“The Darkness” (Minotaur), by Ragnar JonassonIcelandic author Ragnar Jonasson takes a major chance — that works extremely well — in “The Darkness,” the launch of a new series about Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdottir. But “The Darkness” melds an insightful character study with a solid plot for an outstanding novel and shows how he could sustain this as a series. She’s shattered when her boss, Magnus, tells her that she will be leaving in two weeks. As a consolation, Magnus tells Hulda she can work on a cold case of her choosing before she leaves. Hulda is not the easiest person to like — prickly and strident — but Jonasson finds many layers to his new character.

Source: National Post October 15, 2018 20:15 UTC