A wonderful whodunnit with a strong detective and a series of compelling twists. The story jumped around from the 1980’s to current times but never became confusing. The narrator did an excellent job of voicing each character and never pulled me out of the story. I am looking forward to the next installment and can’t wait to read more books from this author.

One mysterious death leads to another or so it seems in this exciting crime thriller. Almost thirty years after the case is closed, a young police officer and criminology student begins investigating a series of unusual murders presumed solved for his thesis.

Death at the Sanatorium is a stand-alone mystery. I opted for the audio version. Sam Woolf does an excellent job with the narration. His performance really brings out the depth of the drama without over-acting.

This book is highly detailed. Everything from the way a character looks to the scenery is cataloged in such a way that each moment of the storyline is easy to picture. There is some bouncing between timelines (3). Having the story told from so many points of few helped get a fuller picture of what was happening but there were a few confusing spots that I had to double back on.

This is the first book that I have read from author Ragnar Jonasson but I look forward to checking out more of his work in the future.

I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jonasson delivers a fast-paced, twisty mystery packed with red herrings that kept me guessing. The story has all the signature Jonasson suspense, but the constant time shifts were sometimes distracting, making it a little tough to stay grounded in the narrative. Helgi, our main investigator, didn’t immediately win me over—honestly, I missed Hulda, who only makes brief appearances here. By the end, though, I was intrigued enough by Helgi to be curious to see where his story might lead. While this was a solid read and had its share of satisfying turns, it didn’t satisfy me as much as other novels by Jonasson I have read.

Death in a Sanitarium was a decent crime read. It had a few parts I felt moved a bit slower than I like.

A murder mystery set at a sanatorium? I'm in. This was a good book. There was time jumping from the murder that happened in the 1980s to the 2010s. Sometimes that got a little confusing, but overall, I enjoyed this book. I did not have it figured out, though I thought I did. It will definitely keep you on your toes.

Wonderful read for fans of Nordic thrillers! This read is a great read with lots of plot twists that keep the reader engaged. Highly recommend!

Very solid -- sometimes these northern European works are a bit too dark for me, but this was very enjoyable.



Review copy provided by publisher.

I enjoyed this Nordic noir style mystery! It was fun trying to figure out who did it, and I really enjoyed the multiple timelines. I wasn't expecting the endings! I thought the narrator did a good job as well

This was such a meticulously plotted crime fiction! I don't typically read Nordic Noir, but Jonasson definitely proves himself as a master of the genre!

This is a richly atmospheric whodunit, unfolding across multiple timelines and narrated from various perspectives.

I appreciate how this was a modern tribute to the finest Golden Age whodunit mysteries, with strong echoes of Agatha Christie. Be sure to check out the author's notes for further insight into Jonasson’s inspiration.

Sam Woolf delivered an outstanding performance in narrating the audiobook!

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads

This was a new author for me. A story about Ragnar Jonasson - about a sanatorium in the 1980s in northern Iceland. A nurse is found murdered then the chief physician is found dead. The case is closed, and 30 years later the case comes back up when a young police officer decides to write his thesis on the murders. As he starts to look more into the past, he begins to unravel this mystery. This book was just okay for me. The set up had the perfect vibes and I was generally interested but I didn’t find myself captivated. It was a slow burn police procedural and overall the general mysteries fell flat. This would still be a solid book for many readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson is a masterfully crafted Nordic noir that transports readers to the isolated, haunting landscape of northern Iceland. Set across three distinct timelines—1951, 1983, and 2012—the novel weaves a complex mystery that begins with the murder of a nurse at a former sanatorium and the apparent suicide of the chief physician shortly after. Nearly 30 years later, Helgi Reykdal, a young police officer, returns to Iceland to reopen the case, determined to dig up the truth that was hastily buried.

The novel stands out with its atmospheric setting. The cold, desolate Icelandic backdrop adds a sense of isolation and unease that permeates the entire story, drawing readers deeper into the mystery. This isn't a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, but rather a slow-burn police procedural where Jónasson takes his time to lay out intricate details, carefully unraveling the plot with subtle clues and red herrings. Fans of classic detective fiction, especially Agatha Christie-like whodunits, will appreciate this old-school approach.

Jónasson skillfully shifts between the different timelines, giving the story layers that enrich the mystery. The translation from Icelandic to English is seamless, capturing the essence of the original text while making it accessible and smooth for English-speaking audiences.

The characters are as intriguing as the plot itself, with Helgi at the center, an old-school detective navigating a modern-day cold case. Each character adds depth to the story, building suspense and making the eventual revelation even more satisfying. While it's not a twist-filled ending, it wraps up in a clever and gratifying way.

