Jo Nesbo Books in Order: The Complete Reading List for Harry Hole Fans

Last Updated on August 19, 2026

It’s always fun when you authors do that meta thing and insert a quip about a real-world author into a fictional novel.

When I was reading Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz, I laughed out loud at two of his characters, May Winslow and Phyllis Moore, elderly owners of a crime fiction bookshop who refused to stock Jo Nesbo on the grounds that the author wasn’t ‘cozy’ enough.

To be fair, they are probably right in that Jo Nesbo has a grittier style of writing, but there’s a fine line between the subgenres. And, given that I don’t have the same hard and fast rules as May and Phyllis, I’m happy to take a much closer look at Nesbo’s books in order!

After all, Jo Nesbo has become one of the most successful and prolific crime fiction authors of our time, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t include him on my website.

With a background in economics and a stint as a stockbroker, Nesbo’s journey to literary stardom was anything but conventional.

Before becoming a full-time writer, he was also the lead vocalist and songwriter for the Norwegian rock band Di Derre. I looked them up on YouTube, and he’s a really good singer – gotta country vibe about them.

But, clearly, the music career didn’t work out as well as writing, so here we are…50 million books later and the most successful Norwegian author of all time. Multi talented.

Harry Hole Mysteries in Order

Harry Hole, pronounced “Hoo-leh” in Norwegian, is a brilliant but deeply flawed detective working for the Oslo Police Department.

Tall, blue-eyed, and slim, Hole is known for his unconventional methods and his ongoing battle with alcoholism.

The series, which began in 1997 with The Bat, has grown to include 13 novels, each delving deeper into Hole’s complex psyche while presenting intricate criminal cases.

Here’s a chronological list of the Harry Hole novels:

• The Bat (1997)
• Cockroaches (1998)
• The Redbreast (2000)
• Nemesis (2002)
• The Devil’s Star (2003)
• The Redeemer (2005)
• The Snowman (2007)
• The Leopard (2009)
• Phantom (2011)
• Police (2013)
• The Thirst (2017)
• Knife (2019)
• Killing Moon (2023)

Each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel, but reading them in order provides a richer experience, allowing us to follow Hole’s personal and professional development.

The series is known for its tight plotting, complex characters, and Nesbo’s ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature.

The Snowman, the seventh book in the series, is often considered a turning point, catapulting Nesbo to international fame.

It was adapted into a film in 2017, starring Michael Fassbender as Harry Hole. While the film received mixed reviews, it helped introduce Nesbo’s work to a broader audience.

Harry Hole Coming to Netflix

Figuring that somebody as internationally well-known as Jo Nesbo wouldn’t have just one movie adaptation, I did a little more digging.

Turns out that Harry Hole will be a brand new TV series on Netflix. Tobias Santelmann plays the leading character, and with a nine-episode order, filming has finished, and the series is currently in post-production.

That means, all going well, we should see it later in 2025. There’s even a page set up on Netflix for it already, but as of yet, there’s no release date. However,  you can set a reminder, which, unsurprisingly, I have already done!

Stand Alone Novels

Headhunters (2008)

Headhunters follows Roger Brown, a successful corporate headhunter in Oslo who leads a double life as an art thief to maintain his lavish lifestyle.

When he meets Clas Greve, a potential CEO candidate with a valuable Rubens painting, Roger’s greed leads him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The Son (2014)

The Son centers on Sonny Lofthus, a heroin addict imprisoned for crimes he didn’t commit, who escapes to seek revenge for his father’s murder.

As Sonny hunts down those responsible, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake, Detective Simon Kefas races to uncover the truth behind the seemingly random killings.

Macbeth (2018)

Macbeth, Nesbo’s modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play, is set in a 1970s industrial town plagued by corruption and drug abuse.

It follows the ambitious police officer Macbeth as he rises to power through increasingly violent means, manipulated by his girlfriend Lady and the drug lord Hecate.

The Kingdom (2020)

This is the first novel that delves into the complex relationship between two brothers, Roy and Carl Opgard, in a small Norwegian town.

When Carl returns with plans to build a hotel, long-buried secrets and past crimes threaten to surface, testing the brothers’ loyalty and the limits of family ties.

The Night House (2023)

The Night House tells the chilling story of 14-year-old Richard Elauved, who witnesses his friend’s horrific death during a prank phone call to a mysterious entity.

As Richard investigates the sinister Night House and its connection to the tragedy, he uncovers dark secrets that put him and those around him in grave danger.

Blood Ties (2024)

Blood Ties continues the story of the Opgard brothers from The Kingdom as they face new challenges threatening their power and freedom in their small town.

With past murders at risk of being exposed and financial pressures mounting, Roy and Carl must navigate complex family loyalties, local politics, and dangerous adversaries.

Popularity of Nesbo’s Work

The Harry Hole series has been a phenomenal success, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide as of 2021.

The books have been translated into more than 50 languages, cementing Nesbo’s place as one of the most widely read crime authors globally.

The series’ popularity can be attributed to Nesbo’s skill in crafting complex, page-turning plots, as well as his nuanced portrayal of Harry Hole, a character who resonates with readers despite (or perhaps because of) his many flaws.

While not as commercially successful as the Harry Hole series, the Doctor Proctor books – his children’s series – have found their own dedicated audience.

The first book in the series sold more copies in Norway than any other children’s debut, and rights have been sold in over 25 countries.

These books have helped establish Nesbo as a versatile author capable of appealing to readers of all ages.

Reading Order

For the Harry Hole series, while each book can technically stand alone, many readers and critics recommend reading them in order of publication.

This approach allows you to fully appreciate the character development and ongoing storylines that span multiple books.

However, some fans suggest starting with The Redbreast, the third book in the series, as it marks the beginning of Hole’s cases in Oslo and is considered by many to be where the series truly finds its footing.

Conclusion

Jo Nesbo’s ability to craft compelling narratives across different genres and age groups is a testament to his versatility as an author.

Whether it’s the gritty realism of Harry Hole’s Oslo or the fantastical world of Doctor Proctor, Nesbo’s books offer readers rich, immersive experiences that have captivated millions worldwide.

For those looking to dive into Nesbo’s work, the Harry Hole series offers a dark, complex journey through the underbelly of Norwegian society.

Regardless of where you start, Nesbo’s books promise engaging stories, memorable characters, and a glimpse into the mind of one of Norway’s most successful authors.

As Nesbo continues to write and his popularity grows, it’s clear that both Harry Hole will remain a beloved figure in contemporary literature for years to come.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to Nesbo’s work, there’s never been a better time to explore the rich worlds he has created.