Changes

Harry Hole, like the plot of ''The Leopard'' is an intense, complex and intelligent man. He is also an alcoholic, and is clearly broken in some respects by his previous investigations, as well as being deeply troubled by his personal and family life. I've heard him referred to as a cliché before, fitting the alcoholic detective who has barely anything else in life other than his job mould, but this for me makes him more interesting and human. Described as a ''notorious maverick'' Harry is somewhat of a nightmare to work with, arrogant in the extreme and a fierce breaker of rules in his determination to solve the case in his own way, ignoring orders from above and the internal politics of the police force. Despite all this he is very likeable and it was easy to root for him at every turn, particularly as he maintains his quick wit, giving us something to laugh at even in the worst of circumstances. How Nesbo manages to inject humour into such a disturbing read I will never know.

I'd like to thank the publisher for sending a copy to The Bookbag.