Play Book Tag discussion

Inspector Harry Hole of the Oslo Crime Squad is dispatched to Sydney to observe a murder case. Harry is free to offer assistance, but he has firm instructions to stay out of trouble. The victim is a twenty-three year old Norwegian woman who is a minor celebrity back home. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Harry befriends one of the lead detectives, and one of the witnesses, as he is drawn deeper into the case. Together, they discover that this is only the latest in a string of unsolved murders, and the pattern points toward a psychopath working his way across the country. As they circle closer and closer to the killer, Harry begins to fear that no one is safe, least of all those investigating the case.

I've never read Jo Nesbo's books before so this one appeared to be not what I expected it to be. The main hero, Harry Hole, is not very attractive if you think about his personal qualities. But on the other hand, he is very real, easy to believe. The murder that was investigated was quite interesting but I was shocked by some of the plot twists and didn't like them. Nevertheless, I'm going to read a few more books from this series because the reviews keep telling me that it becomes better with the next books.

I have loved Harry Hole for years. Yes, he is not very pleasant or personable at first. He will grow on you. As you said, he is very real, he has a drinking problem and sometimes loses it. Please stay with Jo Nesbo - he has won more awards than I can count. His books are up and down - they are almost always sad - Often Hole gets his "man" - the criminal but way down the list, he comes across someone who killed his father (I can't remember which relative) but was surprised that he got revenge. Keep reading - there is a woman and her child in his future. Harry Hole, a stepfather??? Holy Cow!! You have found one of the best authors alive today. peace, janz

Thanks so much, Janz. I'm quite amazed about a woman and a child. You've just made me want to continue with this series a lot more!

I would not lie about a Jo Nesbo novel. A woman and a child. Maybe you only meet the woman first. But the child (a boy) is hers and both she and the child help Harry Hole calm down and be a better person. Sorry, I do not mean to give away anything. You will still be surprised when you find them. Happy reading. peace, janz