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Cover of The Snowman

Crime · Thriller

The Snowman

by Jo Nesbø

3.9 out of 5, from 256 ratings from Hardcover readers

As the first snow falls on Oslo, women begin to disappear, each leaving behind a snowman. Troubled detective Harry Hole realises the killings reach back years and he may be the one being watched.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2007
Pace
Fast
Length
Long
Pages
499
Format
Book 7 of 14 in Harry Hole
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Read this if you like Scandinavian crime fiction with a damaged detective and a cold, wintry mood.

Skip this if you dislike graphic crime scenes or serial-killer plots.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Gore

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Misogyny
  • Gaslighting
  • Murder
  • Sexual assault
  • Body horror

Quick answers about The Snowman

What is The Snowman about?
As the first snow falls on Oslo, women begin to disappear, each leaving behind a snowman. Troubled detective Harry Hole realises the killings reach back years and he may be the one being watched.
Who should read The Snowman?
Read it if you like Scandinavian crime fiction with a damaged detective and a cold, wintry mood. Skip it if you dislike graphic crime scenes or serial-killer plots.
How long and how fast is The Snowman?
It is a fast-paced, long read of about 499 pages, first published in 2007.
Does The Snowman have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Gore.
Can I borrow The Snowman for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Snowman; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Snowman?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Silence of the Lambs, The Bone Collector.

Where to get it

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