3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. The Snowman is the seventh book in Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole mysteries. I haven't read any of the other books, but I didn't feel that kept me from enjoying this one!

Jonas wakes early one morning to find his mother missing, the only sign of her a pink scarf worn by the Snowman that has suddenly appeared in the yard. Norwegian detective Harry Hole believes this is not the first such crime, but rather the work of a serial killer. There is much made in the novel of the idea that there aren't serial killers in Norway, which does stretch incredulity a bit, since this is so obviously the work of such a killer.

My biggest problem with this book was that I figured out who the killer was halfway through. It's possible that this is because I read books from an analytical standpoint, and I couldn't figure out any other reason for that person to exist in the story. The killer's reasons for killing were perhaps a bit suspect, but I can forgive that because he is, after all, rather mad.

The translation was excellent - unlike many books, I didn't feel like I was reading something a bit clunky. I would probably read another Nesbø book, but I won't be rushing out at once. Highly recommended for fans of dark thrillers (particularly if you, unlike me, don't care if you figure out the ending early on!)