Nesbo

My first introduction to Jo Nesbo‘s books was back in 2012 where I listed the “Harry Hole” books I’d been reading.  I followed that up in March 2013 with a further book in the series that I found at the library (The Redeemer), followed by The Phantom in April of 2013.  And in December of 2013 I was finally able to get The Bat, which was actually the very first “Harry Hole” book.

At that point, I had read all the “Harry Hole” books that I could find or knew about.  [I have since seen that there is another, the second book in the series, that I have never heard of before – Cockroaches.  Well – I guess I’ll have to get that one now!]

Well, earlier this year, my sister bought a copy of the newest book in the series – Police.

And I decided I really wanted to read it.  But first, because my sister indicated that this book relied quite a bit on having knowledge of the previous book, The Phantom (and I had not read that in more than 2 years), I decided to re-read that book first (which I did between 6/17/15 and 6/22/15).  I am glad I did re-read it because my recall of it was pretty thin and once I had started on Police (June 23rd), I was very aware that I would not be enjoying it as much had I not re-read the previous book.

Well.  Let me say that this book was absolutely incredible.  Mr. Nesbo is a genius, I swear.  I have never before read any books that were as complex, surprising, totally engrossing and so completely wonderful as these “Harry Hole” books. 

Until…

I read this one!  On July 5 I started reading Jo Nesbo‘s stand-alone novel, The Son, and finished it last night.

This book was every bit as fantastic as the others – possibly even more so.  It was INTENSE.  Very complex, and you can’t put it down – it just keeps you in its grip, compelled to keep going and know what happens at every turn.

One thing about these books is that the characters are so real that you feel like you know them personally, and you care what happens to them.  The only negative about these books is that it is so sad to finish one, you just want them to go on forever.

One word of warning here, though:  These books are not for everyone.  They are filled with VIOLENCE (sometimes quite graphic).  The author has a way of seeing into and depicting the dark side of humanity and it can be chilling.  One hopes that “real life” is not like that, but unfortunately evil does exist.  I am just grateful that I only ever have to experience the like in books – and books in which I love the characters and hope that they survive!

Wow… I just discovered there is already a brand new Jo Nesbo book:  Blood on Snow.  What joy – it just keeps coming – thanks Jo!