What do you think?
Rate this book
Harry Hole #5
Marekors
En hetebølge har rammet et feriestille Oslo. I en leilighet ved Vår Frelsers Gravlund begynner det å dryppe fra etasjen over og ned i en kasserolle med poteter. Det danner seg små, svarte klumper i det kokende vannet. Samtidig - i sin leilighet i Sofies gate - ligger førstebetjent Harry Hole på gulvet, forfyllet, forlatt og oppsagt. Han har sviktet alle sine nærmeste i sin fanatiske, men mislykkede jakt på å avsløre politikollegaen Tom Waaler som morder. Og om fire uker har ikke Harry lenger noen jobb. Han vekkes av en telefon fra sjefen for Voldsavsnittet. En myrdet kvinne med en avklippet pekefinger er funnet. Harry Hole har fått sitt siste oppdrag. Sammen med den eneste andre førstebetjenten som ikke er på ferie: Tom Waaler.
419 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
2135 people are currently reading
24919 people want to read
About the author
Jo Nesbø
183 books23.2k followersJo 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
For exclusive content about Jo Nesbø and his books, register for the official fan newsletter: https://jonesbo.com/newsletter/
Series:
* Harry Hole
* Doktor Proktor
For exclusive content about Jo Nesbø and his books, register for the official fan newsletter: https://jonesbo.com/newsletter/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,381 reviews
July 16, 2023
A serial killer obsessed with pentagrams and detective Harry Hole ready to mess everything up, AGAIN.
A woman is found dead in Oslo with a pentagram on her eyes, the beginning of a killing spree. Infamous detective Harry Hole and shady Tom Waaler are assigned to solve the case, in a partnership destined to fail spectacularly. Harry Hole alcoholism and troubling behavior also does not help one bit with Rakel and his already shaky love life, not to mention, his own job. Something is bound to give in, or very possibly, everything.
Overall it was a decent read, fast paced and quite gripping at times; nevertheless, I must say I find it harder and harder to empathize with Harry. I’m all about giving second chances, and even thirds and more. But how many chances are you going to give someone that doesn’t seem to ever learn or even deserve them? Give me some redeeming qualities. Being a sporadically “good” detective and an on-and-off reliable dude doesn’t really cut it anymore, even for an anti-hero. Or maybe this novel was just intentionally darker to build something upon a later book. I guess we’ll see. Still, a worthy read, definitely better than #4 Nemesis, although not quite as enjoyable as #3 Redbreast or #1 The Bat.
I started this series and someday I’m going to finish it, but I’m taking a break before picking up #6
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2003] [452p] [Crime Fiction] [Not Recommendable] [Enjoyable] [Fast Paced] [Gripping] [This dude never learns]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ 1. The Bat
★★★☆☆ 2. Cockroaches
★★★★☆ 3. The Redbreast
★★☆☆☆ 4. Nemesis
★★★☆☆ 5. The Devil's Star
????????? 6. The Redeemer
★★★★★ 7. The Snowman
-----------------------------------------------
Un asesino serial obsesionado con pentagramas y el detective Harry Hole listo para arruinar todo, OTRA VEZ.
Una mujer es hallada muerta en Oslo con un pentagrama en los ojos, el comienzo de una racha asesina. El infame detective Harry Hole y el sombrío Tom Waaler son asignados a resolver el caso, en una sociedad destinada a fallar espectacularmente. El alcoholismo de Harry Hole y su problemático comportamiento tampoco ayuda ni un poco con Rakel y su ya tambaleante vida amorosa, sin mencionar, su mismo trabajo. Algo tiene que ceder, o muy posiblemente, todo.
Dentro de todo fue una lectura decente, de ritmo rápido y de a ratos bastante atrapante; sin embargo, debo decir que me cuesta cada vez más y más empatizar con Harry. Soy fan de dar segundas oportunidades, incluso terceras y más. ¿Pero cuantas oportunidades vas a darle a alguien que parece nunca aprender o ni siquiera merecerlas? Dame algunas cualidades redentoras. Ser un esporádico “buen” detective y un tipo azarosamente confiable ya no realmente alcanza, ni siquiera para un anti-héroe. O tal vez esta novela fue intencionalmente sombría para construir sobre algo en un libro más adelante. Supongo que quedará por ver. Igualmente, una lectura valiosa, definitivamente mejor que #4 Nemesis, aunque no tan disfrutable como #3 Petirrojo o #1 El Murciélago.
Empecé esta serie y algún día voy a terminarla, pero voy a tomarme un descanso antes de seguir con #6.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2003] [452p] [Policial] [Casi Recomendable] [Disfrutable] [Ritmo Rápido] [Atrapante] [Este tipo nunca aprende]
-----------------------------------------------
A woman is found dead in Oslo with a pentagram on her eyes, the beginning of a killing spree. Infamous detective Harry Hole and shady Tom Waaler are assigned to solve the case, in a partnership destined to fail spectacularly. Harry Hole alcoholism and troubling behavior also does not help one bit with Rakel and his already shaky love life, not to mention, his own job. Something is bound to give in, or very possibly, everything.
Overall it was a decent read, fast paced and quite gripping at times; nevertheless, I must say I find it harder and harder to empathize with Harry. I’m all about giving second chances, and even thirds and more. But how many chances are you going to give someone that doesn’t seem to ever learn or even deserve them? Give me some redeeming qualities. Being a sporadically “good” detective and an on-and-off reliable dude doesn’t really cut it anymore, even for an anti-hero. Or maybe this novel was just intentionally darker to build something upon a later book. I guess we’ll see. Still, a worthy read, definitely better than #4 Nemesis, although not quite as enjoyable as #3 Redbreast or #1 The Bat.
I started this series and someday I’m going to finish it, but I’m taking a break before picking up #6
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[2003] [452p] [Crime Fiction] [Not Recommendable] [Enjoyable] [Fast Paced] [Gripping] [This dude never learns]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★★☆ 1. The Bat
★★★☆☆ 2. Cockroaches
★★★★☆ 3. The Redbreast
★★☆☆☆ 4. Nemesis
★★★☆☆ 5. The Devil's Star
????????? 6. The Redeemer
★★★★★ 7. The Snowman
-----------------------------------------------
Un asesino serial obsesionado con pentagramas y el detective Harry Hole listo para arruinar todo, OTRA VEZ.
Una mujer es hallada muerta en Oslo con un pentagrama en los ojos, el comienzo de una racha asesina. El infame detective Harry Hole y el sombrío Tom Waaler son asignados a resolver el caso, en una sociedad destinada a fallar espectacularmente. El alcoholismo de Harry Hole y su problemático comportamiento tampoco ayuda ni un poco con Rakel y su ya tambaleante vida amorosa, sin mencionar, su mismo trabajo. Algo tiene que ceder, o muy posiblemente, todo.
Dentro de todo fue una lectura decente, de ritmo rápido y de a ratos bastante atrapante; sin embargo, debo decir que me cuesta cada vez más y más empatizar con Harry. Soy fan de dar segundas oportunidades, incluso terceras y más. ¿Pero cuantas oportunidades vas a darle a alguien que parece nunca aprender o ni siquiera merecerlas? Dame algunas cualidades redentoras. Ser un esporádico “buen” detective y un tipo azarosamente confiable ya no realmente alcanza, ni siquiera para un anti-héroe. O tal vez esta novela fue intencionalmente sombría para construir sobre algo en un libro más adelante. Supongo que quedará por ver. Igualmente, una lectura valiosa, definitivamente mejor que #4 Nemesis, aunque no tan disfrutable como #3 Petirrojo o #1 El Murciélago.
Empecé esta serie y algún día voy a terminarla, pero voy a tomarme un descanso antes de seguir con #6.
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[2003] [452p] [Policial] [Casi Recomendable] [Disfrutable] [Ritmo Rápido] [Atrapante] [Este tipo nunca aprende]
-----------------------------------------------
June 3, 2017
I enjoyed The Devil’s Star and in general I enjoy Nesbo.
However . . . he has this tendency to suddenly kinda stray from the story and go into what feel like stream of consciousness rambles that only kinda make sense in context to the book. In these rambles, he will suddenly get excessively specific – using terms for things the average person is not likely to use in daily conversation. Also, during these side rants, he tends to add explicit sexual content. Others may not find this odd or may not even notice it, but every time I have read a Nesbo, it stands out to me.
Here is an example, if Mary Had a Little Lamb was retold by Nesbo – keeping in mind that my goal here is to mainly just share what we have come to know and love in the first verse of the classic nursery rhyme:
“Mary had a little lamb
Its fleece was white as snow
And every where that Mary went; especially as she traversed the lamentable line between normalcy and the dark underbelly of Nursery Rhyme Land. She would often don her leather dominatrix outfit that would allow for the stimulation of even the most hidden of erogenous zones. These zones were not only on the body, but also deep in the cerebral cortex by way of the neurons that passed along the medulla oblongata. Her cousin, Sven, who also had a little lamb who was friends’ with Mary’s lamb but who had a mysterious history with Mary, would meet her in the darkest of corners and mix sand with sweat to build a physical and mental wall between reality and the fantasy world often found in the most mundane of nursery rhymes. And, even if Sven would not depart after the deeds were done and Mary continued on her journey to salvation or damnation
The lamb was sure to go”
So, thanks Mr. Nesbo for entertaining, confusing, and disturbing me all at the same time.
However . . . he has this tendency to suddenly kinda stray from the story and go into what feel like stream of consciousness rambles that only kinda make sense in context to the book. In these rambles, he will suddenly get excessively specific – using terms for things the average person is not likely to use in daily conversation. Also, during these side rants, he tends to add explicit sexual content. Others may not find this odd or may not even notice it, but every time I have read a Nesbo, it stands out to me.
