Books by and for independent women

Christmas Gift Guide: Scandinavian Fiction for Stieg Larsson Fans

New Scandinavian crime fiction should be the ideal present for fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but Stieg Larsson’s successors are struggling to break away from the crime legend and win over readers on their own terms. Our latest contributor, Anna Roxelana, investigates and tells us which other authors she recommends:

The Stieg Larsson Effect

The crime fiction megastar has sold over 27 million books worldwide and was the first member of the Amazon Kindle ‘Million Club.’ However, his untimely death has left fans uncertain about which of his successors’ books to ask for this Christmas.

Moreover, the latest Scandinavian crime novels published in the UK are too vulnerable to comparisons with Larsson’s work. Their similar distribution, production and style may not necessarily make them the perfect Christmas gift for the fan of the Millennium Trilogy.

The Publishers

It’s possible to buy Scandinavian crime fiction from Larsson’s very own UK publisher. Quercus Books recently published Three Seconds by Anders Roslund and Borge Hellstrom.

Although the book won the Swedish Crime Book of the Year Award, its reception so far in the UK pales in comparison to the hype and glory the Millennium Trilogy brought Quercus.

The Prize

Scandinavian crime authors have been judged in writing competitions alongside the late Larsson. One such writer, Johan Theorin, actually beat Larsson to win this year’s Crime Writers’ Association’s International Dagger Award.

His novel, The Darkest Room, eclipsed the last of Larsson’s trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. Yet the publicity of ‘beating Larsson’ encourages comparing him closely to his successors.

The Translator

Another direct link between Larsson and Scandinavian crime writers is their choice of translator. Reg Kreeland is the man behind not just the English language Millennium Trilogy, but also many works by other renowned names such as Camilla Lackberg, known for her recently published Patrik Hedstrom series.

The Lisbeth Salanders

While they are not all as feisty as Larsson’s girl, the number of women heroines has exploded in this genre. The latest Scandinavian women heroines are less original and sexier, yet their lead starring roles echo Stieg Larsson’s strongly feminist beliefs.

Starring…

Yrsa Sigurdardottir’s Thora Gudmundsdottir

Sigurdardottir is an Icelandic crime novelist well known for her fictional lawyer star. Her readers are interested in the domestic and romantic stories about Thora as well as her plots. The first Thora book is Last Rituals (2007), followed by My Soul to Take (2009) and Ashes to Dust (2010).

Liza Marklund’s Annika Bengtzon

Liza Marklund’s series about crime reporter Annika Bengtzon established her as a worldwide bestseller. Bengtzon’s work at a busy tabloid and role as a mother provides the backdrop to suspenseful crime stories. The series begins with Paradise (2000) and continues with The Bomber (2001), Prime Time (2002), Studio Sex (2002) and Red Wolf (2003).

The Label

Perhaps the most unlucky parallel is the label, ‘the next Stieg Larsson’. The Independent has tipped Jo Nesbo as the next Larsson. If you buy one of his books you may see a yellow sticker on them with this claim. However, not all readers agree and time will tell whether or not he truly rocks the global crime genre.

This Christmas, the Dragon Tattoo fan’s book list will feature an incestuous literature genre. They’ll have to make their own minds up about the new breeds of Scandinavian crime fiction, but what do you think?

Are you a fan of the Dragon Tattoo books? Have you read any other Scandinavian fiction? Let us know your thoughts on who we should add to our own Christmas lists!

Anna Roxelana