Jo Nesbø Collection: The Leopard, the Redeemer, the Snowman, the Devils Star

by Jo Nesbø

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Nordic Noir

Paperback

First published July 22, 2011

About the author

Jo Nesbø is a bestselling Norwegian author and musician. He was born in Oslo and grew up in Molde. Nesbø graduated from the Norwegian School of Economics with a degree in economics. Nesbø is primarily famous for his crime novels about Detective Harry Hole, but he is also the main vocals and songwriter for the Norwegian rock band Di Derre. In 2007 Nesbø also released his first children's book, Doktor Proktors Prompepulver.

Series:
* Harry Hole
* Doktor Proktor

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Reviews

[Donna Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not find "The Redeemer" as a separate listing, and although I have read the other books in the collection, I will focus on it. Mr. Nesbo makes the reader work hard to follow all the nuances in his writing. Also, the Danish names are a bit difficult to follow. However, once you get immersed in the book, you realize how complex the plot is and how interwoven the action. I enjoyed this book as much as "The Snowman" and much more than "The Leopard.". Harry Hole is a fascinating police detective, half cop and half "cowboy cop." In other words, he tends to follow his own moral code, which does not always fall within the boundaries of his official job description. This book is great because Harry is able to satisfy his own code and somehow orchestrates an ending that satisfies the police force. Nesbo deserves all the praise he has been receiving.

[happuccino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of those in this collection but just finished The Redeemer, so a little out of sequence, and my comments relate to this. For me one of the best of the series and better than The Snowman which seemed to be the book which helped Jo Nesbo reach a wider audience (but I could be wrong...) Harry Hole could easily become a typical detective cliche but somehow Jo Nesbo pitches him just right to remain sympathetic and realistic. As with other books in the series, the plot interweaves a number of themes and has one or two rewarding twists towards the end. Jo Nesbo's writing helps you move rapidly through the pages so credit also to the translator, Don Bartlett if the same as for The Snowman. As a frequent visitor to Oslo I recognise many of the place names and references even if I can't always place them on a map or in relation to each other. Similar to Wallender, it would make a great BBC series, even if they might have to tone the gore down a bit, and we have the perfect actor to take the part of Harry Hole; Christopher Eccleston. Come on Auntie, Xmas is just around the corner, surely we deserve it?

[Joan Halloran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Harry Hole series

[Amanda (needs a nap) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for 'The Redbreast'- 'The Devil's Star' *IF YOU INTEND TO READ THE HARRY HOLE BOOKS I ADVISE YOU TO GO IN ORDER, MEANING START WITH THE REDBREAST! BOOKS 1 AND 2 ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH...dumb, but unless you can read the written Norwegian language you have to begin with book 3

Now that his more current thrillers have made the NY Times bestseller list and he has been put on Americans' radar, I saw that the Norwegian Jo Nesbo is being compared to Stieg Larson. I'll admit that's what initially piqued my interest, even though I'd deny that if I ever met him. I've learned that Nesbo HATES the comparison (wouldn't you if you published your first prize-winning book in 1997?) Anyway, Stieg Larson's Millennium trilogy was great while it lasted plus it has a heroine that will go down in literary history, but there isn't much to the writing. I'm not trying to sound pretentious and maybe you don't need that in your mysteries/thrillers, it's just how I feel. Well Nesbo knows how to write. It's obviously not in the category of "literature" but he has a talent for storytelling. 'The Redbreast' introduces us to Nesbo's protagonist and atypical hero Detective Harry Hole, a chain-smoking alcoholic who places his police duties above everything else in his life. He may not always follow the rules, but there's obviously a reason he hasn't lost his job YET- everyone knows he's good at what he does. Whether sharing with the readers Hole's exhausting thoughts on his own self-worth or the unsettling details of the latest bizarre killing, Nesbo entraps and ensnares until you realize that it's become personal.

*Like I already said above, if you intend to read all the Harry Hole books, I advise you to go in order, and books 1 and 2 aren't available yet in English, so you have to begin with 'The Redbreast' (it really bothered me too at first that I had to start with book 3 but I'm okay now). There's a main story-line in each book, but a lot of things going on on the side carry over from book to book, so that's why I advise to go back to the beginning, don't read the most recent ones making news yet- it will be worth it, I promise. Each one is even better than the last.



'The Redbreast' - ***1/2
'Nemesis' - ****
'The Devil's Star' - ****

[Geoff Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just read The Redeemer which I enjoyed far more than The Snowman, which I found quite implausible in places. The Harry Hole character I thought was going to be one of those maverick cop cliches, but he turned out to be more complex.
I think I maybe reading them out of sequence but looking forward to reading the others anyway.
I find the Norwegian place names and some of the detailed street guides a bit too much sometimes in as much as they slow the pace and are often irrelevant.
However once you get into the plot it becomes quite compelling reading.

