I've read countless crime fiction novels, Agatha Christie was my first encounter of this genre and since then I've devoured tons of different authors.
Over the years I've noticed how authors have developed and grown, how the stories become more diabolical, thrilling and even macabre at times.
Characters larger than life take us on journeys through the minds of murderers, drag us through a trail of blood, pull at our heart strings, challenge our intelligence and leave us totally exhausted at the end of the trail.
They leave us to question, to ponder, to recover.
This is my first encounter with the Norwegian author Jo Nesbo, I have a feeling it won't be my last.
Even though The Snowman is 7th (5th in translation) in a series of novels about Harry Hole a detective of the Oslo police, it's easy to follow along in his footsteps, without having to read the previous novels.
From the beginning, The Snowman draws you in and grabs your attention, you're in for a ride of your life, a thrilling one at that.
I didn't have any expectations regarding The Snowman, as it was given to me as a gift, I honestly don't think I would have bought it, however, when I first started reading it I was hooked.
The characters are strong, believable and human, I could easily imagine seeing them walk the streets of Oslo.
As the first snow falls in November, Harry Hole a very competent detective is thrown into a case of a missing  woman.
Lisbeth returned home to find her husband and son Jonas preparing dinner.
She smiled, and praised the snowman they had made in the front yard.
It wasn't them, it must have been some kids from the neighbourhood.
Jonas looked out at the snowman and wondered why it was facing the house, looking right at them.
Jonas woke from his sleep, certain he had heard something, on his way down the stairs he noticed wet footprints, his mother was nowhere to be seen.
Outside, he noticed something different about the snowman, it was wearing his mother's scarf.
If you're looking for a good plot, strong characters and action, this is a must read.
Horrifying, macabre at times, without all the blood and gore, it's still there though...
it might not be written on the pages, but it's there in your mind as you read, the words spark your imagination, pictures of  bloody scenes appear as a film before your eyes, frightening and tormenting.
If you think that detective novels with relationship issues, social and alcohol problems is an exhausted topic, you're dead wrong, and Jo Nesbo will prove it to you.
Your view of snowmen may change forever, read The Snowman, before the first snow falls.
Translated novels in the Harry Hole series: The Redbreast, Nemesis, The Devil's Star, The Redeemer, The Snowman.