Knife

By Jo Nesbo Harvill Secker, £20

Knife, the 12th book in Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole series, brings the titular Oslo detective to his lowest ebb yet, but possibly closer to absolution by the book’s end. Investigating a vicious murder that has deeply personal ramifications, Hole has to deal with demons real and imaginary as he works through a list of suspects – which this time might include himself – as well as the knife-obsessed rapist Svein Finne. Skilfully plotted as seemingly innocuous thoughts and descriptions return to help square the circle, come the dramatic denouement Nesbo uses the vast, cold landscapes of Norway to excellent effect in building dread and deepening this well-crafted mystery.

James Cann