In 1997, Norwegian author, Jo Nesbø published the crime novel, The Bat (aka Flaggermusmannen). The book focused on the story of Norwegian police officer, Harry Hole, who is sent to Sydney, Australia to work on a police investigation.
In the novel, a young Norwegian woman has been murdered, with her boyfriend the chief suspect. But when Detective Hole gets involved, he believes there is more to the case than a murderous boyfriend and a single death.
Upon publication, Nesbø’s novel proved popular and was followed by a series of additional stories featuring Detective Hole. If you’d like to know what those novels are, keep reading.
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Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole novels in order
The Bat (1997)
As noted above, The Bat (Flaggermusmannen), saw Harry Hole fly out to Australia to help on a murder case. Here he discovers a serial killer is working their way through blondes.
Cockroaches (1998)
In novel no. 2, Cockroaches (aka Kakerlakkene) Norway’s ambassador to Thailand is found stabbed to death in a brothel in Bangkok. This prompts Detective Hole to head to Thailand to investigate.
The Redbreast (2006)
In the third Harry Hole novel, The Redbreast (aka Rødstrupe), Hole is assigned to security details when the US President visits Oslo for an Israeli-Palestinian peace conference. After shooting a suspected assassin, Hole is promoted to inspector and begins to investigate a crime involving a sniper rifle.
Nemesis (2002)
In Nemesis (aka Sorgenfri), Inspector Harry Hole and police video evidence expert, Beate Lønn are assigned to investigate a murder. The crime is connected to a bank robbery in Oslo.
The Devil’s Star (2003)
No. 5 in the Harry Hole is The Devil’s Star (aka Marekors). This book centres around two story threads: The arrival of a new serial killer in Oslo, and Hole’s feud with a corrupt fellow officer.
The Redeemer (2005)
In book No. 6, The Redeemer (Frelseren) an assassin arrives in Oslo and murders a Salvation Army officer during a Christmas concert. However, despite the crime taking place in a public place, with many witnesses, Hole has a difficult time catching him, as the killer has hyperelasticity, meaning their facial muscles can be manipulated to change appearance.
The Snowman (2007)
In The Snowman (aka Snømannen), Inspector Hole investigates a string of murders around Oslo. One of the things which connects the crimes is that a snowman appears at every murder scene.
The Leopard (2009)
Following on from the Snowman case, Hole has exiled himself to Hong Kong. However, he is soon called back to Oslo to help on a new investigation involved serial killings.
Phantom (2011)
In book No. 9, Phantom (aka Gjenferd), Hole has returned to Hong Kong, but he soon learns that the son of his on-off girlfriend has been arrested for murder in Norway. As Hole has always been a father figure to the lad, he returns to Norway to get to the bottom of the case.
Police (2013)
In Police (aka Politi), a retired police officer is found dead deep in the Maridalen forest. It’s not long before Harry Hole is involved in the case.
The Thirst (2017)
In book No. 11, The Thirst (aka Tørst), a killer from Hole’s past returns, but with a terrible new method of killing. It’s up to Hole to put an end to the crimes.
Knife (2019)
In Knife (aka Kniv), when Hole wakes up one morning covered in blood, unable to remember what happened, things don’t look good. Especially when he soon discovers a murder has taken place.
Killing Moon (2022)
In book No. 13, Killing Moon (aka Blodmåne), when a serial killer begins targeting young women connected to a party hosted by a notorious real-estate magnate, Hole is back on the case. But in order to stop the elusive killer, Hole is going to need a team to help him out.
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole novels. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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