Here is an example, if Mary Had a Little Lamb was retold by Nesbo – keeping in mind that my goal here is to mainly just share what we have come to know and love in the first verse of the classic nursery rhyme:
“Mary had a little lamb
Its fleece was white as snow
And every where that Mary went; especially as she traversed the lamentable line between normalcy and the dark underbelly of Nursery Rhyme Land. She would often don her leather dominatrix outfit that would allow for the stimulation of even the most hidden of erogenous zones. These zones were not only on the body, but also deep in the cerebral cortex by way of the neurons that passed along the medulla oblongata. Her cousin, Sven, who also had a little lamb who was friends’ with Mary’s lamb but who had a mysterious history with Mary, would meet her in the darkest of corners and mix sand with sweat to build a physical and mental wall between reality and the fantasy world often found in the most mundane of nursery rhymes. And, even if Sven would not depart after the deeds were done and Mary continued on her journey to salvation or damnation
The lamb was sure to go”
So, thanks Mr. Nesbo for entertaining, confusing, and disturbing me all at the same time.
June 20, 2022
Harry Hole #5: The alcoholic compulsive investigator, detective Harry Hole is pretty much obsessed with investigating fellow police Tom Waaler, whom he is convinced is responsible for killing his police-partner as part of a coverup of Waaler's sideline of running a criminal empire! Harry's job, and too a degree his sanity, threatened because of this, how can such a dangerous and powerful man as Waller be not only allowed to roam free and but be admired? And whilst this goes on, a serial killer appears out of nowhere killing someone every five days! Despite being on his way out of the force, and Waaler leading the case, Hole just can't resisting joining the case team.. welcome to the world of Harry Hole!
Even best selling 'commercial' Nordic Noir like this feels so superior to most of non Nordic crime fiction with its very far from saintly protagonist, with its consuming and hugely entertaining core serial killer plot, and its multiple character studies. If there's a common theme in Nordic Noir it might just simply be 'trust no one'! Reading Harry Hole again after all these years has giving me fresh perspective and has e truly appreciating this work. 8 out of 12.
2022 read, 2011 read
Even best selling 'commercial' Nordic Noir like this feels so superior to most of non Nordic crime fiction with its very far from saintly protagonist, with its consuming and hugely entertaining core serial killer plot, and its multiple character studies. If there's a common theme in Nordic Noir it might just simply be 'trust no one'! Reading Harry Hole again after all these years has giving me fresh perspective and has e truly appreciating this work. 8 out of 12.
2022 read, 2011 read
March 19, 2019
”Harry had felt the gnawing ache for alcohol from the moment he woke up that morning. First as an instinctive physical craving, then as a panic-stricken fear because he had put a distance between himself and his medicine by not taking his hip flask or any money with him to work. Now the ache was entering a new phase in which it was both a wholly physical pain and a feeling of blank terror that he would be torn to pieces. The enemy below was pulling and tugging at the chains, the dogs were snarling up at him from the pit, somewhere in his stomach beneath his heart. God, how he hated them. He hated them as much as they hated him.”
Fassbender is Harry Hole.
Harry Hole has always been a heavy drinker, but the longer he has been a cop, the more baggage he has acquired, which has recently escalated his drinking from the problem stage to the critical stage.
If he could stop being a cop, maybe he would drink less.
If he drank less, maybe he could be with the woman he loves.
If he could be with the woman he loves, then maybe he could fight the demons in his head.
The new case he has been assigned has elements that intersect his own life. He is having horrible nightmares, and fears the torture that sleep has become. A symbol he is unfamiliar with is found at the crime scene. This design takes on new significance when he learns of its meaning.
”’It’s what we call a mare cross, or a devil’s star.’
‘A mare cross?’
‘A pagan symbol. They used to carve it over beds or doorways to keep away the mare.’
‘The mare?’
‘The mare, yes. As in night-mare. A female demon who sits on the chest of a sleeping person and rides him so that he has bad dreams.’”
I know it sounds a bit sexy having a female demon in your bed riding your chest, but this isn’t some goth chick you’ve picked up down at the local dance club for a bit of horizontal action. This demon, in the form of a woman, is terrifying, and if Harry can’t find a way to get her off his chest, she will ride him right into the grave.
This She-Demon has been riding Harry like the free ride pony at the state fair. Drunk or sober, she strokes those things back to life that he fears and turns them into horrors. She takes the bad memories already staining his mind, and twists them into dreadful, sweat inducing terrors.
Meanwhile, there is a case to be solved.
He has been paired with Tom Waaler, the other great detective in the department. Harry believes that Waaler is dirty, not just dirty, but filthy dirty. Their animosity for one another has reached an arch-nemesis level. I’ve stepped over the corpses of more than a few of my arch -nemeses over the years, and frankly, as much joy as there is in the vanquishing, there is always something missing when they are no longer there to create that burst of stimulating sparks.
Women are being murdered, so whatever problems they have with each other catching the killer has to be the top priority.”He intrudes where women feel at their most secure. Into their home. Into a street in broad daylight. Into the Ladies’ room at work.”
The killer leaves a token behind, maybe a payment for their lives or maybe just a bit of showmanship. A red diamond in the shape of a star.
Harry’s resignation/asked to leave papers are ready to be signed, but the city of Oslo needs Harry to step up one more time and catch this killer before that she-demon starts riding everyone’s chest. Being paired with Waaler is more than enough motivation for Harry to stow the sauce and start being the brilliant detective they need him to be, but with a convoluted case that is baffling the force, Harry can’t help but start to care again.
The problem is, when anyone starts to care again, they open themselves up to being emotionally eviscerated.
Jo Nesbo
I saw a trailer for the new movie starring Michael Fassbender called Snowman, based on the Jo Nesbo book. I instantly, in the dark of the theater, did a mental calculation to determine how many Nesbo books I needed to read before that movie comes out. The Devil’s Star, Redeemer, and Snowman, so no problem. Three months, three books. Too easy. All I really need is three days. So don’t be surprised if you see another Nesbo review from me next month and another the month after that. I might be behind on Harry, but Harry is always there waiting for me. If you want to try your hand at some Nordic Noir, Nesbo is a great place to start.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
Fassbender is Harry Hole.
Harry Hole has always been a heavy drinker, but the longer he has been a cop, the more baggage he has acquired, which has recently escalated his drinking from the problem stage to the critical stage.
If he could stop being a cop, maybe he would drink less.
If he drank less, maybe he could be with the woman he loves.
If he could be with the woman he loves, then maybe he could fight the demons in his head.
The new case he has been assigned has elements that intersect his own life. He is having horrible nightmares, and fears the torture that sleep has become. A symbol he is unfamiliar with is found at the crime scene. This design takes on new significance when he learns of its meaning.
”’It’s what we call a mare cross, or a devil’s star.’
‘A mare cross?’
‘A pagan symbol. They used to carve it over beds or doorways to keep away the mare.’
‘The mare?’
‘The mare, yes. As in night-mare. A female demon who sits on the chest of a sleeping person and rides him so that he has bad dreams.’”
I know it sounds a bit sexy having a female demon in your bed riding your chest, but this isn’t some goth chick you’ve picked up down at the local dance club for a bit of horizontal action. This demon, in the form of a woman, is terrifying, and if Harry can’t find a way to get her off his chest, she will ride him right into the grave.
This She-Demon has been riding Harry like the free ride pony at the state fair. Drunk or sober, she strokes those things back to life that he fears and turns them into horrors. She takes the bad memories already staining his mind, and twists them into dreadful, sweat inducing terrors.
Meanwhile, there is a case to be solved.
He has been paired with Tom Waaler, the other great detective in the department. Harry believes that Waaler is dirty, not just dirty, but filthy dirty. Their animosity for one another has reached an arch-nemesis level. I’ve stepped over the corpses of more than a few of my arch -nemeses over the years, and frankly, as much joy as there is in the vanquishing, there is always something missing when they are no longer there to create that burst of stimulating sparks.
Women are being murdered, so whatever problems they have with each other catching the killer has to be the top priority.”He intrudes where women feel at their most secure. Into their home. Into a street in broad daylight. Into the Ladies’ room at work.”
The killer leaves a token behind, maybe a payment for their lives or maybe just a bit of showmanship. A red diamond in the shape of a star.
Harry’s resignation/asked to leave papers are ready to be signed, but the city of Oslo needs Harry to step up one more time and catch this killer before that she-demon starts riding everyone’s chest. Being paired with Waaler is more than enough motivation for Harry to stow the sauce and start being the brilliant detective they need him to be, but with a convoluted case that is baffling the force, Harry can’t help but start to care again.
The problem is, when anyone starts to care again, they open themselves up to being emotionally eviscerated.
Jo Nesbo
I saw a trailer for the new movie starring Michael Fassbender called Snowman, based on the Jo Nesbo book. I instantly, in the dark of the theater, did a mental calculation to determine how many Nesbo books I needed to read before that movie comes out. The Devil’s Star, Redeemer, and Snowman, so no problem. Three months, three books. Too easy. All I really need is three days. So don’t be surprised if you see another Nesbo review from me next month and another the month after that. I might be behind on Harry, but Harry is always there waiting for me. If you want to try your hand at some Nordic Noir, Nesbo is a great place to start.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
October 24, 2010
While a huge chunk of the planet has made Stieg Larrsson the new J.K. Rowling I have been attending a different church, The House of Jo Nesbo.
