Jo Nesbø

Jo Nesbø is the most successful Norwegian author of all time. His adult novels have sold millions of copies worldwide. His children's books have also received widespread acclaim: his Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder series was translated into more than 35 languages. The first book of the Doctor Proctor series has sold more copies than any children's book debut in Norwegian history. It has been made into a live-action movie which will be released in the UK in 2015.

Before becoming an author Jo played football for Norway's premier league team Molde. But his dream of playing professionally for Tottenham Hotspur was dashed due to an injury he suffered at the age of 18. After three years of military service he attended business school and formed the band Di Derre ('Them There'). Their second album topped the charts in Norway. But he continued working as a financial analyst, crunching numbers during the day and gigging at night. It wasn't until he was 37 that Jo became a published author.