THE DEVIL'S STAR

The cover of this book states optimistically that Jo Nesbø is the next Stieg Larsson. Not likely. Its Oslo setting is appealing and well rendered as are some of the supporting characters. However, Police Detective Harry Hole is unappealing—he’s his own worst enemy, and his alcoholism is given far too much emphasis. This is the third in a trilogy after THE REDBREAST and NEMESIS. Narrator Robin Sachs does his best with various accents, but the story is repetitious as Harry tries to clean up his personal life while searching for a serial killer who places a red diamond on each victim. With the wealth of outstanding Scandinavian novels from which to choose, look elsewhere for “the new Larsson.” S.G.B. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2011]