The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Jo Nesbo's The Snowman is a gripping and thrilling crime novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The novel is set in Norway, where the winter is long and harsh. A serial killer is on the loose, and he always leaves his mark: a snowman in the victim's yard.
The main character of the novel is Harry Hole, a detective who is haunted by his past, and whose personal life is falling apart. He has a complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend Rakel, who has a young son named Oleg that Harry has grown close to. Meanwhile, Harry is investigating the murders of several women in Oslo, and he is struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Plot
The Snowman is a complex and layered novel that weaves together multiple storylines and characters. The novel begins with a prologue that takes place in 1980, where a young woman named Birte Becker is found murdered in the woods outside of Oslo. The killer is never caught, and the case remains unsolved.
The novel then jumps forward to the present day, where Harry Hole is investigating the murder of a young woman named Sylvia Otterson. Like Birte Becker, Sylvia was found dead outside of Oslo, with a snowman at the scene of the crime. Harry and his team are struggling to make progress in the case, and they are met with resistance from their superiors.
As the novel unfolds, more women are murdered, and Harry discovers that each victim has a connection to a former police officer named Arve Stop. Stop is retired from the force, but he seems to be involved in some way with the killings. Meanwhile, Harry's personal life is falling apart, and he is struggling to keep his head above water.
Characterization
The Snowman has a large cast of characters, each with their own motivations and personality traits. Harry Hole is the central character of the novel, and he is a complex and flawed character. He is a brilliant detective, but he is also an alcoholic who is struggling to stay sober. His personal life is a mess, and his relationship with Rakel and Oleg is strained. However, Harry is dedicated to his job, and he is determined to catch the killer.
Other key characters in the novel include Rakel and Oleg, who are both caught up in the murders in different ways. Arve Stop is a former police officer who may be connected to the killings, but his motives are unclear. The victims of the Snowman are also well-drawn, and we get a sense of the lives they led before their untimely deaths.
Themes
The Snowman deals with a number of themes, including obsession, redemption, and the darkness that lies within human nature. As the novel progresses, we see the toll that the investigation takes on Harry, both physically and emotionally. He becomes obsessed with catching the killer, even as his life spirals out of control.
The novel also explores the theme of redemption, as several characters struggle to overcome their past mistakes and find a way to move forward. This is particularly true for Harry, who is haunted by his past failures, and for Arve Stop, who is trying to make amends for his actions.
Writing Style
Jo Nesbo's writing style is spare and straightforward, but he is also able to build tension and suspense with his language. He uses short, punchy sentences to create a sense of urgency and danger, and his descriptions of the bleak and cold Norwegian landscape add to the sense of foreboding.
The Snowman is also a complex and multilayered novel, with multiple storylines and subplots that are woven together seamlessly. Nesbo is able to keep the reader guessing until the very end, and the novel's twists and turns are both surprising and satisfying.
Conclusion
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is a gripping and suspenseful crime novel that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. With its complex characters, expert plotting, and evocative setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Highly recommended.