everstormseve's review against another edition
3.0
A fun read, but felt pretty sloppy and disjointed at points.
chris_davies's review against another edition
5.0
Another very enjoyable Harry Hole novel from Jo Nesbo. Not as good as its predecessor, The Redeemer, but still worthy of the full five stars. This reads like the work of a writer well into his stride and is far superior to earlier efforts such as Nemesis or The Devil's Star.
What I like about Nesbo is that his books are properly plotted and the dots clearly joined - there are no Agatha Christie style improbabilities here. The downside of this is that it is possible to predict some of the twists. However, the execution is strong and the story always engaging.
It's not perfect - the 'mould man' was a clumsy cipher and Rakel largely sidelined. However, the ending is thrilling - it's easy to see why this has apparently been selected for a movie adaptation.
What I like about Nesbo is that his books are properly plotted and the dots clearly joined - there are no Agatha Christie style improbabilities here. The downside of this is that it is possible to predict some of the twists. However, the execution is strong and the story always engaging.
It's not perfect - the 'mould man' was a clumsy cipher and Rakel largely sidelined. However, the ending is thrilling - it's easy to see why this has apparently been selected for a movie adaptation.
mwyatt62's review against another edition
3.0
This book was promoted as being the "new" Girl With a Dragon Tattoo" . Not sure that it meets the hype, but it was pretty good as crime novels go. None of the characters were as memorable as the GWDT characters, but the plot wasn't nearly as convoluted either. There were several plot twists and though I did guess the killer, I was not sure until the end. There were a few plot details that seemed to get dropped--one character kept showing up (unrelated to all other characters in the book) but after she was killed, nothing more was said about her. Like when the killer recapped the murders--no mention. But it was entertaining, exciting and not too gory. A good light read.
petrajuric's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
owenreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
So far, it's the best Harry Hole novel. I can totally see why this is the one that was chosen to be made into a film first.
It has a bit of everything. Action, Intrigue, Sex (lots of), Tension, and Tender Moments.
It has a bit of everything. Action, Intrigue, Sex (lots of), Tension, and Tender Moments.
the_reader_in_me__'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
grafious's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
greenrequiem's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
madamelibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Why do authors feel the need to add in crude language and base acts to their plots? The story can't hold its own? And the unfortunate name of the main inspector--Harry Hole? Really?!?
The mystery was good. I like how Harry analyzes. the character development was good. The relationships were believable.
The mystery was good. I like how Harry analyzes. the character development was good. The relationships were believable.