Harry Hole is Nesbo's man. He's a loner, he drinks, he's prickly, he doesn't like authority and cannot successfully sustain a romantic relationship. In other words he has all the attributes of the cliche copper according to detective fiction. What makes him different? Jo Nesbo. In another writer's hands Harry would be the any one of a thousand detectives but Nesbo brings a hundred tiny details to Harry personality, full developed supporting casts and magnificent plotting to his mysteries. There is no room to relax when reading a Nesbo novel. He keeps the tension coming not just by superbly crafted stories and interesting villains but also by the relationships between his main characters, the victims, the witnesses and the suspects.
Harry Hole, like all the best anti-heroes, lives and works in a gritty world. Jo Nesbo is as good at creating atmosphere as he is storylines and characters. He uses locations and settings that enhance the underlying suspense in his stories and bring clarity to circumstance. Nesbo has recreated Oslo with all the detail of a travel writer but this Olso is not for tourists.
Coming to Harry recently delayed my love~~sob~~but did give me the opportunity to read a fist full of these addictive like crack novels in one long juggernaut of thrills. First up in the Harry Hole to read list is Redbreast, then Nemesis, The Devil's Star and coming in May 2011 will be The Snowman, but I was lucky enough to have the Brit edition where it is already available. There are other Hole mysteries: The Batman, The Cockroaches, The Redeemer and The Leopard that are available outside of the U.S. Batman and Cockroaches are the first and second books in the series but when HarperCollins decided to publish Nesbo in the U.S. they opted to start with book three. It looks like The Leopard will be released sometime after The Snowman. I'm not sure what is going on with The Redeemer. It's in print in Canada but not here...why? Getting these books you have to solve your own mysteries.
You know though, there is a down side to this the-first-one-is-free ecstasy/slavery I have been living. I am now caught up with all of Nesbo's books that have been translated into English. Damn. I should have listened to my Mama and learned Norwegian.
Harry Hole is Nesbo's man. He's a loner, he drinks, he's prickly, he doesn't like authority and cannot successfully sustain a romantic relationship. In other words he has all the attributes of the cliche copper according to detective fiction. What makes him different? Jo Nesbo. In another writer's hands Harry would be the any one of a thousand detectives but Nesbo brings a hundred tiny details to Harry personality, full developed supporting casts and magnificent plotting to his mysteries. There is no room to relax when reading a Nesbo novel. He keeps the tension coming not just by superbly crafted stories and interesting villains but also by the relationships between his main characters, the victims, the witnesses and the suspects.
Harry Hole, like all the best anti-heroes, lives and works in a gritty world. Jo Nesbo is as good at creating atmosphere as he is storylines and characters. He uses locations and settings that enhance the underlying suspense in his stories and bring clarity to circumstance. Nesbo has recreated Oslo with all the detail of a travel writer but this Olso is not for tourists.
Coming to Harry recently delayed my love~~sob~~but did give me the opportunity to read a fist full of these addictive like crack novels in one long juggernaut of thrills. First up in the Harry Hole to read list is Redbreast, then Nemesis, The Devil's Star and coming in May 2011 will be The Snowman, but I was lucky enough to have the Brit edition where it is already available. There are other Hole mysteries: The Batman, The Cockroaches, The Redeemer and The Leopard that are available outside of the U.S. Batman and Cockroaches are the first and second books in the series but when HarperCollins decided to publish Nesbo in the U.S. they opted to start with book three. It looks like The Leopard will be released sometime after The Snowman. I'm not sure what is going on with The Redeemer. It's in print in Canada but not here...why? Getting these books you have to solve your own mysteries.
You know though, there is a down side to this the-first-one-is-free ecstasy/slavery I have been living. I am now caught up with all of Nesbo's books that have been translated into English. Damn. I should have listened to my Mama and learned Norwegian.
March 12, 2019
The Devil’s Star is a demonstration of a talented writer hitting his stride and making it look easy.
Nesbo’s creation of Harry Hole, a brilliant investigator but also an alcoholic and a difficult team member, made him a writer to watch and invited comparisons with his wildly successful fellow Scandinavian writer Stieg Larsson. Oslo’s sullen and damaged detective is drawn in classic noir style and exhibits a representative example of the Nordic noir genre: “dark storylines and bleak urban settings”. Nesbo’s ubiquitous descriptions of Oslo is also an endearing element; Oslo is Hole’s town and like policeman the world over, his protective instincts are territorial.
The first four Hole novels are all good but inconsistent, highlighted by the third in the series, 2000’s The Redbreast. Nesbo graduates from journeyman status in this novel, The Devil’s star is a taut, relentless thriller filled with intriguing characters, fast paced action and all the elements of a first-rate mystery.
Nesbo follows Hole and the divisive team of Oslo investigators to solve a serial killer’s homicidal pattern before he strikes again. We also share in Hole’s battle with his addictions, anxieties and depressions and also with the internal drama with bad guy detective Tom Waaler.
An excellent book and a great must-read for Nesbo fans.
Nesbo’s creation of Harry Hole, a brilliant investigator but also an alcoholic and a difficult team member, made him a writer to watch and invited comparisons with his wildly successful fellow Scandinavian writer Stieg Larsson. Oslo’s sullen and damaged detective is drawn in classic noir style and exhibits a representative example of the Nordic noir genre: “dark storylines and bleak urban settings”. Nesbo’s ubiquitous descriptions of Oslo is also an endearing element; Oslo is Hole’s town and like policeman the world over, his protective instincts are territorial.
The first four Hole novels are all good but inconsistent, highlighted by the third in the series, 2000’s The Redbreast. Nesbo graduates from journeyman status in this novel, The Devil’s star is a taut, relentless thriller filled with intriguing characters, fast paced action and all the elements of a first-rate mystery.
Nesbo follows Hole and the divisive team of Oslo investigators to solve a serial killer’s homicidal pattern before he strikes again. We also share in Hole’s battle with his addictions, anxieties and depressions and also with the internal drama with bad guy detective Tom Waaler.
An excellent book and a great must-read for Nesbo fans.
June 2, 2024
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Harry Hole is back, and his life is spiraling out of control! Just when he's about to be booted from the department, a serial killer strikes – and catching serial killers is Harry's jam.
This time, Harry has to team up with his arch-nemesis, Tom Waaler. Yep, the same Waaler he suspects of being an arms smuggler and his partner’s murderer. But with Harry's job hanging by a thread, he's got no choice but to play along. Oslo is scorching in the summer heat when the nightmare begins: a young woman is found murdered in her flat, her finger cut off, and a tiny red diamond shaped like a pentagram placed under her eyelid.
Harry and Tom are assigned to the case, and five days later, another woman goes missing. This time, her severed finger sports a star-shaped red diamond ring. Harry’s gut tells him it’s the work of a serial killer. Determined to catch the killer and bring down Waaler, Harry dives deep into the investigation, uncovering unexpected connections between the murders and Waaler’s shady dealings.
But digging for the truth is dangerous. Harry finds himself on the run, making tough decisions about a future he might not survive to see. The tension between Hole and Waaler is palpable, almost more gripping than the hunt for the serial killer. We feel every bit of Harry's struggle: his battles with alcoholism, his psychological turmoil, and his relentless pursuit of justice.
This book is a masterclass in mystery and suspense, filled with intricate details, shocking plot twists, and raw, emotional depth. Harry Hole’s latest adventure will leave you on the edge of your seat, rooting for him every step of the way.
This time, Harry has to team up with his arch-nemesis, Tom Waaler. Yep, the same Waaler he suspects of being an arms smuggler and his partner’s murderer. But with Harry's job hanging by a thread, he's got no choice but to play along. Oslo is scorching in the summer heat when the nightmare begins: a young woman is found murdered in her flat, her finger cut off, and a tiny red diamond shaped like a pentagram placed under her eyelid.
Harry and Tom are assigned to the case, and five days later, another woman goes missing. This time, her severed finger sports a star-shaped red diamond ring. Harry’s gut tells him it’s the work of a serial killer. Determined to catch the killer and bring down Waaler, Harry dives deep into the investigation, uncovering unexpected connections between the murders and Waaler’s shady dealings.
But digging for the truth is dangerous. Harry finds himself on the run, making tough decisions about a future he might not survive to see. The tension between Hole and Waaler is palpable, almost more gripping than the hunt for the serial killer. We feel every bit of Harry's struggle: his battles with alcoholism, his psychological turmoil, and his relentless pursuit of justice.
This book is a masterclass in mystery and suspense, filled with intricate details, shocking plot twists, and raw, emotional depth. Harry Hole’s latest adventure will leave you on the edge of your seat, rooting for him every step of the way.
November 24, 2021
In this 5th book in the 'Harry Hole' series, the Norwegian detective is chasing a nefarious serial killer. The book can be read as a standalone but knowledge of the characters is a bonus.
*****
A serial killer is murdering people around Oslo, taking a finger from each body and leaving a star-shaped diamond. Detective Harry Hole is assigned to work the case with a colleague he despises, Detective Tom Waaler.
Harry is convinced Waaler is a dirty cop who murdered Harry's former partner, but he can't prove it. Moreover, Harry's continual problems with drinking and not showing up for work irritates his superiors, who don't put much credence in his accusations.
The plot is complex and the killer is wily but Harry and Waaler, no matter their differences, work well together. Harry especially uses his usual excellent detective skills (along with some hallucinogenic drugs) to unearth clues and put ideas together. While working the case Harry is (once again) trying to salvage his relatiohship with Rakel, the great love of his life, and to be a father figure to Rakel's son Oleg.
Harry's alcoholism and obsession with work keep driving Rakel away and Harry seriously considers taking alternate (though not particularly respectable) employment.
As usual with Nesbø's books, there are plenty of engaging characters, including Harry's police colleagues and friends as well as the suspects, witnesses, and interviewees in the case. Nesbo has a deft hand with characterization and I literally could almost detect a scent when he described some of the more unhygienic characters.
When Harry finally confronts the killer, the perpetrator very obligingly explains his whole motivation and execution - a plan that's so intricate it could only happen in fiction. This put me off a little as I prefer more realistic resolutions to mystery stories. Still, this is a good mystery/thriller with a satisfying resolution.
Highly recommended - you can't go wrong with a Jo Nesbø mystery.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 1, 2015
This is another excellent, complex thriller from Jo Nesbo, featuring his tormented protagonist, Oslo homicide detective Harry Hole. This story continues a number of developments that were set into motion in the last Hole novel, Nemesis, when someone close to Harry was murdered. Harry knows who the killer is but cannot produce the evidence to make the case and it appears that the killer is going to go unpunished.
The effect on Harry is brutal. As the book opens, he has descended into an alcoholic haze and has alienated virtually everyone around him, including his lover and his most ardent defender on the police force. He is constantly drunk, barely able to function and only days away from losing his job.
Harry hits rock bottom in the middle of a sweltering summer in Oslo, when many of the other detectives are on holiday attempting to escape the heat. Then a woman is found ritually murdered in her apartment and, short-handed, Harry's boss has no choice other than to assign Harry to the case, even though Harry is clearly impaired. To make matters worse, Harry is assigned to work the case in tandem with another detective whom he hates.
Harry assumes that this is the last case he will ever work and so pulls himself together, at least enough to make an effort. Five days after the initial murder, a second woman goes missing and seems clearly to be the victim of the same killer. What follows is an intellectual duel between Harry and a very clever adversary. Clearly there is a method to the killer's madness; the only question is whether Harry can figure it out in time to save other potential victims.
This is a very tense and gripping story. The case itself is fascinating, and even more interesting is the psychological drama that plays out as Harry battles to control his own demons and to set right injustices that have occurred outside the boundaries of the case he is investigating at the moment. In Harry Hole, Jo Nesbo has created one of the most intriguing characters to come along in crime fiction in quite some time, and it's a pleasure to watch both Nesbo and Harry work their magic.
The effect on Harry is brutal. As the book opens, he has descended into an alcoholic haze and has alienated virtually everyone around him, including his lover and his most ardent defender on the police force. He is constantly drunk, barely able to function and only days away from losing his job.
Harry hits rock bottom in the middle of a sweltering summer in Oslo, when many of the other detectives are on holiday attempting to escape the heat. Then a woman is found ritually murdered in her apartment and, short-handed, Harry's boss has no choice other than to assign Harry to the case, even though Harry is clearly impaired. To make matters worse, Harry is assigned to work the case in tandem with another detective whom he hates.
Harry assumes that this is the last case he will ever work and so pulls himself together, at least enough to make an effort. Five days after the initial murder, a second woman goes missing and seems clearly to be the victim of the same killer. What follows is an intellectual duel between Harry and a very clever adversary. Clearly there is a method to the killer's madness; the only question is whether Harry can figure it out in time to save other potential victims.
This is a very tense and gripping story. The case itself is fascinating, and even more interesting is the psychological drama that plays out as Harry battles to control his own demons and to set right injustices that have occurred outside the boundaries of the case he is investigating at the moment. In Harry Hole, Jo Nesbo has created one of the most intriguing characters to come along in crime fiction in quite some time, and it's a pleasure to watch both Nesbo and Harry work their magic.
August 25, 2015
Excuse me while I put on a helmet and some body armor...see some of my friends here really like this book and this series, and some were apparently waiting to see what I was going to say.
Well, I wasn't overly thrilled with it. I mean how can a book about a serial killer leave me so...meah. First there's the protagonist, a worn out guy who does "his own thing no matter what it costs others". (That's a quote from the book.)
He goes along (till the climax of course) with the "go ahead and fire me" attitude we all love so much in our protagonists who are also burned out while being all in all sort of blah anyway.
I followed the book along, and I'm sorry people but I was frequently bored. I'm not sure if some of the sexual elements were meant to be edgy or if it's just that standards differ between our countries, but even that I found yawn-worthy.
Finally the climax...it's a somewhat trite situation with some emotional manipulation thrown in.
So, if you like the book, I'm happy for you...really, enjoy. It's just not for me and I doubt I'll follow it up. (No I don't plan to follow it up.)
I saw where someone wrote that Jo Nesbo was the next Stieg Larsson. Sorry he's just...not.
Well, I wasn't overly thrilled with it. I mean how can a book about a serial killer leave me so...meah. First there's the protagonist, a worn out guy who does "his own thing no matter what it costs others". (That's a quote from the book.)
He goes along (till the climax of course) with the "go ahead and fire me" attitude we all love so much in our protagonists who are also burned out while being all in all sort of blah anyway.
I followed the book along, and I'm sorry people but I was frequently bored. I'm not sure if some of the sexual elements were meant to be edgy or if it's just that standards differ between our countries, but even that I found yawn-worthy.
Finally the climax...it's a somewhat trite situation with some emotional manipulation thrown in.
So, if you like the book, I'm happy for you...really, enjoy. It's just not for me and I doubt I'll follow it up. (No I don't plan to follow it up.)
I saw where someone wrote that Jo Nesbo was the next Stieg Larsson. Sorry he's just...not.
December 11, 2014
In Oslo, our hero, the very, very human Inspector Harry Hole, is trying to survive his alcoholism one day at a time, or is that one bottle at a time? But self-medicating against regular nightmares about horrific events in his past cannot kill the pain, or lessen his fears. His career is on the skids and his soul is under constant pressure from a dark-side member of the force. Hole’s obsession with work has alienated the woman he loves. His need to prove that a fellow cop is responsible for the death of his partner may be the only thing keeping him going. But he is, of course, a detecting genius. That comes in handy when women start turning up dead sans a finger, and the hunt is on for a serial killer. A good portion of the fun here is in trying to figure out whodunit along with Harry. Nesbo makes the game interesting, as there’s enough red herring here for a Soviet smorgasbord, with plenty of suspects among which to choose. None are painted too finely, but we get a nice taste of each. And although the story is set in Oslo, it seemed to me that there was not enough local color to make the siting compulsory. Really, it could have been set anywhere. Harry is a very engaging hero, someone you can root for and the crimes are a fun challenge. Enjoy.
ps - This is the fifth in Nesbo's Harry Hole series. But it was the first one for me. It made me want to read the others.
ps - This is the fifth in Nesbo's Harry Hole series. But it was the first one for me. It made me want to read the others.
January 24, 2025
Por ahora, este es el libro más débil que he leído de toda la saga, pero no significa que sea malo. En resumen, este misterio fue descubierto de manera demasiado rápida para todas las claves y pistas que se dieron durante la historia. Todas las pistas del asesino fueron entregadas muy en clave y no me fue convincente que Harry descubriera todo tan repentinamente. En otras palabras, el misterio fue resuelto demasiado rápido y casi sin ayuda. Raro.
Por otro lado, como siempre, me gustó como se escribió la historia en general y todos los "plot twist" que hubo. Es incluso un poco extraño ver que Harry aún sigue en el cuerpo de policía, aunque sepan que es alcohólico y no muy de fiar, aunque siga siendo extraordinario en lo que hace. No creo que eso pase en el mundo real, por muy bueno que seas.
También extrañé la falta de protagonismo de Beate, sobre todo en el final, ya que estuvo muy involucrada toda la primera mitad del libro, pero después perdíó ese protagonismo y no me gustó. También quedé con muchas perguntas, como "¿Y qué pasa ahora con Waaler?" ... "¿Todo se resolvió así no más? ¿Sin una venganza más dolorosa?". No sé, me quedé con gusto a muy poco en cuanto a Waaler. También me extrañó que Rakel sigiera queriendo a Harry después de lo que pasó con Oleg en el final. Es como.... raro.
Lo bueno es que estoy aún atrapado con esta saga y ya compré el próximo libro para seguir esta historia. Espero que sea mejor, aunque la vara no está muy alta.
Por otro lado, como siempre, me gustó como se escribió la historia en general y todos los "plot twist" que hubo. Es incluso un poco extraño ver que Harry aún sigue en el cuerpo de policía, aunque sepan que es alcohólico y no muy de fiar, aunque siga siendo extraordinario en lo que hace. No creo que eso pase en el mundo real, por muy bueno que seas.
También extrañé la falta de protagonismo de Beate, sobre todo en el final, ya que estuvo muy involucrada toda la primera mitad del libro, pero después perdíó ese protagonismo y no me gustó. También quedé con muchas perguntas, como "¿Y qué pasa ahora con Waaler?" ... "¿Todo se resolvió así no más? ¿Sin una venganza más dolorosa?". No sé, me quedé con gusto a muy poco en cuanto a Waaler. También me extrañó que Rakel sigiera queriendo a Harry después de lo que pasó con Oleg en el final. Es como.... raro.
Lo bueno es que estoy aún atrapado con esta saga y ya compré el próximo libro para seguir esta historia. Espero que sea mejor, aunque la vara no está muy alta.
August 28, 2025
Отново добро попадение на Несбьо с историята разказана ни в "Пентаграма", но нещо взе да ми писва сериозно от образа на г-н Хуле - твърде захаросан и клиширан в развитието си стана...
Норвежците и един сериен убиец не могат да си произведат както трябва, да взимат пример от швеците, си викам аз!
За сега спирам със серията, ще видим, кога ли ще я подхвана пак. ;)
Норвежците и един сериен убиец не могат да си произведат както трябва, да взимат пример от швеците, си викам аз!
