I found this book a little slow starting and it took me a little while to remember who was who, but once I got into the plot I found I finished it in no time. I really didn't suspect the killer so the ending was a twist I didn't see coming. I read it as a standalone book and enjoyed it once the plot sped up

4.5*

A welcome return for our intrepid Swedish journalist, Tuva Moodyson. This time Tuva's been called far away from home to investigate the disappearance of a deaf teenager in the isolated northern town of Esseberg, known as Ice Town.

For a series that got strong and stronger with each release this is another fantastic instalment. This book can be easily read as a standalone but a lot of the richness comes from the development of Tuva’s character and all the trials and tribulations that we’ve gone through with her in previous books. This book, like the rest of the series, is an intriguing mystery accompanied by a rich and evocative setting with a sinister and unsettling undercurrent running throughout. The supporting cast of characters are well realised with quirks and foibles that add to the story and setting and the entire reading experience is immersive, and tense with a surprising reveal (for me) for the who and they why.

I hope we’ll get to see more of Tuva in the future, especially as I've devoured this entire series over the course of 5 months and whilst I read this edition in ebook form (and it read so quickly I was so absorbed) I also highly recommend listening to the audiobooks for this series as Maya Lindh's voice is Tuva's in my head now!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this digital review copy of "Ice Town" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Book 6 in this brilliant series finds Tuva drawn to remote ski village Esseberg whn she hears that a deaf teenager has gone missing. Tuva is her tenacious self, but feels more of a link to this one with the missing boy also being deaf. She is also still coming to terms with events from the previous book which is why, while this could be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading the whole series.

Tuva finds herself in another small town where everyone knows everyone and there are several residents who definitely seem to know more than they are letting on. Add in the cold and dark climate, plus the fact that the entire town is cut off by the only access tunnell being closed each night, Tuva and the local police have their work cut out.

I love Tuva as a character and although it has come at great personal cost for her, it is great to see her almost 'growing up' a bit, softening slightly and not being that stubborn, always so self-reliant character she has had to be. I really hope this evolvment continues into the rest of the series!

I've read and really enjoyed other novels by Mr Dean, but none of his Tuva series, so was looking forward to meeting a new character.
It took me a while to get into the book, but because of the rave reviews I persevered. The sense of place, cold and isolation was really well expressed, but the story itself didn't grab me and I was unsure about the murderer once revealed. I will definitely read more by this author but probably not this series.
Thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of this book

I was conflicted with how many stars to give as I LOVE Tuva and anything else Will has ever written and I Loved this. With the usual dark, atmospheric setting and totally gripping story I couldn’t put it down……until we find who the killer was and this is where I dropped a star, I was sooo disappointed in who it was, it just felt so far fetched and it kind of spoiled it a bit for me. That saying though, i still really enjoyed it, it did keep me gripped and I look forward to our next meeting with Tuva to hopefully find out if her exciting news is real?? Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this early copy.

The graphic and atmospheric description of a small Swedish town in winter proved categorically that I would not survive in such a place … a missing deaf teenager and several ensuing murders confirmed it. A deaf journalist, Tuva Moodyson, pursues the case as someone well-placed to help the missing youth. As someone with a hearing challenge, I had expected to identify with Tuva rather more; whilst I felt for her suffering for her partner, I was strangely distanced from Tuva but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the novel. Descriptions of the townspeople lend tension to the snow and ice and danger - and creepiness! Blessed relief comes in the form of Tuva’s editor and best friend and the investigating police inspector. But the resolution to the crimes is an out-of-the-blue (or snow!) breath-taker. Readers will have to truly think out of the box for this one! I haven’t read anything else in the series, but will make sure I do – evocative and emotive writing, an unusual lot, and a fascinating cast of characters make for good reading. I am grateful to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this ARC and for introducing me to a new author.

Firrst book by this author I have read and it won't be the last.
One way in one way out and a killer on a murderous hunt. Set in a small town in the mountains,a journalist who is deaf can she figure out the killer before he/she comes for her.
Loved it,cannot wait for more from this author

The hook this book had in me is nothing short of magic! And it's such a perfect, atmospheric book for this time of year with the dark nights etc. The writing is excellent, the turns and twists are jaw dropping. The characters are brought to life and made as clue to walking, talking humans as is possible on paper and omg the tension built throughout!!! It's just such an amazing story. I didn't realise it was part of a series so I shall now be going to get caught up because if they're even half as good as this one, I'll be more than satisfied

Ice Town is book 6 in the Tuva Moodyson Mysteries by Will Dean. This book definitely works as a standalone though if you just want to dive into the series.

Esseberg, AKA Ice Town can only be reached by way of a tunnel which closes at night. There is only one way in and one way out giving the novel a real claustrophobic feel. A deaf teenager goes missing and mountain rescue launch a search for him. When journalist Tuva reads about the young teen she is drawn to the town to help with the search. Being deaf herself she may be of use to communicate with him.

