Crime Books to Get You Hooked on Nordic Noir
If there’s one request I’ve been getting most frequently on Crime by the Book lately, it’s for Nordic Noir books for newcomers to the genre - and you can imagine how happy that makes me! Nordic Noir (aka Scandinavian crime fiction) is my all-time favorite crime fiction subgenre, and it’s a subgenre overflowing with talented writers for you to discover. But, like with anything, figuring out where to start can be tricky. To help solve that dilemma, I’ve put together a blog post designed to be your launching point into the world of Nordic Noir. Here you’ll find recommendations suitable for readers who are totally new to the Scandinavian crime fiction subgenre: this list includes books by many of the biggest names in Scandinavian crime writing, books that will give you the perfect introduction to the genre and its most prominent characteristics. If you’ve been hoping to dig into Scandinavian crime fiction but weren’t quite sure where to start, let this list be your guide!
Note: This is by no means a comprehensive list of the influential authors in this genre, and it’s not even close to a comprehensive list of my personal favorite authors in this genre, either! There are lots more names that could be added here—but in an effort to keep this list focused and approachable for total genre newcomers, I’ve decided to keep it limited to the books I recommend most often for readers looking to dip into the world of Nordic Noir for the very first time. And remember: if you’re looking for more comprehensive coverage the genre, you can always finds lots of Scandinavian crime fiction reviews, recommendations, author interviews, and more in my blog’s Expert Witness: Nordic Noir section. Without further ado, let’s dive on in!
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First: What Is Nordic Noir?
Nordic Noir—also called Scandinavian crime fiction—is a crime fiction subgenre set in (you guessed it!) Scandinavia. These books are often defined by bleak settings, violent crimes, and an exploration of pressing social issues. These crime novels typically follow police officers, and those police officers frequently are individuals grappling with their own inner demons. Nordic Noir crime novels tend to feature complex plots with measured pacing, rich character development, and plenty of darkness—both in atmosphere and plot. Big on melancholy mood and gritty atmosphere, Scandinavian crime novels are, in my opinion, one of the most consistently chilling and immersive subgenres of crime fiction out there.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Setting: Sweden
Why It’ll Hook You:
I discovered Nordic Noir the same way many American readers did: through the work of Stieg Larsson and his explosive Millennium Trilogy. The first installment in this trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, became a global sensation, spawning movie adaptations, a subsequent follow-up trilogy by author David Lagercrantz, and millions of books sold worldwide. It was a groundbreaking publication in so many ways, and central to its success is, naturally, the read itself. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an exceptional thriller. It’s a story both gritty and cinematic, a politically-charged tale that explores corruption, abuse of power, and justice. This book is quite dark and explicitly violent—it’s one of the more violent books you will find on this list. Integral to this story is the (now-iconic) character of Lisbeth Salander, an exceptionally gifted hacker who takes justice into her own hands. The Millennium Trilogy is as much Lisbeth’s story as it is anything else, and readers will fall instantly in love with her ruthless, rebellious, razor-sharp personality—and they’ll be riveted by the mysteries in her backstory, too. You can’t go wrong beginning your Nordic Noir journey with this book.
About the Book:
A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue....
It's about the disappearance 40 years ago of Harriet Vanger, a young scion of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden...and about her octogenarian uncle, determined to know the truth about what he believes was her murder.
It's about Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently at the wrong end of a libel case, hired to get to the bottom of Harriet's disappearance...and about Lisbeth Salander, a 24-year-old, pierced and tattooed genius hacker possessed of the hard-earned wisdom of someone twice her age, who assists Blomkvist with the investigation.
This unlikely team discovers a vein of nearly unfathomable iniquity running through the Vanger family, astonishing corruption in the highest echelons of Swedish industrialism - and an unexpected connection between themselves.
