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Jon "Jo" Nesbø (; born 29 March 1960) is a Norwegian novelist and musician. His books had sold over 50 million copies worldwide by 2021, making him the most successful Norwegian author to date. Siegel, Lee (5 May 2014).
Pure Evil: Jo Nesbø and the rise of Scandinavian crime fiction
". ''
The New Yorker ''The New Yorker'' is an American magazine featuring journalism, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. It was founded on February 21, 1925, by Harold Ross and his wife Jane Grant, a reporter for ''The New York T ...
''. Retrieved 1 December 2019. "Nesbø's Harry Hole novels have sold twenty-three million copies, in forty languages."
He first came to prominence as the singer, rhythm guitarist and principal songwriter of country-pop band Di Derre, when their second album became a big hit in Norway, almost selling enough to make double platinum. The album was initially titled ''Kvinner & Klær'' (Women & Clothing), but had to be renamed and re-released as ''Jenter & Sånt'' (Girls & Stuff) after the eponymous Norwegian women's fashion magazine filed a complaint. His first novel, The Bat, was released in 1997, one year before Di Derre's fourth and final studio album. It was awarded the Riverton Prize for best Norwegian crime novel, and the Glass Key prize for best Nordic crime novel. After 1998 he concentrated on writing, continuing the internationally successful
crime novel Crime fiction, detective story, murder mystery, crime novel, mystery novel, and police novel are terms used to describe narratives or fiction that centre on criminal acts and especially on the investigation, either by an amateur or a profession ...
series about inspector Harry Hole, collecting several awards nationally and internationally. In 2007 he released his first children's book, '' Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder'', which also was hugely successful. '' Headhunters,'' the first film to be based on a Nesbø novel, was released in 2011. Since then several films and TV series have been based on his books, both the crime novels and the children's books, often with Nesbø himself as script writer.


Early life

Jon Nesbø was born in
Oslo Oslo ( or ; ) is the capital and most populous city of Norway. It constitutes both a county and a municipality. The municipality of Oslo had a population of in 2022, while the city's greater urban area had a population of 1,064,235 in 2022 ...
on 29 March 1960 and grew up in Molde.Kuiper, Kathleen (25 March 2019).
Jo Nesbø
". ''Encyclopaedia Britannica''. britannica.com. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
He graduated from the
Norwegian School of Economics The Norwegian School of Economics () or NHH is a business school situated in Bergen, Norway. It was founded in 1936 as Norway's first business school and is the leading teaching and research institution in Norway for the fields of management and ...
with a degree in economics and
business administration Business administration is the administration of a commercial enterprise. It includes all aspects of overseeing and supervising the business operations of an organization. Overview The administration of a business includes the performance o ...
."Jo Nesbo." ''Contemporary Authors Online''.
Gale A gale is a strong wind; the word is typically used as a descriptor in nautical contexts. The U.S. National Weather Service defines a gale as sustained surface wind moving at a speed between .
, 2018. Retrieved via ''Gale In Context: Biography'' database, 30 November 2019.
He worked as a freelance journalist and stockbroker before he began his writing career.


Career


The Harry Hole series

The series follows Harry Hole, a tough detective working for Crime Squad and later with the National Criminal Investigation Service, whose investigations take him from Norway to numerous other countries. Hole takes on seemingly unconnected cases, sometimes found to involve serial killers, bank robbers, gangsters, or
the establishment In sociology and in political science, the term the establishment describes the dominant social group, the elite who control a polity, an organization, or an institution. In the Praxis (process), praxis of wealth and Power (social and politica ...
, but spends a significant amount of time battling alcoholism and his own personal demons. The Harry Hole novels are multi-layered, violent, and often feature women in peril, as typified by ''The Snowman''. On the return of Harry Hole in ''The Thirst'', Nesbø said: "I was always coming back to Harry; he is my soul mate. But it is a dark soul, so it is – as always – both a thrill and a chilling, emotionally exhausting experience. But Harry and the story make it worth the sleepless nights." A film adaptation of '' The Snowman'', with Tomas Alfredson directing (replacing
Martin Scorsese Martin Charles Scorsese ( , ; born November17, 1942) is an American filmmaker. One of the major figures of the New Hollywood era, he has received List of awards and nominations received by Martin Scorsese, many accolades, including an Academ ...
, who executive produced), and starring Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, premiered in October 2017. A television adaptation '' Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole'' began filming in Oslo in 2024.