This was a chilling atmospheric read with danger lurking everywhere, from the creepy hotel at the top of the mountain, the defective ski lift and a killer on a murder spree. A totally gripping read and a fantastic ending.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

TUVA! TUVA! TUVA! *Fist pumps the air*
Tuva is back and I’m totally here for it.

I’m a huge Will Dean fan and have now read everything he’s written. But I’m particularly fond of the Tuva series. She’s a fantastic character and I’m hugely invested in her. And the setting of Utgard Forest and the surrounding area is always the perfect backdrop to this series.

In Ice Town, Tuva has rocked up in Esseburg - another crazy location where a tunnel is the only way in and out of the town - and it’s closed every night.
She’s following a case of a missing deaf teenager. But, obvs, it’s not going to be that straightforward and the body count soon starts to rack up.

Not sure if I was imagining this but I felt that possibly the writing style had changed since the last Tuva book. It’s almost as though since Noora’s death, the writing has changed to reflect Tuva’s mental state of grief. It seems a bit more punchy, choppy and matter of fact - like Tuva is going through the motions of living in a shocked and detached way.
And then as I read on, I realised that the writing had become less staccato as Tuva got more enmeshed in her work.

There was a pretty major revelation in the book, so I’m hoping that means we can expect more books in this series. Hurry please, Mr Dean!

I'm new to Tuva, never read any before but goodness me, I will certainly be reading more of these excellent stories. The way the story wound around the wonderfully written characters was brilliant! Proper heart pounding stuff! I really hope I get to meet her again, even if the ending did make me cry

I should start this review with the caveat that Will Dean is a magnificent author and the Tuva mysteries are probably my favourite series! I picked one up on a whim and have now worked my way through them all.

Back to Ice Town, Tuva once again centres herself in an emerging drama. This time it’s not local, drawn by the news of a missing deaf teenager, Tuva travels far north to Ice Town to investigate. What unfolds in this dark, cold town is a series of grim discoveries, and some personal revelations for Tuva.

Like all books in the Tuva mysteries, this could easily be read as a stand-alone or as part the series. This is the first time I have read one as it’s released and really liked that how storylines have matured and relationships evolved, for example the respect from Chief Bjorn in his call to the local police.

Huge thank you for the ARC, I have a pre-order en route to look forward to.

This is book six in this most brilliant series and, as always, although the main story is self-contained, there has been a lot going on in Tuva's past so you'd be better off starting from book one and reading in order. And why not, I did already mention its a brilliant series...! It is billed as a stand alone but I can't see that myself as it refers to Tuva's past too much not to spoil the previous books if you haven't already read them. Although, if you are not going to go back afterwards, then you can dive straight in here without needing any initial fanfare.
So... we start with Tuva learning of the disappearance of a deaf teenage boy who has gone missing in Esseberg. She knows that she needs to go straight there to cover the story even though it is way outside her normal jurisdiction. She knows that once he has been found she can help him communicate. But it's a long drive and, when she eventually gets there, there will be only one way into the village - by way of a tunnel through a mountain which is closed at night, leaving the villagers cut off from the rest of the world. But she ups sticks and gets there and manages to get the only room left, which happens to be in a spa of all places.
But things do not go right, more people go missing and some are found dead. Everyone is starting to panic and, just when Tuva is feeling overwhelmed by it all, someone drops a pretty big emotional bombshell on her...
And that's all I'm saying as it all gets a little convoluted and interconnected and goes off quite spectacularly, delivering an ending that I didn't see coming at all.
I do have to say that initially I wasn't particularly sold on the idea that Tuva would travel all that way to cover a story just cos the boy was deaf. But once I had accepted this, it all flowed nicely. Until the emotional curve ball when I was jolted again. Which is why I dropped a half star. Tuva is a little self-destructive after all and this book also brings out a little side order of god-complex!
It's been a while since the previous Tuva book and I have heard some say that this is to be the last. I say shame to that. Whilst I do enjoy this author's stand alone books, I also have a soft spot for Tuva and would really miss her if it really was the end of this series. Hopefully, now it has a new publisher, they'll do the right thing and commission more Tuva. I'd be up for that..
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Fabulous! Another amazing Tuva story. This can absolutely be read as a stand alone, but, you’ll be missing a treat if you don’t read the series. This is book 6 in a cracking series of murder and mystery.

It’s a series that takes on a unique perspective, that of a deaf protagonist and they are wonderful stories and they just get better.

Tuva is a journalist who, in this book, travels to cover a story of a missing deaf teenager in a remote town. She feels conflicted due in part to her feeling of connection with Peter, the missing teenager and his grandmother who cares for him. That and the feeling of isolation and disconnect in a town that is cut off daily from the outside world by a tunnel that closes every night. This is a haunting tale with characters that stay with you and I loved it.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hodder books for the opportunity to preview.

