This truly is a crime novel to tamper with your thoughts and send them skittering off in all directions. ‘Blackout’ takes place in June 2010, following on from ‘Snowblind’, the first in the ‘Dark Iceland’ series. A fascinating murder investigation by police and a reporter takes place during the time the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption affected the country and air travel, ensuring a heightened sense of foreboding and tension.
A number of main characters feature, including self reliant Ari Thor Arason, who polices the most northerly village in Iceland, and Isrun, a TV news reporter. I have to admit it did take me a little time to get to know all of the characters, however I do believe ‘Blackout’ works well as a standalone novel.
Ragnar Jonasson writes with a bitingly sparse, to the point style, and Quentin Bates has translated his words skilfully, ensuring the story flows. The first part of the novel sews confusion and encourages questions, it almost feels as though two or three jigsaws of information have been thrown into the air to land in one jumbled pile.
With several menacing stories, creeping and melding into one, ‘Blackout’ is a wonderfully gripping and gritty novel.

THE SECOND INSTALMENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING DARK ICELAND SERIESOVER
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
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THE SECOND INSTALMENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING DARK ICELAND SERIESOVER A MILLION COPIES SOLDAs the light of the arctic summer is transformed into darkness by a recent volcanic eruption, Icelandic police officer Ari Thr Arason take on an increasingly perplexing case, when a young man is discovered brutally beaten to death on the shores of a tranquil fjordA classic crime story seen through a uniquely Icelandic lens first rate and highly recommended' Lee Child'A modern take on an Agatha Christie-style mystery, as twisty as any slalom Ian Rankin________________On the shores of a tranquil fjord in Northern Iceland, a man is brutally beaten to death on a bright summer's night. As the 24-hour light of the arctic summer is transformed into darkness by an ash cloud from a recent volcanic eruption, a young reporter leaves Reykajvik to investigate on her own, unaware that an innocent person's life hangs in the balance.
Blackout features in the following genres: Crime and Mystery, Fiction in translation, Thriller and Suspense, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Fiction: special features, Recommendations
Paperback, Ebook. £5.99. Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply..
Blackout was written by Ragnar Jonasson and published by Orenda Books
£5.99. Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply..