Scan barcode
_atlas_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
Oh good grief. Thankfully, they didn't publish this book in England till I'd read pretty much every other "Harry Hole book" by Jo Nesbo. If I'd read this book before all the others, I'm dubious I'd have read them, and I'd probably have missed out.
In this book, Hole is sent to Sydney Australia to aide the Aussie police in their investigation of the death of a Norwegian national (Hole's Norwegian). Sure enough Hole's the only one who can solve the case, and after being teamed with an Aboriginal Australian, that's what he sets of to do (because, of course the locals aren't up to it).
The book itself isn't bad... it rattles along at a good speed, it's just we get so much back story about Hole, that I was left with the distinct impression that Nesbo wasn't sure he'd be commissioned to write a second book, so he'd better evolve Hole fast.
My other grumble with the book is that we learn something about Hole about halfway through that left me wondering why anyone would send me anywhere to act as a spokesperson for anything Norwegian. I'd have chained him behind a desk somewhere and thrown away the key.
If you can get over these issues, you'll enjoy the book, if you can't, maybe not so much.
In this book, Hole is sent to Sydney Australia to aide the Aussie police in their investigation of the death of a Norwegian national (Hole's Norwegian). Sure enough Hole's the only one who can solve the case, and after being teamed with an Aboriginal Australian, that's what he sets of to do (because, of course the locals aren't up to it).
The book itself isn't bad... it rattles along at a good speed, it's just we get so much back story about Hole, that I was left with the distinct impression that Nesbo wasn't sure he'd be commissioned to write a second book, so he'd better evolve Hole fast.
My other grumble with the book is that we learn something about Hole about halfway through that left me wondering why anyone would send me anywhere to act as a spokesperson for anything Norwegian. I'd have chained him behind a desk somewhere and thrown away the key.
If you can get over these issues, you'll enjoy the book, if you can't, maybe not so much.
lucydyson's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
moniounik's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
lilyj138's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dsesana's review against another edition
4.0
One of the most popular series in the thriller/detective world is the one of Inspector Harry Hole. Harry Hole is a complex character. You hope he gets his life together, but at the same time, he is his own biggest issue. The case in Australia is an interesting one, and I enjoyed too that Harry’s trip to Australia is not only about the case, but you het to hear about life there. The books gets a bit messy, if not a lot, when Harry does what Harry does best and goes off the rails, putting himself and the investigation in danger. As a stand-alone book, it might not hit the mark. But having read further in the series, I can guarantee that this is a book that introduces Harry Hole the best way Harry Hole can be introduced, chaotic and with a disregard of his own safety.
_vlt_edn_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
outi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
johnthebiker300's review against another edition
4.0
Having read a few Harry Hole novels it was interesting to see the first one being set in Australia.
It was a clever story, although it did have too much Aboriginal mythology for my liking.
It was a clever story, although it did have too much Aboriginal mythology for my liking.