Book Review: Knife by Jo Nesbo
By Ray Palen
August 1, 2019Rogue police officer, Harry Hole from The Snowman and The Thirst, is back in Jo Nesbo’s latest thriller, Knife, and in the throes of a new, unanticipated rage—once again hunting the murderer who has haunted his entire career.
I can’t control anything. I just want to find the man who killed Rakel. Then I’ll wake up. And die.
This quote from the classic anti-hero, Jo Nesbo’s brilliantly complex and damaged Norwegian Detective, Harry Hole, kind of reveals the entire plot of Knife to readers. Hole is on the outside looking in as he is suspended for most of the novel from the police. Nevertheless, he continues living in the bottom of a Jim Beam bottle and trying to find the person who murdered his ex-wife, Rakel.
Knife opens up early on with the villainous Svein Finne. Finne is a serial rapist and murderer who crossed paths with Harry Hole previously and ended up in prison. For some unbelievable reason, Finne has been released and, even though he is in his mid-70s’, and is back to his lecherous and perverted ways. We see Finne, who had been nicknamed ‘The Fiancé’, seeking out women to impregnate so that he can continue his legacy through these criminally acquired pregnancies. In fact, Finne wants to be there in the hospital at the moment of birth so he can be the first to handle his child and even offer his infamous knife to cut the umbilical cord!
As Harry Hole begins scouring his alcohol-drenched mind for the names of past criminal types who might want to seek revenge against him, Svein Finne fits that bill to a tee. The first half of this lengthy novel finds the obsessed Hole seeking to catch Finne in the act of raping and/or coercing a young woman into his impregnation scheme. When that doesn’t work out, he just decides to take matters into his own hands by capturing, torturing and ultimately turning his arch-nemesis back to the authorities where a new trip to jail will shortly follow thereafter.
The term knife, as well as literal discussions about it and its many uses, are peppered throughout this novel. You just know Nesbo is waiting for the perfect opportunity to bring things back to this weapon of choice. The question is, how is he going to use it? Fans of this top-notch international murder/thriller series will relish all of the recurring characters around Harry Hole and how dysfunctional his relationship with most of them has become. Hole has a lot of time on his hands to obsess about his murdered ex-wife as well as bemoaning the fact that even in Norway, a country that statistically ranks as one of the happiest places on earth, there are brutal murders.
Another thing I love about Harry Hole novels is the opportunity to talk about music. Jo Nesbo/Harry Hole, continuously makes references to popular music to the point that I am always eager to learn what Harry is listening to now. It also puts Nesbo in good company with other genre writers like Peter Robinson, George Pelecanos and Michael Connelly, who always take the time to illustrate their characters musical likes. In fact, the knife that allegedly killed Rakel was found shoved between the Rainmakers and the Ramones vinyl albums (arranged in meticulous alphabetical order and inter-filed in release date order by artist all via the deft hands of Mr. Hole).
About mid-way through Knife, Finne is ruled out as Rakel’s killer as his alibi for that night and time is validated. This now sets Hole down several different paths, including one point where he contemplates committing suicide in grand fashion when he toys with the idea that he killed Rakel during a drunken rage. I won’t go any further, lest I spoil the fun for you. Jo Nesbo’s books, particularly the Harry Hole series, is simply one of the best in the business and I eagerly dive into each new release and never disappointed by the time I come up for air upon completion. Reading this even made me pull out my Blu-Ray of The Snowman, the film based on one of the more popular Harry Hole novels, which starred Michael Fassbender and did not get enough love from the critics. If you are new to this series I highly recommend starting from the beginning of the catalog and see what all the hype is about. Then, give the film a spin and enjoy a few hours spent in the world of Nordic Noir!
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Knife Comment Sweepstakes: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of 50 United States, D.C., and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. To enter, complete the “Post a Comment” entry at http://www.criminalelement.com/book-review-knife-by-jo-nesbo/ beginning at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) August 1, 2019. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. ET August 14, 2019. Void outside the United States and Canada and where prohibited by law. Please see full details and official rules here. Sponsor: Macmillan, 120 broadway, New York, NY 10271.
Comments are closed.
