Scandinavian crime fiction has enjoyed tremendous sucess in the past years, proving the darker sides of Scandinavian life combined with realistic characters has struck a chord with international audiences. Authors like Stieg Larsson, Henning Mankell, Camilla Läckberg and Jussi Adler-Olsen have conquered the crime fiction market, and with the help of successful tv-productions like ”The Killing”, ”Borgen” and ”The Bridge” the future of Scandinavian crime fiction is anything but grim.
© Jo Nesbø photo by Hakon Eikesdal
Norway’s best-selling author today is Jo Nesbø, who perhaps is best known for his portrayal of Harry Hole, the anti-heroic Oslo-based policeman who unconventionally and with little regard for police procedure solves crimes in Norway’s capital.
To whet your appetite take a look at this teaser from ”Police”: The police urgently need Harry Hole. A killer is stalking Oslo’s streets. Police officers are being slain at the scenes of crimes they once investigated, but failed to solve. The murders are brutal, the media reaction hysterical. But this time, Harry can’t help anyone. For years, detective Harry Hole has been at the centre of every major criminal investigation in Oslo. His dedication to his job and his brilliant insights have saved the lives of countless people. But now, with those he loves most facing terrible danger, Harry can’t protect anyone. Least of all himself.
Author Jo Nesbø has described the literary process of writing the Harry Hole series as “A universe that is hard to be in. It gets ever darker, and being there all the time is something I can’t bear.”
© Den Sorte Diamant, Copenhagen. Photo by Karsten Bundgaard / Det Kongelige Bibliotek
Nesbø will discuss his world-famous literary character on June 10th at the architectural wonder and part of the Royal Danish Library; “Den Sorte Diamant” (“The Black Diamond”, well worth a visit in itself) on Copenhagen’s waterfront.
For those of you able to attend tickets are available at billetlugen.dk
The much-awaited 10th sequal ”Politi” (”Police”) will be relased in Norway on June 6. The English translation will be available from September 12th 2013. Preorder “Police” from Waterstones
Note: This article is by guest blogger Ingrid Hårstad, a Norwegian freelance writer based in London.