Countdown is the kind of book that completely pulls you in—it’s got that easy, immersive style where you feel like you’re right there in the room with the characters. From the very first page (or first few minutes if you're listening to the audiobook), it grabs your hand and doesn’t let go. You feel every racing heartbeat, every desperate exclamation, every puzzle that needs solving. The secrets, the urgency, the race against time—it’s all there, and it’s relentless.

One of the coolest extras? The author provides QR codes and links (available via email from Johan Ottosen’s website) that let you explore real-world locations from the book. I loved being able to drop into street view and see the places described—it adds an interactive layer that most books don’t offer, and it makes the experience even more immersive.

That said, fair warning—this book doesn’t shy away from gritty, graphic detail. If you’re squeamish about bodily functions, just be aware that there are some explicit descriptions early on. But if that doesn’t bother you, Countdown delivers a gripping, high-stakes thriller that keeps you hooked until the very last moment!

I am becoming more and more obsessed with end-of-the-world stories!

Countdown is the kind of book that completely pulls you in—it’s got that easy, immersive style where you feel like you’re right there in the room with the characters. From the very first page (or first few minutes if you're listening to the audiobook), it grabs your hand and doesn’t let go. You feel every racing heartbeat, every desperate exclamation, every puzzle that needs solving. The secrets, the urgency, the race against time—it’s all there, and it’s relentless.

One of the coolest extras? The author provides QR codes and links (available via email from Johan Ottosen’s website- www.johanottosen.com) that let you explore real-world locations from the book. I loved being able to drop into street view and see the places described—it adds an interactive layer that most books don’t offer, and it makes the experience even more immersive.

That said, fair warning—this book doesn’t shy away from gritty, graphic detail. If you’re squeamish about bodily functions, just be aware that there are some explicit descriptions early on. But if that doesn’t bother you, Countdown delivers a gripping, high-stakes thriller that keeps you hooked until the very last moment!

If you like Dan Brown you will love this.

When journalist Kurt Østergaard's stepfather dies, he leaves behind clues to a devastating secret that could shake Denmark to its core. As Kurt investigates, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power.

I devoured this book in a day! It is a fast paced book that will keep you on your toes throughout. Originally released in print in 2012 it is now being released in audiobook format.

There are a lot of threads/characters to keep track of in this book and that would possibly be made easier in print than in audiobook format. But as this is book 1 of the series it has to set the scene for this book and the later ones in the series. That's not to say a lot of them aren't tied together in this one, they are.

It blends ancient mysteries, geopolitic and Norse mythology effortlessly.

Whilst the narrator threw me a bit in their pronunciation of a few words it is a great listen.

Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the audiobook ARC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.