The Snowman: A Harry Hole Thriller, Book 7

I hadn't read anything by Jo Nesbo before. What a find! The story keeps you guessing all the way through, some parts were too scary to listen to in the dark. Excellent narration by Sean Barrett brings the story alive. Best audiobook so far.

Whether you think Jo Nesbo is the next Stieg Larsson or not (and I came to this book via the Millennium Trilogy and the Wallander books by Henning Mankell), it's a brilliant book. I haven't finished it yet, so, although I have a suspicion as to who the murderer might be, I don't know if I'm right yet! I am writing this at work (hope ICT system isn't being monitored just now!), which has forced me to put the i-Pod down...otherwise difficult to do. I must also take issue with those who complain about the use of regional English accents. Regional accents (despite anything French people will tell you) do exist in other languages and, frankly, well chosen (as these are) and well executed (as these are) regional accents are a help, especially when dealing with a number of characters with names that are foreign and, therefore, less familiar and easy to distinguish (and I speak as a Modern Languages Teacher, however pompous that may sound). Full marks to Jo Nesbo, Sean Barrett and let's have more of them!

This was a genuinely scary story! The book is well-written and impeccably narrated by Sean Barrett who's one of my favourite readers. Try it - you won't be disappointed.

The comparisons to the Millennium trilogy should not stop you buying this audio book.
This is a chilling listen that will have you going to the next bus stop to walk home just so you can listen a little more and keep you listening well into the night.
I dare you to figure out the Killer before Harry Hole does and if you can I will buy you a drink!
Best thriller/crime novel of recent times and in my opinion leaves the Millennium trilogy in the dust this is so much better. Delighted I took a leap of faith on this one and can't wait to read/listen to more from this engaging writer.
Hope you enjoy it just as much as I have.

Having enjoyed the Millenium Trilogy I thought I would venture into another book by a Swedish author. I found this compared favourably and from the opening pages, it became a compelling and gripping tale. The Swedish names rolled effortlessly off the narrator's tongue and I do find them a stumbling block when reading the books myself. The lead detective's name presented no such problems though, being a pretty ordinary 'Harry Hole'. There are some truly scary bits in the book which would definitely suit being heard on a cold and dark night. Lots of plot twists and turns which keep the listener guessing. Thoroughly enjoyable and I'd like to hear more from Jo Nesbo.beta inappVoteInfo

My second Nesbo book, so I was expecting quite a good listen. Took a little of getting into, but was soon turning pages. Stick with it, and visit his other books.
Not the originality of Stig Larrsen, a bit similar to Ian Rankin. worth a listen, I was a little disapointed at the ending too big a leap of imagination I felt.

Enjoy

The issue that faced me was they stated 'The Next Stieg Larsson' which immediatly raises the expectation to unrealistic levels, after a slow start the book turned into a great listen but it will never live up to Stieg Larsson Trilogy.

This was my first Jo Nesbo novel and it definitely
reminded me of Steig Larson. It was an excellent
listen with a well matched voice. I found myself
listening at every opportunity. I even admit to a
little shudder from time to time and I am not easily
scared. Can't wait to hear another from this author.

I have recently read the trilogy by Stig Larsen and have been looking for something to follow this to read. A friend put me onto this book and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.Well written and beautifully narrated it is an enthralling plot with believable characters which engages the listener from start to finish. I am now downloading other books from this author. Absolutely recommended.

So after THE Larson trilogy what next, the Jo Nesbo titles kept appearing as being a real alternative option. What an option, just fantastic,, I almost always listen in the car, how those journeys pass so quickly, a great book and read very well by Sean Barrett. Highly recommended.

What is interesting, at least with this book, is that the subject, a brutal serial killer, and the way he/she does the grizzly deeds is portrayed in such a way that, without hearing the detail the reader is left on no doubt of the horror of the crime. Very clever and better than reading in too graphic detail the way the murders are committed, this way one imagines a scene that is many ways is far worse. Spellbinding.