This is Scandinavian crime fiction! The authors are presented in alphabetical order. Check back soon as more names will be added within the next few weeks.
Jussi Adler-Olsen
Established editor and publisher of works on Groucho Marx, marital relations, floating steel homes - but probably most well-known for his comic book encyclopedia - Jussi Adler-Olsen turned his wide spanning genius to crime fiction and "The Department Q". But why did he grow up at a mental hospital? Find out here.
» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Karin Alvtegen
Karin Alvtegen's Missing was nominated for a 2009 Edgar's Award in the Best Novel category. The Edgar's is awarded by Mystery Writers of America, and is arguably the most prestigious crime fiction award. More about Alvtegen's fast-paced psychological crime fiction here.
» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Åke Edwardson
Åke Edwardson’s Frozen Tracks was a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist in 2008. It is fitting that LA is the first US city to praise Åke Edwardson, since this city is a place where Åke Edwardson knows every street and alley way. How come? Read more here.
» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Kerstin Ekman
Highly acclaimed Swedish author and Swedish Academy member Kerstin Ekman has still not been fully discovered by the English readers of Scandinavian crime fiction. Find out here what her relation is to Salman Rushdie.
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Karin Fossum
Time of London recently named Karin Fossum one of the 50 greatest crime writers of all time, and her The Indian Bride was The Los Angeles Times Book List Winner in 2008. Read more about Karin Fossum here.
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Anne Holt
Former Norwegian Minister of Justice is now one of the most well received writers of Scandinavian crime fiction. Her mastery is unfortunately often overshadowed by speculations about hers, and her heroines', sexual orientation. Read more about Anne Holt here.
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Arnaldur Indridason
Volcanic Iceland is a natural locked room setting, and the violence of the ancient Icelandic sagas has found a new bleak home in Arnaldur Indridason's modern Scandinavian crime fiction. Find out why 7 of the 10 most borrowed titles in the Reykjavik City Library at one point were Indridason novels.» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Lars Kepler
The Hypnotist was an instant triumph for Lars Kepler back home in Sweden. But who was he? There were no pictures published. No previous track record. Rumors started swirling. Were the stories in British media true, was the man behind The Hypnotist actually Henning Mankell? Find out here.
» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Stieg Larsson
Currently the brightest star among the writers of Scandinavian crime fiction, topping best-seller lists throughout Europe. His debut The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo has already made a significant impact in the US as well. There are two more novels in Stieg Larssson's Millennium series. But then there will be no more crime fiction written by Stieg Larsson. Ever. Find out why here.
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Åsa Larsson
The setting in Åsa Larsson's crime fiction is northernmost Sweden, where the lawyer Rebecka Martinsson finds herself forced to deal with violent crimes, as well as her own unnerving demons from the past. A James Bond girl portrayed Rebecka in the first movie based on a Åsa Larson novel. Read more here.» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Camilla Läckberg
Camilla Läckberg’s crime novels are set in Fjällbacka, the small Swedish town where she grew up. Some of Fjällbacka's real life inhabitants have even made it into Läckberg's fictional world. And although Camilla is consistently killing off Fjällbacka’s already small population, she is still very popular among the ones not dead. Find out why here.» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Henning Mankell
Swedish Henning Mankell is arguably the most influential writer of Scandinavian crime fiction the last 15 years. Although several Scandinavian crime writers now challenge his position, Henning Mankell’s huge following still consider him the master. Find out why here.» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Jo Nesbø
At daytime Jo Nesbo had a very well-paid job as a financial analyst, at night time he was a singer of a successful rock band. But Jo Nesbo decided to take 6 months off, traveled to Australia and came back with a manuscript. A few months later he was a renowned and bestselling author. Find out why here.
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Håkan Nesser
Håkan Nesser's central character is Van Veeteren, a somewhat cynical inspector whose main area of expertise is the psychological aspects of crimes. When the Van Veeteren series starts has only one unsolved crime on his resume, the case "G". Read more about Nesser and Van Veeteren here.» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
Sjöwall-Wahlöö
Without doubt the husband and wife team Sjöwall-Wahlöö are the founders of modern Scandinavian crime fiction. Their masterful plots, fast moving story telling, and sly humor have been praised by critics and readers around the world. But in what way did Sjöwall-Wahlöö change the crime fiction genre? Find out here.
» Click on the book covers below to read about each title and to access reviews.
