I love a vampire story. This is like a thrilling murder mystery novel (including all the turmoil a good Harry Hole requires at its best) that also highlights an historical anthology of vampires in popular culture between the lines.

Harry and Rakel have found one another again for a time and are making things work and everyone is happy. For once peace reins. And it’s beautiful even though it’s a little bit broken, like a mosaic of shattered painted glass. Even Oleg has grown up and makes us proud. Of course we know that can’t last.

The case is as gruesome as any Harry has met, and the surrounding life details and confusion add to probably one of the more complicated plots of the series. I don’t want to give anything away, but I had to ‘rewind’ quite a few times with this one to put pieces together. So AMAZINGLY complex!!! I loved that!

And in the midst of these intertwining mysteries going on, Rakel and Harry’s relationship is one again in danger—and for the first time it’s not Harry’s fault. Nesbø has us on edge with this part, though. It adds a nail biting element of suspense to an already hair raising thriller.

Add the psychologically damaged though highly functioning intellect of the sexy detective Katrine to the plot—and well, I was cursing them and excusing them in the same breath I was holding out hope for Rakel. It got very edgy and complicated by 3am. (Oh yes, I started this at night like a fool, thinking I’d read a couple chapters, and needless to say, it’s a Harry Hole, so I was up all night).

By the end, a murderer is apprehended (or is he?) and everyone’s relationships are safely intact (or are they?) and we await the next instalment. Yes. Cos this can’t be over, not by a mile.

I’m still thirsting for more…