The Devil's Star

Jo Nesbø

66 pages 2-hour read

Jo Nesbø

The Devil's Star

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Jo Nesbø

The Devil's Star

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Scandinavian Literature
Setting

Oslo, Norway • Contemporary

Theme
Conflict

Revenge

Good & Evil
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbø follows detective Harry Hole as he investigates a series of murders in Oslo, all connected by a mysterious star-shaped diamond. While battling personal issues, Harry uncovers a complex web of clues, misleading trails, and hidden motives in a race against time to stop the killer.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jo Nesbø's The Devil's Star is praised for its compelling plot, complex characters, and intricate details within the crime genre. Critics appreciate its suspense and Nesbø's skillful storytelling. However, some note that the pacing can be slow and the intricate details occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it delivers a strong, satisfying read for fans of Nordic noir.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Devil's Star?

A reader who enjoys The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbø is likely a fan of dark, intricately plotted crime thrillers with complex characters. Comparable to Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Henning Mankell’s Faceless Killers, this novel caters to those who appreciate Scandinavian noir and psychological depth.

Character List

A talented and troubled detective inspector dealing with internal conflicts such as alcoholism and the pursuit of justice against his corrupt colleague.

An esteemed but secretly corrupt police officer who serves as Harry's main adversary, involved in illegal activities.

A theatrical producer who appears as a grieving husband but is later revealed to have deeper connections to the plot.

A committed forensic expert who collaborates closely with Harry, providing crucial support for his investigations.

Harry's superior, who balances departmental politics with his support for Harry's investigative talents.

Rakel is Harry's lover, and Oleg is her son; they represent Harry's pursuit of personal stability amidst his professional upheavals.

Downstairs neighbors who notice suspicious occurrences, instigating a crucial investigation early in the story.

An aging smuggler with ties to the plot's two main storylines, serving as both a criminal and pivotal figure in the investigation.

Book Details
Pages

464

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Scandinavian Literature
Setting

Oslo, Norway • Contemporary

Theme
Conflict

Revenge

Good & Evil
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,600+ additional titles.