The Bat by Jo Nesbo

Jo Nesbo, The Bat, translated from the Norwegian by Don Bartlett (Originally published in Norway as Flaggermusmannen by H. Aschehoug & Co., Oslo, 2997; this edition New York: Vintage Books, 2012), 369 pages.

This book is apparently the first of a crime series featuring a character known as Inspector Harry Hole of the Oslo Crime Squad. In this first book of the series, Harry Hole is dispatched to Sydney, Australia to observe a murder investigation into the death of a Norwegian tourist. Harry Hole initially observes the local detectives and offers assistance, but eventually becomes immersed and involved in the case by helping the local detectives and their investigators, and ultimately running the investigation. His willingness to get involved before asking for permission help to get results by solving not only the case of the deceased Norwegian tourist, but also other murders that occur during the investigation. Harry’s actions succeed despite his self-destructive alcoholism. He uncovers what appears to be a series of related murders, and solves them.

The Bat is a well written crime novel. The translator’s efforts made the book very readable, and combined with Nesbo’s gift for storytelling, produce a very good crime story. Nesbo’s command of the crime story idiom is strengthened by the exotic setting of Sydney. Nesbo’s knowledge of local customs and history enhances the story. Some features of the story stretch the bounds of reality: in practice I think it highly unlikely that Sydney’s police force would allow anyone from outside their force run a major homicide investigation. Observer status is believable, but running the case seems highly unlikely. This does not matter because this is a work of fiction where the story is limited by the author’s imagination. This quibble aside, Nesbo’s The Bat, is an entertaining story in a city I know that is not New York, Los Angeles or London. For entertainment value, this book succeeds on every level. It is no wonder that Nesbo sold many books.