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Just a little funny note, as I always become so happy when discovering, that somebody else loves Leonard Cohen…

Some of you might know famous Norwegian author Jo Nesbø, who especially with his series about Oslo policeman Harry Hole has a huge amount of readers all over the World, including me, as it is good literature (yes, with a crime plot, but these books are highly recommendable for many reasons).

However, his latest novel was published a few days ago and on page 10 (Danish edition) Nesbø has a female character talking about her brief relationship with Leonard Cohen and citing lines from “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye”, while explaining, why and how these flow with “natural elegance”.

Nothing really, moving the World, it just gave me the feeling of acknowledgement by an author, who himself is a great writer.
Whatever, it just made me happy to find such an unexpected reference.

(The books should be read in order, as the development of the main character, his relations and surroundings is an important part of the storyline.)

Yours, Amrei

HI Amrei,

Like you I have read practically all of Jo Nesbø's work and particularly the Harry Hole series. He has referenced Leonard in the past. I was surprised to read that his new novel, "Killing Moon" was already published as it is not due for release (in the UK) until May 2023. I see that the version you are reading is in Danish. I presume that the Scandinavian countries have had earlier publication dates?

As an aside, another author who regularly references Leonard in his novels is the Scottish crime writer, Ian Rankin (now Sir Ian). His "Rebus" novels have been best sellers for many years and I recommend you try to read this series, also from the start if you can..

Thank you ScottM, I will definitely try them. I have had them on my reading list a long time, there is no good reason, why I never got started. But now I have a reason to do so.

The release date for Nesbø’s newest nowel was November 8.th in Denmark and even a few weeks earlier in Norway. I don’t know, why you have to wait so long - but I imagine it’s hard …

I won’t post any more spoilers, besides the references to Leonard’s music.
Thanks for getting me started on Inspector Rebus, he will fill the gap when I have to wait for the next Harry Hole. Hopefully

Yours, Amrei