The Redeemer / Jo Nesbo 456 p.

Another Harry Hole mystery/thriller set in Oslo. What I especially enjoy about Nesbo's books is that I always learn a slice of history or experience I was unfamiliar with before. In this story, we get an up-close look at the Salvation Army in Norway, which, it seems, occupies a far more prominent role in that society than in the U.S. Harry is on the trail of a hitman who has inexplicably murdered a top Salvation Army officer during the annual Christmas concert. His investigations take him into the world of Oslo's heroin addicts, and eventually, to its Croatian refugee population. A Nesbo novel isn't complete without at least one truly spectacular (and innovative!), murder, and this one is no exception.