The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature today announced it will welcome Jo Nesbø, one of the world’s greatest crime writers, to the 2020 event (4-9 February). The world-renowned Norwegian author, whose books have sold more than 45 million copies in 50 languages, is recognized for broadening the scope of modern crime and thriller fiction. Speaking on Saturday 8 February, Jo will join a spectacular line-up of more than 150 international and local authors coming to the Festival, the biggest and best-loved celebration of the written and spoken word in the Arab world. Tickets are on sale today for AED 59.

Ahlam Bolooki, Festival Director for Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, said: “If you google Nordic noir authors, Jo Nesbø is one of the first names you’ll see. Over the past 20 years, Jo has quietly been conquering the world with his wonderfully flawed, complex characters and dark, chilling tales of unspeakable crimes. I can’t wait to hear him speak at the Festival, and to get a small insight into the brilliant mind that has captivated and frightened millions of readers all around the world.”

Jo Nesbø is one of the world’s biggest-selling crime writers, with multiple novels topping the Sunday Times bestseller charts. His famous protagonist Harry Hole is for many readers the ultimate anti-hero. His latest novel, Knife, sees the detective given a chance for a new start with the Oslo Police but it’s in the cold case office, when what he really wants is to be investigating cases he suspects have ties to Svein Finne, the serial rapist and murderer who Harry helped put behind bars. And now, Finne is free after a decade-plus in prison – free, and Harry is certain, unreformed and ready to take up where he left off. Then when Harry wakes up with blood on his hands, it’s only the beginning of what will be a waking nightmare the likes of which even he could never have imagined.

Fellow Festival author and renowned crime writer, Linwood Barclay, said: “Many authors know how to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Jo Nesbø’s one of the few who keeps them there.”

The crime strand also includes Mai Jia, arguably the most successful writer in China today; Killing Eve creator Luke Jennings; bestselling crime author Linwood Barclay; Stuart Turton, author of mind-bending Agatha-Christie-meets-Groundhog-Day-style crime thriller The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle; and home-grown domestic noir author Karen Osman.

Award-winning and bestselling authors include Tayari Jones, Hoda Barakat, Omaima Alkhamis, Esi Edugayan, Mohammed Hanif, Linwood Barclay, Santa Montefiore and Omar Saif Ghobash. Genres covered include literary, popular and crime fiction, business, history, spirituality, poetry, science, food, adventure and exploration and more, along with an exciting interactive programme for children of all ages.

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