Description
The Redbreast By Jo Nesbo
The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo is a 2000 crime novel. It is the first book in the Harry Hole series, which follows the adventures of a Norwegian detective named Harry Hole.
The novel begins in 1999, when a retired Norwegian police officer named Frederik Frolich is murdered. Frolich had been investigating a series of unsolved murders that occurred during World War II. Detective Harry Hole is assigned to the case, and he quickly realizes that he is dealing with a cold-blooded killer.
Hole soon discovers that Frolich was investigating a group of Norwegian collaborators who worked with the Nazis during World War II. The collaborators were known as the Redbreasts, and they were responsible for killing members of the Norwegian resistance.
Hole and his team work tirelessly to track down the Redbreasts. But they are always one step behind. The Redbreasts are well-organized and they have powerful friends in high places.
As the investigation continues, Hole begins to receive strange messages from the Redbreasts. The Redbreasts taunt him and challenge him to catch them. Hole realizes that the Redbreasts are not just criminals. They are also psychopaths who are obsessed with him.
Hole and his team eventually track down the Redbreasts. But not before they kill several more people and leave a trail of destruction in their wake.
Characters
- Detective Harry Hole: The main character of the novel. Hole is a brilliant and dedicated investigator. He is also a flawed and complex individual who struggles with alcoholism and personal demons.
- Frederik Frolich: A retired Norwegian police officer who is murdered at the beginning of the novel. Frolich was investigating a series of unsolved murders that occurred during World War II.
- The Redbreasts: A group of Norwegian collaborators who worked with the Nazis during World War II. The Redbreasts are responsible for killing members of the Norwegian resistance.
Themes
The Redbreast explores a number of themes, including:
- The nature of evil: The novel explores the idea that evil is not always clear-cut. The Redbreasts are not stereotypical villains. They are complex individuals who are motivated by their own dark desires.
- The power of obsession: The Redbreasts are obsessed with Hole. This obsession drives them to kill and to commit other acts of violence.
- The importance of justice: Hole is determined to bring the Redbreasts to justice, even if it means putting his own life in danger.
Conclusion
The Redbreast is a well-written and suspenseful novel. Nesbo keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The novel also explores some interesting themes, such as the nature of evil, the power of obsession, and the importance of justice.