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A review by deliriousdisquisitions
The Snowman by Jo Nesbø
5.0
You should read this if you like: atmospheric crime thrillers/mysteries, detective novels with compelling characters, smart serial killers, cat/mouse dynamics.
Reading the [b:The Snowman|9572203|The Snowman (Harry Hole, #7)|Jo Nesbø|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1355881478s/9572203.jpg|2697052] at 1 am last night, at one point I was so terrified I started seeing monsters in the dark. Unlike in childhood nightmares these monsters were human and not so easily banished from the mind. This book took me to a dark place, made me take a long, hard look at the disturbing human psyche and the violence we are capable of inflicting on others.
Snowman is a deeply disturbing book which begins with the possible murder of a woman in 1980 on the first day of snowfall. Jump to 2004, more women start to disappear on the first day of snowfall, a lone snowman the only witness these crimes each time. When detective Harry Hole receives a note from the killer, he is drawn into a psychological game of cat and mouse game with the serial killer. What follows is an intriguing story full of multiple twists and turns, but rest assured the clues to the crime are all within the narrative and not sprung as a Deux ex Machina at the last moment.
There is not much to say about the novel without giving away vital clues as to the nature of the game. Suffice to say, Snowman is a deeply disturbing novel. Norwegian author, [a:Jo Nesbø|904719|Jo Nesbø|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1493220079p2/904719.jpg], has a way of infusing his words with unbearable tension and suspense. His world building is richly atmospheric with some very compelling characters. Harry Hole as a broken, alcoholic detective might just be one of my favorite detectives I’ve read about in some time. Another favorite was rookie detective Katrine Bratt who was equally brilliant and who I would like to see more of in the future.
Since it’s a translated work, readers might have some minor issues while reading. Especially with certain turns of phrase that don’t translate so well into English. But it doesn’t take away from the narrative suspense. Like me, you don’t need to read the books in order; they work quite well as standalones. 5 stars and I can’t recommend this book enough for those who love reading thrillers, crimes, mysteries, and detective novels. You cannot miss this one.
P.S. Apparently this has been adopted into a movie starring Michael Fassbender (my bae) but I would suggest you steer clear of that version: its crap and nothing like the book. If you have watched the movie, don’t let it deter you from the novel as (like I mentioned above) it’s literally nothing like the movie save for having some similar characters.
Reading the [b:The Snowman|9572203|The Snowman (Harry Hole, #7)|Jo Nesbø|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1355881478s/9572203.jpg|2697052] at 1 am last night, at one point I was so terrified I started seeing monsters in the dark. Unlike in childhood nightmares these monsters were human and not so easily banished from the mind. This book took me to a dark place, made me take a long, hard look at the disturbing human psyche and the violence we are capable of inflicting on others.
Snowman is a deeply disturbing book which begins with the possible murder of a woman in 1980 on the first day of snowfall. Jump to 2004, more women start to disappear on the first day of snowfall, a lone snowman the only witness these crimes each time. When detective Harry Hole receives a note from the killer, he is drawn into a psychological game of cat and mouse game with the serial killer. What follows is an intriguing story full of multiple twists and turns, but rest assured the clues to the crime are all within the narrative and not sprung as a Deux ex Machina at the last moment.
There is not much to say about the novel without giving away vital clues as to the nature of the game. Suffice to say, Snowman is a deeply disturbing novel. Norwegian author, [a:Jo Nesbø|904719|Jo Nesbø|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1493220079p2/904719.jpg], has a way of infusing his words with unbearable tension and suspense. His world building is richly atmospheric with some very compelling characters. Harry Hole as a broken, alcoholic detective might just be one of my favorite detectives I’ve read about in some time. Another favorite was rookie detective Katrine Bratt who was equally brilliant and who I would like to see more of in the future.
Since it’s a translated work, readers might have some minor issues while reading. Especially with certain turns of phrase that don’t translate so well into English. But it doesn’t take away from the narrative suspense. Like me, you don’t need to read the books in order; they work quite well as standalones. 5 stars and I can’t recommend this book enough for those who love reading thrillers, crimes, mysteries, and detective novels. You cannot miss this one.
P.S. Apparently this has been adopted into a movie starring Michael Fassbender (my bae) but I would suggest you steer clear of that version: its crap and nothing like the book. If you have watched the movie, don’t let it deter you from the novel as (like I mentioned above) it’s literally nothing like the movie save for having some similar characters.