The Return of Jo Nesbo

Recently, during a spring getaway to Scandinavian Door County, my home away from home, I picked up a copy of a Norwegian magazine celebrating the culture, taste, history, events and personalities of Norway. Lo and behold I see that one of my favorite crime writers, the award-winning Norwegian crime novelist Jo Nesbo is back with the 11^th installment of his best-selling series featuring maverick detective Harry Hole. Just released in May, it is entitled The Thirst. This latest novel follows Hole’s return to the Oslo police force to hunt for a serial killer. The search becomes personal when evidence connects the killer to an unresolved investigation from Hole’s past and escalates as he seeks revenge on an old enemy.

These Nordic noir police procedurals feature a borderline alcoholic who is obsessed with his job, tormented by his personal demons, and a maverick on the job. The suspenseful, multi-textured plots weave Norwegian society’s dark problems with graphic violence and psychological insights into the well-rounded characters. Because Harry Hole changes over time, this series should be read in order. So start with –

The Bat (Oct 2012) 

Cockroaches (Jan 2013) 

The Redbreast (Jan 2000) 

Nemesis (Jan 2009) 

The Devil’s Star (Jan 2003) 

The Redeemer (Jan 2005)

The Snowman (Jan 2007)

The Leopard (Dec 2011)

Phantom (Oct 2012) 

Police (Oct 2013)

Nesbo has sold more than 30 million books worldwide. If you like crime fiction, give this series a try and I hope you enjoy it!