The Redbreast by Jo Nesbø
Setting: Norway
Why It’ll Hook You:
Absolutely no one who reads this blog with any regularity will be surprised to see me recommending another Jo Nesbø novel. In the years since I began exploring the Nordic Noir genre, Jo Nesbø has quickly become (and remained!) my favorite author. While The Redbreast isn’t Nesbø’s strongest novel, it is the perfect place to start with his internationally-bestselling Harry Hole series (named after its protagonist, a troubled detective in Oslo, Norway). In The Redbreast, readers follow Harry as he races to send a neo-Nazi back to prison, and stop a suspected assassination attempt. Unlike the majority of the other Harry Hole books, The Redbreast has a historical component to it: in this case, exploring Norway’s history during World War II. Alternating between past and present, this thriller sets up a stunning conclusion—and it was actually the conclusion of this book that hooked me on this series. Even if historical thrillers aren’t typically your cup of tea, I’d encourage you to give this book a try anyway. It’s the perfect introduction to Harry, Nesbø’s protagonist, and the perfect entry point into his gritty, dark, and utterly irresistible Norwegian crime fiction series. No one does crime fiction quite like Jo Nesbø, and this book will draw you into his world.
About the Book:
Harry knows he shouldn’t get involved.
A report of a rare and unusual gun – a type favored by assassins – being smuggled into the country sparks Detective Harry Hole's interest.
Evil is closer to home than he knows.
Then a former WW2 Nazi sympathizer is found with his throat cut. Next, someone close to Harry is murdered. Why had she been trying to reach Harry on the night she was killed?
As Harry's investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the killer is hell-bent on serving his own justice. And while the link between the cases remains a mystery, one thing is certain: he must be stopped.
But can Harry stop him in time?
Plus: An Alternative Jo Nesbø Suggestion…
The Snowman
Setting: Norway
Why It’ll Hook You:
If historical thrillers really don’t appeal to you and you’re more interested in just getting a feel for Nesbø’s writing than you are concerned with starting the series earlier on in its chronological order, check out his book The Snowman. The Snowman is Nesbø’s most famous book, and for good reason: it’s an utterly immersive and chilling serial killer thriller that involves some very memorable (and dark) crimes, and it puts the impeccable character development found in Nesbø’s books on full display. There are some very… shall we say… memorable crimes in this book that aren’t for the faint of heart, so do keep that in mind when determining if this book might be of interest to you. The Snowman is Book 7 in Nesbø’s series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I frequently recommend this book to readers who are just looking to dip and sample Nesbø’s writing. It’s my personal favorite book of his, and an excellent way to see if his style works for you! If you end up loving this book, you can then go back and start reading through his series from The Redbreast. PS. There is a movie adaptation of The Snowman that is just awful—it does not do the book justice by any means.
About the Book:
One night, after the first snowfall of the year, a boy named Jonas wakes up and discovers that his mother has disappeared. Only one trace of her remains: a pink scarf, his Christmas gift to her, now worn by the snowman that inexplicably appeared in their yard earlier that day. Inspector Harry Hole suspects a link between the missing woman and a suspicious letter he’s received. The case deepens when a pattern emerges: over the past decade, eleven women have vanished—all on the day of the first snow. But this is a killer who makes his own rules . . . and he’ll break his pattern just to keep the game interesting, as he draws Harry ever closer into his twisted web. With brilliantly realized characters and hair-raising suspense, international bestselling author Jo Nesbø presents his most chilling case yet—one that will test Harry Hole to the very limits of his sanity.
The Forgotten Girls by Sara Blædel
Setting: Denmark
Why It’ll Hook You:
If police procedurals lighter on violence and featuring endearing characters are your cup of tea, Danish Queen of Crime Sara Blædel is your must-read. Sara Blædel is best known for her Louise Rick series, a 9-installment (so far!) series featuring a police officer and a journalist in Blædel’s native Denmark. Unlike the “damaged detectives” of many other Nordic Noir series, Blædel’s series protagonists Louise Rick and Camilla Lind are relatable and down-to-earth. Every time I pick up a new book in this series, I feel like I’m returning to old friends. Louise and Camilla are strong, smart, savvy, independent women, and following their journey over the course of this series is a true pleasure. In The Forgotten Girls, readers venture into a remote forest, where the body of a woman has just been found. Louise Rick is tasked with identifying the woman and investigating her death—an assignment that will take her to a state-run psychiatric facility, and back to her own childhood hometown. Though this is a later installment in Blædel’s series, it’s the perfect place to dip in because it finds the series protagonist starting an entirely new job: one with the Missing Persons Department. You’ll quickly fall in step with Louise in this gripping and heartfelt crime novel.
About the Book:
The body of an unidentified woman has been discovered in a remote forest. A large, unique scar on one side of her face should make the identification easy, but nobody has reported her missing. Louise Rick, the new commander of the Missing Persons Department, waits four long days before pulling off a risky move: releasing a photo of the victim to the media, jeopardizing the integrity of the investigation in hopes of finding anyone who knew her.