За сега спирам със серията, ще видим, кога ли ще я подхвана пак. ;)
April 7, 2013
Here's the thing about the recent popularity of Scandinavian writers and if you're a Nordic Thriller aficionado you couldn't care less about the distinction: the novels are depressed, somber, filled with ennui, a lack of humor, with flawed characters if not suffused with a strong tendency towards determinism; in short, whether you're reading Stieg Larsson, Henning Mankell, or Jo Nesbo you are likely reading Literary Naturalism. If you live in Scandinavia you might consider this par for the course, ennui is imbued into the populace (as it is also reflected in the works of prominent Russian writers - Anna Karenina comes to mind). Just as we continue to struggle here in the States with our history of slavery and the resulting racial tensions, so do Europe and Scandinavia struggle in coming to terms with Nazism and the Bolshevik revolution (More than a few reviewers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Nordic writers' pre-occupation with Nazism). And yet, the rise in popularity of these Nordic thrillers here in the States is puzzling given our strong tendency towards literary Romanticism. We like for the good guys to win, we like emotion, we like our heroes (as opposed to anti-heroes) we enjoy free will, and in general consider ourselves in control of our own lives.
Having said that: there is excellence in Literary Naturalism. The above doesn't mean we can't enjoy a well written novel, an intriguing mystery, a flawed anti-hero, a well crafted story written in the style of literary Naturalism. It doesn't mean we can't enjoy the works of Jo Nesbo. I did.
In Jo Nesbo's words: "I come from a family of readers and story tellers." With a librarian mother and a father who sat before the fire and told the kids stories they wanted to hear (each repetition bringing something new to the tale) Jo's foundation was carved in stone. Again, in his own life story we sense the determinism filtering into his life: he wanted to be a soccer star but an injury put a quick stop to this; with a dreadful feeling of fate guiding his life he entered the military in the hopes something would happen (what happened was "Self-Discipline"); thinking he might want to be an economist he entered the world of finance which he abandoned as well; someone told him he could play guitar (he only knew 3 chords) and he formed several bands, Di Derre being the most successful; and finally he wrote (on an airplane to begin with) and he never stopped.
The Redbreast is Jo Nesbo's third Harry Hole (pronounced "Hooleh") novel (the other two not being translated for a US audience as of yet) and is Nesbo's claim to fame. So, this is where we start. Yes, the books should be read in order! For an American audience, Harry Hole can be likened to Harry Bosch; he defies authority, is an outcast within his own organization, is best left alone to do this job (his office is at the end of the hall), is more of an anti-hero than a hero, has trouble with his romantic life, lives alone, has a fierce propensity for justice (as opposed to the Law) and once let loose is like a pit bull with a bone fastened to his jaws. But perhaps the most compelling reason why Harry Hole has such a following is Nesbo's devastating characterization of what exactly comprises a flawed hero. Upon reflection, American hard-boiled writers don't come close to accomplishing the same. This is not too dissimilar to the way Nesbo sees himself.
Bjarne Møller, my former boss, says people like me always choose the line of most resistance. It's in what he calls our 'accursed nature'. That's why we always end up on our own. I don't know. I like being alone. Perhaps I have grown to like my self-image of being a loner, too....I think you have to find something about yourself that you like in order to survive. Some people say being alone is unsociable and selfish. But you're independent and you don't drag others down with you, if that's the way you're heading. Many people are afraid of being alone. But it made me feel strong, free and invulnerable.
And...ah, yes, there is the matter of plot! So how do we justify this decided streak of fate/determinism within the novels with Nesbo's apparent mastery of plot? The two seemingly ought to contradict each other. On the one hand, we have Nesbo's almost Shakespearean tendency to cast characters as marionette puppets on the strings of fate (the very opposite of plot), while on the other hand we are riveted by the very complex actions and reactions made by Harry Hole during his investigations (Nesbo is a master at not adding anything superfluous to his novels). Perhaps it is an unholy marriage between the two that transfixes us. His plots are intricate, very complex, the seemingly irrelevant details exposed throughout the novels become larger than life as the story closes, and they can weave through time, forward and backward, as the story unfolds. But, with a little alacrity, we can remember we are reading Naturalism and so it isn't always Harry Hole making events happen, but rather the reverse, it is the events that move Harry Hole. Again, it is a matter of preference but in Nesbo's case it is done with utter expertise as a writer.
The exposition/setting is often Scandinavia: the weather is somber, the descriptions grey-like, the people absorbed with alcohol and withdrawn, if not bundled and sequestered. And yet, the dialogue and scenes are full of references to other millieus', continents, languages, and cleverly hidden philosophical references that speak to a widely cultured audience (as opposed to American writers of this genre who rarely venture beyond the borders of their land, if not their own State). And as with plot, there are no superfluous details. Everything in the novels matters and Nesbo does not forget even the tiniest detail to which he's made a seemingly furtive reference earlier on in the story. This is one of the biggest reasons why I love Jo Nesbo.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jo Nesbo's The Redbreast and am currently reading the remaining Harry Hole novels. I remain intrigued by events left undone (such as the fate of our undiscovered villain in this and other stories). You'll just have to read the novels to find out more.
Oh, yes, as with other series this review is likely to be repeated for all (unless there is a drastic divergence from what I have written here). So, if you've read this review, you've read 'em all. Enjoy!
Having said that: there is excellence in Literary Naturalism. The above doesn't mean we can't enjoy a well written novel, an intriguing mystery, a flawed anti-hero, a well crafted story written in the style of literary Naturalism. It doesn't mean we can't enjoy the works of Jo Nesbo. I did.
In Jo Nesbo's words: "I come from a family of readers and story tellers." With a librarian mother and a father who sat before the fire and told the kids stories they wanted to hear (each repetition bringing something new to the tale) Jo's foundation was carved in stone. Again, in his own life story we sense the determinism filtering into his life: he wanted to be a soccer star but an injury put a quick stop to this; with a dreadful feeling of fate guiding his life he entered the military in the hopes something would happen (what happened was "Self-Discipline"); thinking he might want to be an economist he entered the world of finance which he abandoned as well; someone told him he could play guitar (he only knew 3 chords) and he formed several bands, Di Derre being the most successful; and finally he wrote (on an airplane to begin with) and he never stopped.
The Redbreast is Jo Nesbo's third Harry Hole (pronounced "Hooleh") novel (the other two not being translated for a US audience as of yet) and is Nesbo's claim to fame. So, this is where we start. Yes, the books should be read in order! For an American audience, Harry Hole can be likened to Harry Bosch; he defies authority, is an outcast within his own organization, is best left alone to do this job (his office is at the end of the hall), is more of an anti-hero than a hero, has trouble with his romantic life, lives alone, has a fierce propensity for justice (as opposed to the Law) and once let loose is like a pit bull with a bone fastened to his jaws. But perhaps the most compelling reason why Harry Hole has such a following is Nesbo's devastating characterization of what exactly comprises a flawed hero. Upon reflection, American hard-boiled writers don't come close to accomplishing the same. This is not too dissimilar to the way Nesbo sees himself.
Bjarne Møller, my former boss, says people like me always choose the line of most resistance. It's in what he calls our 'accursed nature'. That's why we always end up on our own. I don't know. I like being alone. Perhaps I have grown to like my self-image of being a loner, too....I think you have to find something about yourself that you like in order to survive. Some people say being alone is unsociable and selfish. But you're independent and you don't drag others down with you, if that's the way you're heading. Many people are afraid of being alone. But it made me feel strong, free and invulnerable.
And...ah, yes, there is the matter of plot! So how do we justify this decided streak of fate/determinism within the novels with Nesbo's apparent mastery of plot? The two seemingly ought to contradict each other. On the one hand, we have Nesbo's almost Shakespearean tendency to cast characters as marionette puppets on the strings of fate (the very opposite of plot), while on the other hand we are riveted by the very complex actions and reactions made by Harry Hole during his investigations (Nesbo is a master at not adding anything superfluous to his novels). Perhaps it is an unholy marriage between the two that transfixes us. His plots are intricate, very complex, the seemingly irrelevant details exposed throughout the novels become larger than life as the story closes, and they can weave through time, forward and backward, as the story unfolds. But, with a little alacrity, we can remember we are reading Naturalism and so it isn't always Harry Hole making events happen, but rather the reverse, it is the events that move Harry Hole. Again, it is a matter of preference but in Nesbo's case it is done with utter expertise as a writer.
The exposition/setting is often Scandinavia: the weather is somber, the descriptions grey-like, the people absorbed with alcohol and withdrawn, if not bundled and sequestered. And yet, the dialogue and scenes are full of references to other millieus', continents, languages, and cleverly hidden philosophical references that speak to a widely cultured audience (as opposed to American writers of this genre who rarely venture beyond the borders of their land, if not their own State). And as with plot, there are no superfluous details. Everything in the novels matters and Nesbo does not forget even the tiniest detail to which he's made a seemingly furtive reference earlier on in the story. This is one of the biggest reasons why I love Jo Nesbo.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jo Nesbo's The Redbreast and am currently reading the remaining Harry Hole novels. I remain intrigued by events left undone (such as the fate of our undiscovered villain in this and other stories). You'll just have to read the novels to find out more.
Oh, yes, as with other series this review is likely to be repeated for all (unless there is a drastic divergence from what I have written here). So, if you've read this review, you've read 'em all. Enjoy!
