When Swedish author Stieg Larsson created the iconic character Lisbeth Salander for his Millennium trilogy, he originated a world zeal for Scandinavian crime fiction. Many other writers had preceded him, like fellow Swede Henning Mankell, but translations into English only began in earnest after the success of Larsson’s Girl with the Dragoon Tattoo.
The New Westminster Public Library has many of the Nordic Noir classics and routinely receives the most anticipated new titles by Scandinavian authors.
Also from Sweden, try Stalker by Lars Kepler, The Ice Child by Camilla Läckberg, and Open Grave, by Kjell Eriksson. These are all newer titles in detective series that have been extremely popular abroad and recommended by crime fiction aficionados. (Interesting fact: Lars Kepler is actually the pseudonym used by married couple Alexander and Alexandra Ahndoril, both established writers with independent careers.)
Two Icelandic authors make the list as well: Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, whose novel The Undesired has been described as “bone-chilling,” and Arnaldur Indriðason. Oblivion, Indriðason’s latest novel and the 11th featuring Inspector Erlendur, will hit NWPL’s shelves shortly.
Norwegian Jo Nesbø also has a new book on our shelves, Midnight Sun, the second novel in the series that started with Blood on Snow. With a popularity that is growing by the minute, this prolific author’s fame is now getting close to Larsson-level.
Lastly, Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, the mind behind the Department Q series, brings to us novel number six, The Hanging Girl, where we once again find Detective Carl Mørck investigating cases with his peculiar assistant Assad.
For more suggestions, visit the library in person, email [email protected] or call 604-527-4666.
