“Darkness had fallen by the time Ari Thór reached the edge of town, and the snow was still coming down hard.”-Ragnar Jónasson, Winterkill
If you’re into cold cases, Icelandic winters, and slow-burning suspense that keeps you on edge, Winterkill by Ragnar Jónasson might just be the mystery you’re looking for. This novel is part of the Dark Iceland series, featuring the ever-curious and quietly intense police officer Ari Thór Arason.
Set in a quiet, snow-blanketed town where silence can feel like a scream, Winterkill is the kind of book that doesn’t rush. Instead, it pulls you in with quiet tension, subtle character work, and an eerie, atmospheric setting that becomes a character on its own.
Whether you’re already familiar with Jónasson’s work or diving in for the first time, this book offers a satisfying mix of Nordic noir, psychological drama, and small-town secrets. Let’s dig into the snowdrift of this chilly tale.
Plot Summary
The story follows Ari Thór Arason, a young police officer in Siglufjörður, a remote town in northern Iceland. Ari Thór is reflective, a bit of a loner, and still finding his place both professionally and personally.
The town is preparing for Christmas, but the peace is broken when a teenage girl falls to her death. Was it suicide? Or something more sinister? Ari Thór is determined to find the truth, even if the town would rather keep things quiet.
As he investigates, more strange details come to light—including hidden tensions among townsfolk, past traumas, and the ever-present sense that everyone has something to hide.
Alongside the investigation, we follow Ari Thór’s personal journey. He’s now a father, trying to find balance between his work, his partner Kristín, and his internal struggles.
Plot Progression
The plot unfolds gradually, with an emphasis on mood and detail. Jónasson doesn’t throw twists at you every other chapter. Instead, he builds an atmosphere that feels increasingly claustrophobic—where the snow isn’t just outside, it’s pressing in.
The investigation slowly peels back layers of the town’s secrets, each revelation bringing new questions. There are no car chases or gunfights here—just thoughtful, patient detective work that feels grounded and real.
As Ari Thór gets closer to the truth, the lines between accident and murder blur. And by the time the final chapter ends, you’re left reflecting on how much people hide behind closed doors.
My Review
I found Winterkill to be a quietly gripping read. It doesn’t scream for attention—it draws you in with its stillness, its heavy silences, and its introspective tone. The setting is almost hypnotic. You can feel the cold creeping through the pages.
Jónasson’s writing style is minimalist but effective. He doesn’t use flowery language or dramatic metaphors. Instead, he paints a picture with simplicity, letting the setting and the characters speak for themselves.
There’s a kind of elegance in how Jónasson uses restraint. Rather than leaning on sensational events or flashy twists, he relies on an unspoken tension—something that builds with each page.
You begin to notice how silence can feel louder than noise, how a single word or glance can shift the entire energy of a scene. That kind of subtlety is hard to pull off, but he does it with care.
Things I Liked
- Atmosphere: You feel like you’re in Iceland. The snow, the isolation, the dark—all of it adds to the tension.
- Ari Thór’s character: He’s not your typical tough guy detective. He’s thoughtful, sometimes unsure, but always trying to do right.
- Pacing: It’s slow, yes—but it matches the tone. You’re not rushing to get to the end; you’re soaking in the mystery.
- Realism: The crime and its solution feel grounded. No wild twists or gimmicks.
Things I Disliked
- Limited action: If you want big reveals or fast-paced thrills, this might not be your thing.
- Character depth: Some secondary characters felt underdeveloped.
- Short length: At just under 200 pages, it ends a bit quickly. I wanted more.
EXPLICIT SPOILER WARNING
Spoiler Ahead
The teen girl’s fall turns out not to be suicide, but murder. Her death is tied to a long-hidden family secret and a tragic misunderstanding that snowballed over time. Ari Thór uncovers this by quietly observing, listening, and never giving up—even when the town’s leaders want the case closed.
Ratings and Reviews
“Ari Thór didn’t like loose ends. They had a way of unraveling everything.” – Ragnar Jónasson, Winterkill
Based on the reviews of over 5,500 readers, the book has a humble rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on both GoodReads and Amazon.
Reviews
- “An atmospheric gem. You can practically hear the snow crunching.”
- “Not for everyone, but if you like quiet mysteries, it’s brilliant.”
- “I loved the sense of place, though I wanted a little more from the ending.”
- “Subtle, dark, and surprisingly emotional. Loved Ari Thór’s calm persistence.”
- “This book isn’t loud—but it stays with you.”
- “A solid Nordic noir that sticks to its roots.”
Unlike many crime novels that rely on plot twists or graphic scenes, Winterkill focuses on emotional undercurrents. It explores grief, isolation, and how small towns hold onto secrets. The slow burn may not be for everyone, but it creates a lasting impact.
What Other Authors Have to Say About Winterkill
- Peter James called Jónasson “a voice to watch in Nordic noir.”
- Ann Cleeves, author of Vera, praised the series for its “quiet brilliance.”
- Lee Child once said, “Ragnar Jónasson is one of the best crime writers out there today.”
- Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, a fellow Icelandic author, has called his work “chilling in all the right ways.”
Is Reading Winterkill Worth It?
“Sometimes silence is the only answer a town will give you.” – Ragnar Jónasson, Winterkill
Readers will enjoy several standout qualities in this book. One of the strongest aspects is its vivid atmosphere and well-crafted sense of place, which draws you in and makes you feel immersed in the story.
The lead character stands out as unique without being over-the-top, offering a refreshing and relatable perspective. The plot leans into emotion and truth rather than relying on flashy twists, which gives it a quiet power.
However, there are a few areas where the book may fall short for some readers. The pacing, while deliberate and thoughtful, might feel too slow for those who prefer a more action-driven narrative.
If You Like
- Nordic noir
- Quiet mysteries
- Books with emotional depth
- Small-town settings
Then Winterkill should be on your list.
Similar Books If You Enjoyed Winterkill
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – Gritty, complex, and iconic Nordic noir.
- Snowblind by Ragnar Jónasson is the first book in the Dark Iceland series.
- The Darkness by Ragnar Jónasson – A different series with a female lead detective.
- Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason is another top-tier Icelandic mystery.
- The Dry by Jane Harper has a different setting but is similarly slow-building and atmospheric.
Conclusion
Winterkill is a quiet but compelling read. It may not thrill you with high-octane scenes, but it will haunt you with its mood, characters, and sense of place. Ari Thór is a detective who doesn’t shout to be heard—he listens, he observes, and he sees what others miss.
The book doesn’t overstay its welcome. And while you might wish for a few more pages, the story it tells is complete, thoughtful, and deeply human.
For fans of slow-burn mysteries that chill rather than shock, Winterkill offers a rewarding experience.
