I'd give this 3.5 stars. I liked this one much better than The Redbreast. The storyline and the crimes were both more compelling and thrilling. As usual, Nesbo weaves a story that keeps the reader guessing at every turn. There are the usual bait-and-switch tactics throughout, so even though you may think you've got it all figured out, you really don't. I still liked Harry and his rough ways; he gets stuff done. You can't help but like him. The only reasons I didn't give this book a higher rating were because there were a couple parts in which I felt the story dragged, and although I liked the ending, I still turned the final page wondering what happened. At the end of a crime/thriller, I want to feel like I know who did it, and why -- and based on the final page, I'm really not so sure I understand with this one. Or, maybe the mold-man was just another person thrown in there to confuse the reader. Hmm. Regardless, I did like this one, and will have to consider seeking out other books by Nesbo, depending on the storyline.

Fun! It dragged a bit right when the action was heating up but that's ok.

This was chilly, twisty, murderful fun. The author did a great job leaving clues to follow for everywhere he wanted to take you and everyone he wanted you to suspect. I don’t read murder mysteries very often, but I enjoyed this one a lot!

I have to confess, it took me a while to get pulled into this book, I was a bit intrigued at first, confused with the many Scandinavian names for the most part... Let's just say I was starting to think that this book had been a bit over-hyped.

And then I got pulled in.

The author has a style I can't really find words to describe. The tone feels very neutral, the story somewhat factual. None of the characters are fully lovable or unlikable. It's all so... bland somehow? I think that's what I had trouble with at first. And yet you find yourself going insane wanting to know the end of it. Somehow the tone is chilling and ends up playing an important role in creeping you out. I'm not sure I'm making sense, but that's the only way I can attempt to describe this book's vibe.

Very great plot (and parallel sub-plots...), hence the 4 stars. I love a good thriller that keeps me guessing, and I'm into the whole "we found him, everything seems to fit... oh but wait" thing.

Don't watch the movie though, it's absolutely terrible and does the book zero justice.

Read my review here: http://laurencaton.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/the-snowman-review/

This is my first Harry Hole book and I enjoyed this book very much. It contains several plot twists, especially towards the end. Nevertheless, From the beginning I already had the feeling who the snowman really was. I suggest readers to read until the end. The middle might be a little less interesting, but this will be made up at the end.