The Snowman – Harry Hole Series #7

Author: Jo Nesbø
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
500 pages
Publisher: First published in Norway by Aschehoug & Co, 2007
Translator: Don Bartlett

Synopsis
The Snowman by Jo Nesbø is a chilling and atmospheric thriller that follows Detective Harry Hole as he investigates a series of gruesome murders in Oslo, Norway. The story begins with the disappearance of a young mother, whose disappearance is soon linked to a string of similar cases involving women who vanished after the first snowfall of the year. Each victim is found with a snowman near the scene of the crime, leading the media to dub the killer The Snowman.

As Hole delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the murders may be linked to an old case he worked on years ago. A serial killer known as The Snowman had terrorized Oslo, and Hole had believed that he had caught the killer. However, it becomes clear that the real Snowman is still at large, and he is more dangerous than ever. As Hole races against time to catch the killer, he must navigate through a maze of clues and red herrings to uncover the truth. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with Katrine Bratt, a brilliant but troubled detective with her own agenda.

As Hole races against time to catch the killer, he must also confront his own personal demons. He struggles with alcoholism and a strained relationship with his ex-girlfriend Rakel and her son Oleg. As the investigation intensifies, Hole and Bratt find themselves drawn into a twisted game of cat and mouse with the Snowman, who always seems to be one step ahead.

In a gripping climax, Hole finally confronts the Snowman in a tense showdown that will test his resolve to save himself and those he loves. With its suspenseful plot, complex characters, and unexpected twists, The Snowman is a gripping thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

My review
Wow! One of Jo Nesbø’s best novels to date. The Snowman is a gripping and haunting atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing from the beginning. Nesbø’s writing style is top notch, and he does an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates the entire novel.

One of the aspects of The Snowman that I found most compelling was the continued character development, particularly of the protagonist, Harry Hole. Hole is a complex and deeply flawed character, and Nesbø does a fantastic job of delving into his psyche and exploring the inner demons that drive him. Hole’s struggles with addiction, loneliness, and his own past make him a relatable and compelling character, and I found myself rooting for him throughout the story.

The plot of The Snowman is intricately woven, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Nesbø does a great job of building suspense and delivering enough twists to keep the reader engaged, and I found myself unable to put the book down as I raced to uncover the identity of the Snowman.

Overall, The Snowman is a riveting and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of crime fiction and suspense. Nesbø’s skill as a storyteller is evident on every page, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.

My recommendation: rush to read this one! I don’t typically re-read books. I’m fully immersed when I’m reading, but when I finish, it’s over and I get excited about my next book. This is one I have on my shelf to re-read as soon as I can!