While it's the first in the series chronologically, many readers actually discover Harry Hole through later books. However, reading The Bat provides valuable insight into Harry's character development and the origins of his personal struggles.

The book offers a unique outsider's perspective on Australian culture, particularly focusing on Aboriginal traditions and urban Sydney life. While some elements are dramatized for storytelling purposes, the cultural aspects are generally well-researched.

The bat holds significant meaning in Aboriginal mythology as presented in the novel, serving as both a symbolic element and a crucial plot device that connects various aspects of the mystery and cultural elements of the story.