Back in 2006, long before I began blogging and when I was
writing shorter reviews, I read and reviewed The
Devil’s Star.
Having just read and reviewed the first two books in the
series, The Bat and Cockroaches, I was curious to see what
my thoughts of Nesbø were over 7 years ago. I held myself back from my looking
up my review of The Devil’s Star
until I had finished reading and reviewing TheBat and Cockroaches.
In 2006 I wrote:
39. - 354.) The Devil’s Star by Jo Nesbø – Norwegian detective, Harry Hole, is
a talented detective who does not fit the bureaucracy of the Oslo Police
Department. He is also drinking himself into oblivion over the troubled investigation
of the killing of his female colleague and nightmares from his childhood. He is
also ruining a good relationship. In the midst of his personal deterioration a
series of ritualistic murders (a five pointed star drawn in a continuous line
is featured) challenge the department. Aspects of the killing pattern are clear
but they struggle for a solution. Harry is partnered with rising detective, Tom
Waaler. It is an unlikely combination as Harry suspects Waaler of corrupt and
illegal acts. The investigation and relationships develop through a sweltering
late Oslo
In 2006 I was as focused, as now, on Harry’s flaws and
downward spiral in life.
I agree that in all of the books he is an “obsessive
investigator”. I expect his tenacity entices us as readers.
In all 3 books Harry has a unique relationship with his police partner. All the partners are strong characters.
In all 3 books Harry has a unique relationship with his police partner. All the partners are strong characters.
What is different is that, while I enjoyed The Bat and Cockroaches, I would not call the ending of either book clever. The Bat, though the solution was fine,
did not really have a plausible ending.
After almost two weeks of reading and then reviewing Harry Hole it is time to move on from Norway. I have returned to Canada to read a pair of Canadian authors.
It was good to read your immersion into Nesbo. I don't think I'll be reading these as good as you make them sound. I kind of OD'd on Scandinavian crime fiction by 2011. I was a big fan of Arnaldur Indridason long before he was trendy and "hot" over here. I also read the first two books by Johan Theorin before he was being praised. (I highly recommend Theorin's books, BTW.) I watched Kenneth Branagh on TV as Wallender. Though I refused to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the other two books I did watch all the movies. The original Swedish ones, not the American remakes. I even attempted to read Karin Fossum but gave up. I just had to stop. It was all so bleak and desolate. I needed humor in my mysteries and returned to American and British writers.
ReplyDeleteJohn: Thanks for your perspective, interesting as always. I understand your reluctance to venture into "bleak and desolate" Scandinavia. I found humour in The Bat though there was less in Cockroaches.
DeleteI loved the Stieg Larsson trilogy on paper and the movies. I preferred the Mikael of the Swedish version and the Lisbeth of the American version.
Bill - I think you're absolutely right that Harry's tenacity and obsession for solving cases really do draw us to him. He's got, as you remind us, lots of flaws, but he's so passionate about what he does.. I'll be looking forward to your literary return to Canada.
ReplyDeleteMargot: Thanks for the comment. While I enjoyed reading The Bat and Cockroaches in succession I think Harry is too intense for me to do more read him one at a time in the future.
DeleteBill I still have The Bat and Cockroaches to read but I'm a big fan of Jo Nesbo and I did appreaciate your inputs.
ReplyDeleteJose Ignacio: I hope 2014 will see posts from you on The Bat and Cockroaches.
DeleteSooner or later I will get round to one of these - I'm finding your reviews very helpful.
ReplyDeleteMoira: Thanks for the comment. I will be interested in your thoughts when you have a chance to read books from the series.
DeleteGlad you are taking a rest from Nordic noir. Look forward to seeing more Canadian books reviewed.
ReplyDeleteI hope to read more this year from the north of this continent.
When you return to Nesbo, I suggest the very clever Nemesis, intense, yes; clever, yes.
Kathy D: Thanks for the comment. I will keep Nemesis in mind. I think I will try to keep reading the series in the order the book were written.
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