Discovered this author last year, Harry Hole is the best
I’ve been waiting 6 months for my copy and I just picked it up at the library today. I have work on my desk; but it’ll just have to wait. I’ve been reading the Scandawegian (as i call them) authors for a very long time and i’m a huge Harry Hole fan…so excited
Wow, this looks awesome. What a prolific author.
discovered this author after seeing a promo for the snowman movie and wow what a great author.
Love the Harry Hole series, cannot wait to read this book!
These are my favorite books. Harry Hole is such a fallible but strong character. Jo Nesbo is a talented author and musician and I was fortunate to get to meet him in Philadelphia.
Wow!
I really enjoy these novel
I’m a fan of Jo Nesbo’s chilling thrillers.
I’d like to win this. I’d also like to learn how to pronounce Harry’s name.
Sounds exciting!
Great author!
I’m a huge fan. Read Macbeth this year and loved it along with the Harry Hole series
I appreciate the tip about starting from the first one in the series – will add to my to be read list.
Harry Hole seems like a character right out of some Sidney Sheldon novel. Author Ray has done a fabulous job of portraying Harry in a completely different light. I would absolutely love to get a copy of this novel and spread the good word
I still find it hard to use the correct pronunciation of “Harry Hole” in my head when I’m reading–it still tends to come out in the anglicized version, which is unfortunate. He’s a great character, whatever his name….
This came highly recommended to me. I would LOVE to win this — thanks for the chance🙂
Harry Hole …excitement, adventures and suspense thrillers my kind of books!
Good books. Can’t wait to read this one
I’d love to read this!
I would love to read this
I’d love a copy!
like the un-American feel of the writing & novel
Absolutely LOVE this author and would LOVE this book.
I love thrillers!
Jo Nesbo is among the best writers of Scandinavian mysteries. Harry Hole is one of the best antiheroes in the field. Knife appears to be classic Harry but now he has to hunt down a viscous killer of his ex-wife. It will be a stay up late read.
Cant wait to read this!
What a perfect pick! Jo Nesbo’s latest Harry Hole story is a no-brainer for almost all of us. Thanks so much for the chance to win it.
Sounds like a great read!
That’s a great review, the book sounds awesome.
Have read one of Jo’s other books and would like to read this one
It sounds good, thanks for the chance!
I hope to get to read this audio is cool too.
sounds like another great story, will put on my to read list.
Captivating mystery and great author.
Great writer, looking forward to reading this one.
This sounds like an intriguing story.
Jo Nesbo tells a riveting suspense!
love Harry Hole
This book sounds great!
Harry Hole is the protagonist to follow!
Anxious to see how low Harry has to go before he regains some self-respect.
I’ve been seeing this book all over Instagram, and I’m dying to read it!
My absolute favorite author! Dying to read this!
I can’t wait for a fresh Hole to dig in to.
I’m really excited about this one. I really enjoy Jo Nesbo’s novels.
So excited! Discovered Nesbo last year and simply could not put down any Harry Hole novels.
This sounds like something I would like to read.
Can’t wait to read this!
Love to read international authors. Send him my way
I love Nesbo’s novels.
I am familiar with the author but I have never read any of his work. Maybe that will change, this story sounds good.
sounds like a great read!
I have been a fan of Nesbo for years and would love to win the latest !
Always happy for another Jo Nesbo
Been reading Jo Nesbo for about 8 yrs now can’t wait to get my hands on this on.
I really hope I win! Thanks you for this opportunity! I love mysteries and thrillers the very best!!
My wife and I always read Jo Nesbo’s novels, especially the Harry Hole books. Looking forward to this one!
I really hope I win this book! Thanks for the opportunity!! Mysteries and thrillers are my favorite kinds of books!!
Just reading the review made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I was scared and curled up in my comfort for added protection. Jo Nesbo know’s how to put fear in his books. Want to read the book, KNIFE.
I have read all of the Harry Hole books – except this one! Find the stories both interesting and good mysteries. Lots of tension!
This new Nesbo looks great! I appreciate and share this reviewer’s enthusiasm for the Harry Hole series. He really needs an editor, though… especially when critiquing authors and literature.
Can’t wait to read!
Unlike others who wrote comments, I have never heard of this author. If I win, this novel would be my introduction. I love to discover mystery and crime writers. In college there was a course in Victorian crime writers and although I was unable to take the course I used the course number to find and read the novels included in coursework.
