Brilliant, audaciously rogue police officer, Harry Hole from The Snowman and The Thirst, is back and in the throes of a new, unanticipated rage–once again hunting the murderer who has haunted his entire career.Harry Hole is not in a good place. Rakel–the only woman he’s ever loved–has ended it with him, permanently. He’s been given a chance for a new start with the Oslo Police but it’s in the … the Oslo Police but it’s in the cold case office, when what he really wants is to be investigating cases he suspects have ties to Svein Finne, the serial rapist and murderer who Harry helped put behind bars. And now, Finne is free after a decade-plus in prison–free, and Harry is certain, unreformed and ready to take up where he left off. But things will get worse. When Harry wakes up the morning after a blackout, drunken night with blood that’s clearly not his own on his hands, it’s only the very beginning of what will be a waking nightmare the likes of which even he could never have imagined.
more
KNIFE, by Norwegian author, Jo Nesbo, is a compulsively readable, twist-filled story filled with physical, mechanical, and moral disasters. I highly recommend this brisk, page-turning read!
“Knife” is book twelve in the Harry Hole Series. New readers only need to know that Harry Hole, of the Oslo Police, abuses alcohol, abuses the system, and abuses himself. Hole is suffering from guilt, and paranoia. He also might be suffering from PTSD resulting from what killings have done to him, even the “necessary” killing in law enforcement. The opening is abstract and unsettling; it entices readers and hints at dramatic events to come.
“Knife” is a personal story, one of revenge, one of death. Hole finds himself in midst of a murder, but this time the victim is his wife, Rakel, and he suspects the murderer is old enemy Svein Finne. Hole is at his lowest point; he is unraveling, spinning out of control, drowning in emotion and guilt. In this nightmarish situation, Hole cannot conduct the official police investigation but he is compelled to right the wrong done to his wife.
The plot is rich in complexity, moral challenges, puzzles, and conspiracies. Events are recounted through Hole’s personal experiences and interpretations. It is always a battle between good and evil, but in this case, readers wonder if the evil might be Hole himself. He has always helped others; unfortunately, now he is the one who is in trouble. The plot is disturbing, dark, weighty, and bizarre. The clues are abundant, but none fit where they should.
“Knife” is a little long, but very compelling to read. Hole grows as a person and takes a new path. In the end, there are secrets, traumas, and startling revelations that no one anticipated. Even when the pursuit seems to be over, it really is not. The murder is shocking, but it is even more shocking when the murderer is revealed.
If you’ve read any of the Harry Hole mysteries, this is the latest. Couldn’t put it down.
I just finished reading this wonderful novel which is the 12th in the Harry Hole series. I looked forward to its release since last December, and was not disappointed! Jo Nesbo is one of my favorite authors because he is so original and surprising right up until the end of the story. The pace was probably faster than any of his other books in this series and I found myself responding aloud at each surprise! I think my husband smirked at me a few times during my excitement. I highly recommend this wonderful novel to everyone who loves a great mystery.
Jo Nesbo writes well and Harry Hole is a great but flawed character.
Another solid Harry Hole mystery.
Can’t wait for another Harry Hole book!!
I’ve read all books with Detective Hole. Did not like how some of the characters devekop. Preferred his earlier novels.
Great Norwegian author.
Love Jo Nesbo! He is so good. I can never predict what is going to happen. He is true to his main character. I have to pay attention to everything and I like that!
Jo Nesbo’s new book, KNIfe is a wonderful book full of surprises, betrayal, twists, and an ending you wont see coming. I’m a big fan of Jo Nesbo, and consider this book as being his best of the series. It doesn’t matter if you are a big fan or if this is the first book of Nesbo that you have read, don’t miss it.
As per normal, Jo Nesbo is at the top of his game in this book. Harry Hole, poor guy, is put through the wringer. Twisted and super good. Can usually figure out who dun it… this surprised me!
One of Nesbo’s best, but almost too long in parts. Really exciting and
entertaining plot with a very satisfying ending. Hard to put down.
Jo Nesbo? Terrific author. I hesitate to criticize anything he has written…but, I will say this story of Harry Hole was brutal, beyond the pale. Harry couldn’t figure out the crime even with all the clues offered…until the end when he “conveniently” linked them all together. Really? And the summary incident of eliminating a known rapist was unusual, and totally unwarranted vigilante justice. Come on Jo, you’re better than that.
Too much pointless brain chatter
Over the years I’ve become quite attached to Harry. He’s brilliant but seriously flawed. Women are pulled in by him (perhaps it’s the nurturing aspect or the “I can save him” mentality) but no one is ever going to free Harry from himself. Once again, we find Harry in a dark place. Rakel has kicked him out and he has returned to the bottle hard. This may be one of the darkest moments of his life. To make matters worse, one of the most sadistic and hideous criminals Harry ever sent to jail (his first actually) has been released. Harry knows the man will return to his evil ways in no time and after a gruesome murder is discovered, it seems Harry is correct. What part did Harry play in the events that unfold though?
I love Nesbo’s writing. He is so clever and no detail he includes can ever be overlooked. I like that he doesn’t try to use twists and turns to fool his reading audience. He presents possibilities and allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. It’s hard to get into detail without giving anything away. I will say that I was genuinely surprised by several things in this story however.
If you are new to the series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning. There is simply way too much backstory that is essential to know to understand the story and the characters. As always, character development was excellent and the reader gets the opportunity to learn more about some long standing characters that have been with us through the years.
It’s impossible to predict where Harry’s journey will take him (as is the case with most books in this series) but I know I want to be there every step of the way!!!