“You recognise the thirst - just admit it, Harry. And one day you too will drink.” P459

I love Harry Hole and I love Jo Nesbø for creating such an excellent series. Classic Scandi Noir, where the detective is damaged, the setting is character and the plot ties it together without overpowering either.

The Thirst is the eleventh in the series and it’s a thriller of a ride. I’ve read all eleven books in order and always looking forward to the next although I no longer allow myself to read more than one in any one year. It’s been almost two years since I read “Police” and it’s awesome to sink back into Harry’s world.

Thirst is absolutely the underpinning theme throughout this book. Everyone thirsts. And the characters in this book are all thirsty for something similar but different in expression. Power, recognition, justice, fame, self-acceptance and repentance, validation, and the list goes on and on. Harry is the epitome of a character who is a slave to himself, self sabotaging yet heroic.

“We do what we do because we are who we are. The idea of willpower allowing us to act differently from what’s dictated by who we are, that’s a misunderstanding. It’s the opposite, the only thing willpower does is follow our nature, even when circumstances make that difficult.” P421

At more than 600 pages, Nesbø serves up his usual fast moving, well thought out tale. Sure, there are some slightly cliche or predictable bits, however they seem to pale into the background for me.

Great book, great series and as per usual, looking forward to the next one.