More Jo Nesbø Links

From CNN International, Author Nesbø: I am attracted to [the] dark side (May 22,2011): I liked this interview because it gives us more insight into the character of Inspector Harry Hole (admittedly I’ve read it all and never tire of reading it)

CNN: For new readers, tell us a little about your main character Harry Hole.

Nesbø: It is not easy to summarize the protagonist of the series in a few words, but here are some features of Harry’s personality that are important to me when I write about him: He’s the type of guy who is driven by his good side as well as his darker side.

and this one (vague spoilers !) at The Canadian Press (May 22,2011) addressing that stupid label on his books:

“For the Scandinavian crime writers it was a good thing that Stieg Larsson came along,” he said. “But then again, there were writers preceding him that were door openers for Stieg Larsson also, like, Henning Mankell for example.”

Can we get an amen on that please? I’m sure there are more if one cares to chase down the roots of Scandinavian crime fiction. Moving on. The Canadian article actually goes more into his latest novel, available in the UK only right now, The Leopard and gives away some of the plot details. He says it’s his most dark and violent book to date but he didn’t intend for it to be that way. I loved it despite the grisly beginning.

All of his novels are also loaded with power play within institutions and police politics which I love as well. I remember reading another interview awhile back where the author was asked to name one of his greatest strengths as a writer and he answered with :his imagination and I concur because who else can conjure up gruesome torture devices. Still, he’s my favorite crime fiction writer. The Snowman (2011) is out right now (unpaid link to Amazon). Hardcover for the rest of you non-digital reading folks.

I enjoy reading these articles so pardon me for the repetition. Update: Just saw where The Snowman is at #10 on the NYT bestseller lists!