DEATH AT THE SANATORIUM

Sam Woolf creates a foreboding atmosphere in this disturbing mystery with strong Christie vibes, set in 1952, 1983, and 2012 Iceland. Listeners enter a tuberculosis sanitorium repurposed from the 1940-50s and meet likable Helgi, who is reopening an investigation into earlier unsolved murders. His well-rendered questions to the caretaker, nurses, and doctors unearth old lies, secrets, and resentments. Wolff maintains a consistent atmosphere of dread while flawlessly segueing from ordinary to terrifying situations. Highlights include: the appearance of Hulda from earlier times and Helgi's disturbed, violent girlfriend. Audio is ideal for the slowly unfolding police procedural and its abrupt, disturbing conclusion. The relaxed afterword reveals Ragnar Jonasson's great love of old mysteries and his clever use of their classic elements in his contemporary writing. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]