This is book 2 of the Hulda trilogy by Ragnar Jonasson. The Island was an entertaining read. The characters are likeable and the story was interesting. I was quite surprised as I did not like book 1: The Darkness. The storyline of that one was terribly boring and I didn’t care for Hulda. Book 2 is set before book 1 regarding the case of two murders set ten years apart with relation to the same people. The island is an ominous and treacherous place, however people like to visit and mysterious things happen.

I like all of the characters except for the main character. Each character has their own personality, roles, and develop well during the story. I like the twists in the book and how it has multiple events that keep the book moving. No slow parts and comes together nicely.

I don’t like Hulda, unfortunately I think she’s quite drab and her life is quite boring. She also doesn’t seem to have much of a personality, I wish the author would give her a little bit of spunk. I’m also not a fan that the trilogy is not in chronological order. Book 2 is set before book 1. Wonder if book 3 is set before book 2. Oh bother.

★★★★ It’s worth a read. I actually think I would recommend skipping book 1 and going directly to this one. ( )

Auch diese Reihe werde ich nicht weiter lesen. ( )

A good tight mystery - I didn't guess the killer, or the turn of events years later. Always love the setting of these Scandinavian crime novels and TV shows.

I was prepared for the savagery of the first crime - it's par for the course in Nordic Noir. But the terrible crime against the victim's father is the worst.

Oh, is Iceland part of Scandinavia?! Apparently not: In general, Scandinavia denotes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The term Norden refers to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. So not even Finland is Scandinavian? I've been treating it as if it was all these years!

I haven't heard the term "Norden" though it must explain the word Nordic - even though I've travelled to all the countries in Norden! ( )

The Island is my introduction to Ragnar Jónasson books and I will definitely read more books by him. The book isn't especially thick, which was very nice for a change. Also, I felt that the size was perfect for the story. There was no need to fill it out with unnecessary dialogue or descriptions. The pacing is very good and I partly read and partly listened to the audiobook version (which I recommend). Storywise was the book interesting, especially since there aren't that many suspects in the case since there were only three people on the island. It's the connections to the case of the brutal murder of a girl ten years ago that makes this story extra interesting to read. Also, I love reading a book set in Iceland, need to read more books set in Iceland. Especially since I love books set on islands.

Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir is a great character and her family story is very tragic with the death of her husband and daughter years ago. In this book, is she trying to locate her father who she has never met since her mother never wanted to talk about him. I'm looking forward to reading the first book to find out more about Hulda. The island is a great thriller and I recommend the book warmly!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

The Island is my introduction to Ragnar Jónasson books and I will definitely read more books by him. The book isn't especially thick, which was very nice for a change. Also, I felt that the size was perfect for the story. There was no need to fill it out with unnecessary dialogue or descriptions. The pacing is very good and I partly read and partly listened to the audiobook version (which I recommend). Storywise was the book interesting, especially since there aren't that many suspects in the case since there were only three people on the island. It's the connections to the case of the brutal murder of a girl ten years ago that makes this story extra interesting to read. Also, I love reading a book set in Iceland, need to read more books set in Iceland. Especially since I love books set on islands.

Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir is a great character and her family story is very tragic with the death of her husband and daughter years ago. In this book, is she trying to locate her father who she has never met since her mother never wanted to talk about him. I'm looking forward to reading the first book to find out more about Hulda. The island is a great thriller and I recommend the book warmly!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )