‘Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole’ series review: A welcome return to Nordic noir

Following the Scarpettamisfire, one could not be faulted for approaching Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole with a fair degree of apprehension. There was also the melting mess that was The Snowman (2017) despite Michael Fassbender playing Nesbø’s angsty Oslo detective.

Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, however, based on the fifth Harry Hole book, The Devil’s Star (2003), is propulsive, smart, grisly and ultimately does justice to the source material, likely because of Nesbø’s involvement as writer and showrunner.

A still from the show
| Photo Credit:
Netflix

Though Nesbø has said in interviews that one of the joys of adapting one’s work, is not needing to pay any respect to it, he has done an excellent job of adapting the dense book into an engaging show, including the precise forensic detail that cracks the case. There is, however, one gratuitous killing that is inexplicably added on.

Nesbø goes back to the third and fourth Harry Hole books — The Redbreast (2000) and Nemesis (2002) to set up the action. A series of violent bank robberies in Oslo and a chance to catch the robber, see mercurial Detective Harry Hole (Tobias Santelmann) giving chase.

The chase ends in a death and Harry is in the pit of despair, looking for answers in the bottom of a bottle. Five years on, Harry is what would be called a high-functioning alcoholic. A case of arms smuggling, with the suspected involvement of high-ranking policemen, ends in the brutal death of Harry’s best friend and partner, Ellen (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal).

Harry suspects the ambitious and ruthless policeman, Tom Waaler (Joel Kinnaman). However, without concrete proof, the police are not willing to move against one of their own.

In an unusually hot summer where most of the police force is on vacation, three seemingly unconnected murders rattle Oslo. Though Harry has been served a termination notice for appearing drunk at work, unusual aspects of the cases force the chief of police to ask him to stay on, even with Tom running the investigation.

Harry wanders through the thicket of suspicion, grief, self-loathing and doubt as both investigations collide on the day the weather finally breaks in a violent storm.

Through the nine episodes we walk through the dark spaces Harry frequents while hearing his views on diverse things including The Doors (“the most overrated band in history”), elevators and diving.

Harry’s relationship with Rakel (Pia Tjelta) and her son, Oleg (Maxime Baune Bochud) adds a tender layer to this character so bent on self-destruction. Santelmann and Kinnaman prove worthy adversaries with the former embodying Harry’s broken brilliance and the latter Tom’s silky menace.

The soundtrack is gorgeous with old favourites including Donovan’s ‘Season of the Witch’, The Ramones’ ‘I Wanna be Sedated’ and ‘The End’ by The Doors mingled with a new groovy sound.

A still from the show
| Photo Credit:
Netflix

Nesbø’s music background (he is the lead vocalist and lyricist for a successful Norwegian rock band) comes out in unexpected ways including Harry and a suspect passing the time during an unbearably tense sequence with Iggy Pop numbers starting with C!

Nesbø has been quoted as saying Oslo is integral to the story, and the soaring top shots as well as Gustav Vigeland’s granite and bronze The Circle of Life sculptures and bronze Tree of Life figures emphasise the point while also echoing the themes of the show. The golden heat of the day or the cool blues, greens and greys of the night, lend a fascinating visual palette to the show.  

Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, with its labyrinthine plot, ethereal yet corporeal visuals is the Nordic noir you have been waiting for.   

Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is currently streaming on Netflix

Published – March 31, 2026 12:56 pm IST