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Harry Hole

by Jo Nesbo

13 books Started 1997 Latest 2023
Publication Reading Order

The Harry Hole is a Crime Fiction / Literary Fiction series by Jo Nesbo, made up of 13 books published between 1997 and 2023. It begins with The Bat (1997), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Killing Moon (2023), spanning 26 years of storytelling.

13books
26years active
4decades
~2.2yrs between books
2023latest release
# Title Year Buy
1990s
1 The Bat 1997 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2 Cockroaches 1998 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2000s
3 The Redbreast 2000 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
4 Nemesis 2002 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
5 The Devil's Star 2003 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
6 The Redeemer 2005 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
7 The Snowman 2007 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
8 The Leopard 2009 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2010s
9 Phantom 2011 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
10 Police 2013 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
11 The Thirst 2017 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
12 Knife 2019 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2020s
13 Killing MoonLatest 2023 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia

Harry Hole series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Harry Hole series?

Start with The Bat (1997), the first book in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Harry Hole series?

There are 13 books in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo, published between 1997 and 2023.

What is the first book in the Harry Hole series?

The first book in the Harry Hole series is The Bat, published in 1997 by Jo Nesbo.

What is the latest book in the Harry Hole series?

The most recent book in the Harry Hole series is Killing Moon (2023) by Jo Nesbo.

More books by Jo Nesbo View all series and reading orders →
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About Jo Nesbo

Jo Nesbø (born March 29, 1960) is a Norwegian bestselling crime writer and musician. Born in Oslo, he first gained recognition as the lead singer and songwriter for the Norwegian pop-rock band Di Derre. Nesbø's literary career began in 1997 when he published his debut novel, "The Bat." This marked the inception of his highly successful Harry Hole series, featuring a troubled detective navigating the dark underbelly of Oslo. Nesbø's writing is characterized by fast-paced plots, complex characters, and a nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity. His novels have sold over 50 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 50 languages. Among his notable works are "The Snowman," "The Redeemer," and "Blood on the Snow." He has received numerous awards, including the Norwegian Booksellers' Prize and the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award. Nesbø's critical success has made him one of the most widely read contemporary crime writers.

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About the Harry Hole series

Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole novels are the dark, addictive spine of Scandinavian noir. Harry is an Oslo homicide detective of rare brilliance and self-destruction — an alcoholic, insubordinate, obsessive hunter of the worst killers, whose victories always cost him something.

Nesbø writes serial-killer thrillers of relentless momentum and genuine darkness, with intricate plots and a hero who is as much a danger to himself as to the criminals. The Norwegian setting adds a bleak, atmospheric chill.

While early entries exist, most English readers begin with "The Redbreast," where the series hits its stride; from there, read in order, as Harry's relationships and recurring adversaries build a powerful continuing arc.