*Countdown* by Johan Ottosen is a high-stakes thriller that masterfully blends ancient mysteries with modern-day espionage. The story follows journalist Kurt Østergaard and former UN weapons inspector Søren Storm as they race against time to prevent a catastrophic attack in Copenhagen. Ottosen weaves together Norse mythology, geopolitical intrigue, and personal struggles, creating a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking. With its fast-paced action, meticulous research, and complex characters, *Countdown* keeps readers on edge from start to finish. This novel is a must-read for fans of suspenseful, multi-layered thrillers that explore the fragility of global peace and human resilience.

I tried, I really did. Maybe it was the translation that made it clunky but between the really awkward and overly clinical graphic smut scenes, The shorty choppy chapters and the narrators continued mispronunciation of the word "quay" I just cannot finish this one.

On paper this sounded great and I really enjoyed the premise. But the continued stereotyping of not only pregnant women but Arabic men really was a turn off. It's so cliche to have middle eastern men be the bad guys.

And the smut... Now I like romance books and books with sex scenes but these just felt off and in no way contributed to the plot. I can tell you no heavily pregnant woman is bending down in the shower to do THAT, nor does she want to be referred to ass "heavy as a hippopotamus"

I really had hoped to love this as Dan Brown thrillers are some of my favorites but I could not bring myself to finish it.

I won't be publishing a review on any of my socials or review pages as I did DNF and I do not think it fair to the author to do so.

Countdown
Mirrin Bank #1
Johan Ottosen
The setting is Denmark Copenhagen. Readers be prepared for a fast-paced exciting tale. The main characters are Soren Storm, an intelligence officer and Kurt Ostergaard a journalist. While the citizens of Denmark are eagerly awaiting the Queen’s Jubilee there is evil at work in the background
Kurt’s stepfather went to a park, sat on a bench next to a nursing mother, pulled out a gun and shot himself. Why? That’s the question Kurt wants to answer. As a journalist it is impossible for him to let it go. In his search for an answer, he stumbles upon a strange message from his stepfather. The message leads to a conspiracy with roots in the high levels of power and an ancient calendar marking the end of the world. Soren Storm and Birgitte are called to investigate the strange death of a criminal receiving radiation treatment for cancer.
While the citizens of Denmark are eagerly awaiting the Queen’s Jubilee there is evil at work in the background
This book is being compared to “The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown, it is easy to see why however the two books are different. There are a lot of characters in this tale, not all were necessary several were red herrings. The chapters are short. The author Johan Ottosen provides vivid descriptions; I felt as if I was walking the streets of Copenhagen and the forests of Greenland. Ottosen provides a QR code at the beginning of each chapter. The links are GPS locations. One of my favorite parts concerned organ donations. Ottosen successfully combines Norse myths and mysteries of the Mayas.
This is the first book in a series. It was originally published in print in 2012, it has now been released as an audiobook.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I liked the premise but found the story long and drawn out. Not so much the devil is in the detail, but the devil is too much detail.

This was a decent thriller , first in a trilogy, set in Denmark and across the Nordic countries and it includes a very nifty addition! At the start of each chapter there are GPS co-ordinates of the location in which the events are unfolding, which you can view on Google Earth. The link to these is also available on the authors website for audiobook listeners. As someone, who will look up on places online when reading a book, I was thrilled with this addition!!
The book has an explosive start and shoots off from this highly dramatic opener twisting and turning in a very page turning fashion, I had to suspend belief a couple of times and the pacing was a little uneven as the book progressed but there was lots to enjoy in this one ( I especially enjoyed the mythology element) and I am looking forward to the next installment.

3 stars

A race against time and ancient mystery thriller. Kurt a reporter and Storm a former UN weapons inspector race to find a dirty bomb before the Queens jubilee and ancient clues that implies Ragnarok. Full of twists and action, good well drawn chracters make this an excellent listen. The narrator is clear and paces this book right. Thanks to books go social and Netgalley for this review ARC.

This is certainly a fast paced thriller, packed with characters and a plot line that covers conspiracy theories, espionage, Norse mythology and much more. The introduction of QR codes to ‘visit’ locations is new to me. I’m not sure whether I want to go that far; I enjoy maps in a book. Taking time out from the action to go online and look at the locations may add to the pleasure but I found the prospect distracting. However, it’s innovative and maybe it’s something I’ll be more inclined to do on another occasion.

This is a true thriller; it’s edge of your seat stuff although I was slightly lost on a couple of occasions and had to rewind to understand what was goinfpg on. It’s really well narrated throughout and even with some of the stomach churning detail, I’d read more from this author.

