Title: Nemeza
Author: Jo Nesbø
First published January 1, 2002
447 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9789531957960
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Security footage shows a man entering a bank and holding a gun to the head of a teller. He tells her to count to twenty-five, and when she hands over the money late, he kills her.
The case is assigned to Harry Hole… While his girlfriend is in Russia, Harry meets an old flame.
He goes to dinner with her and later wakes up without any memory of the past twelve hours. The next morning, she is found shot in her bed.
Harry begins to receive threatening messages. Is someone trying to frame him for a crime?
Meanwhile, bank robberies continue with unprecedented brutality… A brilliant new thriller from the author of The Snowman, sold in over 5 million copies worldwide!
(Note: This blurb is a direct translation of the original blurb in Croatian for “Nemeza” by Jo Nesbø. The original blurb in English may differ slightly.)
About the Author
Jo Nesbø, a well-known Norwegian author and musician, hails from Oslo and spent his formative years in Molde. After earning a degree in economics from the Norwegian School of Economics, Nesbø became famous for his crime novels featuring Detective Harry Hole.
However, he is also an accomplished songwriter and the lead singer for Norwegian rock band Di Derre. In 2007, Nesbø expanded his repertoire with the release of his first children’s book, Doktor Proktors Prompepulver.
To receive exclusive content about Jo Nesbø and his works, sign up for the official fan newsletter.
Editoral Review
Nemeza by Jo Nesb is a thrilling crime novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Published on January 1, 2002, Nesb’s book is a gripping addition to the author’s enduringly popular Harry Hole series.
The novel stands out for its complex characters, intricate plot, and narrative that is visceral and suspenseful. For starters, Nesb is an acclaimed novelist, musician, and songwriter from Norway, and has published over twenty-five books.
Crime thrillers make up a significant part of his literary oeuvre, but his work also includes children’s books, short story collections, and literary fiction. Nemeza is the eighth book in the Harry Hole series, which follows the eponymous detective, who grapples with his own personal demons as he solves brutally violent crimes in Oslo.
Nemeza takes place in present-day Oslo, against a backdrop of political and social upheaval. The author’s keen insight into contemporary social issues is evident throughout the book.
The story tells the tale of a serial killer who seeks revenge against the Norwegian government and carries out a series of public executions. As Hole investigates the crimes, he uncovers a web of corruption, betrayal, and deceit that will keep readers guessing until the shocking climax.
Nesb’s writing style is crisp and precise, which makes for an engaging read. The pacing of the novel is well-managed, and the plot twists and turns in unexpected directions.
Each character is fully-realized, with their motives and backstories skillfully interwoven into the narrative. Hole’s character is particularly well-crafted; his struggles with addiction, love, and morality make him an empathetic protagonist.
The novel is thrillingly suspenseful, delivering a visceral emotional experience that will stick with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The plot can be convoluted at times, with the various plotlines and subplots occasionally getting lost in the shuffle. Additionally, the novel’s frequent and graphic depictions of violence may not be to the taste of all readers.
Overall, Nemeza is an outstanding entry into Jo Nesb’s Harry Hole series, and fans of the genre are sure to appreciate its many strengths. It is a gripping and suspenseful novel that delivers on character development, pacing, and narrative complexity.
While the book may not be suited for all readers due to its depictions of violence, it remains an important cultural artifact that effectively captures the zeitgeist of contemporary Norway. In conclusion, I highly recommend Nemeza to fans of the crime thriller genre.
It is an expertly crafted novel that demonstrates Nesb’s skill as a writer and his ability to keep readers engaged until the very last page. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, page-turning read that delivers on both character and plot, then Nemeza is a book you won’t want to miss.
I give it a rating of 4/5.
