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.
