The Bat

by Jo Nesbo
The Bat cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Mystery
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4159
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781409019480
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-10-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the first book of the internationally bestselling Harry Hole series, Detective Harry Hole is sent to Sydney to assist in the investigation of a young Norwegian girl's murder. Initially meant to keep a low profile, Harry becomes deeply involved when the team discovers a pattern of unsolved murders and disappearances. The hunt for a serial killer intensifies, and the murderer seems to have a peculiar interest in Harry, making him a potential target. Harry's relentless pursuit of the truth puts him in grave danger, but he won't stop until he uncovers the truth. /n/nThe Bat is the first installment in Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole series, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Nesbø's gripping storytelling and intricate plotting have made this series a global phenomenon, with The Bat serving as a stunning introduction to the complex and compelling character of Harry Hole.

Reviews
Bookwormex · 2023-05-24
thrilling 4.50

The Bat remains a thrilling read and a foundational piece for fans of the Harry Hole series. The book's suspenseful ending and complex characters make it a standout.

The reviewer found The Bat to be a thrilling and engaging read, particularly praising the book's suspenseful moments and the depth of its characters. They noted that the book serves as a strong foundation for the Harry Hole series, with a protagonist that is both complex and intriguing. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a plot that is both well-crafted and suspenseful. Overall, they found The Bat to be a standout in the crime fiction genre, with a protagonist that is sure to captivate fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Overall, The Bat remains a thrilling read and a foundational piece for fans of the Harry Hole series.

    The Bat is a solid start to the Harry Hole series, with a protagonist that is sure to captivate fans of crime fiction.

    The book's suspenseful ending and complex characters make it a standout.

Crime Fiction Critic · 2021-03-21
engaging 4.00

The appeal of The Bat lies in its protagonist, Inspector Harry Hole, who is a complex and intriguing character. The book's pacing and plot are well-executed, making it an engaging read.

The reviewer found the character of Inspector Harry Hole to be particularly compelling, noting that his complexity and depth make the book stand out. They appreciated the well-plotted narrative and the way the story unfolds, keeping readers engaged throughout. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ability to draw readers in with its suspenseful moments and intriguing character dynamics. Overall, they found The Bat to be a strong start to the Harry Hole series, with a protagonist that is sure to captivate fans of crime fiction.

Quick quotes

    The principal character, Inspector Harry Hole, like so many modern detectives, has a few flaws that make him more relatable and interesting.

    The Bat is an effective and enjoyable start to the Harry Hole series.

    The story takes a while to get going, but once it does, it's a gripping read.

746 Books · 2017-04-29
solid 3.50

The book is well-plotted but lacks the fast-paced excitement of Nesbo's later works. The story takes time to build momentum.

The reviewer noted that while The Bat is well-plotted, it doesn't quite match the pace and intensity of Jo Nesbo's later books. They mentioned that the story takes a while to get going, which might be a drawback for some readers. However, they also acknowledged that the book has its strengths, particularly in its character development and the way it sets the stage for the rest of the Harry Hole series. They found the protagonist to be intriguing and the overall narrative to be engaging, despite the slower start.

Quick quotes

    As you would expect from Nesbo, the book is well-plotted, but lacks the page-turning pacing of his later books.

    The story takes a while to get going, but once it does, it's a gripping read.

    The Bat is a solid start to the Harry Hole series, with a protagonist that is sure to captivate fans of crime fiction.

Appears in Lists