In the book Countdown, author Johan Ottosen writes about journalist Kurt Østergaard, whose father dies and leaves clues to a secret that could shake Denmark at its core. Søren Storm, a former UN weapons inspector, is trying to track down stolen radioactive material and is there an immanent planned attack? And who is the target? This was a good fast-paced story that kept moving. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I got an audiobook version from NetGallery.

The narrator did a great job at narrating the book but I feel like there's way too much going on in this book. I think it had too many plotlines and too many characters. It did not feel fast paced and for being compared to Dan Brown, I personally did not get that feel. Maybe if it was edited some more and some storylines cut out completely it might have been better.

I'm currently at 79% and I'll most likely finish it but I wasn't a big fan of it unfortunately because the description seemed like it would have been right up my alley.

A Thrilling, High-Stakes Race Against Time
Johan Ottosen’s Countdown is a gripping fusion of historical intrigue, modern espionage, and pulse-pounding suspense. With a narrative that seamlessly blends Norse mythology, ancient prophecies, and high-level conspiracy, this novel delivers an electrifying reading experience. The richly drawn characters—each with their own secrets and motivations—add depth to a plot that never slows down. From the depths of Copenhagen’s hidden bunkers to the icy landscapes of Greenland, Ottosen crafts a fast-paced, intelligent thriller that will keep readers on edge until the very last page.

Siren Storm is called in when stolen radioactive material is found. Who stole it and what do they plan to use it for? Heads of State are gathering to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee but is an attack imminent? Meanwhile Kurt Ostergaard is following clues that could lead to Denmark being shaken.

Well written and narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good characters in a well paced novel. Two threads run together and crossover ready for the next book.

Fast-paced thriller novel. Was a little difficult to follow due to so many different character and place names. I feel this may be stronger as a Kindle or paper book. I did enjoy the story, but was not as immersed as I could have been.

Countdown by Johan Ottosen (Audiobook)

Mysteriousness and intrigue linger as Kurt Østegaard is left a mystery to unravel by his stepfather. A journalist by trade, Kurt’s natural propensity to investigate takes hold. Woven into the fabric of this action adventure, which can be compared to the likes of Dan Brown’s work, is Søren Storm. Storm and his partner Birgitte are launched headfirst into the mysterious death of a known criminal struck down by a radiation treatment machine gone amok. A lengthy list of centuries-old political coercion and cover-ups involving the kings' legitimate ancestry and titles starts to surface. Who is at the root of the evil planned to wipe out the monarchy?

Ahh yes, I remember you well. Dan Brown was my reading obsession. The story's development, involving lost records or artifacts from bygone eras somehow gaining relevance to contemporary society, was fantastic. I didn’t just stop there; I kept reading similar authors. Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone series comes to mind. For an avid reader, it was a tremendous period. However, like most things, the market became oversaturated with this Indiana Jones narrative, and I became disinterested in it. 2025 is a new day! Reading the description of Countdown gave me old-school vibes. My ears perked up as I strapped on my daily hiking gear and set out on a new adventure. Folks, it is, as I remember, a story that brought back the warm fuzzies of yesteryear.

Ottosen has done a great job of giving the reader or listener just enough details. Coaxing questions to form, creating tense feelings. The novel is told from various points of view, each character with a set of complex issues to solve. Tinges of exploration softly coat our reading palette, and the religious undertones of a world blooming with intrinsic devilish behavior vying for power and control take grip. The answers are there, but they come with a slow approach. The author’s command teases our demands to solve the puzzle only to hit a proverbial speed bump, jarring our senses with another problem demanding our immediate attention. With much to unpack, at times it feels overwhelming. Perhaps liken it to eavesdropping on a conversation where you are the focal point and can’t quite make out all the words. Your OCD won’t let you rest until you figure it out. Perhaps that is the beauty of these types of novels: the need to navigate in an unfamiliar environment and somehow triumph with a well-timed a-ha moment.

The audiobook version was a delight. The book narrated by Jeffrey Machado delivered an excellent performance. I felt his voice to be soothing, and his cadence was slow and precise. I am sure that there might be trepidations about some pronunciation issues with Danish names or words, but these were certainly not deal breakers for me.

The con. It threw me for a loop. Remember my visit to the land of Dan Brown? Within that realm, I don’t recall a major amount of sexual activity. Wow! There are a couple of scenes at the beginning that left me speechless. I have now arrived in the land of Johan Ottosen, no doubt about it. The novel’s sexually charged appetite chewed me up and spit me out. It does not last throughout but more towards the start, which is curious. If I had any misgivings about this type of direction, would I stop listening? Perhaps this could cause some alienation among readers and listeners alike.

