Police

By: Jo Nesbo, Don Bartlett - translator

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

The police urgently need Harry Hole

A killer is stalking Oslo’s streets. Police officers are being slain at the scenes of crimes they once investigated, but failed to solve. The murders are brutal, the media reaction hysterical.

But this time, Harry can’t help anyone

For years, detective Harry Hole has been at the centre of every major criminal investigation in Oslo. His dedication to his job and his brilliant insights have saved the lives of countless people. But now, with those he loves most facing terrible danger, Harry can’t protect anyone.

Least of all himself.

Critic reviews

Boasts the customary ability to render attempts at work and sleep futile until it is finished (Jake Kerridge)

As usual, the brilliant Nesbo is several steps ahead of you in this endlessly twisting, multi-layered thriller that also shines a light on the murky areas of Norway’s upper echelons (Natasha Harding)

Scandinavian crime thrillers don’t come much darker or more tense than the best-selling Harry Hole series, and this tenth outing for the Norwegian detective is the best yet (Deirdre O’Brien)

In the dark world of Scandinavian crime, Jo Nesbo's novels are darker than most… Settle down with a glass of Akvavit and prepare for a long night

Resistance is futile: Nesbo has some rare, Ancient Mariner-type gift for holding his readers completely in thrall until he has finished with us (Jake Kerridge)

Nesbo’s best since The Snowman … Particularly strong in portraying the interaction between cops

A terrifying roller-coaster (Myles McWeeney)

It's easy to see why his books are mega-sellers – those enormous, pulsating plots drag you in without mercy... Compulsive (Iain Finlayson/Kate Saunders)

In Harry Hole, [Nesbo has] created the most complex, compelling and at times frustrating detective... Probably his best yet (Cherie Blair)

Fans of the series will know what to expect, and won't be disappointed

Say it ain't so Jo

The end of the Harry Hole series?

What a way to go out! Jo Nesbø wraps up many things and, of course, leaves some things intriguingly unwrapped. The story is wonderfully complex, and filled with old and new characters.

This is definitely a driveway book (one where you stop in your driveway and keep listening until you find an acceptable place to pause the book and go inside).

Jo Nesbo, Don Bartlett, and Sean Barett have again united to keep me glued to my Audbile iPhone!

fitting end which I still couldn't guess

Where does Police rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

one of the best. At one point I thought I had figured it out (having read many of the preceding books) but, again, the brilliant author was ahead in the game

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harry Hole, of course

Which scene was your favorite?

any scene where you just cannot say, or be sure he is being described as a victim/perpetrator. You know you MIGHT be deliberately lead on but you also cannot be sure that it is what it seems. I held my breath and waited for the other shoe to drop.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

it could be. It was good. I liked it better than the preceding book in the series

Any additional comments?

sad to let the series go

Great great great

Fantastic book , great series. Everything about this book is perfect. Well plotted. Enthralling .

Sublime story telling

Jo Nesbo and Harry Hole do it again!!! Action pact, suspenseful, clever and deep. Intelligent story telling at its best.

Stumbling..just slightly Jo

Would you consider the audio edition of Police to be better than the print version?

Sorry. I am only able to listen now so I can't comment in detail. However, any person who loves the written word as much as I did, would probably find the experience of being able to listen only, wanting. Sean Barrett's amazingly good interpretation helps enormously but quite possibly due to my own failings, I cannot say that listening will ever supplant the reading experience.Perhaps the technology could be improved for listeners? To simulate the scanning available to a reader, could more detail be accessible in the App? For example, could the page number or chapter heading still be visible in an adjustable size font? This would assist a listener to reread or check back on important details which become more important in complex scenarios such as the ones written by Nesbo? Place and character names or specific things people have said are easily checked by a reader but to a listener it is impossible to re- find. the ungraduated " page bar" at the top of the screen is a very clumsy, limited feature which exacerbates this problem.Nonetheless, please keep providing us with interesting, diverse choices in novels.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Perhaps I am alone in thinking that I have no right to comment or interfere in the Author's art of creation? Again, I can only suggest that a technical aid in the App would help the listener to enjoy the story more. In a highly tense novel an easy to find VoiceOver button on the page perhaps to give details as to the chapter number you are up to, how many chapters there are in total and even a " bookmark" button where the reader can dictate a name, a connection or a clue perhaps? What I am describing is a hybrid to a kindle experience whilst remaining only an audible feature. Just a series of suggestions..

Have you listened to any of Sean Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Certainly, yes. I seek out what I can find that is read by him, whilst still being within my listening interest range. He is an inspired voice actor who imparts a sustained, authentic experience even when he is up against a myriad of unusual pronunciations and various genders to represent. Most importantly, the readings are not " over produced." It has been painful to listen to other novels which are dramatised to such an extent that it is impossible to even attempt to suspend disbelief.A lifetime of being familiar with the reading genre suddenly being replaced by the listening genre needs all the talent a speaker, a producer and a poor old listener can muster.This reading is on a par with the very best available.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are many moving moments in this novel. It would seem that Mr Nesbo has placed his main character Harry Høle in an existential, never ceasing loop of an overwhelmingly troubled life. Far more accomplished reviewers than myself have acknowledged that they actually called out in alarm at scenes where familiar, finely drawn characters we have been urged to admire suddenly face terrible danger. It would be a " spoiler" if one said more.

Any additional comments?

After 8? novels, Jo Nesbo remains a force to be reckoned with in the dramatic genre. His taut storytelling and unique style keeps the listener working very hard throughout the novel. I truly love that. The fact that a hugely caring human being is reflected in the writing is of enormous help to an engaged listener. Even though there are texts which are less plot driven and richer with insight into a wider human existence, novels such as this one can offer an entertainment in the truest sense of the word.