The Snowman

by Raymond Briggs, Jo Nesbo
The Snowman cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Mystery
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£9.99 Board book • £7.99
Bookshop
Format • £7.59–£9.49
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Technical
  • ID: 1678
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780307358653
  • Publisher: Random House Digital, Inc.
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4

As the first snow of the season blankets Oslo, a woman vanishes, leaving behind an eerie snowman. Detective Harry Hole, known for his sharp instincts and stubborn nature, is called in to investigate. The case takes a dark turn when Hole realizes this is not an isolated incident, but part of a series of disappearances. The killer seems to be taunting Hole personally, making the investigation a deeply personal and dangerous pursuit. /n/nHarry Hole's reputation precedes him, and his methods are as unorthodox as they are effective. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and psychological manipulation that challenges his every move. The snowman, a seemingly innocent symbol of winter, becomes a haunting emblem of the killer's sinister intentions, pushing Hole to his limits in a race against time to stop the killer before another life is claimed.

Reviews
Books for Topics · 2025-10-08
magical 4.50

This story is retold beautifully and never loses its magical appeal. It is perfect for bedtime reading and is bound to be a favorite among children.

Books for Topics praises the magical appeal of 'The Snowman,' noting that it never loses its charm. They highlight how the story is retold beautifully, making it a perfect bedtime read for children. The reviewer appreciates the timeless quality of the book and how it continues to captivate young readers. They also mention that the book is a favorite among children, making it a must-have for any family's book collection.

Quick quotes

    This cherished story that never loses its magical appeal, as retold in the beautiful words of one our nation's favourite children's authors, is bound to be a ...

    Perfect for bedtime reading and is bound to be a favorite among children.

    The Snowman perfectly captures the wonder and ...

Sarah Collins Bookworm · Sarah Collins · 2024-10-24
good 3.50

The book is an enjoyable and gripping read, despite the reviewer's occasional struggles with thrillers. The story is well-written and suspenseful, with ample twists and turns.

Sarah Collins, who sometimes struggles with thrillers, found 'The Snowman' to be an enjoyable and gripping read. She praises the book's well-written and suspenseful nature, noting that it keeps the reader engaged with its twists and turns. The reviewer appreciates the complexity of the plot and the depth of the characters, which add layers to the story. Despite her occasional difficulties with the genre, she finds this book to be a standout and a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    It makes for an enjoyable read that's gripping.

    I often find them too, but this one kept me engaged.

    The story is well-written and suspenseful, with ample twists and turns.

The Guardian · 2024-03-23
beloved 4.75

This book is a beloved classic that has sold over 5.5 million copies and remains a staple in Christmas schedules. The illustrations are dream-like and capture the wonder of a snowy day.

The Guardian's review emphasizes the enduring popularity of 'The Snowman,' noting its impressive sales and its status as a Christmas staple. They praise the dream-like illustrations that perfectly capture the wonder and magic of a snowy day. The reviewer also highlights how the wordless nature of the story allows for a universal appeal, making it accessible to readers of all ages. They appreciate how the book has stood the test of time and continues to be a cherished part of many childhoods.

Quick quotes

    It is Raymond Briggs's most loved book, notching up sales of 5.5m, while the TV adaptation is a hardy perennial in the Christmas schedules.

    The pictures have 'the hazy softness of air in snow.'

    A little boy rushes out into the wintry day to build a snowman that comes to life.

Meredith Rankin · Meredith Rankin · 2023-07-05
great 4.00

The reviewer has a soft spot for Scandinavian crime fiction and finds this book to be a gripping and well-crafted addition to the genre. The story is suspenseful and atmospheric, with a morbid storyline that keeps the reader engaged.

Meredith Rankin confesses to having a soft spot for Scandinavian crime fiction, and 'The Snowman' does not disappoint. She finds the book to be a gripping and well-crafted addition to the genre, with a suspenseful and atmospheric storyline. The reviewer appreciates the morbid elements of the story, which add a layer of intrigue and keep the reader engaged throughout. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intricate, making it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction.

Quick quotes

    I have a soft spot for Scandinavian crime fiction.

    This is a gripping and well-crafted addition to the genre.

    The story is suspenseful and atmospheric, with a morbid storyline that keeps the reader engaged.

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