The complex characters are a big factor. Detectives like Wallander and Harry Hole are flawed and multi - dimensional. They have their own personal demons which they battle while trying to solve crimes. For example, Harry Hole's alcoholism in Nesbø's series makes him a more interesting and relatable character. Also, the criminals in these novels are often complex individuals with their own motives that are deeply rooted in Scandinavian society, which adds to the intrigue.
The writing styles of Scandinavian crime novelists are also distinct. They tend to be very detailed, whether it's in describing the crime scenes, the characters' emotions, or the social settings. This attention to detail makes the readers feel like they are really there in the story. Moreover, many of these novels often touch on important social issues in Scandinavian countries, such as corruption, inequality, and the effects of modernization on traditional values, which gives the stories more depth.
The unique settings contribute a lot. The cold, often desolate Scandinavian landscapes add an eerie backdrop to the dark and mysterious stories.
The deep exploration of social issues. Scandinavian crime fiction doesn't shy away from topics like domestic violence, political corruption, and mental health. By integrating these into the crime plots, it makes the stories more relevant and engaging, as readers can relate to the real - world problems presented.
The unique settings play a big role. The cold, often desolate landscapes of Scandinavia add an extra layer of atmosphere to the stories.
The settings also play a role. Whether it's a gritty urban landscape like in 'The Wire' (which could be considered a crime novel in a way, if you think of it as a long - form narrative), or a small - town mystery like in many classic crime novels, the setting helps to create the mood and atmosphere. It can be a character in itself, influencing the actions and motives of the people in the story. These elements combined make the top 100 crime novels very popular.
The 'Millennium' series by Stieg Larsson is very popular among the top ten. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is the first in the series and introduced the world to Lisbeth Salander. Another is 'The Ice Princess' by Camilla Läckberg. It has a great setting in a small Swedish town and a complex mystery. And 'The Hypnotist' by Lars Kepler is also well - loved for its psychological elements in the crime - solving process.
It's popular because it often offers unique and complex storylines. The settings and characters are very intriguing.
The top 10 Scandinavian crime novels typically have a strong sense of place. Whether it's the small towns in Sweden in Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series or the Icelandic landscapes in Arnaldur Indriðason's books. The characters are often morally ambiguous. They might be detectives with their own demons or criminals with some redeeming qualities. And the plots are full of twists and turns, keeping the readers on their toes.
The unique settings contribute a lot. Nordic countries have harsh and beautiful landscapes which add to the atmosphere. For example, the cold and desolate Icelandic scenery in Arnaldur Indriðason's novels. Also, the complex characters are a big draw. They are often flawed and multi - dimensional, like Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.
The suspense. In top crime and mystery novels like 'Gone Girl', the constant state of not knowing what will happen next keeps readers hooked. They create a sense of anticipation that makes you keep turning the pages.
Some well - known Scandinavian crime fiction works include Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' series. Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series is also very popular. Another great one is Jo Nesbø's works, like his 'Harry Hole' series.
One factor is the unique setting. The cold, often desolate landscapes of Scandinavia add a sense of isolation and mystery to the stories.