Harry Hole returns to Oslo for a very personal case. Three years have passed since former inspector Harry Hole escaped to Hong Kong to flee from the traumas of his personal and professional life in Oslo. He now returns to investigate a murder. However, the case has already been closed. Gusto the junkie was killed during a drug-related fight. The alleged murderer has already been arrested.

Harry gets permission to visit the accused in prison. There, the former inspector confronts himself and his personal journey - the accused is the son of his great love Rakel, the closest thing he has to a son.

Thus begins his loneliest and most improbable investigation despite the police's refusal to reopen the case. The traces of drugs, blood, and mysterious disappearances lead to a man no one wants to talk about, a man who dominates the night streets of Oslo, the "phantom".

"Beyond the clichés of the genre, the alcoholic and unruly Harry Hole always manages to surprise us... His relationship with Rakel is truly multi-layered and the most torturous enigma of detective literature. "The Phantom" elevates the sweeping momentum of Norwegian Jo Nesbo."
("The Independent")
"Whether you are a fan of Harry Hole or just starting his book series, "The Phantom" will reward you. The gripping suspense and intense pace of the action will keep you awake"
(Oprah.com)