Knife – Harry Hole Series #12

Author: Jo Nesbø
Genre: Nordic Noir, Thriller, Crime Fiction
501 pages
Publisher: Originally published in Norway by Aschehoug & Co, 2019
Translator: Neil Smith

Synopsis
Knife by Jo Nesbø is the 12th installment in the Harry Hole series, a dark and complex thriller set in Oslo, Norway. Hole is in a dark place. Rakel – the only woman he’s ever loved – has severed ties with him permanently. His chance for a new start with the Oslo Police is in the quiet humdrum of the cold case office, which is holding him back from investigating cases he suspects have ties to Svein Finne, the serial rapist and murderer who he helped put behind bars.

Now, Finne is free after more than a decade in prison and, Harry is certain, ready to take up where he left off. Things get worse when Harry wakes up one morning after a drunken night with blood that’s clearly not his own on his hands, and it’s only the very beginning of a waking nightmare the likes of which he never could have imagined.

Knife is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, and Nesbø’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

My review
Knife is the 12th installment in the Harry Hole series, and demonstrates why Nesbø is a master Nordic Noir storyteller. With its dark and chilling plot, this novel immediately drew me in and captivated me until the last page. It surpasses the complexity of the previous two novels and mirrors the scope and scale of The Redbreast, Nesbø’s third book in the series and my personal favorite.

Knife boasts several intricate and multifaceted plotlines that Nesbø deftly interlaces to craft a gripping narrative that grabbed my attention and the story never wavers in its focus, drive, or intensity. Nesbø’s skillful storytelling is evident as he brings together these various threads, seamlessly blending historical fiction with the present-day story.

One of Nesbø’s strengths is his ability to plant clues and red herrings throughout the narrative, keeping me guessing until the very end. This intricate weaving of clues adds layers of depth to the story, making it a compelling and immersive read.

Knife is a richly layered and intricately woven tale that captivated me from start to finish. Nesbø’s storytelling shines in this complex narrative, particularly in his continued development of the enigmatic character Harry Hole, who is as dark and complex as the plot itself. The ending was both shocking and poignant, offering a glimmer of light amidst the darkness that permeates much of the story. I eagerly anticipate delving into the next installment in the series, Killing Moon, anxious to see where Nesbø takes me next.

My recommendation: absolutely read this Harry Hole installment!