Nesbø

Jo Nesbø (born 1960 in Oslo, Norway) is a Norwegian writer best known for crime fiction featuring the detective Harry Hole. He studied economics at the University of Oslo and later worked in the financial sector before turning to writing full-time in the late 1990s.

His literary debut, The Bat (Flaggermusmannen), appeared in 1997 and introduced the flawed but compelling investigator. The Harry Hole series grew to include numerous novels, establishing Nesbø as a leading figure in Nordic noir. The books are noted for intricate plots, dark psychological insight, and moral ambiguity, and have been translated into more than 40 languages with millions of copies sold worldwide.

Among his best-known stand-alone works are The Snowman and The Redbreast, which gained international acclaim and helped broaden the appeal of his crime fiction beyond Norway. The Snowman, in particular, contributed to Nesbø’s global prominence and appeal to a broad readership.

Several of Nesbø’s novels have been adapted for film and television; notably, The Snowman was adapted into a 2017 feature film starring Michael Fassbender. Nesbø’s work continues to be influential in contemporary crime fiction, with ongoing translations and international editions expanding his reach beyond Norwegian audiences.