[Matt Middlebrook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished "The Leopard" which for some reason doesn't show up as its own book on Goodreads. It follows the same detective as "The Snowman" which I loved. Detective Harry Hole is a great character, though his adventures are a little far fetched in this book. Lots of twists, fun to read, not quite as good as either the "The Snowman" or "The Headhunters", but if you are interesting a good crime read, this is fun.

[Nancy Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason Goodreads won't pull up just The Leopard, which is the one I read (although I've read the others in this compilation). Another great Nesbo book - a bit on the gory side but I'm a wimp and I could take it without too much flinching. Nesbo transcends the usual mediocrity of the thriller genre with his excellent, descriptive writing and his likable and very human characters. One of my favorite authors.

[Mk · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so I've read all three except the Devils Star and Goodreads doesn't have them listed separately so here goes. I've loved all Harry Hole books so far. What I like about Jo Nesbo is just when I think I've got it figured out, the plot turns. And that's not easy to achieve with a reader that's read one too many crime novels for their own good. So if you're looking for a mystery - this is it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for THE DEVILS STAR...because I cannot find the book on goodreads! Shame it was number two after The Redbreast and a very good book. Explaining the conflicts within the group in Harry Holes police unit.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read The Devils star - brilliant book. I like the flawed lead character but I particularly like that you never know who the culprit is, Jo Nesbo is constantly keeping you guessing. Unlike other authors who are so predictable you have the case solved by Chapter three

[John Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Leopard: The best Harry Hole detective story I've read. And I've read them all. Stunning, imaginative, the adjectives could keep coming, but it would not capture the psychological and dramatic turns this novel reveals.

[Sabine Neubauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

just finished the redeemer. not quite as good as the snowman but also a good read with a twist at the end. now reading the leopard.
the leopard: I couldn't put down the book. really good read! I'd say 4.5 stars.

[Ann Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I really appreciate Nesbo's criminal mind, or at least the ability to imagine the criminal mind, this one bothered me because of the suspension of disbelief required to continue reading. Can't say anything more without spoiling it for future readers.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually just finished The Redeemer - couldn't find listed individually. Have read the others previously. I think The Redeemer is one of the better Harry Hole
Mysteries. Complex storylines which kept you guessing until the end.

[Dawn Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and a really great read, alot of twists and turns in the plot, but I did figure out who the murders were being comitted by long before the book ended.

Gunner Hagen the head of the Crime Squad sends his colleague Kaja Solness to Hong Kong, her mission is to convince Harry Hole to come out of retirement and come home to Oslo, as they need his expertise to capture a serial killer. Harry initially refuses, but Kaja informs him that his father is seriously ill and in hospital.

The is also a power struggle between Crime Squad and the Kripos in who is best to handle major homicide cases. The head of Kripos - Bellman - is a right snake in the grass and you cant help hope that good old Harry will out smart him and get the case solved for his old work mates.

I would definitely read another of this authors books. I would have given this a 5 star, but 740 pages was way to long

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil's Star... Third book in Jo Nesbo's trilogy. Redbreast/Nemesis/The Devil's Star.

I gave the first two books 4 stars, they left me wanting more of the story. In "The Devil's Star, the story is wrapped up and the correct guy is brought to his end.

This book is about a serial killer in Norway. Our old friend, alcoholic, Harry Hole, a detective, is the protagonist. Harry's drinking problem gets in the way of his life, his love and his job. In each of the books Harry runs into trouble and out of it. He resolves murder cases and tries to fight the system.... In book 2 he falls in love. This time though, Harry manages to close the gaps and finish work started in book one.

Under the booze, and cranky attitude you will learn to love Harry. If you like mystery, you will enjoy the Harry Hole books.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read only The Redeemer in this collection. In fact, I didn't realize it was part of a collection. The author, Jo Nesbo, was recommended by my brother-in-law. I really liked the book and will definitely read more of his books. Harry Hole, the "hero" is a police detective in Oslo (books are translated from Norwegian). He's an imperfect hero, as they often are. The Redeemer takes place mostly in Oslo. A tricky thing about the writing is that without a page break, bullets or any markings, you are suddenly reading about another of the main characters. Several times I would suddenly realize I was now reading about the killer or one of the other characters. Even so, the plot was great and kept me reading when I should have been doing other things. Can't wait to read another of Nesbo's books.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked The Redeemer. It was a bit too long, though. And character Harry Hole is oddly unknowable. He seems selfish. Also, I recently read Jo Nesbo's 'story of my life' on his website. It was long and manic and boring and two dimensional. I don't think he's my cup of tea, but I like his intense mysteries and I recommend anyone who's new to Nesbo's Harry Hole series read them in order now that they're mostly translated in the US. And, anyway, liking Nesbo doesn't really figure. He's someone maybe one oughtn't know too much about. Headhunters rather offended me and on learning Nesbo was a stock broker/pop musician (ugh an artists and a capitalist), I thought 'right, no more New Historicist critical approaches.'

