A Harry Hole you will love!
596426
I thought Jo Nesbo's series had gotten a little dark- this one shows another side of Harry Hole without so much drama- but there is drama and bloodshed- lots of it, but a story that will keep you reading late into the night. This Harry Hole is a person to love- too bad he won't be- but that would be telling.
4404755
Harry (& Jo) really does it for me... Intelligently written fiction... Some credit MUST also go to the translator who captures the Norwegian characteristics in the telling of these Harry Hole tales. I am so pleased I started with the first Harry Hole set in Australia - in which there were some (not many) noticeable errors and this fourth book is a grabber... Certainly will be following through with the series as Jo Nesbo has improved with each book.
2237541
This book is full of adventure and intrigue ! This is definitely a must read if you enjoy the Harry Potter books and ones of that nature. I was wrapped up into the characters... finding myself absorbed into their world through the eyes of the author !! I look forward to the next adventure that awaits !!
2025951
Harry rescues a box of adorable puppies from flying monkey-demons, with the assistance of Thomas, the vampire. Harry knows Thomas too well not to know he must want something in return, despite his thin excuse of needing a ride home. Cause yeah, wealthy vampires often have that problem, right?  Harrys right, of course. Thomas does want something. He wants Harry to help a friend of his who has a problem that is right up Harrys alley.

Thomas friend thinks someone is trying to kill him. Maybe its the couple of mysterious deaths that have already happened around him? Harry agrees to talk to him, and he tells Thomas that if he takes the friends case, his price is the truthhe wants to know why Thomas has been helping him. Thomas says Harry won't believe him, but he agrees to Harrys terms.

Harry meets with Thomas friend, Arturo Genosa, a filmmaker who believes hes been cursed. Other than by having three ex-wives.  Harry agrees to take the case for his usual fee, but in order to do this, he has to stay close at hand, which means he needs a legitimate reason to be hanging around the film set. Arturo proposes making him a boom operator, until Harry confesses he has a problem with most technology. So Arturo makes Harry a production assistant and Harry agrees to be on the set the next day. Imagine Harrys surprise when he discovers hes working on a porn film!

While delving into the situation with the porn stars, Harry learns more about himself and his background then hes ever learned before. Many revelations are made, some of them rather pleasing, and much is explained. Harry has a new sidekick, so to speak, in the form of one of the dogs he rescued who managed to hide away in the Beetle until after the others were returned. For now, Harrys holding on to him.
I loved the truth about Thomas, and I also loved seeing another side of Murphy. This is one of my favorite books in the series so far, and I look forward to seeing a lot more of this new development.

Another great addition to the Dresden Files, cant wait for the next one!
4388190
An excellent journey into a magical realm!  If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will enjoy the adventures of Ben, Charlie, and Natalie.  A fun read for all ages!
4110120
There isn't a Harry Hole thriller that isn't worth reading including this one.  Even though Harry has changed pace he still can't stay away from trouble!
1854089
Harry and her furry crime solving gang is back and better than ever!

Harry almost gets into an accident with red car while trying to prepare for a wicked squall coming in. No surprise that she discovers a murder that links an old secret with the current one dragging both her and her beloved 'talking' pets into a mess  that will transcend several centuries.

I have been a fan of Sneaky Pie and Ms Brown from the first book they wrote and I absolutely can't wait for the next new one to come out. I was extremely pleased when Random House and Netgalley allowed me to review it. As always, Harry and her human characters are overshadowed by the antics of the animals. Though they do not 'talk' to the humans, their communication with each other is funny and so 'human' in feeling. One of my favorites is Pewter, the 'fat' kitty who has gone from the grocery store window to live with Harry. I loved seeing all the old folk we have grown to love and the mystery will keep you guessing to the very end.. Picture Purrrrfect!!
2433377
It is no secret that I am quite a huge fan of Jo Nesb's writing and Phantom is excellent!  While reading the previous books in the series will provide the reader with a much further insight in Harry Hole, Phantom can indeed be read alone, however it is my guess that one the reader is introduced to the world of Harry Hole and the works of Jo Nesb, the reader will want to continue reading back through the series.  For those familiar with this series, Phantom is the darkest of the Harry Hole series to date.  I highly recommend Phantom by Jo Nesb.
4502503
Love this hole series.... A must read time and again!
256673
Harry is thirteen years old now.  But of course, his birthday isn't going as planned.  For one, he needs his Uncle Vernon to sign a paper that will let Harry go to the town near Hogwarts with his friends, and he doubts his uncle will allow him that happiness.  Plus, a dangerous criminal has just been reported as on the loose and immensely dangerous.  And, to make things worse, Uncle Vernon's sister, Aunt Marge, is coming to see them.  Marge has never exactly been friendly to Harry (in fact, she's been a complete jerk), but Harry promises to be a "good boy" as long as Vernon promises to sign his paper to let him go to town.  But after a terrible accident with Aunt Marge, Harry takes a chance and runs away - and is rescued and taken to Hogwarts.  Now, however, there is greater danger: the escaped convict, Sirius Black, is actually an evil wizard who has been locked up in Azkaban for twelve years.  He has managed to escape the prison, something no one has ever done, and now he is after Harry.  As the mystery of Black's whereabouts begins to unfold, Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermoine, realize there is more to Black than appears, and he may have a much closer connection to the Potters than Harry would have ever dreamed, not even in his nightmares.
_________________________________________

My Thoughts -
I'm immensely proud of Harry!  He has three years at Hogwarts behind him and has lived through all of them (if only barely).  He has become like a friend, especially through this third book in the series, which I found to be better than the last two.  Everything about this book was awesome.  But not only the story and characters; I felt like I could picture everything a whole lot better, like putting my glasses on in the morning.  Now is the time when I've become attached to the characters, the world, the underlying story.  I'm so excited to soon get to the next book!

