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Available
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Description
Brilliant, audaciously rogue police officer, Harry Hole from The Snowman and The Thirst, is back and in the throes of a new, unanticipated rage -- once again hunting the murderer who has haunted his entire career. Harry Hole is not in a good place. Rakel -- the only woman he's ever loved -- has ended it with him, permanently. He's been given a chance for a new start with the Oslo Police but it's in the cold case office, when what he really wants is to be investigating cases he suspects have ties to Svein Finne, the serial rapist and murderer who Harry helped put behind bars. And now, Finne is free after a decade-plus in prison -- free, and Harry is certain, unreformed and ready to take up where he left off. But things will get worse. When Harry wakes up the morning after a blackout, drunken night with blood that's clearly not his own on his hands, it's only the very beginning of what will be a waking nightmare the likes of which even he could never have imagined.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member basilisksam
Jo Nesbo has lost his mojo as far as I'm concerned. This is a perfectly adequate thriller but dull and overlong.
The worst aspect of Nesbo's writing is his adherence to misdirection. It worked beautifully in the earlier Harry Hole books but is now over-used. Without spoiling the plot, there are two
Misdirection only works if you are misdirected, otherwise it's a tedious device that detracts from your enjoyment of the novel.
Also there are only so many times Harry can "die," suffer unbearable tragedies and disappear into alcoholic oblivion. Either the character needs reinventing or Nesbo should move on to another leading character.
The worst aspect of Nesbo's writing is his adherence to misdirection. It worked beautifully in the earlier Harry Hole books but is now over-used. Without spoiling the plot, there are two
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rather large conclusions you are encouraged to arrive at by the author, yet if you've ever read any of his other books you immediately know they are untrue. Misdirection only works if you are misdirected, otherwise it's a tedious device that detracts from your enjoyment of the novel.
Also there are only so many times Harry can "die," suffer unbearable tragedies and disappear into alcoholic oblivion. Either the character needs reinventing or Nesbo should move on to another leading character.
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LibraryThing member maneekuhi
Thanks once again, LibraryThing, for the 1/2 star increments, one of the great contributions to reader reviewdom.
“The Knife” (TK) by Jo Nesbo is the 12th in the Harry Hole series; Harry is a “master” detective in the Oslo police department. I quit the series after reading the first ten. I
Well, that won’t be happening.
Someone near and dear to Harry has been murdered. At first a recently released prisoner is the primary suspect, but cleared. Even Harry is suspected early on, but he too is cleared though suspended. And then there are other suspects, including some Norwegian vets of the Iraqi/Afghan wars. Flashback time – ugh. There are also therapists probing, probing until…….”next time”. As if that’s not enough we get to dial into Harry’s deep, whiskey soaked (yes, another cop hero with a booze problem) recollections and analysis. And analysis – Harry can come up with more options/alternatives/explanations in walking to the front door than I can think of in 24 hours. And there’s even some hypnosis. All very psychological, a bit of a different spin from other Harry stories, and unfortunately a bit of a yawn. Throughout most of the book there was very little tension. And no Kindle page numbering. Finally, the last 50 pages or so felt a bit like the Harry stories of old. Meanwhile, the ex-con is running around with a rather unusual and repulsive personal mission in one of the more cringe-worthy subplots I have read in a while. And so, we come to the end. Not much of a climax. Is this the last Harry book? Don’t know, don’t care. It’s my last, but then I’ve said that before. So, just in case, goodbye Harry/Jo – it’s been nice knowing you and thanks for some great stories. Too bad TK wasn’t one of them.
“The Knife” (TK) by Jo Nesbo is the 12th in the Harry Hole series; Harry is a “master” detective in the Oslo police department. I quit the series after reading the first ten. I
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had grown tired of the whole Rakel/Oleg thing, and I felt that the author was getting bored also. I had no intention of going back until I read a recent review of TK in the WSJ, suggesting it may be the best in the series, and so I thought I’d give Harry a try once again. I decided if it was even close to the early books I would go back and read the two I had skipped.Well, that won’t be happening.
Someone near and dear to Harry has been murdered. At first a recently released prisoner is the primary suspect, but cleared. Even Harry is suspected early on, but he too is cleared though suspended. And then there are other suspects, including some Norwegian vets of the Iraqi/Afghan wars. Flashback time – ugh. There are also therapists probing, probing until…….”next time”. As if that’s not enough we get to dial into Harry’s deep, whiskey soaked (yes, another cop hero with a booze problem) recollections and analysis. And analysis – Harry can come up with more options/alternatives/explanations in walking to the front door than I can think of in 24 hours. And there’s even some hypnosis. All very psychological, a bit of a different spin from other Harry stories, and unfortunately a bit of a yawn. Throughout most of the book there was very little tension. And no Kindle page numbering. Finally, the last 50 pages or so felt a bit like the Harry stories of old. Meanwhile, the ex-con is running around with a rather unusual and repulsive personal mission in one of the more cringe-worthy subplots I have read in a while. And so, we come to the end. Not much of a climax. Is this the last Harry book? Don’t know, don’t care. It’s my last, but then I’ve said that before. So, just in case, goodbye Harry/Jo – it’s been nice knowing you and thanks for some great stories. Too bad TK wasn’t one of them.
