The Leopard

A Harry Hole Novel

By: Jo Nesbø, Don Bartlett - translator

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

Length: 21 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Two young women are found murdered in Oslo, both drowned in their own blood. Media coverage quickly reaches fever pitch: Could this be the work of a serial killer?

The crime scenes offer no coherent clues, the police investigation is stalled, and the one man who might be able to help doesn't want to be found. Traumatized by his last case, Inspector Harry Hole has lost himself in the squalor of Hong Kong's opium dens. Yet when he is compelled, at last, to return to Norway - his father is dying - Harry's buried instincts begin to take over. After a female MP is discovered brutally murdered, nothing can keep him from the investigation.

There is little to go on: a piece of rope, a scrap of wool, a bit of gravel, an unexpected connection between the victims. And Harry will soon come to understand that he is dealing with a psychopath for whom insanity is a vital retreat, someone who will put him to the test in both his professional and personal lives as never before.

Ruthlessly intelligent and suspenseful, The Leopard is Jo Nesbo's most electrifying novel yet - absolutely gripping from first to last.

©2011 Jo Nesbo (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Intense . . . Nesbø moves the action easily from Hong Kong to Norway, with side trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo, without ever losing the plot’s sense of urgency.” ( Publishers Weekly, starred)

“Nesbø knows exactly what he’s doing [in] this gripping, intricately plotted tale . . . Like all intelligent crime fiction, this book is not only about multiple murders by heinous means. It is also about legacies, most specifically about the good and evil, love and hate, passed from one generation to the next. This vivid, violent novel promises to speak on many levels to many readers.” ( Library Journal)

“Outstanding . . . Probably the best big crime novel you could lay your hands on this year.” ( BBC Radio 4)

more good stuff

I hope I haven't listened to all of these, because I keep wanting more. It's good to space these Nesbo books out a bit, though: it's not a world to live in more than once a year, maybe. James Lee Burke is similar: good, but best not to stay immersed in too long.

Very, very good with lots of twists and turns.

What did you love best about The Leopard?

All the different stories within the main story. Like life it's complicated. Everything we do and don't do effects not only ourselves but others in life and this same complexity is brought into the story never quite letting one guess the final outcome.

What did you like best about this story?

The idea that there can be redemption of the soul...

Any additional comments?

I will certainly read other books now from this writer. I really enjoyed it.

Keep getting better!!!

These books just continue to get better and better. I love finding out about the different countries and the traditions and the different things that they hold important. I recommend these books. A suggestion if you feel like it’s going a little slow put it on 1.2 I found that putting the narrator just a tiny bit faster helped a lot

An Unlikely Improvement

As much as i enjoyed The Snowman and it's twists and turns, The Leopard may be the best mystery novel I've ever read. Harry is as far into the deep end as he's ever been and he's tracking a killer with methods and motives more unusual and despicable than ever before. He is competing with enemies from within and without and just as you think you've finally figured out the true killer and out foxed Nesbo, the unbelievable truth is revealed. Robin Sachs is, of course, as brilliant and vibrant as ever. A serial killer focused mystery with a distinctly international flavor; The Leopard is worth every minute of your time.

Best of the series so far

If you could sum up The Leopard in three words, what would they be?

I just kept wishing the book would never end. Which admittedly is part of the fun of the plot.

Definitely a spellbinder

Truly interesting plot with many twists, main characters are very human. Highly recommend this book if you enjoy whodunits!

Best one yet!!

So gripping & brilliant narration - visual just like a movie - highly recommend!! Definitely one of Nesbo’s best !

very bloody images! Be aware!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Story kept me at the edge onf my seat but some scenes were a bit too much for me-blood and guts types.

great

What made the experience of listening to The Leopard the most enjoyable?

Nesbo does it again. I've never been disappointed when listening to a Nesbo book. Sachs does an awesome job at bringing the story to life.

I cant wait for the next book in the series.

Robin Sachs is the voice of Harry Hole. Harry is a brilliant detective who is a complete mess as a person. Who could ask for a better character. Keep up the good work Mr Nesbo!