The Doctor Proctor series

''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder'', originally published in 2007, was Nesbø's first children's book. They are illustrated by Mike Lowery. The series is set in Oslo and follows the story of Doctor Proctor, a crazy professor waiting for his big break, his next-door neighbour Lisa and her peculiar friend Nilly, a short redheaded boy. The ruthless twins Truls and Trym Thrane sometimes lurk in the background. Doctor Proctor's first major inventions are a powder that makes the user fart (and the farts don't smell) and the "Fartonaut Powder," which makes the user fart so powerfully that they blast into space. In book 2 he invents a bathtub that allows the user to travel through time. As of 2018, there are 5 books in the series. In 2014, a live-action film adaptation of the first book was made, and is only available in Norwegian. A sequel, ''Doktor Proktors Tidsbadekar'', was released in 2015 with German involvement. Both films received mixed reviews.


The Olav Johansen series

It was announced in October 2013 that, writing under the pen-name of Tom Johansen, Nesbø had written at least two novels provisionally entitled ''Blood on Snow'' and ''More Blood on the Water'', scheduled to be published in autumn 2014 and spring 2015. The books ''Blood on Snow'' and its sequel ''Midnight Sun: Blood on Snow 2'' were published in 2015, but under Jo Nesbø's name. It was also announced in October 2013 that Warner Brothers had bought the rights to ''Blood on Snow'' and planned to make a screen adaptation, to be produced by and possibly starring
Leonardo DiCaprio Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio (; ; born November 11, 1974) is an American actor and film producer. Known for Leonardo DiCaprio filmography, his work in biographical and period films, he is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received ...
. However, on 4 April 2017, it was reported that the screen rights had been purchased by Tobey Maguire's Material Pictures and Lawrence Grey's Grey Matter Productions, and that Maguire would make his directorial debut on the projected film adaptation. Filming on '' Blood on Snow'' took place in Latvia in February 2025. This series follows Olav Johansen, a fixer for Oslo crime boss Daniel Hoffman. In ''Blood on Snow'', Olav has just found the woman of his dreams. The only problem is that she's his boss's wife and that his boss has hired him to kill her. A film adaptation of ''Midnight Sun'', titled '' The Hanging Sun'', directed by
Francesco Carrozzini Francesco Carrozzini (born September 9, 1982) is an Italian-born director and photographer based in the United States. In 2016, he made his feature directorial debut at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival with the documentary '' Fran ...
directing and starring Alessandro Borghi,
Jessica Brown Findlay Jessica Rose Brown Findlay (born 14 September 1987) is an English actress. She played Lady Sybil Crawley (2010–2012) in the ITV television period drama series ''Downton Abbey'' and Emelia Conan Doyle in the 2011 British comedy-drama featu ...
, Sam Spruell, Peter Mullan and Charles Dance, premiered at the
79th Venice International Film Festival The 79th annual Venice International Film Festival was held from 31 August to 10 September 2022, at Venice Lido in Italy Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Eur ...
in September 2022.


Other projects

In 2011, the Nesbø story ''Twelve'' was adapted by Magnus Martens into the film ''Jackpot'' (), a black comedy crime mystery film. In 2014 it was announced that Nesbø would contribute a re-telling of the story of ''
Macbeth ''The Tragedy of Macbeth'', often shortened to ''Macbeth'' (), is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, estimated to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the physically violent and damaging psychological effects of political ambiti ...
'' as part of the Hogarth Shakespeare project, described as a 'crime noir' version of the
tragedy A tragedy is a genre of drama based on human suffering and, mainly, the terrible or sorrowful events that befall a tragic hero, main character or cast of characters. Traditionally, the intention of tragedy is to invoke an accompanying catharsi ...
. His ''
Macbeth ''The Tragedy of Macbeth'', often shortened to ''Macbeth'' (), is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, estimated to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the physically violent and damaging psychological effects of political ambiti ...
'' is set in 1970 in an unspecified location that combines aspects of Scandinavia and Scotland, and involves an Inspector Macbeth of a paramilitary
SWAT A SWAT (''Special Weapons and Tactics'') team is a generic term for a police tactical unit within the United States, though the term has also been used by other nations. SWAT units are generally trained, equipped, and deployed to res ...
team targeting bikers, drug dealers, and his police colleagues. It was published in April 2018. In 2016, it was announced that there are also plans to adapt his stand-alone novel, ''Sønnen'' (''The Son''), as a film, to be directed by
Denis Villeneuve Denis Villeneuve Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, OAL (; ; born October 3, 1967) is a Canadian film director and screenwriter. He has received seven Canadian Screen Awards as well as nominations for four Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and two ...
, with Jake Gyllenhaal as producer and
Channing Tatum Channing Matthew Tatum (born April 26, 1980) is an American actor and producer. He made his film debut in the drama ''Coach Carter'' (2005), and had his Breakthrough role, breakthrough with the sports comedy film ''She's the Man'' (2006) and t ...
in the lead role. On 5 April 2017, it was announced that Icelandic director Baltasar Kormakur was working on a new adaptation of ''I Am Victor'', a short story by Nesbø previously planned as an NBC television series but not completed.


