6+ Favorite Jo Nesbo Crime Novels (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite Jo Nesbo crime novels (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
$9.63

In The Snowman, Jo Nesbo paints a chilling picture of crime as Norwegian inspector Harry Hole investigates a series of murders involving married mothers, each linked by a snowman at the scene. I appreciated the solid writing and character development, which kept me engaged throughout. As a fan of Scandinavian fiction, I found it compelling, but I should warn that the dark and bizarre elements might not sit well with everyone. While I enjoyed the read, I can’t fully recommend it to just anyone due to its strange vibe.
Pros:
Engaging writing style
Intriguing plot with strong character development
Resonates well with fans of Scandinavian fiction
Cons:
The book's dark and strange elements may not appeal to everyone.
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01/31/2026 03:02 pm GMT
Midnight Sun by Jo Nesbo
$16.10

In Midnight Sun, Jo Nesbo spins a gripping tale about a hitman named Jon, who finds himself on the run in a remote Norwegian town after betraying a crime lord. The novel is packed with suspense and explores deeper themes like redemption and the impact of choices. I really enjoyed the writing, plot, and character development; it’s solid Scandinavian crime fiction that hooks you in. However, it’s worth noting that Nesbo’s dark and strange style might not be for everyone, so while I liked it, I can’t recommend it to just anyone.
Pros:
Engaging writing style
Strong plot with suspense and crime elements
Well-developed characters
Cons:
The book's dark and strange elements may not appeal to everyone.
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01/31/2026 03:02 pm GMT
The Leopard by Jo Nesbo
$12.02

In The Leopard, Jo Nesbo takes us back into the gritty world of Harry Hole, who reluctantly returns to Norway to tackle a chilling serial killer case. The book is more than just a crime thriller; it digs into themes of loyalty and personal growth, especially through Harry's relationship with his father. I found the writing and character development impressive, keeping me hooked with plenty of twists. However, I have to warn that the violence might be too much for some readers. Overall, while I enjoyed it, it's definitely not for everyone.
Pros:
Gripping crime thriller with several twists
Explores themes of loyalty and personal growth
Well-written with strong character development
Cons:
Contains significant amounts of violence
Some scenes may be disturbing for some readers
Not suitable for all audiences
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01/31/2026 09:01 pm GMT
Phantom by Jo Nesbo
$12.83

In Phantom by Jo Nesbo, we follow detective Harry Hole as he confronts a drug cartel in Oslo, which pulls him out of retirement. I went in with high hopes after loving The Snowman and The Leopard, but I found myself disappointed. The story felt slow and lost, lacking the unique flair of Nesbo's earlier works. While there were interesting glimpses into Oslo's heroin scene, it felt more like a generic crime story than something distinctly Scandinavian. If you’re curious about Nesbo, skip Phantom and start with The Snowman or The Leopard instead.
Pros:
Engaging writing style with interesting social commentary
Unique and gripping previous works by Jo Nesbo
Insight into the Oslo heroin community
Cons:
Plot and pacing felt derivative and uninteresting
Slow build-up before anything significant happens
Confusing plot focus and character attention
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01/31/2026 09:02 pm GMT
The Redeemer: A Harry Hole Novel (6) (Harry Hole Series)

$12.04

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01/31/2026 05:02 pm GMT