The Leopard – Harry Hole Series #8

Author: Jo Nesbø
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
676 pages
Publisher: First published in Norway by Aschehoug & Co, 2009
Translator: Don Bartlett

Synopsis
The Leopard by Jo Nesbø is the 7th book in the Harry Hole series. Reeling from trauma of his last case, at the beginning of the story, we find Hole self-exiled in Hong Kong, deeply entrenched in alcohol, opium, and in gambling debt to the local mafia. Hole’s Oslo Crime Squad boss sends Kaja Solness, a new female detective on murder investigations, to find Harry so he can help solve a series of gruesome murders. When Hole reluctantly agrees to return to Oslo, he’s immediately drawn into the investigation where there is little to go on and he faces a psychopath who will test him at every turn.

The killer’s method is brutal and seemingly random, leaving Harry and his team scrambling to find a pattern. As the investigation progresses, Harry uncovers a connection to his past, forcing him to confront personal demons, as well as betrayals close to him. Nesbø’s intricate plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting make The Leopard a compelling read for fans of crime fiction.

My Review
By the time I began reading this novel I had developed a strong admiration for Jo Nesbø’s ability to deliver a complex, atmospheric police procedural combined with heartfelt character development. I love a complicated, haunting story that’s much like putting together a multi-layered puzzle and this one didn’t disappoint!

The story begins with Hole’s self-destructive, obsessive behavior and his spiral into drugs and alcohol. Once Hole is rescued from Hong Kong by a new female detective in the Oslo Crime Squad, he does his best to keep it together enough to solve the brutal serial killing crime spree. As is typical, Hole is summoned to apprehend a killer who eludes other investigators, all the while becoming entangled in an internal power struggle with Mikael Bellman within the Kripos unit.

Many characters are introduced early in the story, and it took some time for me to keep track of all the characters and locations. However, before long, everything fell into place, and I was completely engrossed. This wasn’t my favorite book in the series, but it’s still very much worth reading. Nesbø expertly delves into the depths of Hole’s trauma and shows why Hole, with his troubled past, keen intellect, and relentless pursuit of justice, continues to be one of the most compelling Nordic Noir protagonists. I continue to be a huge Harry Hole fan and look forward to reading Jo Nesbø’s next book The Phantom.

My recommendation: read it!