The Snowman

Jo Nesbo needs no introduction as a master of the thriller genre, and The Snowman is a chilling example of his skill.

A serial killer walking among the community, building snowmen that look inside the homes of his victims. As far as weaponising the environment, and specifically the snow, Nesbo has nailed it. The tension is as dark as the long nights, and the terror is all the colder because of that snow.

I read it in a tropical Rio summer, yet still had to wear a jumper for days.

Nesbø has become somewhat of a cliché in Norway, because of the staggering amount of books he sells. But this book showcases why he sells so many books—if you’re only going to read one book by Nesbø, read this one! It will take you across Oslo, and again has elements of both crime fiction/mystery and fiction. 

When the first snow falls, married women disappear. This book has everything a good Scandi Noir should have: a terrifying yet intriguing murderer, an inspector who, despite his many flaws and unorthodox methods, won't let anything stop him and instills a certain sympathy as an anti-hero. All this against a backdrop of eerie snowscapes and an incredibly dark, menacing undertone that shimmers throughout the book.

If you're not familiar with the Harry Hole series, this book will definitely leave you wanting more.