The first book in the remarkable, bestselling Harry Hole series from Jo Nesbo.

"A stunning opening to the series." —Sunday Times

"Jo Nesbo is my favorite thriller writer." —Michael Connelly


Oslo detective Harry Hole is sent to Sydney, Australia, to assist the local police in their investigation of the brutal rape and murder of Inger Holter, a young, blonde Norwegian woman who was working in a restaurant. Initially sidelined as an outsider, Harry becomes central to the investigation when the police realize that Inger may be only the latest victim in a number of unsolved rape and murder cases around the country. Inger had a number of admirers, each with his own share of secrets, but there is no obvious suspect and the pattern of the other crimes seems impossible to crack. Then a circus performer is brutally murdered, followed by yet another young woman. And Harry is in a race against time to stop a highly intelligent killer who is bent on total destruction.