Danish intelligence races to stop a dirty bomb in Copenhagen before heads of state gather for the Queen's jubilee. Meanwhile, a 5,000-year-old calendar is unearthed. It's counting down. To Ragnarok. Countdown is a must-read for fans of Dan Brown, Brad Thor, and Stieg Larsson, a gripping tale of international intrigue, ancient mysteries, and unbreakable bonds. 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. Søren Storm, a former UN weapons inspector, haunted by his past, gets caught up in the mystery when stolen radioactive material and a planned attack are uncovered, With his near term pregnant girlfriend Birgitte, Storm must navigate a treacherous web of deceit to stop the unthinkable. As the conspiracy deepens and time runs out, Kurt and Storm must risk everything to unravel the plot. An act of terror in Copenhagen forces them to trust Birgitte's mother Bodil, the CEO of Mirrin Bank with secrets of her own. They race to uncover the truth, confronting ancient prophecies and forbidden knowledge that could change history. Kurt, Storm, Birgitte and Bodil realize the attack is just the beginning, and the mastermind may be closer than they imagined. They must confront the past to uncover a truth powerful men will kill to keep hidden. From the hidden bunkers under Copenhagen to the icy wilderness of Greenland, Countdown takes readers on a pulse-pounding ride through Danish history and culture. With razor-sharp prose Ottosen weaves together Norse mythology, Mayan doomsday prophecies, and the real-life history of Denmark's Stay Behind groups into a thriller that is both grounded in reality and wildly entertaining. REQUEST Countdown on NetGalley today and experience the suspense, twists, and characters that have made Ottosen Denmark's master of the thriller. But be warned: once you start, you won't be able to stop until you uncover the final, shocking truth. Countdown is translated from Danish by the Kirkus-Award finalist and Mildred L. Batchelder Honor recipient, Sinéad Quirke Køngeskov. WARNING: Contains descriptions of sex and violence. **** TAGS **** International espionage, Terrorism, Geopolitical Crises, CIA, NATO, Vikings, Norse mythology, Mayans, Police investigations, Crises Management, Radioactivity, Stay Behind network, Ancient documents, Danish prehistory, the Middle ages, Danish Church history, Danish Royal family, Danish WW2 Resistant Fighters, Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Danish Defense Forces, Danish Intelligence Service, Copenhagen. Countdown is book #1 of the Mirrin Bank trilogy. About Mirrin Bank trilogy The Mirrin Bank trilogy spans fourteen days up to Christmas. COUNTDOWN follows the first seven days. ANGLES OF THE APOCALYPSE and ANTI-CHAOS shares the next seven days.