The gamble pays off when a woman recognizes the victim as Lisemette, a child she cared for in the state mental institution many years ago. Lisemette was a "forgotten girl", abandoned by her family and left behind in the institution. But Louise soon discovers something even more disturbing: Lisemette had a twin, and both girls were issued death certificates more than thirty years ago.
Louise's investigation takes a surprising when it brings her closer to her childhood home. And as she uncovers more crimes that were committed--and hidden--in the forest, she is forced to confront a terrible link to her own past that has been carefully concealed. Set against a moody and atmospheric landscape, The Forgotten Girls is twisty, suspenseful, emotionally intense novel that secures Sara Blaedel's place in the pantheon of great thriller writers.
Sun Storm by Åsa Larsson
Setting: Sweden
Why It’ll Hook You:
Åsa Larsson is one of those writers whose work often goes under the radar for newcomers to the Nordic Noir genre, likely because her Rebecka Martinsson series hasn’t had a new installment in quite a few years now. Don’t let this deter you, though—her work is well worth adding to your Scandinavian crime fiction reading list. The best place to start with Åsa Larsson’s work is with her first series installment, Sun Storm. Atmospheric and chilling, Sun Storm takes readers to remote Kiruna, Sweden, the northernmost town in the country. Following a female protagonist who has just returned home to the town she swore never to revisit, Sun Storm delves into the dark secrets and sordid conspiracies of a small community and its residents. One of the biggest selling points in this series is its protagonist, Rebecka Martinsson. Martinsson, a former resident of Kiruna, left the north of Sweden to work as a lawyer in Stockholm. In Sun Storm, readers find her returning home for the first time in a very long time, and confronting the many demons she attempted to abandon there. Martinsson is an engaging, sympathetic, strong-willed character, and readers will love “meeting” her in this chilling mystery.
About the Book:
Rebecka Martinsson is heading home to Kiruna, the town she’d left in disgrace years before. A Stockholm attorney, Rebecka has a good reason to return: her friend Sanna, whose brother has been horrifically murdered in the revivalist church his charisma helped create. Beautiful and fragile, Sanna needs someone like Rebecka to remove the shadow of guilt that is engulfing her, to forestall an ambitious prosecutor and a dogged policewoman. But to help her friend, and to find the real killer of a man she once adored and is now not sure she ever knew, Rebecka must relive the darkness she left behind in Kiruna, delve into a sordid conspiracy of deceit, and confront a killer whose motives are dark, wrenching, and impossible to guess. . . .
Ordeal by Jørn Lier Horst
Setting: Norway
Why It’ll Hook You:
If you’re a fan of detail-oriented, grounded-in-reality, slow-burn crime fiction, Jørn Lier Horst’s procedurals are a must for you. Jørn previously worked in the Norwegian police force, and his crime novels are defined by their meticulous and methodical depiction of police work. You won’t find any “damaged detectives” here: Jørn’s series protagonist, William Wisting, is a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man who goes about his job with great care. Readers will quickly discover that Wisting is noticeably lacking in the self-destructive behaviors that so often define detectives in the Nordic Noir genre (and are frequently found throughout crime fiction as a whole); for readers who appreciate more realism and less dramatic flair in their crime writing, William Wisting will be a welcome change of pace. Of the Jørn Lier Horst books I’ve read thus far, Ordeal remains my favorite. While this is part of the William Wisting series, it is quite easy to read on its own. In this particular story, Wisting’s daughter, Line, features prominently. Line is a journalist, and in Ordeal, her work collides with her father’s. If slow-burning, detail-oriented police procedurals are your thing, you will love Jørn Lier Horst’s writing.
About the Book:
Frank Mandt died after a fall down his basement steps, the same basement that holds a locked safe bolted to the floor. His granddaughter, Sofie Lund, inherits the house but wants nothing to do with his money. She believes the old man let her mother die in jail and is bitterly resentful.
Line Wisting’s journalist instincts lead her into friendship with Sofie, and Line is with her when the safe is opened. What they discover unlocks another case and leads Chief Inspector William Wisting on a trial of murder to an ordeal that will eventually separate the innocent from the damned.
The Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg
Setting: Sweden
Why It’ll Hook You:
Camilla Läckberg is one of the bestselling crime writers in all of Europe, and I frequently recommend her Fjällbacka series for Nordic Noir newcomers for one key reason: these books are what I like to consider “Nordic Noir-lite.” (And I mean that in the best way possible!) Läckberg’s writing is a truly delightful blend of Nordic atmosphere, endearing characters, and domestic drama. These are certainly not cozy mysteries—there is darkness and bloodshed in these books—but they are one of the lightest examples of the Scandinavian crime fiction genre you will come across. These books place as much emphasis on solving mysteries as they do on delving into the personal lives of their protagonists, and readers who enjoy domestic drama mixed in with their crime fiction will love the Fjällbacka books. These books are best read in series order, as the ever-evolving relationship between the two protagonists is one of their biggest selling points. The Ice Princess, the first book in the Fjällbacka series, introduces readers to Erica Falck and Patrik Hedstrom. Erica is a writer, and Patrik is a police officer, and their paths collide in The Ice Princess when Erica’s childhood best friend is found dead of apparent suicide… and Erica has reason to believe there is more to the story. Pick this book up for a chilling atmosphere, a small-town setting, and a lighter example of the Nordic Noir genre.
About the Book:
In this electrifying tale of suspense from an international crime-writing sensation, a grisly death exposes the dark heart of a Scandinavian seaside village. Erica Falck returns to her tiny, remote hometown of Fjällbacka, Sweden, after her parents’ deaths only to encounter another tragedy: the suicide of her childhood best friend, Alex. It’s Erica herself who finds Alex’s body—suspended in a bathtub of frozen water, her wrists slashed. Erica is bewildered: Why would a beautiful woman who had it all take her own life? Teaming up with police detective Patrik Hedström, Erica begins to uncover shocking events from Alex’s childhood. As one horrifying fact after another comes to light, Erica and Patrik’s curiosity gives way to obsession—and their flirtation grows into uncontrollable attraction. But it’s not long before one thing becomes very clear: a deadly secret is at stake, and there’s someone out there who will do anything—even commit murder—to protect it.
The Sandman by Lars Kepler
Setting: Sweden
Why It’ll Hook You:
At the opposite end of the spectrum from Lackberg we find Lars Kepler: the pen name for a husband-and-wife writing duo, the creators of some of the darkest and most deliciously action-packed Nordic thrillers you’ll find. If page-turning (and terrifying) serial killer thrillers appeal to you, Kepler is your Nordic Noir must-read. Kepler’s books follow investigators in Stockholm, Sweden, who hunt down some of the most terrifying villains in modern crime fiction. There’s absolutely no denying it: Kepler’s books are violent and dark. Think The Silence of the Lambs but with a Nordic twist. I would personally recommend dipping into Kepler’s work with their stellar book The Sandman, but here’s the great thing about Kepler’s series: each of these books truly can be read on its own. While you will, of course, get the most full sense of character development if you read these books in order, Kepler has intentionally crafted each of their series installments to function as well on their own as they do when read in chronological order. In The Sandman, series leads Joona Linna and Saga Bauer investigate a chilling series of crimes that seem linked to a serial killer who is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum security psychiatric facility. The villain here is perhaps my favorite character of all in Kepler’s series—he’s basically a Swedish Hannibal Lecter (minus the cannibalism).
About the Book:
Late one night, outside Stockholm, Mikael Kohler-Frost is found wandering. Thirteen years earlier, he went missing along with his younger sister. They were long thought to have been victims of Sweden's most notorious serial killer, Jurek Walter, now serving a life sentence in a maximum security psychiatric hospital. Now Mikael tells the police that his sister is still alive and being held by someone he knows only as the Sandman. Years ago, Detective Inspector Joona Linna made an excruciating personal sacrifice to ensure Jurek's capture. He is keenly aware of what this killer is capable of, and now he is certain that Jurek has an accomplice. He knows that any chance of rescuing Mikael's sister depends on getting Jurek to talk, and that the only agent capable of this is Inspector Saga Bauer, a twenty-seven-year-old prodigy. She will have to go under deep cover in the psychiatric ward where Jurek is imprisoned, and she will have to find a way to get to the psychopath before it's too late--and before he gets inside her head.
