Order of Harry Hole Book Series

The "Harry Hole" series is a gripping collection of crime novels featuring the enigmatic and deeply flawed detective, Harry Hole, crafted by the collaborative talents of authors Seán Kinsella, Don Bartlett, Jo Nesbø, and Neil Smith. Set primarily in Oslo, Norway, the series delves into the dark and often twisted underbelly of the city as Harry navigates a complex web of crime, corruption, and psychological intrigue.

Harry Hole is portrayed as a brilliant but troubled investigator, known for his relentless pursuit of justice, even when it means crossing moral and ethical boundaries. Each installment showcases not only his impressive deductive skills but also his personal struggles, including his battles with addiction and the ghosts of his past. The authors weave intricate plots that blend suspense, dark humor, and social commentary, captivating readers with unforgettable characters and unexpected twists.

As Harry tackles various cases—from serial murders to international conspiracies—the series explores themes of redemption, the human psyche, and the impact of trauma. With each new mystery, readers are drawn deeper into Harry's world, where every answer unearths new questions, and the line between good and evil blurs.

The "Harry Hole" series is a masterclass in crime fiction, inviting fans of the genre to join Harry on his relentless quest for truth, where the stakes are high, and the consequences are often devastating. Prepare for a thrilling journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you eagerly turning pages late into the night.

Order of Harry Hole Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1The Bat
By: Jo Nesbø
1997Amazon.com
2Cockroaches
By: Jo Nesbø
1998Amazon.com
3The Redbreast
By: Jo Nesbø
2000Amazon.com
4Nemesis
By: Jo Nesbø
2002Amazon.com
5The Devil's Star
By: Jo Nesbø
20034.4Amazon.com
6The Redeemer
By: Jo Nesbø
2005Amazon.com
7The Snowman
By: Jo Nesbø
2007Amazon.com
8The Leopard
By: Jo Nesbø
2009Amazon.com
9Phantom
By: Jo Nesbø
2011Amazon.com
10Police
By: Jo Nesbø
2013Amazon.com
11The Thirst
By: Jo Nesbø
2017Amazon.com
12Knife
By: Jo Nesbø
2019Amazon.com
13Killing Moon
By: Jo Nesbø
2023Amazon.com

Harry Hole Series Books Description

The "Harry Hole" series is a popular crime fiction series written by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø. The series follows the eponymous character, Harry Hole, who is a tough, unconventional detective in the Oslo police force. While Sean Kinsella, Don Bartlett, and Neil Smith have contributed to translations or adaptations of the series, Jo Nesbø is the primary author of the original novels. Below is a description of each book in the series written by Jo Nesbø:

  1. The Bat (1997) - The first book introduces Harry Hole as he is sent to Australia to assist in the investigation of a Norwegian woman's murder. This novel sets the tone for the character's struggles with addiction and his complex personality.

  2. Cockroaches (1998) - Harry is sent to Thailand to investigate the murder of the Norwegian ambassador. The story deepens his backstory while showcasing the darker sides of international crime.

  3. The Redbreast (2000) - This book intertwines a present-day murder investigation with a historical narrative from World War II, as Harry uncovers connections to the past that implicate the present.

  4. Nemesis (2002) - Harry becomes embroiled in a series of murders linked to a cold-case investigation involving a bank robbery, leading him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a manipulative antagonist.

  5. The Devil's Star (2003) - In this novel, Harry finds himself tracking a serial killer who leaves a distinct mark on his victims, while also contending with his own demons and a police investigation that turns personal.

  6. The Redeemer (2005) - The story deals with a hitman and a botched assassination, which intertwines with Harry's own pursuit of justice and leads to revelations about his past.

  7. The Snowman (2007) - Perhaps the most famous of the series, this novel features a serial killer who leaves snowmen at crime scenes. It is a chilling tale that pushes Harry to the limits of his abilities and his sanity.

  8. The Leopard (2009) - After the events of "The Snowman," Harry Hole is drawn back into the fray to track down a murderer in Oslo, while confronting his own personal issues and unraveling a complex web of deceit.

  9. The Ghosts (2011) - In this installment, Harry investigates a string of mysterious murders linked to a figure from his past, all while grappling with his past choices and their consequences.