I love this series and this is another great crime thriller.
Tuva heads out to a remote town when she hears that a young man is missing. She wants to help tell his story as he is deaf, just like her.
When she gets there she realises how cut off it is and with access to certain areas restricted at times, she finds it a bit daunting.
The search party soon discover a body, but it’s not Peter. This raises further questions and Tuva is desperate to work out the link. Another person is then found barely alive in the snow and it seems the killer failed to finish the task.
With more victims being found and with Tuva’s life also under threat, it’s a race against time to catch the killer.
This is a great crime thriller.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book.

Ice Town, by Will Dean
Rating: 5/5
Published: 7th Nov 2024
'Deaf teenager goes missing in Esseberg. Mountain rescue are launching a search party but conditions hinder their efforts. The tunnel is being kept open all night as an exception.'
When journalist Tuva Moodyson reads this news alert she knows she must join the search. If this teenager is found, she will be able to communicate with him in a way no one else can.
Esseberg lies on the other side of a mountain tunnel: there is only one way in and one way out. When the tunnel closes at night, the residents are left to fend for themselves. And as more people go missing, it becomes clear that there is a killer among them ...’
I am a shameless fan of Will Dean, so I was delighted to be asked to review his latest book, Ice Town. It does not disappoint. Dean is a master of twists and turns, and he keeps his readers on their toes right until the very end. I am usually able to guess the perpetrator, but I couldn’t this time – there were so many potentials! The setting of Ice Town is ominous, with darkness at every turn. Dean manages to take a ski resort, and turn it into a dangerous setting for multiple murders. Let’s just say that I’ll never be getting on a ski lift late in the day again! Tuva is also an excellent protagonist. I love how she navigates Esseberg, and interacts with the community. She’s incredibly likable, and exceptionally sharp. Ice Town is a captivating thriller, and is up there with the very best. I love this crime series, and cannot wait for the next one!

This was a chilling thriller, set in the mountains of Sweden away from everything, you need a tunnel to read the town of Esseberg. The tunnel closes each night, when a deaf teenager goes missing in the town, Tuva a reporter goes to investigate. There is loads of secrets in this small town, but the mystery of it is very close.

I enjoyed this read, does make you chilly with all that snow. The characters are likable and it was easy to follow. It’s dark and you will be watching over your shoulder a while after reading it. An overall 4.5 star read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Tuva, a journalist, gets a scary news alert about a missing teen. She joins the search, thinking she might be able to help in a special way. The search is dangerous, but things get even worse. It's a suspenseful story with a great setting, interesting characters, and a fast-paced plot. It's really gripping and exciting.

Tuva heads off to Esseberg in this instalment to the series, investigating the disappearance of a deaf teenager in the mountains. It hits close to home for her, as she can empathise with how he was treated due to his deafness. There is no shortage of potential suspects, despite it being a small town, and Dean does a good job of describing the icy conditions, the mountains, and the claustrophobia of being in a town whose only entry/exit is via a tunnel that closes each night…

This is a good addition to the series, and I like seeing Tuva begin to grow as a person - she was quite aloof to start with (and with a frustrating tendency to let batteries go flat for her phone and hearing aids), but she is starting to have a bit more warmth and self-awareness now. I think this is Nora’s legacy, which is ❤️. And as for the potential big news for Tuva… it will be interesting to see where that goes, and whether he is who he says he is…

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

You know that fizz of excitement when you stumble across an amazing new series and immediately add all the earlier books to your library? Well, that was me with Ice Town. I’m a huge fan of Will Dean and have read and loved all his standalone thrillers, but this Tuva Moodyson series somehow passed me by. After reading this, though, I am well and truly hooked.

The setting alone was enough to give me the heebie jeebies.

It’s winter in Esseberg, a small Swedish town set in a dark valley surrounded by high, brooding mountains, where the only way in and out is via a single-lane tunnel, which — wait for it — closes overnight, trapping its one thousand residents inside.

The news that a deaf teenager has gone missing there catches the attention of investigative journalist Tuva, who travels from her base to help with the search. Tuva is also deaf and as well as sensing a story feels she has unique skills that could be put to good use.

What follows, as it gradually becomes clear that the town has a killer in its midst, is a highly enjoyable piece of suspense fiction, the creepiness intensified by the hostile environment and the sinister characters that Dean cleverly employs to misdirect the attention of the reader.

Giving Indiana Jones a run for his money, Tuva finds herself in a series of hairy scary scrapes, involving stuck chairlifts, lost skis and deadly mountain slopes. My heart was in my mouth more than once, and if this had been a movie, I’d have missed most of it due to my hands being clamped tightly over my eyes.

The plot is full of crazy twists and turns and builds to a thrilling, explosive finale. Even here, though, Dean has a joker up his sleeve (doesn’t he always?) and at the last moment slaps it down with a smirking ‘Gotcha!’ He certainly had me fooled.

Although this instalment is being marketed as a standalone, and I had no problem reading it as such, fans will no doubt enjoy some developments in Tuva’s private life. I loved her as a character, and there were enough references to her past to make me very keen to get to know her better.

Another cracker from the pen of Will Dean and well worth the read.