Other work

Nesbø played as a striker for the football team
Molde FK Molde Fotballklubb () is a association football, football club based in Molde Municipality, Molde, Norway, that competes in Eliteserien, the top flight of Norwegian football league system, Norwegian football. Founded on 19 June 1911, the club w ...
until he was forced to give up his football career upon tearing the cruciate ligaments in his knee. Nesbø has been the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the Norwegian rock band Di Derre since its formation in 1992.


Personal life

Nesbø lives close to his ex-wife and their daughter in
Oslo Oslo ( or ; ) is the capital and most populous city of Norway. It constitutes both a county and a municipality. The municipality of Oslo had a population of in 2022, while the city's greater urban area had a population of 1,064,235 in 2022 ...
. Nesbø is a dedicated rock climber, having begun climbing seriously at age 50. In 2023, he achieved a long-standing goal of climbing a French grade 8a sport route.


Bibliography


The Harry Hole novels

* ''Flaggermusmannen'' (1997) (English: '' The Bat'', 2012) * ''Kakerlakkene'' (1998) (English: ''
Cockroaches Cockroaches (or roaches) are insects belonging to the Order (biology), order Blattodea (Blattaria). About 30 cockroach species out of 4,600 are associated with human habitats. Some species are well-known Pest (organism), pests. Modern cockro ...
'', 2013) * ''Rødstrupe'' (2000) (English: '' The Redbreast'', 2006) * ''Sorgenfri'' (2002) (English: ''
Nemesis In ancient Greek religion and myth, Nemesis (; ) also called Rhamnousia (or Rhamnusia; ), was the goddess who personified retribution for the sin of hubris: arrogance before the gods. Etymology The name ''Nemesis'' is derived from the Greek ...
'', 2008) * ''Marekors'' (2003) (English: '' The Devil's Star'', 2005) * ''Frelseren'' (2005) (English: '' The Redeemer'', 2009) * ''Snømannen'' (2007) (English: '' The Snowman'', 2010) – Adapted into the 2017 film of the same name. * ''Panserhjerte'' (2009) (English: '' The Leopard'', 2011) * ''Gjenferd'' (2011) (English: '' Phantom'', 2012) * ''Politi'' (2013) (English: ''
Police The police are Law enforcement organization, a constituted body of Law enforcement officer, people empowered by a State (polity), state with the aim of Law enforcement, enforcing the law and protecting the Public order policing, public order ...
'', 2013) * ''Tørst'' (2017) (English: '' The Thirst'', 2017) * ''Kniv'' (2019) (English: ''
Knife A knife (: knives; from Old Norse 'knife, dirk') is a tool or weapon with a cutting edge or blade, usually attached to a handle or hilt. One of the earliest tools used by humanity, knives appeared at least Stone Age, 2.5 million years ago, as e ...
'', 2019) * ''Blodmåne'' (2022) (English: '' Killing Moon'', 2023)


The Doctor Proctor novels

* ''Doktor Proktors Prompepulver'' (2007) (English: ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder'') (2010) * ''Doktor Proktors Tidsbadekaret'' (2008) (English: ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: Bubble in the Bathtub'') (2011) * ''Doktor Proktor Og Verdens Undergang. Kanskje.'' (2010) (English: ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: The End of The World. Maybe.''; also known as ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: Who Cut the Cheese?'') (2012) * ''Doktor Proktor Og Det Store Gullrøveriet'' (2012) (English: ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: The Great Gold Robbery''; also known as ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: The Magical Fruit'') (2014) * ''Kan Doktor Proktor Redde Jula?'' (2017) (English: ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: Can Doctor Proctor Save Christmas?'' also known as ''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder: Silent (but Deadly) Night'') (2018)


The Olav Johansen novels

* ''Blod På Snø'' (2015) (English: ''Blood on Snow'', 2015) * ''Mere Blod'' (2015) (English: ''Midnight Sun'', 2015)


The Kingdom novels

* ''Kongeriket'' (2020) (English: ''The Kingdom'', 2020) * ''Kongen av Os'' (2024) (English: ''Blood Ties'', 2024)


Stand-alone works

* '' Karusellmusikk'' (2001) – Short stories * ''Det Hvite Hotellet'' (2007) (English: ''The White Hotel'') * ''Hodejegerne'' (2008) (English: ''Headhunters'') – Adapted into the 2011 film of the same name. * ''Sønnen'' (2014) (English: '' The Son'', 2014) * ''
Macbeth ''The Tragedy of Macbeth'', often shortened to ''Macbeth'' (), is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, estimated to have been first performed in 1606. It dramatises the physically violent and damaging psychological effects of political ambiti ...
'' (April 2018) * ''Sjalusimannen Og Andre Fortellinger'' (2021) (English: ''The Jealousy Man and Other Stories'', 2021) * ''Rotteøya Og Andre Fortellinger'' (2021) (English: ''Rat island and Other Stories'', 2021) * ''Natthuset '' (2023) (English: ''The Night House'', 2023)


