6 Best Nordic Noir Detective Series To Binge
While it seems like nothing ever goes wrong in the idyllic Nordic countries known for their breathtaking fjords and cozy wool sweaters, we’re exploring the darker side with six noir detective thrillers set in Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland.
These series have it all from psychological thriller, gruesome murders, a dismembered body washing up on shore, serial killers, and detectives grappling with their troubled past.
The Chestnut Man (Denmark) – Netflix
“The Chestnut Man” is a Danish crime series and a compelling psychological thriller based on the bestselling novel by Søren Sveistrup. A chestnut figurine discovered at a gruesome crime scene next to the remains of a woman leads two detectives on a hunt for a murderer linked to the disappearance of a prominent politician’s daughter. The perplexing case is assigned to the driven young detectives from Copenhagen, Naia Thulin and her new partner, Mark Hess who must race against the clock in order to catch this cunning killer.
The Killing (Denmark) – Amazon Prime
Sarah Lund is a skilled detective with the Copenhagen police who, despite her chaotic personal life, is brilliant in crime investigations and her talents are essential given the complexity of the cases she encounters. In the first season, she tackles the gruesome murder of a teenage girl found in the trunk of a car linked to a mayoral candidate. This Nordic Noir series is known for its intricate plot and deep character development, every season tells a completely different story with much more to be revealed. It’s the perfect watch for thrill seekers and fans of complex characters.
The Bridge (Sweden/Denmark) – Netflix
After a body is discovered on the bridge linking Denmark and Sweden, right at the border, carefully positioned so that each half is in a different country, Danish inspector Martin Rohde and Swedish detective Saga Norén must collaborate and share the domain to track down the killer behind this together. This series is unforgettable, created and written by Hans Rosenfeldt, known as a significant figure in the Scandinavian crime fiction landscape.
Trapped (Iceland) – Amazon Prime
This Icelandic crime drama series features a plot that blends elements of mystery and thriller, creating a compelling and engaging narrative. It is set in a small Icelandic town where a storm traps a ferry from Denmark and its 300 passengers. When a dismembered body washes ashore, the local police must solve the murder amidst the chaos and suspicion of everyone stuck in the area. This binge-worthy series promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating each twist as the mystery unfolds, or tune into see the beautiful and majestic aerial shots that will take your breath away.
The Valhalla Murders (Iceland) – Netflix
An Oslo detective, Arna, grappling with a troubled past, returns to his homeland of Iceland to assist a local police officer in tracking down the country’s first known serial killer connected to a cryptic photograph. Although the victims appear unrelated at first, the investigation leads to an abandoned boys’ home called Valhalla, where disturbing events took place 35 years ago. From here, the mystery unfolds and pieces are being put together.
Bordertown (Finland) – Netflix
A quirky police detective in Finland uses his sharp memory to solve heinous crimes in the city while striving to also maintain his family life. Imagine if Sherlock Holmes were set in Finland—that’s what this series offers. The Nordic noir series is best described as a juggernaut of story lines, relationships and cinematography.
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Emina Cekovic is a recent college graduate from The City College of New York with a degree in Communications, specializing in AD/PR. She is a freelance blog writer for Novel Suspects and Hachette Book group.