The Redeemer: A Detective Hole Novel (6)

Mild Spoilers: This reviewer suggests you read the series in order to most fully enjoy the unfolding drama of Harry's life. Tragically (literarily tragic, that is) the first two books of the HH series, Bat Man and Cockroaches, have not yet been translated into English; we Anglo-speakers must be content with subsequent titles (in order) -- The Redbreast, Nemesis, The Devil's Star, this book -- The Redeemer, and The Leopard. I am therefore assuming you've read the books up to this point; if you haven't, there will be spoilers for you. That said --I have to say that Jo Nesbo has grown on me, much like Harry Hole grows on his partners. It's easy not to like this dour cantankerous struggling alcoholic, but even when he's at his most passively aggressive worst Harry is always the smartest guy in the room, the one who puts the pieces together in important cases, the go-to guy. In that regard, Harry is in the tradition of Clint Eastwood's iconic Dirty Harry, though surely not in the sense of being a gun toter; our Harry can't even be persuaded to get his police issue revolver, or ordered, as the new chief finds. Bjarne Moller (Barney Miller tribute?) has retired and given Harry a watch, along with equally symbolic gifts for Harry's current partner, Jack Halvorsen, and his ex-partner Beate Lonn; by the end of the novel each of these characters will have had life-changing events occur, Harry not the least of all. He's still conflicted about Rakel, who's seeing a disturbingly nice doctor -- can this guy be true? And Harry misses her son, Oleg. But he's also met an interesting and attractive woman who seems to like Harry for who he is. This would all be complicated enough, but there seems to be a mad murderer loose in Oslo as well. One man is dead and another seems to have become the target of the same killer, who sometimes seems like a professional hit man, but at others like a maniac.Nesbo's writing is complex and worthwhile. The structure of this book, as for others in the series, is shifting perspectives that are intentionally ambiguous in transition. You have to work a bit, and reread, but the results of the technique are rewarding, adding depth to characters and situations. It's not often you find a thriller that can be enjoyably re-read, but I'd say Nesbo's works qualify. This mystery is interesting and satisfying, and again we learn a little about an interesting Norwegian subculture -- this time the Salvation Army and a dash of Zagreb, the characters are compelling and believable, and the dialogue is natural. But what makes these stories truly remarkable is the protagonist and his story developing as the series progresses. When the stationmaster house at Villa Vallee, which figured in the climax of the last novel, Devil's Star, makes an appearance, that is fun, but more profound is Harry's tale -- it makes me giddily anxious to read more -- and to wish Harry the best.And really, Harry Hole -- Dirty Harry -- I think it's an honest tribute. I think Jo Nesbo is a terrific writer, and I love the character of Harry.Highly recommended series. Suggested to read in order.

Before getting down to my specific comments on “The Redeemer-A Harry Hole Novel” by Joe Nesbo, I should start with a disclaimer. I am not really an avid detective or a murder mystery novel reader. Back in the 50's I did read with great pleasure all of the Mickey Spillane/Mike Hammer novels but since then I have tended more towards reading biographies and history. However, I recently read a review of the Redeemer and it sounded interesting so I decided to read it.In general, I found this a very interesting and entertaining novel. Nesbo has certainly written a very intricate and convoluted story. To paraphrase Winston Churchill when he was describing Russia, “The Redeemer” is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Consequently, it occasionally gets a little difficult to follow who's doing what to whom. It also should be pointed out that the book takes place in Oslo, Norway, not a place terribly well-known to most of us. Add to this the lack of familiarity with the Norwegian language itself which obviously gets reflected in all the names of people and places. For instance, try thinking about a place called Vestkanttorget or some one named Tore Bjorgen. Or how about Ruselokkveinen? What I'm getting at is that these names are very foreign (no joke intended) to those who don't speak Norwegian. It ain't like 3rd Ave. and 33rd St. in New York City without the Brooklyn accent. Because of this strangeness it is a little difficult to keep track of the various characters and their locations become practically meaningless.Nonetheless, as you read the story you realize that Nesbo has done a great deal of research and is very familiar with the technical side of police work. As I said, the story is very intricate and convoluted but is interesting and keeps your attention. So I would have to summarize by saying I think if one is a detective story fan you will be very satisfied with this work.