The novel introduces many of Harry’s flaws. You see his alcoholism first hand as well as get some insight into what his problem has caused in the past. The novel is fast paced with a developed mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the culprit is revealed. Although this was the very first novel in the series it was not translated into English until later. After finishing Police, I feel like I've experienced the same "void" that's mentioned in the book, when the investigation is complete, leaving a feeling that is both bereft and expectant.

As usual, the brilliant Nesbo is several steps ahead of you in this endlessly twisting, multi-layered thriller that also shines a light on the murky areas of Norway's upper echelons" -- Natasha Harding * Sun * Furthermore there is a a tiny diamond secreted in her eyelid in the shape of a pentagram. Harry must drag himself out of his alcoholic hole and use his detective skills to uncover the identity of the killer. This novel is interesting, not only because of the plot and characters but also by the use of the number 5. Resistance is futile: Nesbo has some rare, Ancient Mariner-type gift for holding his readers completely in thrall until he has finished with us" -- Jake Kerridge * Sunday Express * The eagerly awaited new Harry Hole thriller Police does not disappoint - merely confirms that Nesbo is King of Crime. The writing is truly exceptional. Boasts the customary ability to render attempts at work and sleep futile until it is finished Jake Kerridge, Daily TelegraphThe end is ... stunning. If you read one police procedural a year, make it this one. A caution. Nesbo does not do cozy. There are no teas by the fire or warm blankets as the detectives toss around ideas. These books are about ugly death done by ugly, sometimes crazy, people and about the lingering melancholy these deaths cause in those who view the remains of the tortured, the burned, the dismembered. What makes Nesbo such a stand out is that there is no guarantee that anyone, even Hole, will survive. Nesbo creates his characters and he can kill them in a flash if he feels like it. Not only was this film well received but it was nominated for numerous awards outside of Norway. To date it is the highest grossing Norwegian film of all time. It is also rumored that at least two novels have been written under the pen name of Tom Johansen. Written by Jo Nesbo, translated by Don Bartlett — The staggering ending to Phantom left us all in disbelief. Could Harry Hole really be dead? In the ninth Harry Hole novel to be translated from Norwegian into English we find out. It opens with a patient lying in a coma, under police protection. Seeing as Hole took two bullets to the body, and one to the head, it’s fair to assume that it’s him. Will the patient pull through, though?

The novels place Harry in many places in Oslo and give an unabashed view of the city, both good and bad. The Bat Series His talents as a writer are not solely based on the crime genre. He has also released a series of children’s books with the crazy Professor Proctor as the lead character. These have been well received and some book critics have compared them to Roald Dahl’s work. The Harry Hole Series He thinks he may have discovered it when he invents the most powerful fart powder known to man. Of course the powder cannot get into the wrong hands, which leads to a myriad of wildly imaginative adventures. As dark as Harry Hole can be this series is a laugh out loud joy to read.Although the Harry Hole series has not been transferred to the big screen the release of the 2011 film Headhunters, based on the stand alone novel of the same name showed that Nesbo’s stories are screen worthy. The deeper theme Nesbo deftly works is that of injustice. The killer is obsessed with unsolved cases. Why are some murders more important to the police than others? How much of an injustice is it when nobody is caught for a heinous crime? If a prisoner is killed in his cell shouldn’t the police investigate it with the same diligence as they would the murder of an innocent child? What are the consequences when they don’t?

After Phantom, I was curious to see how dark the follow up would be, but this is possibly the best in the series yet. I made the mistake of reading Police in just a few days - in fact this is much too fast. Since re-reading the book, I discovered that I'd missed the odd subtle sentence, hidden nuggets of information shining a light on plot development - or not!Oh, and did I mention that there are several love stories running throughout the book? Yup, four love stories to hold more interest. Nesbo is a clever writer and plotter. Over the years he has built a brilliant cast of supporting characters to orbit Hole and now it is their time to shine… Yet again, Nesbo has succeeded in producing a multi-layered and intertwining story that makes your head spin, while delivering a masterclass in suspenseful writing Michelle Davies, Sunday Express This being the fifth novel in the series Jo Nesbo expertly wove the number 5 into the story. For example, the number of days between murders is 5 and the victims were all murdered on the fifth floor. There are many more instances of the number being used. It gives an exciting under layer to an already enthralling story. The Doctor Proctor Series Policeman Harry Hole is flawed, but all the more perfect because of it… Nesbo keeps everything hanging in the balance, just the way his fans like it UK Regional Press Syndication There is a new "young" police chief. He is not quite experienced enough to handle this, but since there is no Harry Hole he is doing the best he can.

The publishers believed that the stories set in Oslo would be a better bet. Only once these became hugely popular was Jo Nesbo’s very first novel translated. The Devil’s Star Series Scandinavian crime thrillers don’t come much darker or more tense than the best-selling Harry Hole series, and this tenth outing for the Norwegian detective is the best yet Deirdre O’Brien, Sunday Mirror Resistance is futile: Nesbo has some rare, Ancient Mariner-type gift for holding his readers completely in thrall until he has finished with us Jake Kerridge, Sunday ExpressNesbo’s best since The Snowman… Particularly strong in portraying the interaction between cops Marcel Berlins, The Times Police is a story replete with gory events, dark musings and a little social commentary Sunday Business Post In the dark world of Scandinavian crime, Jo Nesbo's novels are darker than most... Settle down with a glass of Akvavit and prepare for a long night" * Independent * During a recent talk, the writer primarily describes himself as an "entertainer" and this is precisely what Police does. This book is impossible to put down, it's difficult to leave the world of Nesbo"s astonishing imagination. So be warned: life simply goes on hold! As usual, the brilliant Nesbo is several steps ahead of you in this endlessly twisting, multi-layered thriller that also shines a light on the murky areas of Norway’s upper echelons Natasha Harding, Sun