Redbreast

I thought I was finished with Scandinavian mysteries, but then Redbreast by Jo Nesbo crossed my desk. Detective Harry Hole is a recovering alcoholic who receives a promotion after shooting a Secret Service agent during a presidential motorcade. Basically he is given a corner office with nothing to do. On his own, he begins to investigate a story of an illegal arms sale associated with Neo-Nazi skinheads. He feels certain this sale will lead to an assassination. But who and why? He relies on his former partner, Ellen who is a whiz at puzzles to help him navigate not only the investigation but also his life.
This book brings to light Norway's World War II involvement with the Nazi's (many Norwegians fought for Hitler in the war) and the problems with Neo-Nazi's in Oslo today. In spite of his alcohol issues, Harry Hole is an endearing man with a penchant for irony especially with his superiors. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and wants a mystery/thriller they cannot put down until the end.