JO NESBO is one of the world's leading crime writers, which he claims only partially compensates for having a promising soccer career abruptly terminated when he tore ligaments in both knees at the age of eighteen. After he studied economics and financial analysis, he worked as a stockbroker by day and played with the band Di Derre (Them There) at night. When commissioned by a publisher to write a memoir about life on the road with his band, he instead came up with the plot for his first Harry Hole crime novel, The Bat. His previous novels, which include The Thirst, Police, Phantom and The Snowman and six others, have sold over 40 million copies worldwide. He is also the author of several standalone novels, including Macbeth, his reinvention of Shakespeare's play, and the Doctor Proctor series of children's books. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Glass Key for best Nordic crime novel.