I was on the lookout for a good crime novel to sink my teeth into, but I am not a big fan of gore or graphic violence so I was a bit wary of what I was picking up. I have not read a Jo Nesbo book before, except for the opening chapter of 'The Snowman', so I was a bit unsure of this book but went for it anyway (if you're wondering why I started at book 7, it was the only one in stock at the library!). Obviously I cannot say how this book compares to the rest of the series, but I have had no problem at all starting at the seventh book of the collection - ongoing characters are introduced fluidly and comprehensively, so there's no awkward pauses to describe someone's backstory and I wasn't left wondering what the relationship between two characters was. There are references to 'The Snowman' (a previous Harry Hole book), but there are no spoilers and I don't feel like I've missed anything by not having read it already. As for the story, I have really been enjoying it (so much so that I haven't quite finished it, but it's so good I wanted to write the review now!). It's believeable; the behaviour of each character fits in with their background and personality. The characters are dynamic and realistic, really believable, and the story goes on at a good pace and is consistently interesting. As for the gore/graphic violence I was nervous of, I have not found that to be a problem; there are a couple of brief descriptions of 'punishments' doled out by the gangs, but it's all a bit impersonal (i.e. it's not described as actually happening to a person in minute detail). There's nothing heavily graphic about it and I have not found it to be an uncomfortable read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the crime genre. It is inevitable that Nesbo will be compared to Larsson, but I would also recommend The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (if you haven't already read it) if you have enjoyed Phantom (although be warned, it is more graphic than this book).