March 16, 2010
Jo Nesbø is one of the best writers of Scandinavian crime fiction out there today.
summary, no spoilers:
Set in Oslo, Devil's Star features Detective Harry Hole, whose life started zooming out of control when his friend and fellow detective, Ellen Gjelten was murdered while working a case. Harry has spent much of the time since in an alcoholic stupor, neglecting his work to try to catch Ellen's killer, and putting his personal life in the trash. He knows who murdered Ellen, but proving it is a whole different story. Suffice it to say that you must read (in order) Redbreast, and then Nemesis to understand this part of Harry's life. In this book, he is assigned to work on the case of a dead woman who is found with a) a finger cut off and b) a diamond cut in the shape of a star under her eyelid. As the investigation gets rolling, and there are more deaths, Harry begins to uncover a pattern, but with time winding down on his own career, he has to come to grips with his past, present and future as well.
Nesbø's writing, his ability to craft a clever and engrossing series of plotlines that weave together effortlessly, and his excellent characterizations are consistent throughout the entire series. Harry Hole is one of my favorite crime fiction characters, but Nesbø doesn't stop with him. Each one of the supporting characters has a distinct reality of his or her own.
Nesbø is one of the reasons I continue to be fascinated with Scandinavian crime fiction. He is a talented writer, so much so that he is my favorite author within this genre. His books are dark and often broody, but well worth every second of reading time. My advice: read Redbreast and Nemesis prior to this one because prior knowledge of what's happening will raise the suspense level for you. Very highly recommended.
summary, no spoilers:
Set in Oslo, Devil's Star features Detective Harry Hole, whose life started zooming out of control when his friend and fellow detective, Ellen Gjelten was murdered while working a case. Harry has spent much of the time since in an alcoholic stupor, neglecting his work to try to catch Ellen's killer, and putting his personal life in the trash. He knows who murdered Ellen, but proving it is a whole different story. Suffice it to say that you must read (in order) Redbreast, and then Nemesis to understand this part of Harry's life. In this book, he is assigned to work on the case of a dead woman who is found with a) a finger cut off and b) a diamond cut in the shape of a star under her eyelid. As the investigation gets rolling, and there are more deaths, Harry begins to uncover a pattern, but with time winding down on his own career, he has to come to grips with his past, present and future as well.
Nesbø's writing, his ability to craft a clever and engrossing series of plotlines that weave together effortlessly, and his excellent characterizations are consistent throughout the entire series. Harry Hole is one of my favorite crime fiction characters, but Nesbø doesn't stop with him. Each one of the supporting characters has a distinct reality of his or her own.
Nesbø is one of the reasons I continue to be fascinated with Scandinavian crime fiction. He is a talented writer, so much so that he is my favorite author within this genre. His books are dark and often broody, but well worth every second of reading time. My advice: read Redbreast and Nemesis prior to this one because prior knowledge of what's happening will raise the suspense level for you. Very highly recommended.
November 8, 2020
I find it odd that Jo Nesbø is being marketed as the next Steig Larsson, considering this is the fifth book in the series and predates the first Millennium novel.
The books are so remarkably different too, not least as the main protagonist Harry Hole is struggling with alcoholism and depression though being a remarkably good detective.
Maybe it's the trilogy aspect as this ties up all the stands from the previous two cases as Hole is pursuing corruption in the police force, unfortunately it's his addiction that prevents others from taking him seriously.
This is taking place during a serial killer striking Oslo and leaving a small clue of a five pointed star amongst the victims.
I really want to enjoy this series more, the mystery is quite interesting even though it's pretty standard for the genre.
Nesbø has created some really strong memorable characters and that's what keeps me invested.
The writing is strong but meanders at time, whilst the plot is interesting the pace can feel a little slow going at times...
Part of me wants to savour it, whilst also another wants to get it finished.
Maybe The Snowman (Book 7) is the strongest in the series, as it's also mentioned on the cover?
Coincidentally published the same year a the final Larsson novel and could be the reason for the comparison?
I'm going to preserve until atleast that one as I've given each book either 3 or 4 stars so far, just starting to hope it's worth the commitment.
The books are so remarkably different too, not least as the main protagonist Harry Hole is struggling with alcoholism and depression though being a remarkably good detective.
Maybe it's the trilogy aspect as this ties up all the stands from the previous two cases as Hole is pursuing corruption in the police force, unfortunately it's his addiction that prevents others from taking him seriously.
This is taking place during a serial killer striking Oslo and leaving a small clue of a five pointed star amongst the victims.
I really want to enjoy this series more, the mystery is quite interesting even though it's pretty standard for the genre.
Nesbø has created some really strong memorable characters and that's what keeps me invested.
The writing is strong but meanders at time, whilst the plot is interesting the pace can feel a little slow going at times...
Part of me wants to savour it, whilst also another wants to get it finished.
Maybe The Snowman (Book 7) is the strongest in the series, as it's also mentioned on the cover?
Coincidentally published the same year a the final Larsson novel and could be the reason for the comparison?
I'm going to preserve until atleast that one as I've given each book either 3 or 4 stars so far, just starting to hope it's worth the commitment.
January 20, 2015
I am so enjoying this series and Harry Hole is fast becoming one of my favourite heroes. In this book he is at a very low point in his life, an alcoholic and very close to losing his job and his girlfriend. However he is so smart he can still solve the most intricate crime and bring home the baddy. In fact the baddy is so bad that his rather horrific end is quite pleasurable! If you have not read a Harry Hole book yet then you must but don't start with this one as you really need to know his background to appreciate this book fully. A great read and highly recommended.
April 6, 2010
It’s part of the Harry Hole series, but I’m not sure which number it is because in America they don’t come out in the order first published. blah blah blah heard it all before.
I will say this about the Hole series, it seems to be the most “American” of the Scandi crime I’ve read. I do like these books. I love Harry. How could you not? An alkie detective hates himself, can’t be responsible for himself, but has to “save the world”. All the other police are completely sober and clever, but they can’t solve the crime like Harry can. I know it sounds like I’m poking fun, but I’m not. I read it and I don’t think, “oh come ON!” I think, “oh, Harry. Not again. *sigh*”
However, I do have two problems (maybe three) with this book.
First, (and I think I had this problem with Nemesis too) there are too many characters in this book. And it seems like they are only there to fool you. Are they the killer? Could it be that weirdo? IS IT HER?! no? STOP WITH THE RED HERRINGS ALREADY. Plus it didn’t matter, because when the police finally catch the killer there are still 130-some pages left in the book so you know THAT’S NOT RIGHT. The ending took too long and was so convoluted that by the time I finished the book I didn’t really care anymore.
And somehow, I STILL love Harry. I think that says a great deal about the author. Good job, right?
The other thing I have a problem with is the whole pentagram thing. The killer is leaving these star shaped diamonds on the victims and there’s pentagrams at the crime scenes. And when Harry is all (and I’m paraphrasing, dig) “what’s this?” and the one of many non-important characters is all, “it’s a pentagram.” Harry’s all, “a pentagram? what’s that?” (something similar, anyway.) I can’t help but think that there’s no way. No way a police detective would be all, “pentagram? wot’s all this then?”
I’m not saying the detective should be an expert on occultic symbols, but for crying outs, he should at least be able to recognize the most widely used one. There’s even one on like, most every Rush album, you supposed Rock-n-roll detective. And it’s not like he’d have to know the whole history, right? he could be all, “a pentagram? you mean like devil worship?” and the one-too-many character could be all like, “well, historically, blah blah blah exposition.”
I dunno, maybe I’m off here. Maybe in Norway the pentagram isn’t widely known? I can’t believe that (especially in this post-Da Vinci Code world,) but whatever.
If you liked the other Hole novels then you should read this one, especially for the Hole/Waaler thing. But if you’re new to the series and new to crime fiction in general, I wouldn’t start out on this one.
I will say this about the Hole series, it seems to be the most “American” of the Scandi crime I’ve read. I do like these books. I love Harry. How could you not? An alkie detective hates himself, can’t be responsible for himself, but has to “save the world”. All the other police are completely sober and clever, but they can’t solve the crime like Harry can. I know it sounds like I’m poking fun, but I’m not. I read it and I don’t think, “oh come ON!” I think, “oh, Harry. Not again. *sigh*”
However, I do have two problems (maybe three) with this book.
First, (and I think I had this problem with Nemesis too) there are too many characters in this book. And it seems like they are only there to fool you. Are they the killer? Could it be that weirdo? IS IT HER?! no? STOP WITH THE RED HERRINGS ALREADY. Plus it didn’t matter, because when the police finally catch the killer there are still 130-some pages left in the book so you know THAT’S NOT RIGHT. The ending took too long and was so convoluted that by the time I finished the book I didn’t really care anymore.
And somehow, I STILL love Harry. I think that says a great deal about the author. Good job, right?
The other thing I have a problem with is the whole pentagram thing. The killer is leaving these star shaped diamonds on the victims and there’s pentagrams at the crime scenes. And when Harry is all (and I’m paraphrasing, dig) “what’s this?” and the one of many non-important characters is all, “it’s a pentagram.” Harry’s all, “a pentagram? what’s that?” (something similar, anyway.) I can’t help but think that there’s no way. No way a police detective would be all, “pentagram? wot’s all this then?”
I’m not saying the detective should be an expert on occultic symbols, but for crying outs, he should at least be able to recognize the most widely used one. There’s even one on like, most every Rush album, you supposed Rock-n-roll detective. And it’s not like he’d have to know the whole history, right? he could be all, “a pentagram? you mean like devil worship?” and the one-too-many character could be all like, “well, historically, blah blah blah exposition.”
I dunno, maybe I’m off here. Maybe in Norway the pentagram isn’t widely known? I can’t believe that (especially in this post-Da Vinci Code world,) but whatever.
