The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

I just ordered my first Jo Nesbo/ Harry Hole book The Redbreast. I thought that was the first in the series, but then I saw the Bat was the original. Am I ok reading The Redbreast first or should I go get The Bat? Thanks for the help.

The Bat is the first one, but it's easy enough to backtrack. I started reading Nesbo years ago before he was popular, and the Bat hadn't been released yet.

Theo wrote: "I just ordered my first Jo Nesbo/ Harry Hole book The Redbreast. I thought that was the first in the series, but then I saw the Bat was the original. Am I ok reading The Redbreast first or should..." The Redbreast was the first book translated into English but the third book written by Nesbo. The Bat was finally translated recently as mentioned by Nancy it is the first book. Cockroaches is the second book and will be released by the end of the year. If you are likely to read all three, I would suggest reading them in the order they were written. Even though the Nesbo books can each stand alone, there are occasional references to incidents in earlier books. But I think the biggest reason to read in order is that Nesbo really got better and better as a writer over the first few books and it might be a bit off-putting to jump backwards where the writing isn't quite as good as the newer books. But enjoy the series - and let me tell you, the opening pages of Redbreast are particularly good.... Regards, Ken

Thanks that helps a lot. I would feel better reading them in order but I wanted to be sure.

everyone i spoke to has told me not to bother reading the bat, so i'm gonna start with the redbreast and continue in order from there

I'd got the Redbreast, then saw that The Bat has since been published in English. Not started em yet, but a Norwegian friend has recommended reading them in order, as Ken says.

I just finished Phantom and enjoyed it. I do think I'll read The Bat if I can get it from the library for my Kindle.

"The Redbreast" was the first Nesbo book published in English. I read it first because "The Bat" and "The Cockroaches" were not available then. It depends on how strongly you feel about reading in order, but you still have a wait for book 2 because it is not yet available in the U.S. I prefer to read in order but Nesbo is too good to miss out on! Maybe start with Headhunters because it is a stand-alone.

Ken wrote: But I think the biggest reason to read in order is that Nesbo really got better and better as a writer over the first few books and it might be a bit off-putting to jump backwards where the writing isn't quite as good as the newer books."

I started with 'The Snowman' and didn't feel like I missed out by not reading the earlier ones. But now I'll go back to 'The Bat' and am worried about what you described, that the writing may not be as good. But I suppose that's the same with most series.

Hello Jo Nesbo fans.

Until just recently, I'm told, The Redeemer was nearly impossible to buy in the U. S. Well, a friend of mine obtained a copy and we've been passing it on after reading it...keeping it in the U. S.

Sorry, haven't read all the posts here but the reason (as may have been stated) that there's this mixup about which was written first, what's available in the U. S., etc. is because Nesbo writes in Norwegian, however they may not be published in English in the order in which he writes/publishes in Norway and may not be available in the U. S., in our local bookstores. (My apology if everyone here knows that.)

Reason for my post is if anyone here, in the USA would like the book I have, I will be happy to mail it to you providing that when you finish, you'll pass it on to another.

We've put our names (those who have read it)and city/state so it's been around the states.

Let me know via email, of course if you would like to have it.

Cheers to all Nesbo's fine readers here.

I have not had any trouble finding the Nesbo Harry Hole books in the library except the first two which weren't available in English. There is also that annoying delay between the time books are published in the UK and when they appear in the US. I am now on our library systems waiting list for both The Bat (currently 11th on the list-they have 8 copies) and Police (Release date: 10/15/2013). I think it is best to read the books in order as far as possible but until now you had to start with the Redbreast in English.

Gary wrote: "I have not had any trouble finding the Nesbo Harry Hole books in the library except the first two which weren't available in English. There is also that annoying delay between the time books are pu..."

Hi Gary:

Yes, I'm away of the annoying delay in publication in English which is why most of us, as far as I know, started with Redbreast.

Then Ed sent me The Redeemer as I stated above. If you want, I'll be happy to send it along to you although I'm not sure where it is in the series and have no idea of the timetable for when the others will be published in English.

Just let me know.

Good reading. Cathy

I have read all of the books currently available in English except the Bat which I should get from the library in the next few weeks.

Gary wrote: "I have read all of the books currently available in English except the Bat which I should get from the library in the next few weeks."

Hi Gary:

Nice talking with you and obviously you don't need The Redeemer. No problem. Just wanted to pass it on, if possible and if not, I'll donate to Friends of Library.

Cheers....Cathy

I just finished The Bat and am glad I didn't read it first. The Harry Hole character is more colorful in the later books and the Norwegian setting more integral to the plot. The Bat takes place in Australia. Not sure why Nesbo chose to start a series this way but he hit his stride in the later books.

I haven't read the Bat, but later references to the story and Australia in other books are not very convincing about the way police forces are set up and operate in Australia. Apart from that, I've really enjoyed all of the ones I have read, and they haven't been in order, since I get them from secondhand bookshops mostly or borrow from friends.

I think Nesbo had been to Australia as tourist or possibly working for a short time there. The second book is set in Thailand.

I am reading Harry Hole series as i can get hold of one.. May be after this i will start from the first one.. If i can find i.e.. I was trying to find a Jo Nesbo's fan group some where and I FOUND IT :)