Police

By: Jo Nesbø

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

The police urgently need Harry Hole. A killer is stalking Oslo’s streets. Police officers are being slain at the scenes of crimes they once investigated, but failed to solve. The murders are brutal, the media reaction hysterical. But this time, Harry can’t help anyone.

For years, detective Harry Hole has been at the centre of every major criminal investigation in Oslo. His dedication to his job and his brilliant insights have saved the lives of countless people. But now, with those he loves most facing terrible danger, Harry can’t protect anyone. Least of all himself.

©2013 Jo Nesbo. English translation copyright © Don Bartlett (P)2013 Random House Audiobooks

Say it ain't so Jo

The end of the Harry Hole series?

What a way to go out! Jo Nesbø wraps up many things and, of course, leaves some things intriguingly unwrapped. The story is wonderfully complex, and filled with old and new characters.

This is definitely a driveway book (one where you stop in your driveway and keep listening until you find an acceptable place to pause the book and go inside).

Jo Nesbo, Don Bartlett, and Sean Barett have again united to keep me glued to my Audbile iPhone!

Stumbling..just slightly Jo

Would you consider the audio edition of Police to be better than the print version?

Sorry. I am only able to listen now so I can't comment in detail. However, any person who loves the written word as much as I did, would probably find the experience of being able to listen only, wanting. Sean Barrett's amazingly good interpretation helps enormously but quite possibly due to my own failings, I cannot say that listening will ever supplant the reading experience.Perhaps the technology could be improved for listeners? To simulate the scanning available to a reader, could more detail be accessible in the App? For example, could the page number or chapter heading still be visible in an adjustable size font? This would assist a listener to reread or check back on important details which become more important in complex scenarios such as the ones written by Nesbo? Place and character names or specific things people have said are easily checked by a reader but to a listener it is impossible to re- find. the ungraduated " page bar" at the top of the screen is a very clumsy, limited feature which exacerbates this problem.Nonetheless, please keep providing us with interesting, diverse choices in novels.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Perhaps I am alone in thinking that I have no right to comment or interfere in the Author's art of creation? Again, I can only suggest that a technical aid in the App would help the listener to enjoy the story more. In a highly tense novel an easy to find VoiceOver button on the page perhaps to give details as to the chapter number you are up to, how many chapters there are in total and even a " bookmark" button where the reader can dictate a name, a connection or a clue perhaps? What I am describing is a hybrid to a kindle experience whilst remaining only an audible feature. Just a series of suggestions..

Have you listened to any of Sean Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Certainly, yes. I seek out what I can find that is read by him, whilst still being within my listening interest range. He is an inspired voice actor who imparts a sustained, authentic experience even when he is up against a myriad of unusual pronunciations and various genders to represent. Most importantly, the readings are not " over produced." It has been painful to listen to other novels which are dramatised to such an extent that it is impossible to even attempt to suspend disbelief.A lifetime of being familiar with the reading genre suddenly being replaced by the listening genre needs all the talent a speaker, a producer and a poor old listener can muster.This reading is on a par with the very best available.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are many moving moments in this novel. It would seem that Mr Nesbo has placed his main character Harry Høle in an existential, never ceasing loop of an overwhelmingly troubled life. Far more accomplished reviewers than myself have acknowledged that they actually called out in alarm at scenes where familiar, finely drawn characters we have been urged to admire suddenly face terrible danger. It would be a " spoiler" if one said more.

Any additional comments?

After 8? novels, Jo Nesbo remains a force to be reckoned with in the dramatic genre. His taut storytelling and unique style keeps the listener working very hard throughout the novel. I truly love that. The fact that a hugely caring human being is reflected in the writing is of enormous help to an engaged listener. Even though there are texts which are less plot driven and richer with insight into a wider human existence, novels such as this one can offer an entertainment in the truest sense of the word.

fitting end which I still couldn't guess

Where does Police rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

one of the best. At one point I thought I had figured it out (having read many of the preceding books) but, again, the brilliant author was ahead in the game

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harry Hole, of course

Which scene was your favorite?

any scene where you just cannot say, or be sure he is being described as a victim/perpetrator. You know you MIGHT be deliberately lead on but you also cannot be sure that it is what it seems. I held my breath and waited for the other shoe to drop.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

it could be. It was good. I liked it better than the preceding book in the series

Any additional comments?

sad to let the series go

Great great great

Fantastic book , great series. Everything about this book is perfect. Well plotted. Enthralling .

Sublime story telling

Jo Nesbo and Harry Hole do it again!!! Action pact, suspenseful, clever and deep. Intelligent story telling at its best.

Great Ending to the Series

I admit to taking a long time to get to this final installment, and this despite my strong desire to see how Nesbo would be able to tie up the loose ends here. Now, I wish I had just picked it up and listened to it the next day. It is the best book in the series, in my opinion. Unfortunately, to get the best out of it, you need to have read the previous installments, although it could theoretically stand by itself.
There is very little more I can write without exposing the plot, although not the resolution of the Police murders that are the main focus of the book. That is deftly done and, again, in Nesbo's unique way, I guessed and dismissed the solution in a manner that I can just imagine being the day-to-day risk of any police investigation. Terrific.
Barrett was good again, as he should be after all the practice he's had!
I highly recommend this series. The few not as good one's are far outweighed by the very good one's and worth the effort that has plainly lead to such a neat and complete end to all things Harry.

Well done

Loved the performance. The caracters are always alive and the performans of the reader is true.

Best Harry Hole yet!

What made the experience of listening to Police the most enjoyable?

Sean Barrett, as always, gives an amazing performance. He really brings the characters to life.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Always on the edge of your seat with Harry. So many twists and turns but you always feel like you are part of the story and able to solve the crime.

Which character – as performed by Sean Barrett – was your favorite?

Harry is my favourite and I always feel sad when I reach the end of a book. I have to wait now for Jo Nesbo to write the next story!!!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

So glad I found Audible and the amazing stories that come to life as I listen.

engaging

Where does Police rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 5%

What did you like best about this story?

the killing of arnold...

Have you listened to any of Sean Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes. top notch

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no... time does not permit

Any additional comments?

I'm a Jo Nesbo fan.

Loved the narrator and the story

it keeps you alert all the time, very good as the previous ones ;-)