Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "The Redeemer: A Harry Hole Novel" by Jo Nesbo

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Review of "The Redeemer: A Harry Hole Novel" by Jo Nesbo

In this 6th book in the 'Harry Hole' series, the detective is on the trail of a wily hitman. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

As the story opens, it's 1991 and the 14-year-old daughter of a high official in the Norwegian Salvation Army is raped by someone she knows.

This apparently goes unreported as there seem to be no consequences. During that same year - during the break-up of Yugoslavia - a Croatian youth is dubbed "Little Redeemer" for his brave deeds against Serbian militias.

Fast forward a dozen years and the "Little Redeemer" - now a hitman for hire - goes to Norway and kills Robert Karlsen, a respected young member of the Norwegian Salvation Army.

The hitman soon discovers he mistakenly assassinated the wrong guy. He then goes after Robert's brother Jon Karlsen, the true target. Enter Inspector Harry Hole and his team of detectives, whose job it is to capture the murderer and prevent further deaths.

A great deal of the book involves the hitman chasing Jon Karlsen and Hole's team chasing the killer.

Much happens along the way: the killer demonstrates clever skills in escaping the cops and hiding out; Hole travels to Croatia; a police officer is stabbed; a woman is murdered in a horrifying way; another girl is raped, and much more.

Of course there are plenty of side issues: Robert Karlsen has a reputation for liking young girls and seems to have gotten friendly with a 15-year-old Croatian refugee.

Jon Karlsen has a girlfriend but is also involved with a married woman whose husband wants to purchase Salvation Army properties.

Hole develops a relationship with the pretty Salvation Army worker, Martine, who was raped at the beginning of the book.

And there are lots more interesting characters who interact in a variety of ways.

Jo Nesbo loves to include lots of misdirection and unexpected twists in his books, and he outdoes himself here. The book is chock full of surprises. This is a complex, engaging story. A good mystery thriller.

Rating: 4 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Review of "The Redeemer: A Harry Hole Novel" by Jo Nesbo

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