Laura: Jo Nesbo is one heck of a talented Norwegian. Best known as one of the world’s leading crime writers, he is also a musician, songwriter, screenwriter and a children’s author of a series of books about Dr. Proctor and his fart powder. Yes, fart powder. It’s fascinating how a writer of Nordic noir mysteries can also write a bunch of humorous books about farts. Some titles: Bubble in the Bathtub, Who Cut the Cheese and Silent (but Deadly) Night. What 8 to 12 year old is not going to love these?

Well enough on that – let’s talk about his adult mysteries, particularly the Detective Hole book series. Hole is a brilliant and fiercely driven detective. Introverted and often stepping outside the boundaries of legal methods, he is focused on solving crimes while sometimes battling his inner demons and struggling with alcohol and depression. Altogether an interesting character who has many sides to him – the softer ones emerging when he is with his on-again, off-again girlfriend and her young son. 

I recently watched the newly released Netflix tv series Detective Hole. Overall I enjoyed it and recognized its excellent writing, acting and realism but occasionally felt uncomfortable with Harry’s internal war between calm and chaos. But I am intrigued by this writer and will try to carve out time to read the Detective Hole series (and maybe a Dr. Proctor book to tickle the child in me).