In summation, I recall someone comparing his writing style to Dan Brown on steroids. That is a perfect assessment, and I am in total agreement. I cook my eggs on seven for that nice, controllable scrambled egg goodness. However, every once in a while I need to live on the edge. I fire up that stove to ten and let it rip. Will it burn? Maybe, but you only live once, right?
I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars! Recommended listening!

Many thanks to BooksGoSocial Audio through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Johan Ottosen, and BooksGoSocial Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to find a new author, particularly one with a Scandinavian background, I turned to the first novel in this trilogy by Johan Ottosen. The book is what I might call a translated popular fiction piece, depicting a number of adventurous settings and keeping the reader in the middle of the action. A former UN employee, a journalist, and a curious woman all fill the pages with their respective perspectives on a mystery that has both historic and modern-day aspects. A great launch of the series that has me eager to get an English copy of the next book in the series.

Denmark awaits the official celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee, sure to be as exciting as it is anticipated. However, something darker lurks in the shadows, which begins when a man commits suicide on a park bench a few years ago. Journalist Kurt Østergaard will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind his stepfather’s apparent suicide, though he worries there is something more to the event. He’s soon made aware that a mystery that could turn Denmark and the world on its head is about to be unleashed. All this tied to the recent discovery of a calendar dating millennia in the past, which has an End of Days moment in the not too distant future.

Meanwhile, former UN weapons inspector, Søren Storm, is trying to come to terms with the upcoming birth of his child, an event he has long anticipated. However, his girlfriend, Birgitte, wants him out of her way as she prepares for the impending arrival. When news comes across Storm’s radar about a plot to attack the jubilee with a dirty bomb, he cannot sit idly by. He must act and ensure that all Danes are safe, as well as the many ignitaries who are on their way to Copenhagen.

When Storm and Østergaard join forces, they discover a chilling truth that will have to be stopped in short order. Nothing is certain and neither man can waste a moment. Pulling on their respective experiences, they will have to locate the culprits and neutralise things before they get out of hand. Unbeknownst to the public, the jubilee could be the extermination of massive numbers, with a larger plan that has been forecasted in this 5000 year old document. Ottosen delivers a stellar thriller that is sure to keep the reader hooked and wondering where things are headed in the second novel.

I enjoy the discovery of great authors, particularly those who present strong stories for all to enjoy. Johan Ottosen provides readers with a great launching pad with this novel, introducing them to history, thrills, and just the right amount of humour. The story works well with a strong narrative base, leaving the reader to bask in the various twists and excitement. This helps propel things forward and keeps the reader hooked as they learn more about the various characters. Numerous perspectives thrive through the various eyes of those who play key roles in the story. I am eager to see how each grow as the series progresses. Plot points prove useful and pave the way for a great story, complemented by short chapters to keep the momentum going. The surprises that await the reader fuel a superior reading experience and I am pleased to have discovered it. I await locating an English translation of the next novel, to continue the adventure.

Kudos, Mr. Ottosen, for a great start to the adventure!

Countdown, is no misnomer—time is of the essence, and Ottosen masterfully creates a sense of urgency that leaves readers almost breathless.



Johan Ottosen's Countdown is a gripping blend of political intrigue, action, and suspense that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The Danish author crafts a story that delves into themes of conspiracy, power, and the fragility of global peace, making it a must-read for fans of intense, high-stakes thrillers.

The narrative weaves through several interconnected threads, including political corruption, religious extremism, and covert operations, all culminating in a nail-biting race against time. Ottosen’s ability to juggle multiple perspectives and plotlines is commendable, and he ties everything together with precision.
Strengths

Fast-Paced Action: The relentless pace of the book mirrors the ticking clock of its central plot. Ottosen wastes no time plunging the reader into the action, and the energy rarely lets up.
Global Scope: The novel's international setting and wide-reaching conspiracy provide a cinematic quality. The author also provides a feature on his website that shows where the story is taking place on a world map.
Thrilling Realism: Ottosen’s meticulous research shines through in the story's details, from the political dynamics to the technical aspects of the impending threat. This adds a layer of credibility that heightens the stakes.
What I didn't like
Needless Sex Scenes: I am not shy when it comes to romance and "smut". In this book, however, it didn't serve a purpose. It's not like Storms marriage is purely physical, you can tell by the other scenes that they have a beautiful relationship. Plus she's pregnant, the audience already knows what has to be done for that to happen.
So Many Characters: This is more of a disadvantage of audiobooks. After a handful of characters it gets really confusing to keep them all straight. This is where having a full cast is helpful, but I understand that is not feasible. That being said the narrator handled it well and I was able to catch up easily.
I would rate this as 4/5 stars. If you’re looking for a high-octane read that will keep you turning the pages late into the night, Countdown is worth adding to your reading list.

