The Devil's Star

By: Jo Nesbø

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2009 Jo Nesbo (P)2011 Random House Audio

New Steig Larsson? Hah! The new Raymond Chandler!

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

Dynamite outing by Nesbo. I would call it a page-turner if there were pages. Captivating, fun and with the usual Nesbo twists and turns. It will speed your commute, ease the pain of your workout, or provide a not-so-soothing time alone with a peculiar evil.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters, of course.

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

Robin is one of my favorites. Now, the fact that the Norwegian characters lurch into Liverpudlian dialects could be distracting if you pay attention, but it gets the point across and his Norwegian place-names and pacing are crackerjack. Four thumbs up!

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

Yes- but too long to acccommodate. Also quite good in bite-sized ear bits.

Any additional comments?

How a uniquely American art form- the noire tale- became bread-and-butter for our Scandanavian cousins is quite remarkable. Still, I suppose if the dry Soccoro winds in LA that made the meek housewife with her carving knife eye her irritating husband's neck, it may be that the endless night of winter brings on a similar taste of Seasonal
Adjusted Madness....

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

Jo Nesbo is unreal

For years Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series has been my very favorite. After listening to my first Jo Nesbo book "The Snowman" I was hooked and downloaded everyone of his books the main character Harry Hole is now my second favorite series.

I have to commit on the narrator Robin Sachs as the narrator can make or brake a great book he is one of the best you can always tell what character is talking with out doubt his narrating will keep you on the edge of you seat.

If your looking for a new series then look no further.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Gripping, especially if you have read Red Breast

I could not put the story down at the end because of the way it wrapped up the Red Breast story. If you are looking for the right book to pick up after Red Breast, this is it.

Nesbo's stories are complex enough that it is a good idea to have both the written and audible portion. Note to Amazon: Whispersync was not working even though my accounts said it would.

Great detective work, clever lines.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

A Really Great Mystery, Well read!

Absolutely my favorite new writer, Nesbo's character development, plot, the twists and suspense rival Thomas Harris and Larsson. I loved every second of this and The Snowman.

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

My 2nd Nesbo

This is a great book, intense, a page turner. Nesbo is a very imaginative author, he tells a good, tight story with good human insight. I can't wait for my next one.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Police/Crime Thriller

A serious 'Crime Thriller' written by Norway's Jo Nesbo.

I have read three books in the Harry Hole series and this was my favorite. It had a well-considered plot, good dialogue, positive character development, and the writing was expertly handled.I enjoyed the character study of Harry Hole (the hero/anti-hero). He is funny in a pathetic, yet lovable way.

There were multiple minor plot lines that intersected during the chase for an elusive serial killer; I felt this added interest to the story, and thickened the plot. I do not always enjoy multi-tiered stories, but in this case it was a welcome addition.

The descriptions of the crimes were mild given that the subject matter involves a serial killer and multiple victims, but would nevertheless give it a strong R-rating for violence and graphic sexual content.

*Recommended for fans of the genre only.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Fantastic!

Jo Nesbo is brilliant! He manages to keep the reader careening around unexpected curves from the beginning to the end of this book. I am so taken with his main character, Harry Hole. He is like the Norwegian version of Jack Reacher but with more human flaws. I can't wait to begin the next Harry Hole book.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

If you like the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Devil's star was a very good story and performance. If you have not read any of the series start with the first Harry Hole novel and then go in order. You do not have to but there is a little bit of history that runs through the books. Some of Harry's deductions are a little far fetched but still an excellent series of books.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

My Anti-Hero....Love that Harry!

I absolutely love Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole, even though he is soooo "convoluted." Started with the "Snowman," and couldn't believe how the characters played out - every one interesting...never guessed who the Snowman was. The same with "The Devil's Star." I am now an avid fan. Harry, you might have to stay sober, but don't change a thing about your skills.
Are you listening, Jo Nesbo? Lois in Chicago

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Written by a Master!

Another great book from Nesbo. To enjoy this book fully, you must read "The Redbreast" and "Nemeis" prior to reading this "trilogy" as there is a dramatic resolution to a long-running murder that is referenced in these three books. Harry Hole's obsession with this murder has caused his downfall into drunkenness, unreliability, hostility and estrangement from his loved ones. At times, I wanted to give up on Harry, but his vulnerability and empathy had me cheering for him. Harry's redemption in the end is so satisfying to the story and to me.

That said, the main story line is about a serial killer loose in Norway during a hot Summer. The killer is leaving behind a star-shaped diamond and taking away a finger at each scene. In addition, Harry is made to work with someone he despises. The story builds and builds to a twisty resolution that will have you holding your breath. Robin Sachs is "Harry Hole" to me. Since his recent death, I have learned to savor every book narrated by Mr. Sachs.

The story starts off so strange -- a droplet of water moves through a centuries old house and ultimately causes the finding of the first victim. After replaying it several times, I realized how creative and brilliant a writer Nesbo can be. I would pay to read his shopping list.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful