The week before Christmas, a Salvation Army officer is neatly dispatched by a professional hit-man in a busy Oslo street. The shooter’s plans for a quick escape are foiled by a snowstorm and a cancelled flight, and while trapped in the city he realises he has killed the intended target’s brother by mistake. Hungry and cold, with the police on his tail and no means of support, he will resort to anything to finish the job. Anti-hero Harry Hole – a brilliant, alcoholic detective often on the verge of being fired – leads the investigation into this strange, complicated crime with shocking results.

Nesbø, although building up a loyal following, has never quite got the push or attention his sterling series deserves. His publishers have indicated this is about to change, which can only be a good thing, as The Redeemer is arguably his best yet.