The Thirst – Harry Hole Series #11

Author: Jo Nesbø
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
535 pages
Publisher: Originally published in Norway by Aschehoug & Co, 2017
Translator: Neil Smith

Synopsis
The Thirst by Jo Nesbø is the 11th book in the Inspector Harry Hole series. The story begins with Harry Hole living a quiet life, teaching at the Police College and married to his longtime love, Rakel. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when a series of brutal murders occur in Oslo and he is once again brought into the investigation by Bellman, his long-time adversary. He is joined by his former colleagues, including Katrine Bratt, a brilliant detective with a troubled past. Together, they race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.

As Harry delves into the investigation, he discovers that the killer is using the dating app Tinder to target his victims. Harry and his team work tirelessly to track down the killer, following leads and putting together the pieces of the puzzle. Along the way, they uncover shocking secrets and dark truths that lead them to the heart of the killer’s twisted motives.

The Thirst is a gripping thriller that explores the darkest depths of human nature, as Harry Hole faces a familiar villian. With its complex characters, chilling atmosphere, and relentless suspense, Nesbø’s novel is a thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

My review
The Thirst is the 11th book in the Harry Hole series and once again, I was quickly drawn into the setting and storyline of this intriguing Nordic Noir thriller. Nesbø is a master at suspense and drew me into the dark and twisted world of the killer and the relentless pursuit of justice by Hole.

What continues to captivate me about this series is the depth of the characters, particularly Hole, and the way his development unfolds throughout the previous books. Hole is a captivating protagonist, motivated by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to safeguarding the innocent. His relationship with Rakel brings a layer of complexity to his character, revealing a more vulnerable aspect of the tough detective.

Despite these strengths, I personally found The Thirst to be somewhat lacking compared to some of Nesbø’s other works. While the plot is engaging and filled with twists, it didn’t quite reach the same level of complexity and depth as some of his previous novels. Additionally, I felt that the exploration of the killer’s psyche, which is often a highlight of Nesbø’s books, was not as detailed or compelling in this installment.

Overall, The Thirst is still a solid addition to the Harry Hole series and a worthwhile read for fans of Nesbø’s work. While it may not be his strongest work, it still showcases his talent as a writer and his ability to create gripping and suspenseful stories.

My recommendation: continue your journey with Harry Hole and read it!