A review by markhoh
Cold Fear by Mads Peder Nordbo
4.0
Cold Fear is the second book in the Arctic crime Greenland series by Mads Peder Nordbo and picks up from where the previous book The girl without skin leaves off. Having finished this second book I can see there will clearly be a third instalment.
Nordbo has a knack for making Greenland practically seep out of every page. I can just about feel how cold it is, how unforgiving the landscape and geography is and how utterly remote and isolated every community is within this vast icy land. The reader is transported from east to west, from Nuuk to Tasiilaq, Thule to Ittoqqortormiit, Færingehavn to Qeqertarsuatsiaat as conspiracies are uncovered, secrets are exposed and true intentions are revealed.
Nordbo also highlights something of the political landscape of Greenland as well, touching on the anti Danish vs anti independence movements. The reader is reminded of the strategic geographic position of Greenland and the foreign interest from investors and other nations. The social landscape continues to feature although not as heavily as in the first book, however the stark reality of child sex abuse is a background feature. I found the location of Færingehavn really interesting - just to understand how some towns in Greenland become abandoned depending on industry etc and are just left to decay in the rugged conditions.
Journalist Matthew Cave continues his quest for the truth regarding his father aided by the mysterious Tupaarnaq who features in both the opening and closing paragraphs of the story and leaves the reader seeking to know more of her.
A key element to the story is the classified drug experiment to determine whether it is really possible for humans to be medically enabled to withstand colder temperatures - clearly something that could be useful in such a harsh climate. That theme brings up so many interesting questions - almost like the Arctic version of the elixir of life, the philosophers stone in some ways.
All in all a good sequel to the first although not quite as captivating - possibly due to a fairly complicated plot. The ending also didn’t quite do it for me although as mentioned clearly there is another story to go. I’ll give this one 4 stars.
Nordbo has a knack for making Greenland practically seep out of every page. I can just about feel how cold it is, how unforgiving the landscape and geography is and how utterly remote and isolated every community is within this vast icy land. The reader is transported from east to west, from Nuuk to Tasiilaq, Thule to Ittoqqortormiit, Færingehavn to Qeqertarsuatsiaat as conspiracies are uncovered, secrets are exposed and true intentions are revealed.
Nordbo also highlights something of the political landscape of Greenland as well, touching on the anti Danish vs anti independence movements. The reader is reminded of the strategic geographic position of Greenland and the foreign interest from investors and other nations. The social landscape continues to feature although not as heavily as in the first book, however the stark reality of child sex abuse is a background feature. I found the location of Færingehavn really interesting - just to understand how some towns in Greenland become abandoned depending on industry etc and are just left to decay in the rugged conditions.
Journalist Matthew Cave continues his quest for the truth regarding his father aided by the mysterious Tupaarnaq who features in both the opening and closing paragraphs of the story and leaves the reader seeking to know more of her.
A key element to the story is the classified drug experiment to determine whether it is really possible for humans to be medically enabled to withstand colder temperatures - clearly something that could be useful in such a harsh climate. That theme brings up so many interesting questions - almost like the Arctic version of the elixir of life, the philosophers stone in some ways.
All in all a good sequel to the first although not quite as captivating - possibly due to a fairly complicated plot. The ending also didn’t quite do it for me although as mentioned clearly there is another story to go. I’ll give this one 4 stars.