In recent years, the popularity of Scandinavian Noir novels and
television series has surged worldwide, making a significant impact
on contemporary literature and culture. It is characterized by dark, atmospheric tones and morally complex narratives often focused on themes of crime, social issues, and existential crises. The captivating storytelling approach and strong character development found in
works such as Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" or Henning Mankell's "Wallander" series resonated deeply with audiences, leading to numerous international adaptations and interest in the
region's cultural arts. Moreover, this growing fascination with Nordic
Noir has sparked an increasing demand for similar works. The stories transcended geographical roots to successfully establish the genre as a revered and influential influence within the global literary and cinematic landscape.
*Wallander Sweden MHZ PRIME VIDEO BRITBOX
Krister Henriksson is brilliant as Kurt Wallander, a police inspector in the Swedish city of Ystad. He is not just a detective, but also a complex and solitary intellectual living in a beach house surrounded by books and classical music. The show's dark atmosphere stems from desolate beaches, and the mysterious Baltic Sea, all emphasizing the tragic nature of humanity's imperfections, contributing to the popularity of Scandinavian Noir novels and series. Accept no substitutes, he is the only Wallander. click here
*The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Sweden PRIME VIDEO
In this riveting series of films, journalist ( Mikael Blomkvist) with the help of an antisocial, punk computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), a young woman with a dragon tattoo, tackle complex issues and taboo subjects in these mysteries that set off a global firestorm in the genre. To date, the character of Lisbeth Salander who resonated with audiences has appeared in three versions of spin-offs of the original films. The original films are the best.
*The Sandhamn Murders Sweden MHZ
In this Nordic series based on the popular novels of Viveca Sten,
a female lawyer is determined to solve a mysterious island murder,
beautifully filmed on the outer Stockholm archipelago. click here
*Backstrom Sweden ACORN
Kjell Bergquist excels as the irascible head detective who does not play by the rules in this popular Scandinavian mystery series with a sense of humor. It offers much more than the usual procedural crime drama.
This well-written series has a great supporting cast and great scenery. click here
*Camilla Läckberg's Fjällbacka Murders Sweden MHZ
is a Swedish mystery series based on novels of the same name
and follows a female detective as she investigates murders
in a tranquil fishing village. click here
*The Sommerdahl Murders Denmark ACORN
This romantic mystery drama from Denmark is a love triangle between three detectives,
amidst beautiful scenery and crime-solving.
*Acquitted Norway MHZ PBS Passport
In this compelling drama of guilt, hope, and revenge set in a small Norwegian village,
successful Aksel Borgen returns to his hometown twenty years after he was acquitted of murder.
*Dicte Denmark MHZ PBS Passport
This is a Danish crime/drama series that follows a rogue investigative journalist,
Dicte Svendsen, as she attempts to keep her life in balance while
being a single parent and following challenging cases. click here
*Spring Tide Sweden MHZ
This is an intriguing Swedish crime/drama series that follows
police trainee Ellen Asaki as she attempts to solve a mysterious case
with the help of a homeless former detective who once was her father's partner.
It is set in a small coastal Swedish town with hidden secrets of past generations.
*Thicker Than Water Sweden ACORN
In this mysterious drama, a mother sends her estranged children postcards inviting
them to the country Inn where they grew up. On arrival, she gives them each a piece of paper
with a clue and leaves them to solve the meaning. The compelling story of long-buried secrets
set in beautiful countryside. click here
*Modus Sweden MHZ
In the intense thriller, profiler and Psychologist Inger Vik is drawn into a case
close to her family when her autistic daughter witnesses a murder in a hotel
they are staying at during Christmas. As they become targets, she has to unravel
the truth while also protecting her daughter.
*Rebecka Martinsson ACORN PRIME VIDEO
Based on the novels of Asa Larsson, she leaves her fast-paced life in Stockholm as a successful
lawyer to return to the small village of Kiruna in the north of Sweden to investigate the death of a
childhood friend and confront her past. click here
My personal preference for streaming is Roku.
BOOKS & VIDEOS
*Rebecka Martinsson
by Asa Larsson click here
*Camilla Läckberg's Fjällbacka Murders
by Camilla Läckberg click here
*The Sandhamn Murders
by Viveca Sten click here
*Wallander
by Henning Mankell click here
*The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson click here
