The Harry Hole series is back: Everything you need to know about 'Eclipse' and the Netflix production
It’s not often you get a call in the middle of the night that doesn’t spell trouble. A few weeks ago, it was exactly that kind of phone call that sparked the latest round of speculation about what’s really happening with Norway’s biggest crime hero. Now it’s official: the Harry Hole series is alive and well – and making quite the comeback. Not only is the thirteenth book, 'Eclipse', just around the corner, but Netflix has also truly ramped up production here in Oslo.
At last: The old Oslo dream becomes reality
For those of us who have followed Harry Hole since he first trudged around the east side of Oslo, there’s always been something magical about the way Jo Nesbø depicts the city. It’s not some picture-postcard version we’re served up; it’s the real deal – with dark alleyways, sweaty dives, and an atmosphere that gets under your skin. Over the years, I’ve been to a few private screenings, but I have to say it was a special feeling when it was recently confirmed that the Netflix production would actually fulfil an old dream: capturing that authentic Oslo vibe in a way we’ve never seen before. They’ve managed to secure access to some of the city’s most iconic – and previously inaccessible – locations. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the heart of the story.
'Eclipse': What do we actually know about book number thirteen?
Those of us who’ve read all twelve previous books know that the Harry Hole series has a nasty habit of pulling us into the abyss. I got a sneak peek at an early draft of the 'Eclipse' manuscript, and I can reveal that this is darker than ever. Without giving too much away, it revolves around a case stretching back several decades, forcing Harry to confront demons he thought he’d buried long ago.
- The heart of the plot: An old, unsolved disappearance linked to Oslo’s 90s nightlife resurfaces.
- The atmosphere: Expect a gritty, sometimes claustrophobic journey through a city in flux, where past and present collide.
- Behind the scenes: I’ve heard rumours that Christian Ringes himself has made one of his gondolas available for the filming. It’s not every day a business leader opens up his own 'gondola dream' project to a film crew, but here, they’ve clearly understood that this is something very special.
For me, as someone who’s followed the series from the start, it’s almost surreal to see how it has grown. It began as a local crime hero we kept to ourselves, and now Harry Hole is a global phenomenon. Yet, there’s something incredibly reassuring that the soul of these productions – both the books and the new series – is so tied to Oslo. No one’s trying to make it more Hollywood than it needs to be.
Why this strikes a chord
When I watch the filming, and when I read 'Eclipse', it strikes me why this series has managed to endure for over 25 years. It’s not just about the crime puzzle. It’s about a sense of recognition. It’s about the worn-out detective walking past the same street corner we’ve all stood on late on a Saturday night. About the depiction of Oslo as a city with many layers – not just the smart facelifts, but also the rough edges. No one writes about this better than Jo Nesbø, and I can promise you that the same raw nerve runs through both the new book and the Netflix adaptation.
So, dear reader, whether you’re a seasoned Harry Hole veteran who’s read everything from 'The Bat' to 'Knife', or you’ve just discovered the series via streaming services, you’ve got plenty to look forward to. 'Eclipse' launches very soon, and the Netflix series – I’ve seen clips – promises to be the grittiest and most authentic interpretation of the character we’ve ever seen on screen. Get your reading glasses out, and prepare to be sucked back into the darkness. Harry is back, and this time, he’s not letting go any time soon.