Blood on Snow
A novel
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4.1 • 182 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Cockroaches, Olav Johansen is a walking contradiction: a cold-blooded killer with a heart of gold. This was not a problem—until he fell for his boss’s wife….
“Nesbø’s much-heralded gifts are on display.” —The New York Times Book Review
Olav is a fixer for a high-profile crime kingpin in 1970s Oslo. He easily takes care of anyone who causes trouble for his boss. But he is more complicated than he seems. Olav's latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, but it may become his greatest mistake: It turns out that the more you know about your boss's business, the more your boss might want you fixed yourself—especially if you're falling for his wife.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Olav has inherited a dark trait from his father: the ability to kill, and kill well. This quick-reading, standalone crime thriller from international superstar Jo Nesbø puts a stark spin on Les Misérables, casting his protagonist as a modern Jean Valjean seeking our redemption. Despite the methodically executed bloodshed, we did find ourselves drawn to Nesbø’s ruthless narrator. As Olav shares details of his troubled upbringing, social isolation, and dyslexia, we root for him—even though his twisted actions with lovers and crime bosses suggest he may be double-crossing us, the readers.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Olav a hit man, or "fixer" narrates this thin standalone from Nesb (The Son) set in 1970s Oslo. His boss, drug kingpin Daniel Hoffmann, has an unusual assignment for Olav: "He wanted me to fix his wife." Olav sets up surveillance on the beautiful Corina Hoffman from a hotel across the street and watches her let a man into the apartment. It's someone she clearly knows, but the man's first action is to strike her, then he sleeps with her, and Olav figures she's being blackmailed. Olav, whose sympathies shift to Corina, hopes to save her and double-cross his boss in a plot reminiscent of a 1940s American noir novel. A damaged loner, Olav is full of contradictions, but he's more intelligent and emotional than he'll admit, which gives the book a bit of humanity and humor. Nesb fans will enjoy this slender story, though newcomers may find it altogether too macabre.
Customer Reviews
Outstanding
This novella is an outstanding work by Nesbo. It is not another of the Harry Hole detective series, but a stand-alone work of great tragedy and beauty. The central character and narrator is a hit-man and a dyslexic poet, both violent and soft-hearted. With any luck there will be more stand-alone works by Nesbo in the near future.
Brilliant
Jo Nesbo's gifts for narrative, insight, and turn of phrase are brilliantly displayed in Blood on Snow. This is his finest writing.
blood on snow
I have been a big fan of Jo Nesbo for some years and have thoroughly enjoyed the Harry Hole series. This stand alone novel was a great disappointment to me. I thought the story was lame and the writing lazy. I will think twice about buying the next Jo Nesbo book.