The Devil's Star

By: Jo Nesbo

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

A young woman is murdered in her Oslo flat. One finger has been severed from her left hand, and behind her eyelid is secreted a tiny red diamond in the shape of a five-pointed star — a pentagram, the devil’s star.

Detective Harry Hole is assigned to the case with his long-time adversary Tom Waaler and initially wants no part in it. But Harry is already on notice to quit the force and is left with little alternative but to drag himself out of his alcoholic stupor and get to work.

A wave of similar murders is on the horizon. An emerging pattern suggests that Oslo has a serial killer on its hands, and the five-pointed devil’s star is key to solving the riddle.

Great plot

I was fooled not once but three times. I have been reading mysteries for 60 years, and I am not often fooled anymore, but I am absolutely delighted when it happens. That being said, I dislike the Scandinavian – Japanese minimalist style of storytelling in which the author doesn’t give you all the basic facts and you are often having to guess about what has happened. I hate that in a mystery. This may be the fault of the translator, however.

Finally!!

If you have read the previous Harry Hole novels, this will be a satisfying read. The plot is quick paced and holds the attention.

Didn't think anything could equal The Redbreast

This one may even surpass The Redbreast. Disappointed when no resolution to a key murder in Redbreast not resolved in Nemesis. It is resolved here and then some!

Entertaining mystery, great narrator

What did you love best about The Devil's Star?

The characters were interesting and believable, and the narrator did an excellent job of bringing them to life. He even managed to make women sound like real human beings, which seems tough for many narrators.

Who was your favorite character and why?

They were all engaging, even the sickos.

Which character – as performed by Robin Sachs – was your favorite?

I loved listening to the narrator change from character to character.

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

I was relieved when the convenient ending turned out, in fact, not to be the ending at all. It's a weird thing when you're listening to a story and you have no visual perception of how much is actually left. I'm sure other audible listeners know what I mean!

Any additional comments?

I will be reading more Jo Nesbo as soon as I finish my creepy Halloween choice of Stephen King's 'It'.

Revisiting Harry Hole.

Would you listen to The Devil's Star again? Why?

No. I've read every Jo Nesbo book that has been translated to English but missed this one.This case took place a decade ago. It was entertaining to recall how his character has developed into its current status.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, there's always a darker side or sharp edge waiting to take you in a different direction.

Which character – as performed by Robin Sachs – was your favorite?

Harry Hole!

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

Yes, Oleg referring to Harry as "Dad".

Any additional comments?

Robin Sachs and Harry Hole are the best combo in Audible entertainment!