OK, so I’ve been reading Harry Hole books for a while now. I’m definitely into the characters, and into Harry’s life. I think this book just wore on me a little bit because it feels like Harry keeps making the same mistakes over and over again. I’m guessing that’s why it took me so long to finish this book. Like the title suggests, I brought it back to the library after only getting through 2 chapters. I did however, take it out again and finish it. So that’s a good sign.
This story centers around a murder that takes place near Christmas. The town of Oslo (where Harry lives) becomes a character along with the Norwegian version of the Salvation Army, some officers, and of course a lady or two. There’s a murder, a long unsolved rape, and some more murders. You’re kept guessing throughout the book who is a good guy, and who is a bad guy. Some people are both good and bad, just like real life.
I love the way Harry thinks in these books. He’s a sometimes recovering, sometimes not alcoholic, and he’s terrible at being at work on time, or interacting and playing politics with the rest of the police force. However, he’s actually a really good detective. He makes connections that are logical, but difficult to make, and he follows them until he’s learned the truth. That’s what I love about Harry. He’s a truly flawed human, but he really does “redeem” himself throughout. BTW, that’s not why the book is called The Redeemer, it’s just my little pun 🙂