I admit the story of Tinder users meeting their bloody death by a vampirist piqued my interest. Taking place in Oslo, Norway, thrillers like The Thirst are not my usual read, but it got off to a good start. In the prologue, the killer becomes aroused by retrieving something made of iron. Simultaneously, Harry Hole is awoken by a reoccurring nightmare. Then the crime starts to unfold, with a bartender watching a regular customer as he tries to pick up a younger woman.
There were no surprises with detective Harry Hole: he's the stereotypical brooding, burned out, addict cop who mistrusts most people. He battles many demons, including the serial killer that got away. The only time he can breathe & relax is with his loving wife.
There's minimal focus on killer Valentin Gjertsen (it's not really about him), but just when we think we know the full story, think again.
Something else in The Thirst is more disturbing than the twisted, depraved actions of Valentin though. For me, the misogyny was hard to ignore.
Several characters shared their unsettling thoughts and made unsavory comments against women.
Truls critically analysed Megan Fox, calling it frightening how "she let herself go". He thought all women should wear some perfume. Basically women should always look hot and smell unnatural.
Mikael called the investigative reporter Mona a bitch. In a discussion with colleague Isabelle, he didn't like what she was telling him, so he asked her if she got her period.
Oystein uses the c word.
These contemptuous remarks throughout the novel didn't exactly endear me to those characters or author Jo Nesbo really, so I can't say I'll be reading anymore in the Harry Hole series.
I received The Thirst in a GoodReads giveaway.
Until next time,
Kara
