Outside by Ragnar Jónasson—is a brilliantly suspenseful standalone from one of the world's best contemporary crime writers, but the ending is frustratingly mediocre.

I rarely read reviews from others for books I plan to read to review myself as I like to form and offer my own original opinions untainted by those of other reviewers. But as one of the most successful crime writers on the planet, with over three million copies of his books sold worldwide, it's hard to avoid running into reviews of the latest Ragnar Jónasson (Dark Iceland and Hulda series) offering even when you try.

Shockingly, the few reviews I couldn't avoid all advised giving Outside a miss as it wasn't up to the high expectations Jónasson's fabulous writing has conditioned readers to have. I've been a Jónasson fan since picking up and reading his first book from the Dark Iceland series, and I didn't want what I'd heard to be true. Of course, no one wants to read a disappointing book from one of their favorite authors. But that didn't sway me from wanting to read the book. So, when the publisher offered me an advanced review copy, I accepted. Yet it's fair to say that I approached this one with almost as much trepidation as eagerness because of the negative reviews.

As he typically does, Jónasson begins with a prologue that sets the tone of the novel—four friends on a weekend hunting excursion make a shocking discovery inside a remote cabin they take refuge in from a sudden Icelandic blizzard. Then he takes us back to the beginning of the story. The hunting party, three men and a woman, have been longtime friends since their university days. All have dark secrets, which eventually put them on a collision course when fear and the elements push them to their limits.

As I expected from past Jónasson books, he introduces us to four interesting, well-drawn, realistic characters with major character flaws. The interesting thing about the characters is while you get all the details that make them seem like real people, I never felt any particular attachment to any of them. None were the type of characters I felt like rooting for since none are particularly pleasant people. Still, I was curious to see how things turned out for them.

As with his other books, the author incorporates the harsh Icelandic winter coupled with the desolate landscape almost as another character. Even before we know much about the story, Jónasson expertly instills a sense of foreboding in the reader from the start. You know something bad is about to happen. You just aren't sure what. Like the other Jónasson novels I've read, the author quickly builds the suspense and continues pouring it on until it grows almost unbearable by the climax.

Halfway through the book, I couldn't understand what the negative reviews I'd read were about at all. Outside has the usual crisp writing, imagery, and tight plotting Jónasson is known for. It was another shivery delight. I couldn't put it down and sailed through the book in a single sitting. But then I came to the end, and I discovered the fly in the ointment. It was beyond disappointing. Well, maybe more like irritating. I turned the last page expecting the start of a final chapter but found I'd already read the last chapter. And it read like the final chapter an author might use as a hook for the next book in a series. Obviously, that didn't work here since Outside is a standalone. It left me feeling I'd just spent the better part of a day reading an unfinished novel. It wasn't that the ending wasn't what I'd expected or wanted. The story just ends after the mysteries are revealed.

After ignoring the critics and reading Outside for myself, I agree you might want to give this one a miss. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book because if it was the first Ragnar Jónasson novel someone read, it might very well be their last. And that would be a shame because he is such a brilliant author who has written so many wonderfully entertaining books.

I have read other Ragnar Jónasson books before and I enjoyed them but, sadly, this book was a real miss for me.

The story is told from the viewpoints of the four "suspects" and unfolds slowly as each character reveals a bit more. You begin to see that each character has probable cause and I began to settle in to allow the mystery to unfold in this manner.... and then suddenly it ended. I mean the book ended... not the story. I am wondering if the ARC does not have the actual ending... because I am left feeling very confused.

I would encourage you to read any other Jónasson book and give this one a pass.

I would like to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur for the ARC.

Four friends become trapped in a snowstorm. What happens next is chilling and thrilling. The reader quickly feels like they are trapped with the friends as the story unfolds through all the characters eyes.

Ragnar Jonasson returns in this utterly gripping and at times frightening story where trapped in an isolated location with no hope of rescue, four friends must come together in a battle for survival, but where old sins and buried secrets are just waiting to emerge.
Armann, Helena, Daniel and Gunnlaugur are old friends who have been reunited and returning to there home in Iceland decide to celebrate there reunion in a trip to the highlands, but when the weather takes a turn for the worse and a blizzard moves in the four friends are forced to seek shelter in a aid station miles from anywhere until the storm passes, however they are surprised to find they are not alone. Trapped in a isolated location with the outside world turned against them, the friends find there sanctuary already has a occupant. Another lost traveler who says not a word but is armed and who's very presence fills the group with dread. Before long old memories begin to rise and long forgotten sins threaten to tear our friends apart and one terrible decision changes everything forever.
Outside is a wonderfully gripping story that had me hooked from the very beginning. Each of its four characters are well crafted and interesting, each with there own backstories and secrets which under the pressure of captivity are just waiting to explode in devastating ways. With the outside world turned against you and no hope of rescue, who can you really trust when even your oldest friends friends turn against you and the battle for survival begins.
A self contained and isolated story with only a small group of fascinating characters, Outside is an enjoyable and at times moving story which will have you guessing to the very end. Great story and highly recommended!

