Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Review: The Bat by Jo Nesbo (Harry Hole #1)

Crime thrillers are all about passion, deep dark secrets, revenge and a lot of action. Most of the authors try to deliver a potential screamer to the readers and garner positive feedback. Author Jo Nesbo in his book "The Bat" tries to play mind games with the readers and take them for a ride. So does he really stump the readers? Let's find out. 

HARRY IS OUT OF HIS DEPTH. 
Detective Harry Hole is meant to keep out of trouble. A young Norwegian girl taking a gap year in Sydney has been murdered, and Harry has been sent to Australia to assist in any way he can. 
HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO GET TOO INVOLVED. 
When the team unearths a string of unsolved murders and disappearances, nothing will stop Harry from finding out the truth. The hunt for a serial killer is on, but the murderer will talk only to Harry. 
HE MIGHT JUST BE THE NEXT VICTIM. 


First look at the title and the cover and the title looks bit out of sorts and it's hard to establish it's connection with the story. The cover image is promising and gives a sense of eerie to the readers. The blurb talks about a character and his endeavors on an assignment. The story has been concealed well and keeping the guess work again for the readers. 

The story is of Harry Hole who lands up in Sydney from Norway in order to help the police in solving the murder of a Norwegian citizen. Straight away he gets to work as the list of suspects rise and a lot of connections are established. But gradually it starts getting complicated as Harry and the team of police officers are led on a trail which takes them to another world of mystery and illusions and notions. So will Harry be able to lay hands on the killer? Will his methods work in this cut throat environment? What is more for him and the officers to uncover in this dark dirty game? That's what the story is all about. 

The book is a trademark crime thriller fiction with a lot of suspense and drama and a lot of action. It has tremendous amount of guess work and surprises and baffles the readers from time to time. The pace at which the  story changes track is also exemplary. Harry Hole as a character has been sketched with a lot of gut and uncanny emotions. He adds flavor to the story with his unusual methods. The intensity of the story matches up to the expectations of the readers. 

The downside of the book is dragged middle portion and a very simple and predictable ending. The end could have been polished more. The vivid thoughts of Harry Hole could have been toned down in the book. The edge is lost somewhat in the prolonged conversations in the second half. 

All in all it makes a great case for a compelling read for the readers. It takes you on a ride of a life. The book has elements of flair and delivers up to the expectations. It might give a feel of being stretched sometimes but has been executed with command. It plays with the mind of the readers. An entertainer for masses.  

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5  

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