[La · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a Jo Nesbo book before but I choose this one based upon a statement that it was very similar to Stieg Larson's novels. I found this book both intriguing and disturbing. The plot line was fascinating. I was listening to this novel via audible so there were a few times that I thought the crime was solved, the ends tied up and the novel over only to have a new twist add more chapters. Nesbo manages to do this without being boring or redundant. However, the violence and brutality made this book hard to read at times. This book is a part of a series. Although you don't have to have read the previous books there are numerous references to the characters. I am not sure that I will read the earlier novels.

[Richard Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just read THE LEOPARD. As a separate stand alone book. But that does not come up on the good reads site. I am at a lost to explain why this story just never ignited any interest or excitement in me. It has all the normal ingredients of a good story. A undisciplined detective hero, a very clever bad guy, two competing governmental agencies, the unofficial network of super talents who held detective, and a convoluted story line that has the wrong people arrested two or three times. And there is a love element as well, but somehow I just never got excited by this read. Anyway, I did finish it and I was not particularly happy or pleased with the ending either.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil's star is the novel that fills in the gap in the Jo Nesbo series, where I finally found out how Tom Waaler died. Unfortunately, I read it last, so it suffered because I am becoming a little tired of the similarity in plots and the violence, though I still find Harry an interesting character. Harry is investigating the murder of several women. In each case, the victim is missing a finger, and a pentagram is found on the body or nearby. Harry has to work with Tom Waaler to solve the crime, and at the same time, needs to keep Rakel and Oleg safe from Tom's threats to them.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for The Leopard. I continue to enjoy Nesbo's writing and I certainly am engaged by Investigator Harry Hole but this book was hard to read. I had previously read The Redemer and it appeared Harry was getting his demons under control. In this book it is all too clear he continues to struggle with old vices and has now added new ones. Poor, poor Harry. Personal issues aside, don't ever under-estimate Harry's abilities to outwit everyone around him.

I love the complicated plots and unexpected turns in the story that Jo Nesbo so skillfully writes.

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Redeemer, Jo Nesbo brings to its conclusion a story arc about corruption within the Oslo police force that has kept me wondering for five books straight. He keeps the twists and turns coming right to the final page. In the process, he spins a yarn about the Salvation Army, the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990's, rape, revenge, and yes, redemption. And I know now why I keep reading Harry Hole mysteries. He is totally unlike me, but the wounded idealist in him speaks to the same in me.

[Shayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read The Snowman, Leopard and Phantom. In that order as I was told that it was a Trilogy. Had I realised that Harry Hole featured in all of his novels, I would have started at the beginning! Having said this, I LOVED these three. Real page turners. Thrillers with a capital T. A little gruesome in his writing at times (which i'm not crazy about), but boy does he get you and reel you in. Having long been a fan of Michael Connelly, i feel these are in the same genre, just stepped up a couple of tones. Would recommend them in a heartbeat.

[Jodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like others, only read The Redeemer. I'm not sure if its because it was translated from another language, but this book came across flat to me- no emotion, no humor, no connection to the reader (kind of like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo books). The story is confusing, with new characters popping up every few pages. It's difficult to keep track of them all, especially when you're not attached to any of them. And the detective's name is Harry Hole. Really? There wasn't a better translation than that?

[Sammiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the devils star, it was a must read book. There are many twists and turns in the plot and We begin with Harry where he is at his lowest With his career and love life. At one point he seems so distracted by his enemy it almost feels like he has total control of everything. However he manages to not only solve the the murders but also managers to implicate his enemy in illegal dealings. A book well worth reading.

[Cherie Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the leopard. A long twisted thriller. A washed up has been is pulled from his existence as a junkie and alcoholic to catch a serial killer. The bribe? His father is dying of cancer, therefore he has to come back to say goodbye. The book had so many twist and turns and was so long it was hard to keep up. But it made it worth the reading time to finally figure out who done it! Reminiscent if the hornets nest trilogy. Word if warning very graphic story.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished the Leopard and was captivated by it. Harry Hole is a damaged human being whose sense of justice is black and white. He is a policeman who hates politics and only wants to bring bad people to justice. He is brought back from Hong Kong to find a serial killer, his specialty. There are continual twists and turns to the plot that keep the reader unbalanced until the very end.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the Snowman, so far. whoever liked Stieg Larsson will most definitely enjoy these mysteries, and the protagonist, Harry Hole. Lots of suspense, twists in the plot and creepy happenings. Serial killer novels are not something I can read all the time, I have read a few of each of the most popular writers of this genre, but after a few they tend to be too similar. I think I would like to try one or two more of Nesbo's however.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read The Redeemer but that single title was not listed. It has been several years since I read the last Jo Nesbo book. I had forgotten how much I enjoy him. Great read. Never guessed the ending until Harry revealed it. Nesbo is a master plotter. I have read these out of order since they have not been translated in the order written but even that does not take away from the book. The Rat (his first) is now in translation. Will read that next.