The Snowman (Harry Hole, #7)

Title: The Snowman (Harry Hole, #7)

Author: Jo Nesbø

Published in: 2007

Date read: 17th September 2018

Score: 5/5

Genre: Crime, Detective, Psychological, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Snowman" by Jo Nesbø, published in 2007 (and 2010 in English), is the seventh novel in his acclaimed Harry Hole series, widely considered one of the darkest and most chilling entries. It plunges Inspector Harry Hole into a terrifying hunt for a serial killer whose signature is as cold and stark as the Norwegian winter.

The story begins as Oslo experiences its first snowfall of the season. At the same time, a young mother, Birte Becker, mysteriously disappears from her home, leaving behind her pink scarf draped around a sinister-looking snowman that has inexplicably appeared in her garden. This immediately catches the attention of Detective Harry Hole, a brilliant but deeply troubled and alcoholic inspector from the Oslo Police Department.

As Harry investigates, he discovers that Becker's disappearance is not an isolated incident. Over the past decade, a disturbing pattern emerges: a dozen women have vanished on the day of the first snowfall, always leaving behind a similar, ominous snowman. Harry deduces that he is hunting Norway's first genuine serial killer.

Harry is joined in the investigation by Katrine Bratt, a sharp and ambitious detective recently transferred from Bergen, who has her own personal connection to the cold cases. Together, they delve into the victims' backgrounds, uncovering secrets and connections that lead them down a dark and twisted path. The killer seems to target married women with children, those who have been unfaithful to their husbands, and demonstrates an intimate knowledge of their lives.

The investigation is a race against time as the killer, dubbed "The Snowman," continues his terrifying spree, displaying meticulous planning, a chilling enjoyment of his crimes, and a disturbing psychological profile. The case becomes deeply personal for Harry as the killer seems to be playing a cat-and-mouse game with him, subtly taunting him and revealing an uncanny insight into his past.

Nesbø masterfully weaves a complex narrative, filled with red herrings, shocking revelations, and psychological suspense. The killer's methods are brutal, and the motive is deeply rooted in a twisted sense of morality and family secrets. Harry's own inner demons and his struggles with alcohol are constant companions as he pursues this elusive and horrifying adversary.

The climax is a relentless and harrowing confrontation where Harry, often alone and against the odds, finally unmasks the Snowman. The revelation of the killer's identity is designed to be a shocking twist, leading to a brutal and unforgettable showdown that pushes Harry to his physical and mental limits. "The Snowman" is a masterclass in Nordic noir, renowned for its intricate plot and chilling atmosphere.

Comments:
First book by this author and it did not disappoint. It is clear to see why these books are so popular.

Books that we've read by Jo Nesbø (1):
The Snowman (Harry Hole, #7) (2007)