Well constructed. That's the key thing to say about this Norwegian thriller. Before you find out who the killer is, there are numerous plausible alternative suppositions and reversals. Every bit of information pays off like the Chekhovian revolver, which, once introduced in Act I, must be fired by Act III.

Harry Hole is one of those master sleuths that's actually smarter than the constant reader of mystery fiction. When he reaches an insight, the perceptive reader hasn't necessarily gotten there before him, although in hindsight his conclusion is completely logical.

This is my first book by Nesbo, but it's obvious that there's an overall continuity from one book to the next; that things are paying off that were set up in previous books; and that things set up in this book will play out in subsequent books. Nevertheless, this book stands on its own to be enjoyed on its own merits.

I will definitely return to this series. Too bad the first two haven't been translated into English yet.