Character notes -
I now officially love Harry.  I always liked him, but he really grew up in this book.  Even still, though, my favorite characters (from the whole series so far) are Fred and George Weasley.  They make me laugh soooo hard and I can never get enough of their mischief and wit!

Professor Lupin was also a favorite...  He fascinated me from the first time they see him, sleeping in the train.  I also wasn't sure if he was good or bad the whole time...hard to explain to someone who hasn't read these books yet, but I'm sure most of you HP fans out there kind of have an idea of what I mean.

One thing about the characters that really really stood out to me:  the sacrifice between friends.  When Ron gets hurt, and the three friends are caught in a life-or-death situation, they all three offer their lives instead of the others'.  That made me grin - you know friends really love each other (really really really love each other) when they're willing to give their lives for each other.

Story notes -
This story was much more intense and enthralling than the last two (and I believe they get even more intense and enthralling, from what I've heard)!  The mystery involving Sirius Black, the practices/games of Quidditch, the revealed information about Harry's parents and Voldemort, the new classes introduced, and the awesome twists at the end - it all made me love the series ten times more than I had before.

One word or phrase to sum it up (final thoughts) -
There were two words running through my mind the whole time I read this book : absolutely fascinating.  And now that it's over, the three words going through my mind are:  next book please!  If you've waited a long time to read these books (like I have), don't wait now.  Get them and read them!
348820
Ahhhh, books such as this one make me long for the days when I had Harry Potter-esque glasses and pigtails with a gap between my two front teeth.

Danny Calloway and The Puzzle House takes us on a whirlwind adventure full of spooky houses, puzzles, and tons of mystery. I laughed out loud more times than I can count while reading the book, enjoying the witty dialogue amongst the characters (I'm actually smiling now as I'm writing this). Even though this book is definitely geared towards the younger audience, adults that have a penchant for YA books will still enjoy it.

I give Danny Calloway and The Puzzle House 5 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend it to those looking for another great kids book!
2426451
I love reading authors from other countries. This Harry Hole (Hooley) character is such a good one.  The epitomy of the flawed detective. Love the stories and characters. I've read them all. Can't wait for another!
4317650
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows was an excellent that entails so much thrill that there is literally never a dull moment.  In this installment of a series on par with such greats as 'The Lord of the Rings' Harry searches far and wide for the dangerous Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort.  Harry, Ron, and Hermione encounter peril they have never experienced before and learn of new secret truths along the way.  They learn all about the relationship between Dumbledore and Snape and some new things about Harry's parents.  The plot leads to a breathtaking and awe-inspiring climax that will not allow you to put the book down for a second.  The end and the epilogue are so thrilling (and relieving) that any true Harry Potter fan will be amazed.  I recommend this book to any person of any age, and if they haven't read the rest of the series, i suggest they read that first.  5 STARS!!!
2352163
With this fourth installment of our young wizard friend, JK Rowling has done it right again.  Ms Rowling whisks us back to Hogwart's for Harry's fourth year.  But first, it is to the Quidditch World Cup with the Weasleys.  There is no lack of excitement and adventure taking place at every turn.
Soon, Harry learns that he is to compete in the Tri-Wizard tournament to be held at Hogwarts.  His opponents come from wizarding schools around the world.  But, of course, Harry faces challenges and tribulations unexpected from the start.
We watch as Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione face challenges with bravery and class.  This is yet another story with a wonderful basis in morality.
JK Rowling has a talent for creating captivating tales and full, multi-dimensional characters.  Even as the characters progress in age, she manages to make them more real, experiencing situations applicable both to the real world and that of the wizards.
This is definitely worth the read, you won't even notice its length!
14 Nov 2002
1417062
Long time listener of reviewers for Jo Nesbo, but first time reader of his books.  I can only say - "Wow"!
This is a thrill ride that will catapult the reader from one potential perpetrator to the next with many of the clues fitting the puzzle for each of them.  It has the reader circling back for more information several times throughout the story.  There were several red herrings and although some of the reviewers complained about them, they were so nicely woven into the story that it not feel contrived.  While the writing is not literature-worthy, it is well done.

The characters were not set up as much as I would have liked, but I suppose that this being the ninth in the Harry Hole series gives the author a break as the repeating for many readers might be too much.  Hole is a flawed personality with a semi-broken life; much from the escapades in dealing with the many criminals that he has put away.  I also like when there is nothing sacred to the author (or at least very little) and so there are some surprises awaiting the reader that somewhat startled me.

I really like Scandinavian settings and when a writer can at least put me into that element, it sets up for a more interesting story.  The Harry Hole series is highly touted and now I can see why.  Nesbo goes all out on this one and keeps the pages turning at a rapid pace for the entire read.  Enjoy the time with Harry and let me know what you think.  Highly recommended.
764852
Another wonderfully charming story by J.K. Rowling. It never ceases to amaze me; her imagination is boundless.  A quick, easy read that keeps you guessing until the end.  The characters come to life on the pages.  From the robes they wear, to the wands they carry, no detail is forgotten. Harry, Ron and Hermione entertain me with their mischievous adolescence. Their day-to-day life at the Hogwart's School, albeit a wizardry school, is not ordinary in the least.  As another summer ends and Harry makes his way back to school to start his third year, he finds himself in the middle of yet another troublesome situation that will test his skills and his faith. These three young wizards display great loyalty, friendship and insight. Harry Potter proves that good wins out over evil every time.
4290738
I love Jo Nesbo and his books on Harry Hole!! If you follow his adventures this one is another excellent novel. Very much enjoyable and if you have been in Hong Kong you will find it very precise.