On the audiobook front, Sam Woolf’s narration adds an extra layer of immersion. His soothing voice, familiar from Call the Midwife and The Crown, is a perfect match for the atmospheric tone, though it occasionally falls a bit flat in more emotionally charged scenes. Still, it's an excellent listen overall and complements the methodical pace of the story.

If you’re a fan of Nordic noir, atmospheric mysteries, or enjoy a well-thought-out detective story that takes its time, Death at the Sanatorium is a great pick. Jónasson has once again proven why he’s one of the best at crafting clever, engaging mysteries that linger long after you’ve closed the book.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy for review.

There were a couple of things about this book that prevented a five star rating. My biggest issue was the domestic violence element. The circumstances were great for a plot twist, but aren’t often the case in a domestic violence situation, at least here in the States. I can understand the backstory, and that that component was a major twist, but that’s not typically the way these things play out. I worry that a storyline like this discredits women in a similar situation, and gives credence to the idea that domestic violence situations occur equally across relationships when in fact, it is typically a male aggressor and an intimidated woman.

Another thing was the alternating perspectives and timelines. I had trouble keeping up with the characters, and where we were in time with the stories. I believe the changes in time and perspective gave the story complexity and texture, but for me personally it was kind of hard to keep up with.

Overall I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The narrator, actor Sam Woolf, was fantastic. He gave character and personality to each of the players of the story. This novel had many layers, from main character Helgi’s work on his dissertation, and his home life, plus his work life at the police station. Other characters were spotlighted in their daily life, adding a bit of reality. I liked the pace and the authors /translators style. At the end, the translator presented a short piece. I don’t usually listen after the story is over when there is additional material but I found his perspective especially interesting. I recommend continuing to listen once the story wraps up, to hear from the translator.

<b>3.5 Stars</b>
This was kind of the slow brooding atmospheric novel I have come to appreciate by this author. This is slow paced and suspenseful. I would classify this as more of a mystery than a thriller.

Personally, I found this one a bit too long and plodding. I wish it had been shorter but found the actual ending smart. I really appreciate how this author address mental health in his depictions of his characters.

I would recommend this one to readers looking for an atmospheric, character focused mystery.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"After Ysra was murdered it was very obvious one of us must have been involved, it was...well... personal. The murderer obviously knew her."

Sometimes you just want a good solid who-dun-it. Death at the Sanatorium by, quickly becoming the must read mystery author, Ragnor Jonasson, is that tightly honed police procedural murder mystery.

In 1983 nurse Ysra was found brutally murdered at the soon to be abandoned TB Sanatorium near Reykjavik, Iceland. There are 5 suspects in the building: the chief physician, 2 junior nurses, a young doctor and the caretaker. The caretaker is taken into custody after a false testimony, "sometimes people can be judged by their appearance."

With only circumstantial evidence he is let go but the eyes of detective Hulda are on him. But when the chief physician dies it's assumed he caused his own death out of guilt from killing Ysra.

Thirty years later young criminologist police officer Helgi, taking over for the retiring Hulda, uses this case for his dissertation and what he discovers is a twisted murder mystery that was never really solved and is an open case.

The real treat of this audiobook is actor Sam Woolf, of The Crown and Witcher, performing this translated Icelandic Noir with the perfect atmospheric tone. You feel the cold seeping into the tone of the mystery through his phenomenal acting abilities.

With obvious respect to Agatha Christie, whose books the author translated from English to Icelandic, this mystery is perfect for the start of a hopeful Helgi detective series, though the ending is a bit disconcerting to be honest. Death at the Sanatorium is live for all who-dun-it fans.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

In 1983, in a former sanatorium, now TB hospital ward, a nurse is found dead; less than a week later, at the same ward, a doctor’s body is also found; the same nurse discovered both bodies. The doctor’s death is ruled a suicide and the nurse’s death is never solved leaving a cold case open. Years later, in 2012 Helgi, a young police officer who is getting his doctorate in criminology delves into the case for his thesis and attempts to meet with the original suspects and witnesses - many who seem reticent to speak to him. However once the case is reexamined, new secrets and twists are revealed.

In this (is it Scandinavian noir? - I’m not sure if Iceland in considered part of that genre?)) mystery you’ve got all the interesting characters and slow burn that I personally have come to love in the genre (if we’re allowing it to be Scandinavian Noir). There are three different storylines occurring in this novel - the 1983 flashback, the 2012 storyline of Helgi gathering evidence and then another one of Helgi’s messy private life - they are a bit complicated to follow if you are doing only an audiobook (like I did) but it can be done. The narrator of the audiobook was amazing so the tad bit of confusion that I had was absolutely worth it (although I would suggest maybe reading some of it just to keep all the characters straight) - but again the audiobook of this one is superb.. I really enjoyed this novel, loved the ending, and will absolutely be looking for more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC to review

The minute I see a new Ragnar Jónasson @ragnarjo book is being released, it’s immediately on my TBR. I love a good Icelandic noir, and Ragnar always delivers. Death at the Sanatorium is no exception. The multiple timelines really worked to reveal parts of the story a little bit at a time, and it was good to see Hulda again after LOVING The Darkness series. I also enjoyed the references to classic detective stories through Helgi's character, and I have added a few of them that were included in "Helgi's Golden Age Reading List" ate the end of the book to my TBR, Once again, I thought I had it all figured out, but of course I didn’t.

