You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
The Bat is the first book in Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole series, and having read some of the later ones, I was surprised at how unlikeable Harry comes across here. I was disappointed by the unnecessary romance, it felt inappropriate, unprofessional, and honestly distracted from the story. I'm sure many readers would share this sentiment.
That said, the central mystery was solid and had enough intrigue to keep me reading. I also appreciated how the book incorporated Aboriginal culture and mythology from Australia. It added extra atmosphere and depth to the setting. If Nesbø had focused on the investigation and the cultural backdrop, rather than relying on the awkward romance, I believe I would have enjoyed this much more. As a series opener, it’s somewhat rough, but it does lay the groundwork for what Harry Hole would become later.