The Redbreast

The third book in Jo Nesbø's slick Norwegian crime novel series, but the first to be translated into English. Set in late 1999 and early 2000, it follows the bizarre actions of an ex-soldier in the waning months of a battle with cancer as he takes one last stab at wrapping up all the loose ends in his life. Meanwhile, inspector Harry Hole is tracking rumors of a smuggled sniper rifle, but skinheads and conspirators are cramping his style. The present-day story is intercut with flashbacks to the old man's participation in World War II, and there's a lot of consideration for Norway's complicated involvement with Nazi Germany.


 * No Pronunciation Guide: Harry's last name sounds like "hula," not the English word "hole." And depending on your English dialect, the author's name can sound like "Yo Nezbeh" or "You Nezber."
 * Tear Jerker: All of part 5.