The Thirst

by Jo Nesbo
The Thirst cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4167
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780735272491
  • Publisher: Random House Canada
  • Published: 2017-05-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A new killer is terrorizing the streets, targeting young women who use Tinder. The murders are brutal and seemingly linked, with fragments of rust and paint found in the victims' wounds. The police are baffled, and the chief knows only one man can crack the case: Harry Hole. Harry, however, has sworn off policing after his last case put those he loves in danger. But the details of these murders haunt him, echoing a voice from his past—a monster who escaped justice. Despite the risks, Harry is drawn back into the hunt, compelled by the shadows of his own history. As Harry delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a trail of clues that lead him closer to the killer. The investigation becomes a cat-and-mouse game, with Harry's own demons threatening to consume him. The stakes are personal, and the killer seems to know Harry's weaknesses all too well. Will Harry be able to stop the murderer before it's too late, or will the past destroy him once again?

Reviews
The Book Review Crew · Joanna · 2024-02-28
brilliant 4.00

The book is gory and gritty but brilliantly plotted with constant twists. It is not recommended as a stand-alone read.

Joanna appreciates the brilliant plotting and constant twists in the story, which keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, they do not recommend trying this one as a stand-alone read, as it is best enjoyed as part of the series. The gory and gritty nature of the book is not for everyone, but those who enjoy dark and intense crime novels will find it highly satisfying.

Quick quotes

    These books are gory and gritty but so brilliantly plotted – the twists just keep coming.

    I do not recommend trying this one as a stand-alone – it is best enjoyed as part of the series.

    The gory and gritty nature of the book is not for everyone, but those who enjoy dark and intense crime novels will find it highly satisfying.

Crime by the Book · 2017-04-13
addictive 4.50

The book is gritty, brooding, and violent, making it addictive for readers who enjoy intense crime novels. The pacing and plot twists keep readers engaged throughout.

This reviewer loves the dark and intense atmosphere that Nesbo creates. They appreciate the gritty and violent nature of the story, which makes it hard to put down. The pacing is fast, and the plot twists keep coming, making it a thrilling read. However, they also note that the book is not for the faint-hearted, as it contains some disturbing scenes.

Quick quotes

    THE THIRST is everything readers have come to love and expect from Nesbo: it's gritty, it's brooding, it's violent, and it's just plain addictive.

    The pacing is fast, and the plot twists keep coming, making it a thrilling read.

    The book is not for the faint-hearted, as it contains some disturbing scenes.

Goodreads · 2017-04-01
engaging 4.20

Nesbø crafts a gritty, chilling, and immersive crime novel that is both violent and emotional. The story is engaging and hard to put down.

This reviewer thinks Nesbø has outdone himself with this novel. They found it to be gritty, chilling, and utterly immersive, with a perfect blend of violence and emotion. The story is engaging from start to finish, and they couldn't get enough of it. The reviewer also appreciates the emotional depth of the characters, which adds to the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

    THE THIRST is Nesbø at his finest: he's crafted a gritty, chilling, violent, emotional, utterly immersive crime novel.

    I couldn't get enough.

    The emotional depth of the characters adds to the overall impact of the story.

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