Monday, February 24, 2014

Review: Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo (Harry Hole #2)

Heightened crime thrillers have been perfected by many foreign writers. Nothing is toned down into. The details too many and suspense as long as it holds you tight and grips your mind. Author Jo Nesbo in his latest translated book "Cockroaches" has tried to create a rippling effect in the hearts and mind of the readers. So has he succeeded in it? Let's find out. 

Detective Harry Hole arrives in a steaming hot Bangkok. But it's work, not pleasure. The Norwegian ambassador has been found dead in a seedy motel room, and no witnesses have come forward. The ambassador had close ties to the Norwegian prime minister, and to avoid a scandal Harry is sent there to hush up the case. But he quickly discovers that there is much more going on behind the scenes and very few people willing to talk. When Harry lays hands on some CCTV footage that will help him unravel what happened that night, things only get more complicated. The man who gave him the tape goes missing, and Harry realizes that failing to solve a murder case is by no means the only danger in Bangkok.


First look at the title and the cover and it all reeks of a crime thriller. The title a little off sync from the plot but catchy and cover image speaks volumes of mystery in the making. The blurb has been kept short and sweet and only talks about a murder and Inspector Hole's role in it. 

The story has been set in Bangkok where Norwegian ambassador Atle Molnes has been found murdered ina dingy hotel and circumstances point to a lot of things. Norwegian embassy is in a mess and the govt. in order to put lid on the whole case appoints Harry Hole for a whirlwind investigation. Harry reaches Bangkok and immediately gets to work with Liz Chumley and her accomplices in order to catch the killer and sniff out the motive. But he finds himself entangled in a lot bigger mess than he anticipated. So will Harry be able to see the case through till the end? Is there any more twist in the tale? What's the ulterior motive of this whole case? That's what the story is all about. 

The book is a complete package when it comes to suspense and mystery. It keeps the guessing game on and makes heads spin with each and every page. There's no dearth of excitement as the readers find themselves absorbed and sucked in the story. The crude ways of Harry Hole also makes things a lot more quirky, chirpy and interesting. The book has a lot of surprises and the turns will baffle the readers mind for sure. It has intensity and stirs up quite a few nerves of the mind. 

The book lost tempo towards the end as the action and drama was overdone. It could have been kept shorter and ended up in a better manner. 

The book once again takes you to a journey which becomes eye catchy and sparkling with every page. It has loads of action and a lot of skill which will be put to test with time. The book cracks a solid punch and then sums up the whole story pretty well. A strong narrative and a long descriptive crime thriller for the readers to get enthralled. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

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