Review: The Devil’s Star by Jo Nesbø

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (February 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 0061133981
• Source: Publisher

Harry Hole, Oslo police detective, is called in to investigate the murder of a young woman.  Her finger was amputated and a red diamond is tucked under her eyelid.  More women are found murdered, each with a similar red diamond on the body.   Also assigned to this case is Tom Waaler, the man Harry suspected of killing Ellen Gjelten, his partner.

To say that Harry’s life is in the dumps is an understatement. He’s become obsessed with tracking Ellen’s killer and the powers-that-be in his department threaten to terminate his employment if he doesn’t end this obsession, or provide proof of such a crime.  This obsession has also ruined his relationship with his girlfriend, Rakel.  This all leaves Harry with not much to live for, so he embarks upon a four-week drinking binge

It’s up to Harry to decide which crime to pursue: the seemingly unsolvable murder of his partner or that of these murdered women.  No matter which path he takes is dark…the result unknown.

This is my first experience with Nesbo’s writing and I’m astounded by the complexities of this thriller. The Devil’s Star is full of rich, extremely well detailed characters.  While this isn’t the first book in  this series, Nesbo provides an immense amount of back story.

Harry’s character seems to grow, then fade, right before your eyes. His was one I found hard to like at times; he’s not known to follow the rules.  Frankly, I think he thrives on being an outcast.

This book isn’t a thriller you can rush through to learn the identity of the killer.  It is one that must be savored.  The text must be absorbed, savored, and contemplated, for before you know it you will have reached the last page, desperate to start again from the beginning.

While this is my first taste of Nesbo’s writing it most certainly it is not my last.  Highly recommended for fans of literary thrillers…and books that really make you think.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for granting me the ability to participate in this tour.  Be sure to check out the other stops along the way:

Tuesday, February 1st: Jenn’s Bookshelves

Wednesday, February 2nd: Life In Review

Monday, February 7th: A Fanatic’s Book Blog

Thursday, February 10th: Dolce Bellezza

Monday, February 14th: Reviews from the Heart

Thursday, February 17th: A Bookworm’s World

Monday, February 21st: Life in the Thumb

Tuesday, February 22nd: Rundpinne

Thursday, February 24th: Man of La Book

Monday, February 28th: Chaotic Compendiums

Be sure to check out Jo Nesbø’s website and his Facebook page!