Hunting trips into Eastern Regions of Iceland can bring about calamities of all sorts. The rugged terrain, as one character puts it, is “…a reindeer-haunted wilderness of mountains and moors…with hardy farmers, fishermen and hunters”. Hidden and unexpected perils can thwart the best of plans of even the most seasoned outdoors-people. When the trek includes “friends” who carry secrets and grudges, tensions can rise as the temperature drops, making you wonder who—or what—is really being hunted.

In Ragnar Jonasson’s latest book, the Icelandic winter is as cruel and unpredictable as ever. For our foursome, this means an unexpected winter storm brings high winds, low temperatures, and a blizzard. Only two of the expeditioners have any experience with the terrain. As Armann--the leader of the hunt--says, “I’m in my element here.” The others—Helena, Daniel, and Gunnlaugur—must trust him once they get lost in the whiteout. However, each one of them may have reasons to be dubious as they are finally led to a small shack in this unforgiving terrain.

Claustrophobic situations can be found on almost every page of this thrilling novel. First, you have the type that comes from bodies in too close proximity exasperated by the storm. Even as they hike through the vast back country, they are insular. They must stay close in order to survive. Second, once they reach the hut, it is tiny and cold: a confining cell not meant for four adults. Third, there is the group dynamic that breeds a pervasive and oppressive tension that cannot be escaped. Fourth—and last—there are their thoughts that they cannot avoid or share. They wrap the characters in paranoia and fear.

To say I liked this book is an understatement. I am a big fan of Nordic stories and writers. There is a sparseness to the prose that allows me to be swallowed up; to be immersed in the white areas between the words. I can experience what the author has not said, and become enmeshed with the characters.
If you like your psychological books to simmer on low, twist, and turn the characters inside-out, this book is for you.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin for the opportunity to read and review this outstanding novel.

Not my favorite title from Jonasson but it was okay. Kind of a weird premise. I would not rush to get this title, but worth an eventual read,

I started reading "Outside" in the morning and I kept on reading it till I was finished. I read it like it was a short story. It was really captivating, you never knew what was going to happen. Ragnar was on top of his story and I could see this happening. It was a fight between Daniel and Helena and that's all I will say.

Four friends are on a wilderness hike in Iceland when a strange encounter in a warming hut reopens old wounds from the past.

The momentum of this standalone thriller is propelled by the unusual format of very short chapters switching quickly among the four perspectives, keeping the reader off balance and making for a fast-paced read. There's not really anyone to root for in the bunch, but the story is suspenseful with some surprises.

The ARC I received also contained an odd little story called Party of Two, which will hopefully be more clearly labeled in the final version since it's easily mistaken for an epilogue, especially since there is also an excerpt for a forthcoming book appended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

This book drew me in right from the first page. Imagine going hunting in Iceland with longtime friends and in the middle of a snow storm. You take shelter in an unheated hut and a non responsive creepy man with a rifle sitting in the corner. The four friends have secrets all intertwined. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was confused by the ending and will go back and read it again. I loved Mr. Jonassons style of writing. This was my first time reading this author and will not be the last.

Four reunited friends go through the unthinkable during a hunting trip in Iceland.
The plot and inner monologues were too drawn out to make this an enjoyable read.

This is the type of book that draws you in through the constantly changing point of view. Personally, I like short chapters and different points of view which this book provides. Four college friends meet to go on a hunting expedition. They become stranded in white out conditions and fortunately, find an old lodge to escape the freezing blizzard. Soon, hidden secrets and resentments begin to flare. I found that to be expected.
What was unexpected was the ending. I felt a little let down with all of the previous tension. Despite the ending, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.

As someone who has visited Iceland the description used in this book of the outside conditions were spot on and terrifying. This book also had many twists and turns and left me wanting more. I will definitely look for other books by this author.

Having loved Jonassons previous book I was excited to read this one! However it fell short in execution. Possibly a lost in translation issue.
Four friends on a weekend getaway in Iceland, planning a hunt. The weather turns badly and then everything turns badly. I got really bored reading this.
Chapters are extremely short which I think I liked, but there was so little in them they felt bereft of any real character buildup. Each chapter is in the voice of a different person, so the book alternates between four voices. The twists fell a little flat. I’m grateful for this copy though and won’t hesitate to read this authors other work.

I really enjoyed this- although you can see tragedy unfolding in front of you.