The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen
Setting: Denmark
Why It’ll Hook You:
If all this dark, sinister crime writing is sounding a little bit too heavy and morose for you, you may wish to check out Denmark’s beloved Jussi Adler-Olsen. Adler-Olsen writes the Department Q series, which centers around a team solving cold cases. While Adler-Olsen certainly has his share of darkness on display in the Department Q books, the defining characteristic of his crime writing isn’t grit or violence—it’s dry, dark humor. I’m not typically a reader who enjoys humor in my crime fiction, but there’s something about the way Adler-Olsen injects his books with personality that hooked me years ago. The secret ingredient here is Adler-Olsen’s protagonist: Carl Mørck. A former homicide detective who, in the series’ first installment (The Keeper of Lost Causes) has found himself relegated to a less-than-desirable job tackling cold cases. But what begins as a potential setback quickly becomes a new home for Carl, as he surrounds himself with a rag-tag crew of unexpected—and totally endearing—colleagues. Carl is a lovable curmudgeon, and his personality gives Adler-Olsen’s books a unique, darkly humorous edge. Adler-Olsen also frequently incorporates social issues in his native Denmark into his crime writing.
About the Book:
Carl Mørck used to be one of Denmark’s best homicide detectives. Then a hail of bullets destroyed the lives of two fellow cops, and Carl—who didn’t draw his weapon—blames himself. So a promotion is the last thing he expects. But Department Q is a department of one, and Carl’s got only a stack of cold cases for company. His colleagues snicker, but Carl may have the last laugh, because one file keeps nagging at him: a liberal politician vanished five years earlier and is presumed dead. But she isn’t dead...yet.
Hunting Game by Helene Tursten
Setting: Sweden
Why It’ll Hook You:
Readers who typically enjoy the pacing and tone of classic crime fiction will love Swedish writer Helene Tursten’s Hunting Game. This book delivers a compelling blend of classic inspiration and modern sensibility, following a young female police officer in Sweden whose annual hunting trip with family and friends takes a dark turn. The pacing and atmosphere here feel drawn from a classic crime novel, while protagonist Embla Nyström exhibits the strength, savvy, and independence that I love in a modern lead character. I personally loved the way Hunting Game seems to mirror (in a very loose way!) the structure of a traditional “locked room” mystery. While the “room” here is much larger than we might typically expect—in this case, a forest where Embla and her family and friends have gone to hunt—the limited cast of characters and everyone’s-a-suspect atmosphere of a “locked room” crime novel are absolutely reflected here. This is a slow-burning story, and readers who love an immersive crime read that is more about a wintry atmosphere and intriguing plotting than lots of in-your-face bloodshed will want to check out Hunting Game.
About the Book:
Twenty-eight-year-old Embla Nyström has been plagued by chronic nightmares and racing thoughts ever since she can remember. She has learned to channel most of her anxious energy into her position as Detective Inspector in the mobile unit in Gothenburg, Sweden, and into sports. A talented hunter and prizewinning Nordic welterweight, she is glad to be taking a vacation from her high-stress job to attend the annual moose hunt with her family and friends.
But when Embla arrives at her uncle’s cabin in rural Dalsland, she sees an unfamiliar face has joined the group: Peter, enigmatic, attractive, and newly divorced. And she isn’t the only one to notice. One longtime member of the hunt doesn’t welcome the presence of an outsider and is quick to point out that with Peter, the group’s number reaches thirteen, a bad omen for the week. Sure enough, a string of unsettling incidents follow, culminating in the disappearance of two hunters. Embla takes charge of the search, and they soon find one of the missing men floating facedown in the nearby lake. With the help of local reinforcements, Embla delves into the dark pasts of her fellow hunters in search of a killer.
And that’s a wrap on my Nordic Noir beginner recommendations! Have you read any of these books? Do any of them sound up your alley? I’d love to hear from you. As always, happy reading! xx A
Home ownership feel like a distant dream? Zillow listings have you convinced you’ll be renting for the rest of your life? The woman at the heart of Carissa Orlando’s debut The September House feels your pain—and she’s prepared to put up with a lot if it means she and her husband can finally have a place to call their own. In this case, that might just mean living in a house that’s haunted. Playful and irreverent, spine-tingling and spooky, The September House puts a fresh spin on the classic haunted house story, delivering an immersive tale about the secrets lurking within one building’s walls, and within the lives of its inhabitants.