  10. Police (2013) - Following a series of murders of police officers, Harry returns to the force to confront a deep-rooted conspiracy and the psychological impact of his previous cases.

  11. The Thirst (2017) - In this novel, Harry faces a new type of adversary: a vampire-like predator that preys on victims in Oslo. It explores the evolution of Harry's character and his relentless pursuit of justice.

  12. Knife (2019) - In Harry's latest adventure, he must confront his most personal demons. The plot unfolds with a mix of past and present as Harry faces a devastating loss and the return of old foes.

The series has garnered much acclaim for its intricate plots, psychological depth, and Nesbø's engaging writing style, making it a compelling read for crime fiction enthusiasts.

Who are the main characters of Harry Hole Series

The "Harry Hole" series is primarily written by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø. The series follows the character Harry Hole, a complex and often troubled detective. Here are the main characters you would typically find in this series:

  1. Harry Hole: The protagonist of the series, Harry is a brilliant but flawed police detective with the Oslo Police Service. He has a reputation for solving difficult cases but also struggles with alcoholism and personal demons. His methods can be unconventional, and he often finds himself at odds with authorities. Despite his challenges, he possesses a deep sense of justice.

  2. Katrine Bratt: A key character introduced in later books, Katrine is a determined and capable investigator who works alongside Harry. She is ambitious and has a complicated relationship with Harry, both personally and professionally.

  3. Renos: A recurring character and a key figure in some of Harry's investigations, Renos has connections to the criminal underworld and often provides insight into the darker aspects of the cases Harry is involved with.

  4. Bjørn Holm: A colleague and friend of Harry’s, Bjørn is often seen trying to support Harry while dealing with his own career challenges.

  5. Harry's Father: He plays a significant role in Harry's backstory, influencing Harry's character development and personal struggles.

  6. Rakel Fauke: Harry's love interest throughout the series, Rakel is a strong and independent woman who provides emotional grounding for Harry, though their relationship is often strained by his work and lifestyle choices.

While there may be contributions from other authors in terms of translations or adaptations, Jo Nesbø is the primary creator of the Harry Hole character and narrative. If you're looking for additional information about the series, please specify, and I can provide more details!

Interesting facts about Harry Hole Series

The "Harry Hole" series is primarily written by Norwegian author Jo Nesbø. While Seán Kinsella, Don Bartlett, and Neil Smith are associated with various literary works, they are not the primary authors of the Harry Hole series. Here are some interesting facts specifically about Jo Nesbø and his famous Harry Hole character:

  1. Character Backstory: Harry Hole is a tough and flawed detective in the Oslo Police Department. He struggles with alcoholism and personal demons, which often complicate his investigative work.

  2. First Book: The series kicks off with the novel "The Bat," published in 1997. This book introduces readers to Hole as he investigates a murder in Australia, showcasing his complex character and the start of his crime-solving career.

  3. International Success: The Harry Hole series has been translated into over 50 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide, making Jo Nesbø one of the best-selling authors in the crime genre.

  4. Standalone Works: While the Harry Hole series is celebrated, Nesbø has also written standalone novels, such as "The Son" and "The Kingdom," showcasing his versatility as a writer.

  5. Adaptations: Several books in the series have been adapted into films and television series. "The Snowman," released in 2017, is one of the most notable adaptations, though it received mixed reviews.

  6. Recurring Themes: The series often explores themes of morality, the nature of evil, and the psychological toll of crime on investigators, adding depth to the typical crime thriller narrative.

  7. Nesbø's Background: Before becoming a full-time writer, Jo Nesbø worked as a journalist, a songwriter, and a lead singer of the rock band Di Derre, which has influenced his storytelling skills.

  8. Realism and Research: Nesbø is known for his meticulous research, which adds realism to his plots and characterizations. He often consults with police and criminologists to ensure authenticity in his storytelling.

While Don Bartlett is known as Jo Nesbø's English translator, and Seán Kinsella and Neil Smith may write in other genres, they do not have a direct connection to the Harry Hole series. The character and series remain a significant part of contemporary crime fiction, highlighting Nesbø's impact on the genre.