This book is part of the Harry Hole series and follows on from The Snowman. For anyone interested in reading any of Jo’s books, it is not necessary to read them in order. I have been reading them as I find them – in no particular order, and have been able to follow the story with no issues. A vast majority of each book focuses on the current mystery/murder. Part of it relates to Harry’s personal life – but there is enough back story and clues to let you know what has been happening there.
I do need to make some side notes here with regards to this book. This has been my least favourite Jo Nesbo book so far. Although I believe this is mainly because of some major changes occurring within my own life (all of them very positive). Due to the changes and distractions, I was not able to immerse myself fully into this book as I generally do, and I took longer than usual to finish this novel. Due to that, I became a bit lost and confused with the different characters and who was who.
Nevertheless, the concept of the mystery is fabulous, character developments brilliant as always and a plot that continually has you guessing and unsure of how it will turn out. The story focuses on a new set of murders seemingly unlinked. Harry is called in to investigate with a separate team and without the knowledge of Kripos (I guess like the FBI) who is taking control over all murder cases. Without giving too much away, the murders end up being linked with a certain night. There is a lot of back story to why the murders occurred and who the actual murderer is.
This is a book that I will definitely read again at a later date so that I can appreciate the clever writing of Jo Nesbo and fully understand the twists.