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LibraryThing member hemlokgang
Without question, despite the jolt of the primary murder to longtime readers of Harry Hole mysteries, this was slow moving and dull as can be. Very disappointed!
LibraryThing member waldhaus1
Clever twists, sometimes almost too clever by half. On the end they come together for a clever and satisfying story. While or could be enjoyed as a stand alone story the reader would be depriving themself by not going back into the series. And the end leaves an opening for more stories perhaps with
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a new slant. Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
Knife is the twelfth book in Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series. I have to say, I think it's one of the best.
Harry is drinking again - it's a reaction to his wife Rakel kicking him out. But he's s been given another chance with the Oslo Police and is now assigned to cold cases. He finds a few that can
I love square peg, round hole lead characters and Harry is most definitely that. He's a dark, dangerous, conflicted and complicated protagonist I can't get enough of.
Nesbo's descriptions of place conjure up vivid pictures of the settings. As with most of Nesbo's books, social commentary on the state of politics, corruptions, crime and the social welfare of Norway is woven into the plot. Harry's philosophizing will have you stopping to think.
Nesbo's plotting is intricate and multi-layered with many threads. How those threads are joined changes many times over the course of Harry's investigation. I absolutely bought in to the offered possibilities, only to be found wrong. Harry's memory is fallible due to the drinking. He often can't remember whole chunks of time. But his deductive reasoning is second to none. I was stunned as the book headed towards the final whodunit. Didn't see that coming! I love being unable to predict where a tale is going to go. Nesbo has surprised me with almost every book. And the ending? Oh, it leaves the door open for another Harry book!
The book is translated from Norwegian by Neil Smith. It's been done very well, reading smoothly with no choppiness or stilted feeling.
Those new to Harry Hole may want to start with an earlier book to truly get to know Harry and how life has led him to this time and place.
(And anyone with a hard copy of Knife - have a look at the author photo on the back - Nesbo is exactly how I picture Harry)
Harry is drinking again - it's a reaction to his wife Rakel kicking him out. But he's s been given another chance with the Oslo Police and is now assigned to cold cases. He finds a few that can
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possibly be tied to a heinous criminal he put behind bars ten years ago. The man has just been released. But before Harry can get into that investigation, his world is rocked by the murder of someone close to him. (Faithful readers - you will be very surprised, as was I) And though he shouldn't be anywhere near the case, there is no stopping Harry Hole.I love square peg, round hole lead characters and Harry is most definitely that. He's a dark, dangerous, conflicted and complicated protagonist I can't get enough of.
Nesbo's descriptions of place conjure up vivid pictures of the settings. As with most of Nesbo's books, social commentary on the state of politics, corruptions, crime and the social welfare of Norway is woven into the plot. Harry's philosophizing will have you stopping to think.
Nesbo's plotting is intricate and multi-layered with many threads. How those threads are joined changes many times over the course of Harry's investigation. I absolutely bought in to the offered possibilities, only to be found wrong. Harry's memory is fallible due to the drinking. He often can't remember whole chunks of time. But his deductive reasoning is second to none. I was stunned as the book headed towards the final whodunit. Didn't see that coming! I love being unable to predict where a tale is going to go. Nesbo has surprised me with almost every book. And the ending? Oh, it leaves the door open for another Harry book!
The book is translated from Norwegian by Neil Smith. It's been done very well, reading smoothly with no choppiness or stilted feeling.
Those new to Harry Hole may want to start with an earlier book to truly get to know Harry and how life has led him to this time and place.
(And anyone with a hard copy of Knife - have a look at the author photo on the back - Nesbo is exactly how I picture Harry)
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LibraryThing member norinrad10
What can I say? I love Harry Hole books. In my estimation Hole is what Sanford envisioned Lucas Davenport to be, minus the addiction.
Like most Scandinavian crime books, this one is a dark one. The great detective Harry Hole's addictions have kicked in as a result of his being separated from his
"Knife" holds its own with the other entries in Nesbo's catalog and regular readers won't be disappointed. New readers will be entranced by the charismatic detective and find themselves enthralled in the search for a killer. A worthy entry in the cannon that is the adventures of Harry Hole.
Like most Scandinavian crime books, this one is a dark one. The great detective Harry Hole's addictions have kicked in as a result of his being separated from his
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true love. While he is under the influence, that true love is murdered. Is the killer Hole or someone else? In pursuit of the truth, the case takes a plethora of twists and turns. "Knife" holds its own with the other entries in Nesbo's catalog and regular readers won't be disappointed. New readers will be entranced by the charismatic detective and find themselves enthralled in the search for a killer. A worthy entry in the cannon that is the adventures of Harry Hole.
