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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
Serial murders; a brutal attack; crime scenes described with some graphic detail
Language
Some
Strong language throughout; some crude terms
Sexual Content
A lot
Sexual violence is a component of several crimes — referenced and discussed; some adult content
Substance Use
A lot
Heavy alcohol use — Harry's alcoholism is a significant character element; drug references
Emotional Intensity
A lot
A serial killer targeting young women; Harry's damaged psyche and alcoholism; the psychological weight of Australian historical trauma including its treatment of Aboriginal people
What this book is about
Detective Harry Hole is sent from Oslo to Sydney to observe the investigation of a Norwegian girl's murder. What begins as a diplomatic exercise becomes a hunt for a serial killer preying on young women — and Harry must work with the Australian police, an Aboriginal elder, and his own troubled psyche to stop the killing. The first Harry Hole novel establishes the template for Nesbø's dark, psychologically intense series.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Serial killer targeting young women — some graphic crime scenes
Harry's severe alcoholism
Sexual violence as an element of the crimes — referenced
Dark psychological atmosphere throughout
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