The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo

Oslo detective Harry Hole is on his last legs as a policeman because of his alcoholism and reluctance to stop pursuing a case against a colleague, Tom Waaler, who Harry believes is responsible for his friend's death. His final assignment, three weeks before forced retirement, is the search for a possible serial killer who leaves behind a five-pointed star. Ironically, Harry has to work alongside Waaler because it's summertime and they are short-staffed. Harry tries to stay sober, but his suspicions about Waaler's bad side are never far from the surface, especially after Waaler offers Harry help in staying on the force if Harry will perform a mysterious task. Will Harry be able to stop the killings and/or Waaler or be destroyed in the process? The Devil's Star is for people who like Scandavian mysteries and don't mind a couple of disturbing scenes. Jo Nesbo's novels have not be published in the U.S. yet, but should be available through interlibrary loan from your library.