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LibraryThing member delphimo
As usual, Jo Nesbro’s Harry Hole series is brutal and graphic, and Knife is no exception. Harry plummets into alcohol and depression and self-loathing after Rakel throws Harry out of the house. After a long night of drinking and fighting, the following morning Harry receives a telephone call that
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a murder has taken place. The female victim has been brutally killed with a knife. Svein Finne, just released from prison, kills in this manner and has sworn to avenge his son’s death. Nesbro artfully maneuvers among a multitude of suspects in the death of Harry’s wife, Rakel. Along the way, Nesbro introduces other individuals who have suffered or are suffering from the “deeds” of Svein Finne. Secrets surface and emotions run amok. The story skillfully closes with all the loose ends welded. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheCrow2
Jo Nesbo`s 12th Harry Hole book doesn`t disappoint. Hard to say anything without spoilers but with an unexpected (at least for me) start the writer succeded to push Harry to new depths of alcoholism and depression. The whole book is a great page-turner to the ending which is unexpected and
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foreseeable at the same time. Show Less
LibraryThing member runner56
Ok let's be honest Harry Hole is a cliche detective, and there are many similarities between him and Ian Rankin's great creation Rebus. They both like working outside the law, they are happy to use unconventional methods to achieve results. Alcohol and cigarettes fuel their ambition, and the odd
Knife is an edge of the seat thriller and it may be some 600+ pages long (paperback) but every reading minute is pure pleasure. Harry’s old criminal rival Svein Finne is once more back on his patch and seeking revenge for the detective who incarcerated him. Young women are being raped and Finne is high on the list of suspects. However one chilling moment at the start, a brilliant piece of writing by Nesbo, changes the direction of the story, and sends Harry once again into deep sorrow and depression ably helped by his always on hand, good friend Jim Beam. To say much more about the plot would spoil the pleasure that awaits you, dear reader. There are many red herrings, and false leads as Nesbo plays with you, giving you a false sense of satisfaction only to slap you in the face when you realize that the person you suspected is nothing more than an innocent bystander.
The writing is taut, using few words but always adding a sense of sadness and drama and possibly a little humour……..
“Harry had been happy. But happiness is like heroin; once you've tasted it, once you’ve found out that happiness exists, you will never be entirely happy with an ordinary life without happiness again”.......
“ For every cigarette you smoke, God takes an hour away from you...and gives it to Keith Richards”....
“Of course. Imagine that you feel like killing someone, but can’t make yourself do it. So you need help. From fate. And if the dice tells you to kill, fate bears the responsibility; it liberates you and your free will. Do you see? All it takes is a throw of the dice”....
“Then it was as if Harry’s smile suddenly shattered, like the morning ice in October, and Bjorn found himself looking into the black depths of desperate pain again. As if Harry had merely wanted to taste happiness. And had spat it out again.”.....
Wonderful storytelling from the true king of Scandi crime noir. Highly, highly recommended.
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female liaison allows them a place of sanctuary where their wounded egos can be massaged. Rebus of course is now retired ( well not really) and he is some 17 years Harry’s senior. But we as readers of crime fiction love them, we forgive them their foibles knowing that their astute ability to catch the “baddies” will always make them heroes in our eyes!Knife is an edge of the seat thriller and it may be some 600+ pages long (paperback) but every reading minute is pure pleasure. Harry’s old criminal rival Svein Finne is once more back on his patch and seeking revenge for the detective who incarcerated him. Young women are being raped and Finne is high on the list of suspects. However one chilling moment at the start, a brilliant piece of writing by Nesbo, changes the direction of the story, and sends Harry once again into deep sorrow and depression ably helped by his always on hand, good friend Jim Beam. To say much more about the plot would spoil the pleasure that awaits you, dear reader. There are many red herrings, and false leads as Nesbo plays with you, giving you a false sense of satisfaction only to slap you in the face when you realize that the person you suspected is nothing more than an innocent bystander.
The writing is taut, using few words but always adding a sense of sadness and drama and possibly a little humour……..
“Harry had been happy. But happiness is like heroin; once you've tasted it, once you’ve found out that happiness exists, you will never be entirely happy with an ordinary life without happiness again”.......
“ For every cigarette you smoke, God takes an hour away from you...and gives it to Keith Richards”....
“Of course. Imagine that you feel like killing someone, but can’t make yourself do it. So you need help. From fate. And if the dice tells you to kill, fate bears the responsibility; it liberates you and your free will. Do you see? All it takes is a throw of the dice”....
“Then it was as if Harry’s smile suddenly shattered, like the morning ice in October, and Bjorn found himself looking into the black depths of desperate pain again. As if Harry had merely wanted to taste happiness. And had spat it out again.”.....
Wonderful storytelling from the true king of Scandi crime noir. Highly, highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Jthierer
I will admit to having started this series in the middle, so it's possible that I am just missing the context that would explain why every single one of these characters needed to be included in exacting detail going about their daily lives...but this book desperately needed an editor. There was a
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good story in there (I think) but it got lost in alcoholic self pity, bed hopping and multiple red herrings. Without having read others I don't know if this is worth reading for long time fans of the series, but I would definitely not recommend it to anyone as a starting point for the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
Another great addition to this series. So many twists and turns and dead ends I had no idea where it was going to end up. Just the sort of mystery for cold winter evenings.
Awards
Rivertonprisen (Winner — 2019)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Fiction — 2019)