Henning Mankell

Henning Mankell was a renowned Swedish author and playwright, best known for his crime fiction series featuring the character Kurt Wallander. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have garnered international acclaim.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Faceless Killers

    In this thrilling crime novel, an elderly farmer and his wife are brutally murdered and the only clue is the wife's dying word: "foreign." This sets off a series of events that involves a dedicated detective who must solve the crime while dealing with his own personal problems. The investigation becomes even more complex when the press catches wind of the dying word, sparking a wave of xenophobia in the community. The detective must navigate through the fear and prejudice to find the truth and bring the killers to justice.

    The 1445th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Sidetracked

    A Kurt Wallander Mystery

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a renowned detective finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation when a brutal murder occurs just before a high-profile conference on African issues. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that extends beyond the borders of Sweden. Simultaneously, he must grapple with personal distractions and the challenge of keeping his own life from derailing. The detective's pursuit of justice leads him down a path where the distinction between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, and the stakes are as much personal as they are professional.

    The 3521st Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Fifth Woman

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a seasoned Swedish detective is drawn into a complex investigation when a series of brutal murders rocks his quiet community. The detective and his team are plunged into a dark world of revenge and sinister motives as they uncover the connection between the victims and a past they cannot escape. The detective's methodical approach and deep introspection lead him down a path where the killer's identity is as surprising as the motive, revealing the chilling depths of human malice and the lengths to which one will go to settle scores. As the body count rises, the detective must race against time to prevent further bloodshed and bring the perpetrator to justice.

    The 4614th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Chronicler Of The Winds

    In "Chronicler of the Winds," a poignant narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young African boy named Nelio, who, after being shot, recounts his life story from atop a theater roof in an unnamed city that is torn by civil war. As he lies dying, Nelio shares tales of resilience, leadership, and the impact of violence on his life and the lives of his friends. Through his stories, he becomes a symbol of hope and a chronicler of the forgotten children of the streets, revealing the harsh realities of a world where childhood innocence is often brutally shattered by the winds of war and hardship.

    The 7137th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. One Step Behind

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a tenacious Swedish detective is embroiled in a complex investigation when a series of seemingly unrelated murders reveals a sinister connection. The detective and his team must race against time to unravel the mystery behind the killings, which appear to be the work of a cunning and elusive serial killer. As the investigation deepens, the detective confronts his own personal demons and the pressures of his professional life, while the killer remains one step ahead, taunting the police with cryptic clues. The tension mounts as the pursuit becomes increasingly personal, leading to a chilling and unexpected climax.

    The 8187th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. The Return Of The Dancing Master

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a brutal murder in a remote Swedish village draws a young police officer into a complex investigation. As he delves into the victim's past, he uncovers a web of secrets and a history of neo-Nazi activity. The case becomes even more personal when the officer discovers connections to his own mentor, a legendary detective with a mysterious past. As the suspense builds, the officer must confront the darkness within the small community and within himself, navigating a chilling landscape of hate and revenge to solve the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The 11875th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. The White Lioness

    In this gripping crime novel, a Swedish detective finds himself entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and murder that stretches from the quiet streets of Sweden to the tumultuous landscape of South Africa. As he investigates the disappearance of a real estate agent, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a former KGB agent and a plan to assassinate a prominent South African leader. The detective must navigate a maze of clues and international conspiracies, racing against time to prevent a catastrophe while grappling with the moral ambiguities of justice and duty.

    The 13950th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 8. The Troubled Man

    In this gripping mystery, the seasoned detective Kurt Wallander finds himself drawn into a complex web of espionage and family secrets when his daughter's father-in-law, a retired naval officer, goes missing. As Wallander delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a trail of Cold War intrigue and personal betrayals that challenge his perceptions of loyalty and truth. Amidst the backdrop of Sweden's political landscape, Wallander grapples with his own aging and mortality, making this case not only a professional pursuit but a deeply personal journey.