Thanks to the publisher for this eARC in audiobook format.

Death at the Sanatorium: A Mystery by Ragnar Jónasson, narrated by Sam Woolf, is an enthralling audiobook that immerses listeners in a chilling and atmospheric tale set in the remote northern reaches of Iceland.

Jónasson masterfully crafts a dual-timeline narrative, intertwining the original investigation led by Detective Hulda Hermannsdottir with a renewed effort to solve the cold case nearly thirty years later. 

Sam Woolf’s narration is a standout feature, bringing the characters and the eerie setting to life with his compelling voice. 

The plot is meticulously crafted, with each twist and turn keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Jónasson’s skillful storytelling, combined with Woolf’s evocative narration, ensures that the suspense is maintained throughout. The vivid descriptions of the Icelandic landscape and the intricate details of the investigation add depth to the narrative, immersing listeners in a world where every shadow holds a secret.

For fans of mystery and crime fiction, Death at the Sanatorium offers a gripping and immersive experience. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery with a strong sense of place and atmosphere.

Death at the Sanitorium features Helgi, in 2012 and Sverrir and Hulga in 1983 and centers on two deaths at a former tuberculosis sanatorium in a small city in Iceland. Helgi has gained respect when he temped with the local police force. He is grieving his father, a former bookstore owner whose death left Helgi with all his favorite translated American mysteries. These are his safe place. Right now, Helgi is finishing his Masters' thesis in criminology and his focus is on two deaths in 1983 that occurred at the sanatorium and were closed with resolution that seems off. He is applying modern criminology to the case and interviewing interested parties. This is a stand alone novel and as I do like dual timelines and what turns out to be a police procedural of sorts it's a winner for me. Interesting characters. Good plot. Fast paced but everything is there. As usual, one cannot go far with a review of a mystery but I highly recommend this one.

I read the audio version of this with Sam Woolf, a well-known actor as the narrator. Woolf does a fabulous job with the reading.

Taking place in a dual timelines 30 years apart Death at the Sanatorium reads like part Nordic noir and part classic police procedural. It’s a medium paced mystery/thriller with intriguing characters and a satisfying resolution. I don’t want to give too much away but I enjoyed it very much as a fan of both genres!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan audio and the author for providing an audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. The narration was very good and added to the atmosphere of the novel.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I haven't read this author previously but wanted to read about Iceland plus I enjoy police procedurals. Death at the Sanatorium was interesting and not what I expected. I did read that this is sort of a spinoff from a television show The Darkness so maybe that is why some things seemed odd. It didn't feel like there were a lot of things specific to Iceland.

The story alternates between 1983 when murder occurs at the sanatorium and 2012 when Helgi is finishing his dissertation on those murders and has an offer to join the CID as a detective. The primary perspectives we get are Helgi, the graduate student and Tina, a nurse who discovered the bodies.

Helgi was alright, if maybe a bit of a slacker but when he did decide to do something he was pretty skilled. I think it was more he was young and trying to decide what to do rather than being lazy. He had been a police intern so he knew the ropes. He didn't really have official standing or protection of any kind as he talked to people though. There is also his personal life and disruptions with his partner. Again, while he didn't decide quickly I think he did the right things.

Tina thought she was better than others, and told lies to get attention. She was ambitious and did work hard. I just wasn't happy with the dishonesty. I didn't like her at all.

The detective in charge of the initial case was relatively young, didn't think the lodgings were up to his standards and wanted to get back to the bigger city. He didn't do much of a job of solving the case or spend much time on it. Hulda, his partner, wanted to take more time and gather more evidence but he was in charge.

Now Hulda is retiring. Helgi plans to talk to her but they never actually meet which I found stupid. Helgi is actually taking over her position. Although the police don't really support him, his investigation is solid and he solves what really happened. I also disliked the abrupt ending which left Helgi's personal life in question.

So I enjoyed this while reading. The pace was a bit meandering, perhaps because Helgi was. But I thought he had good intentions and skills. I would have liked Hulda being a bit more a part of things, really in both timelines. I would have appreciated a few less loose ends.

Narration:
I have not listened to this narrator previously. I felt very comfortable with his performance, allowing me to stay in the story. The voices were clear and understandable even with different people and ways of speaking. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.