1944: Daniel, a soldier, legendary among the Norwegians fighting the advance of Bolshevism on the Russian front, is killed. Two years later, a wounded soldier wakes up in a Vienna hospital. He becomes involved with a young nurse, the consequences of which will ripple forward to the turn of the next century. 1999: Harry Hole, alone again after having caused an embarrassment in the line of duty, has been promoted to inspector and is lumbered with surveillance duties. He is assigned the task of monitoring neo-Nazi activities; fairly mundane until a report of a rare and unusual gun being fired sparks his interest. Ellen Gjelten, his partner, makes a startling discovery. Then a former soldier is found with his throat cut. In a quest that takes him to South Africa and Vienna, Harry finds himself perpetually one step behind the killer. He will be both winner and loser by the novel’s nail-biting conclusion. The Redbreast won the Glass Key prize for the best Nordic crime novel when it was first published, and was subsequently voted Norway’s best crime novel. The Devil’s Star, Nesbø’s first novel featuring Harry Hole to be translated into English, marked Nesbø as a writer to watch in the ever more fashionable world of Nordic crime.
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"I love mysteries/police dramas that are hard to put down. At first the story was a little confusing, jumping from 1999/2000 back to WW2, but it all came together. Harry Hole, the primary character, is interesting and well written. The story kept you guessing till the end!" — Lisa (4 out of 5 stars)
"I love mysteries/police dramas that are hard to put down. At first the story was a little confusing, jumping from 1999/2000 back to WW2, but it all came together. Harry Hole, the primary character, is interesting and well written. The story kept you guessing till the end!"
" Like this more than the infamous Girl with Dragon Tatto "
" Awesome crime fiction from a master. "
" Excellent crime novel. "
" Struggled with this one..... At least to begin with as it was all over the place, but still a very good read "
" Quality of the writing was not as good as Nesbo's later books. Enjoyed it all the same "
" A truly well articulated, fascinating weave of characters, settings, and eras. You will not be able to put this book down. "
" PB -- a complicated Nesbo -- Harry Hole book which jumps between WWI and a present time. A lot more difficult to follow than his other books. "
" This one is engaging, but too complex. "
" Harry Hole--a new alcoholic, depressed super-detective. Great story, great characters "
" This book was incredible, no review will do it justice! Just read and experience it for yourself! "
" Scandinavian mystery novels are just different. Interesting weave of WWII and modern day. Confusing at first, but nicely tied together in the end. Leaves some stones unturned, which is both unsatisfying and kind of intriguing. "
" The cover of my book was different,the book excellent could not put it down again, took it everywhere I went,harry Hole the detective is wonderful and avany garde, could not let it go "
" GREAT crime novel! All I wanted to do was read and find out what would happen next! "
" First of the author's work to be translated into English. Refers to incidents that must have taken place in previous books, but not too distracting. I'll read more from this author. "
" If you manage to put up with a poor translation and annoying chapter cuts, you might enjoy a dark yet attractive plot and the way all elements of the suspense come together at the end - not in the most subtle or elegant way though! "
" Very slow starter and right when I was thinking I might not finish it, I got hooked and read to the end. "
" I enjoyed it. It's nice to find another nordic mystery writer that i can enjoy on the bus or in a couple afternoons... "
" One of the best books I've ever read! "
" The names were confusing but the plot was genius and very fast paced. "
" This is early Harry Hole, and I enjoyed his approach to solving murders connected back through the years to World War II. "
" Not his best effort. Something about it was clunky. Just not as engrossing as the other book I've read by Nesbo. "
" An excellent detective thriller by the amazing Jo Nesbo. If you enjoy Scandanavian mysteries, this is good one with flashbooks to WWII foxholes and a couple of romances thrown in to make things interesting. Had me guessing until almost the very end. "
Jo Nesbø is a musician, songwriter, and economist, as well as a writer. His Harry Hole novels include The Redeemer, The Snowman, The Leopard, and Phantom, and he is also the author of several stand-alone novels and the Doctor Proctor series of children’s books. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Glass Key for best Nordic crime novel.
Jo Nesbø is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold fifty-five million copies worldwide and have been translated into fifty languages. He is a recipient of the Raymond Chandler Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Robin Sachs (1951–2013), actor and narrator, was raised in London and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His audiobook narrations earned ten Earphones Awards. His acting credits include Alias, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dynasty, Nowhere Man, Babylon 5, Diagnosis Murder, Galaxy Quest, Northfork, Ocean’s 11, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and Megalodon.
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