recommend it?
Definitely a worthwhile read for fans of atmospheric, intricately woven mysteries and those who appreciate the golden age detective style. Fun and engaging, though just missing a truly strong finale. Sam Woolf’s narration is a big plus if you go the audiobook route. Add this to your TBR if you love a Northern noir twist on classic murder mysteries!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5.
Share your thoughts!
Have you read any other Ragnar Jónasson books or enjoy Icelandic thrillers? How do you feel about mysteries with dual timelines. Do they draw you in or distract you? Let’s hear your thoughts! Links to the book:
Originally posted at viewsshewrites.com.
🎭 Genre: Nordic Thriller 🎧 Format: Audiobook 🎙 Narrator: Sam Woolf ⏳ Duration: 7 hours Publisher: Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio
Book blurb:
Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson is a gripping thriller that effortlessly builds atmosphere and tension from the first chapter, pulling you into its chilling mystery set in Iceland. I found the pacing smooth and engaging, carrying me almost all the way to the end. The ending, however, didn’t hit quite as hard as I hoped — a bit underwhelming next to the story’s strong momentum. What truly deepened my connection was Jónasson’s author’s note, revealing his deep admiration for Agatha Christie and his efforts translating her work into Icelandic, which added a special layer of appreciation for his storytelling.
Let’s Talk about the book:
From the very first chapter, Death at the Sanatorium gripped me. The atmosphere, pacing, and tension carried me smoothly from start to (almost) finish, and Jónasson’s ability to craft a chilling mystery is undeniable. The ending, however, left me feeling a little unsatisfied—it felt slightly off compared to the brilliant drive of the rest of the book, and I couldn’t help but wish it had landed with more impact.
What truly deepened my appreciation, though, wasn’t just the story itself but the author’s note at the end (which, of course, I read first). Jónasson revealed how much of an admirer he is of Agatha Christie, and how he has translated 14 of her novels into Icelandic. He also shared that he started reading Christie’s work at a very young age—just like me. The only difference is that, growing up, I had the privilege of reading her books in English and always had access to her complete body of work. Jónasson, on the other hand, struggled to find Icelandic translations, since not all of her books were available in his language. Instead of accepting that gap, he decided to solve it for the next Christie-loving kid in Iceland by translating them himself.
As a huge Christie fan, this revelation instantly endeared him to me. I can see her influence woven into his storytelling, and it makes me appreciate his writing on an entirely different level.
Overall, while the conclusion didn’t quite meet the heights of the build-up, the journey was still captivating. And knowing the Christie connection? That gives Jónasson’s books a special place on my shelf.
Would I recommend it?
Definitely a worthwhile read for fans of atmospheric, intricately woven mysteries and those who appreciate the golden age detective style. Fun and engaging, though just missing a truly strong finale. Sam Woolf’s narration is a big plus if you go the audiobook route. Add this to your TBR if you love a Northern noir twist on classic murder mysteries!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5.
Share your thoughts!
Have you read any other Ragnar Jónasson books or enjoy Icelandic thrillers? How do you feel about mysteries with dual timelines. Do they draw you in or distract you? Let’s hear your thoughts! Links to the book:
Originally posted at viewsshewrites.com.