Der Fledermausmann

Um. Really? This is the international publishing sensation that has so many people (including non-mystery readers)? Is it just that Nesbø is profiting from being as Scandinavian as Stieg Larsson? I don't get it.

While I wouldn't call this anything special, The Bat is a perfectly adequate book about your typical dysfunctional cop with substance abuse issues and internal demons working a tough case, falling for someone who knew the victim, letting said substances and demons mess things up, before cracking the case at great personal cost. I know that seems spoilery, but it's not – the writing's on the wall within a couple of chapters.

It was a pleasant enough way to pass a few hours, and I'll probably pick up one or to more in the series, just to see if I get the fuss. But if you're wondering if you should read The Bat, I'd shrug and point you to a handful of other works. Go ahead and read it, but don't make it a priority.

I really am curious – has anyone read further on? Do they improve? What nugget of greatness did I miss?