Phantom – Harry Hole Series #9

Author: Jo Nesbø
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
470 pages
Publisher: Originally published in Norway by Aschehoug & Co, 2011
Translator: Don Bartlett

Synopsis
Phantom by Jo Nesbø is the 9th book in the Inspector Harry Hole series. Phantom is a gripping crime thriller that follows the story of Hole, a troubled and haunted detective who returns to Oslo to hunt down a killer when he learns that Oleg, the son of his former lover Rakel has been arrested for murder. Oleg is accused of killing Gusto, a drug dealer, and Hole is determined to clear his name. As Hole investigates, he discovers a web of corruption and betrayal that leads him to the highest levels of Oslo’s society. He discovers that Gusto’s murder is linked to a drug trade operated by a powerful businessman named Dubai, who is protected by the police and politicians.

Haunted by his past and battling his inner demons, Harry navigates the dangerous streets of Oslo, determined to uncover the truth behind Gusto’s murder. Along the way, he confronts his own demons and must use all of his skills to stay alive and bring the real killers to justice before he becomes the next victim.

My review
This is the 9^th book in the Harry Hole series and I remain a huge fan of Nesbø and Hole! I like dark and twisted crime thrillers, and this is one of Nesbø’s best. It is a compelling story, intricately plotted and full of shocking twists. Hole’s pursuit to prove Oleg’s innocence hooked me from the first pages and kept me reading late into the night. Phantom is the bleakest Harry Hole story, yet, and it took me to the depths of drug addiction, murder, and corruption, and created a graphic picture of the toll all three took on the individuals directly involved and those close to them.

I was immediately drawn into the gritty and unsettling setting and was touched by Hole’s connection with Oleg and Rakel. Nesbø always weaves a complex story with multiple twists and this one is no different. I didn’t see the end coming and I’m still reeling. I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series, Police.

My recommendation: continue your journey with Harry Hole and read it! You won’t be disappointed.