What seems like an unusual outing among friends gets even stranger when the weather gets really cold. And when it gets really cold in Iceland, you are in trouble. People all keep secrets, and sometimes those secrets come out or are less secret than we think.
Harboring rage and desire for revenge can poison even the nicest people - in this long time friends harbor long time problems with one another with really cold, internally and externally, outcomes.

Good adventure with many twists. A group of friends get together each year. This year they are going hunting in the cold arctic weather. But other plans are underfoot and while attempting to get out of a major snowstorm, the rescue hut appears to have a terrifying situation.

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review of this title.

The chapters of this novel are very short, which makes it great for someone who may only want to read a few minutes at a time. The perspective switches between the four main characters as the story continues and at first, I wasn't sure exactly why. But as you read through you realize that each of them is keeping secrets from the others. And by moving the story through them you're able to piece together who they are as individuals while also getting their perspective of the group dynamic.

The group doesn't get together often and this weekend getaway is a way to reconnect, but things go awry and disaster occurs. Over the course of the novel we are given bits of the secrets, but too little too late from my point of view. I feel I wasn't truly hooked until about 3/4 of the book was read.

The elements of the story tie together at the end like any mystery, but I'm not sure how I feel about the motivations of the main four being kept from the reader for so long. Elements of nature are described well and did a great job of painting a picture in my mind of what they were dealing with on the mountain, but I feel like I should've been invested earlier in the story. The end definitely leaves you wanting more as well, but not necessarily in a bad way.

This was the first book from this author that I’ve read, and I found it quite enjoyable. The protagonists were easy to loathe, and while I’ve never been to Iceland, I certainly know I’ll need a coat if I ever do travel there. I felt there; totally immersed in my surroundings. I did, however, feel like the story ended very abruptly. I’m not sure if I was that emerged or if I wanted more from the ending. I will pick and recommend other books from Ragnar.

3.5 stars.
Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, for this character-driven, chilling atmospheric thriller. Ragnar Jonasson has long been a favourite writer of Nordic Noir, and I have read all his books that have been translated into English.

Four 'friends' from university unite for a bird hunting trip in the frozen eastern part of Iceland. The narrative focuses on short chapters from the characters' perspectives with its crisp prose. It is a quick and intense read. As their stories unfold, we witness the dynamics of the group. There is an undercurrent of secrets, long-held hostilities, resentments, suspicion and jealousies from the past. It is a mystery why these people are even together on this trip. Not all are outdoor enthusiasts or enjoy hunting or hiking.

There is a vivid sense of place. The characters experience a drastic change in the weather and face a deadly blizzard with whiteout conditions and are chilled by the rapid drop in temperature and the howling wind. There is a distinct possibility of dying from hypothermia. As the snow piles up, they struggle through the drifts and are relieved to find a remote hut where they can find shelter.



Once the others enter the cabin, there is an unexpected, frightening shock. Some feel they would be safer outside facing the raging storm. A couple of the group members depart into the wilderness and drifting snow to find a place where they can call for help. Will they survive in this desolate outdoors?
Their initial jolt turns to anxiety and panic for those spending their first night in the hut. Tempers explode, causing past dislikes, suspicions and hate to surface under claustrophobic, disturbing conditions. Their sense of dread, the eerie confined space, and the bone-chilling cold brings out the worst in these flawed characters. Darkness increases as snow piles up against the windows, setting nerves on edge.

There is an uneasy foreboding of devastating consequences. Troubling moral judgements conflict with self-survival. I found the ending inconclusive and lacking in the sense of justice. Ambiguity and hints of repercussions in the future caused me to lower my overall rating. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a tense Icelandic setting with plenty of suspense and an unravelling of personal secrets and motivations. A gripping, evocative, and agonizing story.

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Brrrr ~ I am a fan of Icelandic authors (books in translation), and I can’t explain it. Still, I enjoy their different perspectives and find that books set in Iceland reflect this unique country’s wonderful ambiance. In the book Outside by Ragnar Jonasson, we have four former college friends reunited for a weekend hunting expedition near Reykjavík. Side note: have you ever had a feeling in your gut that something isn’t right? This book confirms you should listen to your gut. Four friends depart for the weekend, and they don’t all return. Between the palpable tension, the brutal Icelandic winter white-out weather conditions, and deeply buried secrets, you have a setting for a freaky story. It’s a guess to the end who is going to survive. If you like a solid thriller with revenge as a core motive, this book is for you. I certainly enjoyed it. #death #thriller #whodunnit #scary #coldAF #whiteout #Iceland #murder #mystery #crime (Pub Date: June 28) @netgalley #netgalley @minotaur_books @ragnarjo #Outside #RagnarJonasson
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Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and author Ragnar Jonasson for this ARC; my thoughts and review are my own and without bias.

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This book was so good! I want to see more from this author in the future!! I couldn't put this book down. What a page turner!!!