If you liked the other Hole novels then you should read this one, especially for the Hole/Waaler thing. But if you’re new to the series and new to crime fiction in general, I wouldn’t start out on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2017
Bloody hell, Jo Nesbo is a bit good ain't he?
If you've read any of the Harry Hole thrillers before - and if you haven't, why are you still here? Get to it - The Devil's Star is another dollop of what you've already come to expect from this series: gritty, hard-hitting, intelligent, page-turning crime fiction.
For those familiar with the Oslo Sequence, this is where Hole and Waaler's on-going enmity comes to a head - and it's brilliant. Just as blood-thirsty, violent and dramatic as you would expect. With the tension creaked up a couple of notches and the stakes higher than ever before. Exactly what I wanted from the dénouement of their highly entertaining confrontation over the past three books.
Between that and a Harry Hole who has spiralled further into despondency and alcohol abuse - not to mention his ever-fracturing relationship with Rakel and his desperate battle to get answers - Nesbo is on top form in this one. He of course throws in the usual murder(s) of the week - and the case is just as smart, twisty and fiendish as ever - but the Hole/Waaler battle and descriptions of Harry's battles with his own demons are where The Devil's Star excels.
Nesbo is not your run-of-the-mill, ten-a-penny thriller writer. His Harry Hole books are fiendishly crafted with an astonishing attention to detail and research that puts other writers to shame. Yet his books are utterly compelling and exactly what this reader wants from his crime fiction. A fine balance, but one that Nesbo nails with ease.
Want to devour the rest, but also savour and enjoy... think when all's said and done, that's the best recommendation I can give.
If you've read any of the Harry Hole thrillers before - and if you haven't, why are you still here? Get to it - The Devil's Star is another dollop of what you've already come to expect from this series: gritty, hard-hitting, intelligent, page-turning crime fiction.
For those familiar with the Oslo Sequence, this is where Hole and Waaler's on-going enmity comes to a head - and it's brilliant. Just as blood-thirsty, violent and dramatic as you would expect. With the tension creaked up a couple of notches and the stakes higher than ever before. Exactly what I wanted from the dénouement of their highly entertaining confrontation over the past three books.
Between that and a Harry Hole who has spiralled further into despondency and alcohol abuse - not to mention his ever-fracturing relationship with Rakel and his desperate battle to get answers - Nesbo is on top form in this one. He of course throws in the usual murder(s) of the week - and the case is just as smart, twisty and fiendish as ever - but the Hole/Waaler battle and descriptions of Harry's battles with his own demons are where The Devil's Star excels.
Nesbo is not your run-of-the-mill, ten-a-penny thriller writer. His Harry Hole books are fiendishly crafted with an astonishing attention to detail and research that puts other writers to shame. Yet his books are utterly compelling and exactly what this reader wants from his crime fiction. A fine balance, but one that Nesbo nails with ease.
Want to devour the rest, but also savour and enjoy... think when all's said and done, that's the best recommendation I can give.
July 18, 2020
Another great Harry Hole thriller. The serial killer plot has a lot of red herrings and keeps you guessing till the end. The twists and turns continually keep you speculating and the backdrop of a sweltering summer in Oslo is atmospheric.
It also follows the Tom Waaler subplot and there is a great ending. The places where the bodies appear are also surprising. One thing I will say is it unlikely this book will be made into a movie!
It also follows the Tom Waaler subplot and there is a great ending. The places where the bodies appear are also surprising. One thing I will say is it unlikely this book will be made into a movie!
July 23, 2017
This is the first Jo Nesbo book I've read — and it will definitely not be the last.
The Devils Star is a good read with a thoughtful plot and believable characters. Harry Hole, the main character works to solve the mystery of a serial killer. But at the same time he's also dealing with a screwed up personal life and the dark suspicion that his colleagues may be involved in murderous criminal activities of their own.
The Devils Star is a good read with a thoughtful plot and believable characters. Harry Hole, the main character works to solve the mystery of a serial killer. But at the same time he's also dealing with a screwed up personal life and the dark suspicion that his colleagues may be involved in murderous criminal activities of their own.
August 18, 2018
Harry Hole is a mess ... but you keep rooting for him anyway ... he has great enemies, and he usually prevails ... if not in the current book, then the next ... whatever it is, even if the details are sometimes disgusting, Jo Nesbo has figured out how to keep me turning pages
May 25, 2018
A good murder mystery - would have been better if more concise and focused.
A serial killer seems to be on the loose. It appears to start with a young woman being murdered in her flat. More murders follow - and they are all cruel and brutal, with a finger being severed in each case.
Harry Hole is in a slump - his marriage is in trouble, he has a severe drinking problem and has no interest in the police force. He is assigned the case along with Tom Waaler, whom he has accused of being (at least partly) guilty of being an accomplice in certain crimes. But he has little choice in the matter.
Harry does spot a pattern, and with that, it seems the case is almost over. The police now know where the next crime could occur and lie in wait. But twists are in store.
Overall, this is a good murder mystery. However, it struggles over several pages to develop the story. And yet, the theme of the story is a positive, making the book worth a read.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
A serial killer seems to be on the loose. It appears to start with a young woman being murdered in her flat. More murders follow - and they are all cruel and brutal, with a finger being severed in each case.
Harry Hole is in a slump - his marriage is in trouble, he has a severe drinking problem and has no interest in the police force. He is assigned the case along with Tom Waaler, whom he has accused of being (at least partly) guilty of being an accomplice in certain crimes. But he has little choice in the matter.
Harry does spot a pattern, and with that, it seems the case is almost over. The police now know where the next crime could occur and lie in wait. But twists are in store.
Overall, this is a good murder mystery. However, it struggles over several pages to develop the story. And yet, the theme of the story is a positive, making the book worth a read.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
June 9, 2023
I am in the midst of reading two military history books and thought I would supplement them with a good mystery story. I read this book several years ago and decided to revisit it. Below is my original review of which I wouldn't change a word as the book was just as good as I remembered.
Original review
Jo Nesbo writes the most intricate and complex plots of any modern police procedural author and I would wager that most readers don't have a clue to the answer to the mystery (murder, kidnapping etc.) until it is slowly revealed in the last few chapters. It is not that he cheats the reader by omitting things that the police know (a device that is overused by some authors) but that the story is like a jig-saw puzzle in which it seems that the pieces don't quite fit....but they do.
The major protagonist, Inspector Harry Hole, is a miserable human being.....a drunk whose love life is breaking his heart, someone with few friends, and who is always on the verge of being fired for not following "police procedures". But he is smart, very smart when it comes to seeing the big picture and is not afraid to follow through on his suspicions even though they may be unsettling.
I won't begin to summarize the plot of this book #5 in the series except to say that it concerns the murders of seemingly unrelated individuals, all of whom have a pentagram left with their bodies, either in the form of a carving or in one case, a red diamond. The phrase "serial killer" immediately is assigned to these murders but Harry thinks not. Read the book and find out the surprising answer. If you are easily depressed, this is not the book (or series) for you as Harry's life is enough to drive you to jumping in bed and pulling the covers over your head for a week. Otherwise, highly recommended.
Original review
Jo Nesbo writes the most intricate and complex plots of any modern police procedural author and I would wager that most readers don't have a clue to the answer to the mystery (murder, kidnapping etc.) until it is slowly revealed in the last few chapters. It is not that he cheats the reader by omitting things that the police know (a device that is overused by some authors) but that the story is like a jig-saw puzzle in which it seems that the pieces don't quite fit....but they do.
The major protagonist, Inspector Harry Hole, is a miserable human being.....a drunk whose love life is breaking his heart, someone with few friends, and who is always on the verge of being fired for not following "police procedures". But he is smart, very smart when it comes to seeing the big picture and is not afraid to follow through on his suspicions even though they may be unsettling.
I won't begin to summarize the plot of this book #5 in the series except to say that it concerns the murders of seemingly unrelated individuals, all of whom have a pentagram left with their bodies, either in the form of a carving or in one case, a red diamond. The phrase "serial killer" immediately is assigned to these murders but Harry thinks not. Read the book and find out the surprising answer. If you are easily depressed, this is not the book (or series) for you as Harry's life is enough to drive you to jumping in bed and pulling the covers over your head for a week. Otherwise, highly recommended.
October 5, 2019
Detective Harry Hole is cajoled into accepting a case working with a hated partner. The investigation points to a serial killer with specific methods, but seemingly no motive. Hole's personal life and demons always complicate matters. Set during a very hot Oslo summer, this suspenseful thriller doesn't disappoint. The author writes the best Nordic Crime Novels in my humble opinion.
June 25, 2023
4,5 Nu fiindcă nu ar fi meritat mai mult, doar pentru că finalul mi s-a părut lungit cam inutil, iar la confruntarea dintre Hole și criminal nu am înțeles de ce Hole intra într-un soi de transă în loc să-l aresteze. Și în volumul 5 cazul este interesant, iar elementul surpriză este la înălțime. Nesbo chiar e unul dintre cei mai buni autori de trhilere.
October 17, 2012
Where would we be in detective fiction without these screwups in private life but brilliant investigators otherwise? Harry Hole when he isn’t investigating is seemingly either blotto or on his way to a bar. He’s always close to being fired for any number of reasons and he’s a ballbuster who nearly gives his boss an ulcer. Harry’s my kind of cop.
If this is a typical Jo Nesbø novel, sheesh have I waited too long before reading him. This is crime fiction at its best. The characters are brilliantly drawn and the plot has more twists and turns than 20 miles of switchback road. When it seems like the story is over, it isn’t. The uncertainty factor is present until the very end. The book has scenes that could have been in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Just when you think the obvious is going to happen it doesn’t. Or something happens that you least expect. But it’s always plausible and fits within the framework of the novel. There’s also an engaging subplot as Harry tries to deal with the unfortunate results of a previous case. Boy does this guy have a lot of baggage.