Non-fiction

* with Espen Søbye, '' Stemmer fra Balkan/ Atten dager i mai'' (1999) (English: ''Figures in the Balkans'')


TV series

'' Okkupert'' (''Occupied''), based on a concept by Jo Nesbø, is a television series produced by TV 2 and Yellow Bird, the Swedish production house responsible for the ''Wallander'' TV series, and the films ''Headhunters'' and ''The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo''. The series is a political thriller which envisages what would happen if Norway were to be invaded by Russia to seize the nation's oil resources. The first season premiered in October 2015, the second in September 2017, and the third in January 2020. A prequel television series based on Headhunters premiered in 2022, also produced by Yellow Bird.


Filmography


Adaptations

* '' Headhunters'' (Film, 2011) * ''Jackpot'' (Film, 2011) * ''I Am Victor'' (Film, 2013) * '' Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder'' (Film, 2014) * ''Doctor Proctor: Bubble in the Bathtub'' (Film, 2015) * '' The Snowman'' (Film, 2017) * '' The Hanging Sun'' (Film, 2022) * ''Headhunters'' (TV series, 2022) * '' Killer Heat'' (Film, 2024) * '' Jo Nesbø's Harry Hole'' (TV series, upcoming)


Scripts and original plots by Nesbo

* '' Deadline Torp'' (TV series, 2005) * '' Occupied'' (TV series, 2015-2020) * '' So Long, Marianne'' (TV series, 2024)


Awards and nominations

* The Riverton Prize 1997 for Best Norwegian Crime Novel of the Year (''The Bat'') * The Glass Key Award 1998 for Best Nordic Crime Novel of the Year (''The Bat'') * The Norwegian Booksellers' Prize for Best Novel of the Year 2000 (''The Redbreast'') * The Mads Wiel Nygaard Bursary 2002 (''Nemesis'') * Best Norwegian Crime Novel Ever Written awarded by the Norwegian book clubs in 2004 (''The Redbreast'') * The Finnish Academy of Crime Writers' Special Commendation 2007 for Excellence in Foreign Crime Writing (''The Devil's Star'') * Shortlisted for Duncan Lawrie International Dagger 2007 (''The Redbreast'') * The Norwegian Booksellers' Prize for Best Novel of the Year 2007 (''The Snowman'') * Shortlisted for Ark's Children's Book Award for Best Children's Book 2007 (''Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder'') * The Norwegian Book Club Prize 2008 for Best Novel of the Year (''The Snowman'') * Nominated for the Norwegian Bookseller's Prize 2008 (''Headhunters'' and ''Doctor Proctor's Time Bathtub'') * Nominated for the
Edgar Award The Edgar Allan Poe Awards, popularly called the Edgars, are presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America which is based in New York City. Named after American writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849), a pioneer in the genre, the awards hon ...
2010 (''Nemesis'') * Awarded the Norwegian Peer Gynt Prize 2013 * Martinus Readers’ Choice Award (Best Foreign Author of the Year) Slovakia 2014 * St. Petersburg Reads Award (Best International Author of the Year) Russia 2014 * The Riverton Honor Prize Norway 2016 * Boréales Honorary Award (for his entire literary work) France 2017 * The Raymond Chandler Award (Lifetime Achievement) 2018 * The Icepick Award (Best Translated Crime Novel of the Year) Iceland – Sønnen The Son 2018 * Shortlisted for the British Book Awards (Book of the Year, Crime & Thriller) UK – Macbeth Macbeth 2019 * The Riverton Prize (Best Norwegian Crime Novel of the Year) Norway – Kniv Knife 2020 * CoScan’s Nordic Person of the Year Award UK 2020 * Shortlisted for the Mofibo Awards (Best Crime & Suspense) Denmark – Kongeriket The Kingdom 2021 * Francisco Gonzalez Ledesma Award (for his entire literary work) Spain 2023 * Honorary Doctorate of the University of West Attica (for his rich body of work, his contribution to literature, and the promotion of reading) Greece 2023 * Shortlisted for Grand Prix des lectrices de ELLE France – Blodmåne Killing Moon 2024 * The Pepe Carvalho Award (for his entire literary work) Spain 2024


References


External links

*
Full biography and bibliography about Jo Nesbø on Knigosearch.com
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Nesbo, Jo 1960 births Living people Norwegian pop musicians Norwegian crime fiction writers Norwegian children's writers 20th-century Norwegian novelists 21st-century Norwegian novelists Norwegian men's footballers Molde FK players People from Molde Musicians from Oslo Stockbrokers Writers from Oslo Men's association football forwards Nordic detective fiction writers Nordic Noir writers Norwegian School of Economics alumni