What a great giveaway
Harry Hole is the detective I love to hate, hate to love. So much violence in these books but I can’t look away. Looking forward to this one!
Nice book, nice if free.
Looking forward to reading this book!
I can’t wait to read this book!
Intense! Can’t wait to get my hands on this!
I can’t wait to read the latest Jo Nesbo novel.
thank you for this!! I have read most of Jo Nesbo’s books, and will enjoy reading this one……
Joe Nesbo’s books are just mesmerizing! His character, Harry Hole, always brings a grin to my face when I see the name. How could it not? (Naughty, huh?) Would love to be the winner of a copy of THE KNIFE to read and review. Many thanks for the opportunity!!
can’t wait to read
Excited to read a new Harry Hole novel! 🤞😬
I can’t wait to read the latest Jo Nesbo novel
I can’t wait to read the latest Jo Nesbo novel.
gotta read it!
Hurrah for Jo Nesbo!
I am a tremendous fan of this series. Looking forward to another romp with Harry Hole.
On the waiting list at local library, but this is one author I may not have the patience to wait for any longer. Love his books. Have read them all.
Sounds like a great one!
Sick and twisted: all the elements of a great read. O can’t wait.
I love this series!
New author for me but can’t wait reading such fantastic reviews!!
Sounds like a new classic.
Can hardly wait to read
I love this series! I can’t wait to see how Harry gets out of this one!
Love the series. Can’t wait to read it.
It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for the chance!
Looks liike a geat book. Hope I win
I will start from the beginning of the series. This book is intriguing.
I can’t wait to get my copy? LOVE Jo Nesbo!!
seems just my favorite kind of book
I’ve got a Jo Nesbo audiobook in my queue, would like another to backfill my reading list!
I cannot wait to read this awesome book!!
Sounds bleak, the way Nordic noir should be!
I love Harry!!
What? No way is Finne not guilty of killing Rakel! I can’t wait to read this one!
Can’t wait to read! Thank you for the chance!
Sounds Awesome
Looking forward to the read – thanks for the opportunity!
I hope to read this awesome book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Have not read any of these and was not impressed by the movie. They do, however, come recommended by folks I know. I was just always put off by the character name!
Thank you! 💕📚🤞🏻
Pretty excited to read this one!
Love this series
Thanks for a chance at a copy, sounds like great reading
Harry Hole is a complex, almost anti-hero. Great character!
I really like this series and can’t wait to read this book.
The Snowman was great, did not know about the movie. Thanks
sounds like a great read!
I’m looking forward to reading this, and would love to win a copy!
Harry Hole books are always a great read.
I have read many positive reviews about this author. Thank you for the chance to win!
What a fantastic review of a very compelling book. I am on the waiting list for it at my local library. I cannot wait to read it
OMG! I just NEED to read this!
I would enjoy reading this.
I love anything having to do with mystery, police, crime. Now that I know about this author, I will have to start at the beginning. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
Love me some Jo Nesbo!
Looks like a good one!
I haven’t read any of these books but I’d love to!
Sounds fascinating. Thanks for the opportunity.
I would love a copy! Loved the movie Snowman as well ⛄
This review makes me want to read not only this book but the other’s written by this author. Thanks for the chance!!
Always enjoy Nesbo’s writing!
Count me in, please!
Jo Nesbo writes great thrillers!
Love to read this!!! Thanks for the chance.
sounds interesting
Dark and mesmerizing; just the way I like it!
Should be a super thriller
Loved all the books by Jo Nesbo so far, he is a refreshing breath of new ideas.
This is one of my favorite authors and one of my favorite characters.
Jo Nesbo is the best whether dark thrillers or hilarious children’s books
While I have several of his books, to date none of them have managed to swim to the top of my to be read pile. Let me add another.
Nesbo is always good for keeping me awake and managing to both terrify me and make me laugh. Great stuff!
Gotta love a guy named Harry Hole…and I do! He’s such a unique character, so flawed yet so compelling
Sounds great! Would love to win.
New character to me. Curious about him.
I am through the Harry Hole series to The Police and looking forward to the last two books, this one soon upcoming! Jo Nesbo is an accomplished writer. Very interesting mind set and has many other titles other than the Harry Hole series that also command attention. Such as The Son. I’m making my way through all of his work. This is a wonderful opportunity. Thank you
Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
I would love to win a copy of this book to read/review. Thanks for the chance!