I strongly recommend this to anybody who enjoys a compelling crime novel. As they say in the blurbs, a real page turner. 5 brightly shining stars.
If this is a typical Jo Nesbø novel, sheesh have I waited too long before reading him. This is crime fiction at its best. The characters are brilliantly drawn and the plot has more twists and turns than 20 miles of switchback road. When it seems like the story is over, it isn’t. The uncertainty factor is present until the very end. The book has scenes that could have been in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Just when you think the obvious is going to happen it doesn’t. Or something happens that you least expect. But it’s always plausible and fits within the framework of the novel. There’s also an engaging subplot as Harry tries to deal with the unfortunate results of a previous case. Boy does this guy have a lot of baggage.
I strongly recommend this to anybody who enjoys a compelling crime novel. As they say in the blurbs, a real page turner. 5 brightly shining stars.
November 28, 2017
I might have waited a little too long to review this book because my memory is coming up fogged out. Let’s see if we can jump start the ol’ noggin:
Harry Hole…booze…screwed up love life…murder...
Okay, I for sure did like this read. I think I liked it even more than the previous books in the series which seems to be the trend with this author’s work. The further down the rabbit hole I fall the more I like the scenery as it passes. It pulls me in and holds my attention to the very end and I am not always up on what the ending might hold before it gets there. Which is definitely a plus in my book because what fun is it to always correctly predict the ending way before you get there?
This read was the continuation of a previous thread with Harry Hole still trying to solve one murder in particular as others happen around it. Are they connected? Will Harry ever find closure? Can Harry work his magic without the aid of alcohol? Can he maintain a decent relationship with any one human being for longer than a minute?
Even though the above synopsis is the basic premise to all of the books I have read so far in this series, I am still totally in and can’t wait to see what kind of “pickle” Harry finds himself in next.
Harry Hole…booze…screwed up love life…murder...
Okay, I for sure did like this read. I think I liked it even more than the previous books in the series which seems to be the trend with this author’s work. The further down the rabbit hole I fall the more I like the scenery as it passes. It pulls me in and holds my attention to the very end and I am not always up on what the ending might hold before it gets there. Which is definitely a plus in my book because what fun is it to always correctly predict the ending way before you get there?
This read was the continuation of a previous thread with Harry Hole still trying to solve one murder in particular as others happen around it. Are they connected? Will Harry ever find closure? Can Harry work his magic without the aid of alcohol? Can he maintain a decent relationship with any one human being for longer than a minute?
Even though the above synopsis is the basic premise to all of the books I have read so far in this series, I am still totally in and can’t wait to see what kind of “pickle” Harry finds himself in next.
February 6, 2022
More like 3.7 stars. Still think they story really did grow on me and still very much enjoy the series although this book wasn't quite as intriguing and didn't get as invested in it. But still curious on the next one. Glad I've got a few more books to read in this series
September 3, 2020
The Devil's Star is probably the best written of the Jo Nesbo's mystery thriller series starring Harry Hole I've read so far. As I have said, for no particular reason I seem to be alternating these Nesbo mysteries with the widly contrasting Agatha Christie series featuring the elderly (Miss) Jane Marple. The contrast, as you might imagine, is jarring, and calls forth the most obvious kinds of commentary about the literary and cultural differences in the fifty years between the time that the Marples I am reading were written and the twenty-first century Holes.
And the differences seem to be more and more marked. The Devil's Star is about three or four principal things: 1) Harry's dogged pursuit of a particularly brutal (as opposed to what, kind?) serial killer who leaves as one calling card (and clue) a jewel on each of his victims in the shape of a pentagram or "devil's star" associated withe demonology and the occult; 2) Hole's continuing obsession with his colleague Tom Waaler's (possible) role in the death of their mutual colleague Ellen; 3) Harry's alcoholism and despair, and 4) his relationship to Rakel, her son and the possibilities for a "normal life" with her.
Harry is assigned to work on the serial killer case with his nemesis Waaler. They have a kind of Batman-Joker origin comparison going on here for me. Both have had traumatic losses that shape their rogue decision-making, their "outsider" or maverick status, their willingness to break the law to get results. Waaler wants Hole to join him in an enterprise that is illegal, but could create quicker and more dramatic results for Harry's purposes. Why not? What difference is there between Waaler and Hole? But there is a difference, and you know there is without even reading it.
This is by far the darkest of the novels so far; Harry's despair/struggle with alconolism coincides with his never-ending obsession to solve his friend Ellen's case, and in the process damages his relationship with Rakel. And then there's all the serial killing itself, which seems to be a kind of set-piece for mystery/thriller writing (though if a kind of serial killer exists in Christie mysteries, they are never grisly, of course). At its worst in Nesbo, it can veer into "torture porn," (by which I mean it is supposed to get readers obsessed with the physical aspects of the killings; I don't literally mean pornography with torture in it) something I am not interested in at all, I am sick of mysteries about serial kilers, but at the same time, I was interested in how the pentagram in this story reminded me of Alan Moore's From Hell, which poses a pentagram/occult theory about the Jack the Ripper (also five) killings.
And, I'll admit that I was interested in how the two main crime stories--about Waaler, and about the serial killer--come together in interesting ways, and the writing is sharper, more focused and faster than in any of the previous books. It's not often what you'd call pleasant, in fact almost never that, but Nesbo keeps getting better at his craft. And I like how in the end we don't yet know some important things: How deep is the corruption in the police department? Will Harry give up police work and say, drive a cab instead? Will his relationship with Rakel last? Set-ups for the next book, I think.
The cover of my copy of the audiobook version I listened to announces (in a book published several years ago) that Nesbo has sold more than 25 million copies of his books in many languages, so it must be double that by now. Not quite what Christie has sold, but he's also got a few years and a few books to catch up to her. It's funny, both are great writers at what they do but I am somewhat unsatisfied with them for opposite reasons: One, this "cozy" mystery writer is usually too cozy and charming and light for me in these Marple books, but Nesbo has the opposite problem for me at times: He's just too brutal and nasty at the most extreme moments. As in, for those who have read it, the conversations between Harry and the serial killer that detail some of what he did, ugh. But maybe that's just me.
One continuing nitpick: Why can almost no one pronounce Harry Hole's name correctly in these audiobooks!!?? (It should be like "Hoo-leh" and not Hole). In this one the reader pronounces it three different ways. But he never makes that mistake with the German in the text. Do your homework, dudes!
And the differences seem to be more and more marked. The Devil's Star is about three or four principal things: 1) Harry's dogged pursuit of a particularly brutal (as opposed to what, kind?) serial killer who leaves as one calling card (and clue) a jewel on each of his victims in the shape of a pentagram or "devil's star" associated withe demonology and the occult; 2) Hole's continuing obsession with his colleague Tom Waaler's (possible) role in the death of their mutual colleague Ellen; 3) Harry's alcoholism and despair, and 4) his relationship to Rakel, her son and the possibilities for a "normal life" with her.
Harry is assigned to work on the serial killer case with his nemesis Waaler. They have a kind of Batman-Joker origin comparison going on here for me. Both have had traumatic losses that shape their rogue decision-making, their "outsider" or maverick status, their willingness to break the law to get results. Waaler wants Hole to join him in an enterprise that is illegal, but could create quicker and more dramatic results for Harry's purposes. Why not? What difference is there between Waaler and Hole? But there is a difference, and you know there is without even reading it.
This is by far the darkest of the novels so far; Harry's despair/struggle with alconolism coincides with his never-ending obsession to solve his friend Ellen's case, and in the process damages his relationship with Rakel. And then there's all the serial killing itself, which seems to be a kind of set-piece for mystery/thriller writing (though if a kind of serial killer exists in Christie mysteries, they are never grisly, of course). At its worst in Nesbo, it can veer into "torture porn," (by which I mean it is supposed to get readers obsessed with the physical aspects of the killings; I don't literally mean pornography with torture in it) something I am not interested in at all, I am sick of mysteries about serial kilers, but at the same time, I was interested in how the pentagram in this story reminded me of Alan Moore's From Hell, which poses a pentagram/occult theory about the Jack the Ripper (also five) killings.
And, I'll admit that I was interested in how the two main crime stories--about Waaler, and about the serial killer--come together in interesting ways, and the writing is sharper, more focused and faster than in any of the previous books. It's not often what you'd call pleasant, in fact almost never that, but Nesbo keeps getting better at his craft. And I like how in the end we don't yet know some important things: How deep is the corruption in the police department? Will Harry give up police work and say, drive a cab instead? Will his relationship with Rakel last? Set-ups for the next book, I think.
The cover of my copy of the audiobook version I listened to announces (in a book published several years ago) that Nesbo has sold more than 25 million copies of his books in many languages, so it must be double that by now. Not quite what Christie has sold, but he's also got a few years and a few books to catch up to her. It's funny, both are great writers at what they do but I am somewhat unsatisfied with them for opposite reasons: One, this "cozy" mystery writer is usually too cozy and charming and light for me in these Marple books, but Nesbo has the opposite problem for me at times: He's just too brutal and nasty at the most extreme moments. As in, for those who have read it, the conversations between Harry and the serial killer that detail some of what he did, ugh. But maybe that's just me.
One continuing nitpick: Why can almost no one pronounce Harry Hole's name correctly in these audiobooks!!?? (It should be like "Hoo-leh" and not Hole). In this one the reader pronounces it three different ways. But he never makes that mistake with the German in the text. Do your homework, dudes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,381 reviews