I really enjoyed how this mystery is steeped in historical context and real world events whilst still being fictional. The audiobook also directs you to a website which has the Google maps links for the places that are mentioned in each book which I thought was a really nice unique idea. Once the plot starts to take hold the story moves along at a good pace and with the chapters being so short it’s really easy to binge several chapters at once. The one downside to the audiobook is that there are lots of different character POV’s and with the chapters being so short it’s sometimes tricky to keep up with who is doing what, aside from that the narration is fantastic. If you enjoy adventure/mystery books then you’ll enjoy this one too.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this audiobook

On paper this is right up my street it is a great political thriller and I was just engrossed in the story. What put me off completely was the explicit sex scenes and I just had to fast forward these bits when listening to it so it spoilt the enjoyment of the book. I am not a prude but these were too much for me especially listening to it on devices where the rest of the family could walk in.

The Countdown is a fast paced thriller about a conspiracy that will have huge implications to live as they know it in Denmark. It was evident that a lot of research that went into this book. The historical & environmental descriptions were fantastic and I felt like I was there as I was reading.

This is the first book in The Mirrin Bank Trilogy by Johan Ottosen. It has been translated from Dutch into English and I am hopeful they will translate the other two because I need to know what happens. The cliffhanger left me wanting to start the next book asap.

Johan Ottosen is often compared to Dan Brown. The see the similarities and enjoy both authors.

Jeffrey Machado did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial Audio for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love a good thriller with a Nordic setting and Norse mythology elements, and I was immediately intrigued when I came across the audiobook version of the first book of this Danish thriller series. The blurb sounded like exactly the action-packed and thrilling ride I was craving, and I couldn't resist listening to Countdown straight away. The blurb compares the series to Dan Brown and Stieg Larsson, and I can definitely get behind this comparison. It won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy this type of book this is a series to keep in mind.

The premise of Countdown is without doubt excellent and it shows that the author spent a lot of time researching the different topics. I especially loved the GPS locations offered at the beginning of each chapter, where you could then take a look exactly at where each chapter takes place. This first book is mainly set in Denmark, but also visits a couple other countries along the way. What I could appreciate was the incorporation of Danish history and Norse mythology elements, as well as references to other historical facts along the way. It gave the story a more authentic feel (although sometimes it did slow down the pace a little).

I enjoyed my time in general listening to Countdown, and there is no doubt that the plot is eventful. That said, I did find it a bit hard to keep track of all the different characters in play... Although I suspect it would have been easier if I had read the book instead of listening to it. The multiple POV structrure I had similar issues with, although I can't deny that it became easier to keep them all apart after a while. Kurt and Storm are probably the most important POVs of the bunch, or at least they seem to appear most often.

One of the things I struggled most with was that some descriptions (especially of bodily functions) were way too graphic and the sex scenes made me want to bleach my ears. Yes, they were THAT bad and they didn't add anything to the plot either. I wasn't a fan of how female characters in general were described... It might just have been that this story was written mainly with a male audience in mind, but still. Another letdown was the ending, or rather where the book stopped as there was no proper ending to speak of and everything was left wide open in a humongous cliffhanger. I'm never a fan of cliffhangers, but this just felt like a book was split in half instead of two proper sequels.

As for the audio... The narrator had a voice that was easy to listen to and as a result I ended up listening for long stretches at a time. A full cast audio would have been even better for this story with its many POVs, as some POVs were easy to mix up... But as a solo narrator, Jeffrey Machado did a solid job and I mainly enjoyed my time listening to this audiobook (with the exceptions of those graphic descriptions, but then again this has nothing to do with the narration itself).

While I did end up having mixed thoughts about Countdown, as a whole I'm still glad I took the time to read it. I wish there would have been more of a proper ending and less graphic descriptions in certain scenes, but the premise itself also offered lots of action and intrigue and I loved the Norse mythology/Danish history elements.

A conspiracy of epic porportions, a maze of clues and for fans of Dan Brown? Immediately, yes.

Countdown had big boots to fill however it didn't really start to get going until 45% in. It was highly detailed in places at the expense of us really getting to know the main characters Kurt, Storm and Birgitte. Personally I could have done with less of the 2 chapters of very detailed sex between Storm and Birgitte and more of who they are as people. That lack of detail made it hard to be invested in them. Kurt enjoys red wine (and vomiting apparently), we learned a lot obout his step dad, not so much about him.

When it did get going though, the pace became fast without feeling too rushed - until that ending...

The narration was good, Jeffrey Machado managed to perfom distinct enough voices that the characters didn't become muddled for me. If he narrates the other books, I hope someone tells him how to correctly pronounce "quay"..