I have not heard of this author but i like the reviews and look forward to giving it a read
Have been waiting for the next Harry Hole book. Love the series!
Can’t wait for the next Harry Hole!
This sounds like my kind of book. I’m hoping to win!
A friend loaned me all of her books…….now I’m hooked
I really would like to win this book! It is on my book list! I have read a few Jo Nesbo books and really like them! Thanks !
Looking forward to a win
I’ve only read one book by this author and enjoyed it so I would really like a chance to read this!
Send me the book. Love to take a stab at it.
Would like to win
sounds like it’s going to be a page turner-cover to cover until it’s done.thank you for the opportunity to win this fantastic sounding novel.
I’d love to win.
Please enter me in this sweepstakes.
Thanks!
Love Harry Hole and all of Joe’s books!
Love Harry Hole and all of Joe’s books
I am reading Cockroaches now. I want good things for Harry Hole. I want to read The Knife and I hope Harry survives.
Thanks for the chance to see what Harry Hole is up to now!
Sounds like a good thriller
LOVE LOVE LOVE all his books! Can’t wait to read this one!
Love Jo Nesbo’s books. This sounds great!
His books are one of the best genre authors of I have discovered and enjoy reading.
LOVE LOVE LOVE all his books, can’t wait to read this next one!
A remarkable artist of the pen. I’ve been fascinated by the Scandinavian perspective since watching the Icelandic film Trapped. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Nesbo’s work, I’ve since gotten my wife interested in his stories as well. Bravo!
Love Jo Nesbo. The books are intriguing and page turners for me.
I have read all of Jo Nesbo’s books and seen the one that was made into a movie. He’s the best!
Love the whole series, Harry Hole is one of my favorite characters.
It’s a great treat to have a chance to own Knife by Jo Nesbo.
Started making my way through the Harry Hole series last year from the beginning (The Bat) and I’m partially through #4 (Nemesis). So far it is a fantastic series and I’m looking forward to making it all the way to this one!
I love finding out about new authors. I’d love to win this so I can add it to my favorite authors list.
Sounds really good! Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for the chance to win….
Started making my way through the Harry Hole series last year from the beginning (The Bat) and I’m partially through #4 (Nemesis). So far it is a fantastic series and I’m looking forward to making it all the way to this one!
This sounds interesting!
It sounds like this book has a twist to it that I have never heard before. Excited to check it out!
When I think of cops and their musical tastes, the FIRST one that comes to mind is Ian Rankin’s John Rebus. But Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole is a close second.
Love Jo Nesbo…this book sounds like a great read!
This one will go great with the rest of my collection
Love Harry Hole !!
An exciting new adventure and mystery with Harry Hole! Wow!
Love this author and the Harry Hole books!
Only recently read my first Jo Nesbo and loved it! More to come for sure and his book sounds great!
intriguing
Would luv to win a copy of “Knife”. 🙂
I’d love to win this book.
Love this author!
Would love to win and read this!
I’d love a copy of this book! I enjoy all of Jo Nesbo’s work.
Have read the Harry Hole books for many years. It’d be nice to win one. Have been toying with buying the movie The Snowman. Fassbender is one of my favorite actors. Wondered if the critics misfired in their reviews of this film. Seems they have. Keep ’em coming Nesbo.
I’ve been a Jo Nesbo fan since I read “The Snowman” five years ago… LOVE Harry Hole!!!
I haven’t read any of the Harry Hole books, but after this excerpt, I definitely will. This sounds like my kind of book.
Harry! Yes!
Can’t wait for this one
I would love to win, read, review, and discover an author I haven’t read “yet.”
Love this author. Can’t wait to see what Harry Hole is up to now.
I have seen things book on a lot of lists as one that I should read. I would love to win a copy!
New to Nesbo, this looks/sounds like the best of the pact; yes, please, would love a copy to read/review for my blog!
I really like the plots and characters in the Harry Hole mysteries.
I love these kind of books, you just can’t put them down.
Would love to read it.
Thanks for the giveaway
Love this author
My husband and I have been Harry Hole fans for a couple of years now. I am excited to see there is a new thriller “Knife” and can hardly wait to read it. Nice giveaway 🙂
Can’t wait to read it.
I can’t wait to read this. I asked my library to order it.