  9. 9. An Event In Autumn

    In this gripping mystery, a seasoned detective stumbles upon a chilling discovery while considering the purchase of a quaint countryside house. As he unearths a skeletal hand buried in the garden, a web of secrets from the past begins to unravel, leading him on a complex investigation that delves into the dark history of the seemingly peaceful community. With his characteristic tenacity, the detective navigates through layers of deception and hidden truths, revealing a tale of betrayal and long-buried grievances that challenge his perceptions of justice and morality.

  10. 10. The Pyramid

    and Four Other Kurt Wallander Mysteries

    Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Sweden, this gripping prequel delves into the early career of a determined detective as he navigates the complexities of crime-solving. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative explores the formative experiences that shape his methodical approach and unwavering commitment to justice. Each case presents unique challenges, from mysterious disappearances to intricate conspiracies, revealing the detective's evolving skills and deepening understanding of human nature. The stories weave together to paint a vivid portrait of a man driven by a relentless pursuit of truth, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

  11. 11. Firewall

    In this gripping crime novel, Detective Kurt Wallander finds himself entangled in a complex web of cybercrime and murder that threatens to destabilize the very fabric of society. As he investigates a seemingly unrelated series of deaths, Wallander uncovers a sinister plot involving a group of hackers intent on wreaking havoc on the global financial system. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, Wallander must navigate a labyrinth of deceit and betrayal to prevent a catastrophic disaster, all while grappling with his own personal demons and the challenges of modern policing.

  12. 12. The Man Who Smiled

    In this gripping crime novel, the story follows the introspective and determined detective Kurt Wallander as he grapples with personal demons and a sense of disillusionment after a traumatic incident. When a lawyer friend is mysteriously killed, Wallander is reluctantly drawn back into the world of investigation, uncovering a complex web of corruption and deceit that stretches across international borders. As he delves deeper into the case, Wallander must confront his own fears and vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to a tense and thrilling confrontation with a powerful adversary who hides behind a facade of charm and benevolence.

  13. 13. The Dogs Of Riga

    In this gripping Nordic noir thriller, a Swedish detective finds himself embroiled in an international conspiracy after two bodies wash ashore in a life raft on the coast of Sweden. As the investigation unfolds, he is drawn into the political turmoil of post-Soviet Latvia, where corruption and danger lurk at every turn. The detective must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, risking his life to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths, while grappling with his own personal demons and the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

  14. 14. Before The Frost

    In this gripping crime novel, the story unfolds in the picturesque yet chilling landscapes of Sweden, where a series of mysterious and brutal events begin to unravel. The narrative follows Linda, a newly graduated police officer eager to prove herself, as she teams up with her father, a seasoned detective, to investigate a string of bizarre incidents linked to a religious cult. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of fanaticism and dark secrets that threaten to engulf them. The tension mounts as personal and professional boundaries blur, leading to a thrilling climax that tests their resolve and courage.

  15. 15. Psy Z Rygi

    Set against the backdrop of a small Swedish town, this gripping narrative delves into the complexities of human nature and the dark undercurrents that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. The story follows a determined detective as he unravels a series of mysterious events that challenge his perceptions of truth and justice. With a keen eye for detail and an unyielding sense of duty, he navigates through a web of secrets, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, ultimately confronting the shadows of his own past. The tale is a masterful exploration of the thin line between right and wrong, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.

  16. 16. Quicksand

    Ständiga rörelser

    In this introspective and contemplative work, the author delves into the profound uncertainties and existential reflections that arise from a life-altering diagnosis. Through a series of poignant essays, the narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, historical insights, and philosophical musings, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and the human condition. The author reflects on the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the enduring quest for meaning amidst the chaos and unpredictability of existence. This deeply personal journey invites readers to ponder their own lives and the legacies they wish to leave behind.

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  17. 17. After The Fire

    On a windswept Swedish island, an aging, reclusive former surgeon watches his home go up in flames and suddenly becomes the prime suspect in the blaze. Forced into a cramped, makeshift existence, he confronts the wreckage of past choices, uneasy ties with an estranged daughter, and the wary scrutiny of a tight-knit community. As he searches for the fire’s cause and the courage to rebuild, he wrestles with loneliness, guilt, and the fragile possibility of late-in-life redemption.

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