The Bat: A Harry Hole Thriller, Book 1

Fills in some background to explain Harry Hole's character. Having come to this after reading most of the subsequent Harry Hole books (I'm saving the Phantom for a special occasion), I was prepared to be disappointed. However, I wasn't, apart from the book being significantly shorter than some of the later ones.

I loved all the dreamtime stories and as usual, Sean Barrett narrates it flawlessly.

Having read all the other Jo Nesbo books featuring Harry Hole, I expected to be disappointed as this one had not been printed in the UK previously and I was worried this was an inferior piece of work. However, Jo Nesbo, once again reminded me of how good an author he really is, as this is another excellent detailed novel full of careful plotting and tension. I loved it. Sean Barrett narrates superbly. 9 out 10 for me.

Being a massive Jo Nesbo fan, I have been waiting eagerly for the first book in the Harry Hole series to be translated into English. Having loved everyNesbo novel so far, I approached The Bat with high expectations. I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Not yet the fully formed character, many of Harry Hole's skills and flawes ar soon on show. The reader is able to see how the author developed Harry into the more mature complex person that he becomes in later books.

Strangely the first book in the series is set out of Harry's native Norway. A young Norwegian woman is Murdered in Sydney and Harry travels to Australia to liase witth the local police. All the usual Nesbo plot complexities are soon on show. The story builds up to a great ending, a typical trait of all Nesbo's thrillers. Had I read this book before any of his later novels, I would have immediately looked for the rest of the series. Just one more book to be translated, Cockroaches I believe is to be published in the English language sometime in2013. It does not really matter which order you read The Harry Holes books, Just read them!.

An excellent start to the Harry Hole series. I only wish this book had been available first.

I'd read or listened to all the other Harry Hole books and thoroughly enjoyed them all.

This one was the first in the series but for some strange reason has only just been released as an audiobook?

It delves into more personal details about Harry’s past than do the subsequent books and goes some way to explaining this complex character.

Verdict: It's another winner - Recommended!

Ive read all of Jo's books now, they all keep you on your toes but this one, well, dare i say it, 'his best work'

This story, as well as other Jo Nesbo`s books about Harry Hole, will become your obsession. Firstly the figure of the detective is so much realistic. He will become very close to you. I do not like smokers but Harry Hole is an exception, I am very critical to alcoholics but his dedication to Jim Beam is ok for me. It is the way how Jo Nesbo is able to provide the story and OF COURSE the incredibly good interpretation of Sean Barrett. Voice in my head that makes me listening and listening.

I am new to Jo Nesbo and am pleased to have taken the plunge. Very well narrated, all the characters were very real and I became attached to them early on. Quite a compulsive listen and am now planing on continuing the series as Harry is unexpectedly endearing.

haven't we all wondered about Hole's fist case where he made his name? well now we have it. Jo Nesbo's first in the series. it has all the essential Harry characteristics but it does read like a first novel - some padding with (very interesting) aboriginal tales. worth a read for all his fans.

I'm new to the Harry Hole (pronounced Hooli) character and I very much enjoyed this book. Sean Barrett's voice suited the style of the book well and I'm now hooked on Harry.