Would love a copy
Can’t wait to read this!!!
I would love to win this .
Great review – got me hooked
I read The Snowman. This is a great review.
interested to try this author
Can’t wait to read it
Looking forward to learning more of Harry”s story
I have yet to read a Jo Nesbo novel. (sorry) I’m so busy! But the series is on my list as soon as I can retire later this year.
Sounds like another winner from Jo Nesbo!
Sounds a little scary, Harry! Can’t wait to start on this!!
Need to keep up with Harry’s sufferings.
Cover is killer
Another great one by Jo Nesbo!
I’ve devoured a few Harry Hole books already. I will say that Jo Nesbo has one extreme imagination; just my kind of writer.
Any book by Jo Nesbo is well-worth reading!!
“Knife” sounds intriguing and suspenseful! Would like to read this book by Jo Nesbo, who is a master of suspense.
Wow!!!
I would love to win this
I’m on the library list, but I’d love to have my own copy!
Would love to read this! 🤓
Sounds Intriguing. Thank you for the chance.
I would love to read this.
I’ve read one of these novels, and I’d love to win this one.
would love to win
I read Macbeth and thought it was great. Would love to read the new book.
Would love to get a copy of this one!
I would like to read this.
Jo is one of the best in crime writers I have recently read – keep on writing Jo!
Looking forward to reading Knife.
Looking forward to what Harry will be doing with a knife!
Read a couple of the books, looking forward to a new one!!
Been reading Nesbo for years. Always looking for the newest to be published.
Shocking twist I was not ready for.
Always happy to see a new offering from Mr. Nesbo!
I love thrillers! Send this my way.
Really looks great. Another Nesbo success!
Looking forward to reading another great Jo Nesbo book!!!
We recently discovered Jo Nesbo and have enjoyed his books a great deal!
love a good thriller
looks great! Would love to read it!
I am an avid Jo Nesbo fan. Can’t wait to read this one!
I can’t wait to read this book! I love the Harry Hole series and am a Jo Nesbo fan!!
I haven’t ready any of the Harry Hole series books yet so this one sounds intriguing enough to give them a try.
This looks SO good! I keep hearing about it.
Looks like a great read !
I love Jo Nesbo. Been reading these books for years. They are wonderful.
Sounds great. Would like to win.
I am a big Harry Hole fan. Please let me win this book!
I’m quite curious who killed Harry’s ex-wife, Rakel. And I hope, yet doubt, he’ll give up the booze. Fascinating author & characters he’s written!
I love Jo Nesbo and Harry Hole! Can’t wait to read Knife!
Love the Harry Hole series!
Great!
I love this series! Thanks for the chance!
Looks like a fascinating read.
I love the “Scandi-noir” books, so I can’t wait to read this!
I came to this series late and am very happy of that because I’m able to binge read the series without having to wait for the next.
Looking forward to reading this!
I’ve read several of this author’s books, so I’d love to win this one.
I love trying new authors, thanks for the chance!
the book sounds great-thanks for the giveaway
Would love to read this… Thank you for the chance!
Nice to read
I would love to win this. What a great opportunity!
Have enjoyed the Harry Hole books since the first in the series, so would love to read the latest installment. Thanks!
I can’t wait to read The Knife. Would love to win it!!
I love Jo Nesbo’s writing. Harry Hole is the gr8ist char.
I haven’t read anything by this author, but have been wanting to start!!! 🙂
love all the books in this series, can;t wait to read this one. winning a copy would be awesome!
Would love to read this book. I have not yet read any of the series.
Looking forward to reading! Thanks for the review and giveaway
I can’t wait to read this book! Poor Harry.
Looks like a great read
started reading this series not too long ago!!! Loving it so far!
I want to read this book so bad. It sounds amazing.
Thank you for the chance to win your book 😊
Can hardly wait to read more Harry Hole! Thank you for this giveaway!!
I’m interested to read this book.
This looks like a great read
Cannot wait
I’ve actually never read any of these fine books but would love to get the opportunity to in this giveaway. I’ve read a lot of great reviews on them though.
Jo Nesbo is at the top of his game …. as always. Dependably guaranteed to provide a thrilling read.
I’m always hoping Harry conquers his addictions but equally thrilled because his demons make him so utterly interesting and human . Wondering if he’d still be same character without them .