Maj Sjöwall

Maj Sjöwall was a Swedish author and translator best known for co-authoring the Martin Beck detective series with her partner Per Wahlöö. The series is considered a cornerstone of Scandinavian crime fiction.

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. The Laughing Policeman

    A Martin Beck Police Mystery

    In this gripping crime novel, a mass shooting on a bus in Stockholm leaves eight people dead, including a police officer. Inspector Martin Beck and his team are assigned to solve the case, but as they delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of corruption and deceit within the police force. With time running out, Beck must navigate through a labyrinth of clues and personal vendettas to catch the laughing policeman responsible for this heinous act.

    The 1275th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Terrorists

    A Martin Beck Police Mystery

    In this gripping crime novel, the seasoned detective Martin Beck faces one of his most challenging cases yet as he navigates the murky waters of political intrigue and terrorism. The story unfolds with a series of seemingly unrelated events, including a high-profile assassination attempt and a bank robbery, which gradually intertwine to reveal a complex web of conspiracy. Beck, with his methodical approach and sharp intuition, must unravel the mystery while confronting bureaucratic obstacles and personal dilemmas. The narrative is a compelling exploration of societal tensions and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world fraught with danger and deception.

    The 5292nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Roseanna

    The First Novel in the Martin Beck Series

    The novel is a gripping crime thriller that follows Swedish detective Martin Beck as he investigates the murder of a young woman whose body is discovered in a canal. The story delves into the meticulous and often frustrating police work required to solve the case, highlighting Beck's methodical approach and the challenges faced by the investigative team. As they piece together the victim's identity and trace her last movements, the narrative explores themes of isolation and the impact of crime on both the victim and those seeking justice. The book is notable for its realistic portrayal of police procedures and its focus on character development within the framework of a compelling mystery.

    The 14200th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Man Who Went Up In Smoke

    In this gripping Swedish crime novel, Detective Martin Beck is tasked with unraveling the mysterious disappearance of a prominent journalist who vanished without a trace while on assignment in Hungary. As Beck delves into the case, he navigates a web of political intrigue and deception, encountering a series of dead ends and elusive leads. The investigation takes him across borders and into the heart of Cold War tensions, where he must rely on his intuition and tenacity to uncover the truth. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, the story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the often murky nature of truth.

  5. 5. The Locked Room

    The Story of a Crime

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, the story unfolds with the discovery of a man found dead in a locked room, leaving the police baffled by the apparent impossibility of the crime. As Detective Martin Beck and his team delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of deceit, corruption, and social unrest that extends far beyond the confines of the room. The narrative intricately weaves together themes of political disillusionment and the complexities of human nature, all while maintaining a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

  6. 6. The Abominable Man

    A Martin Beck Police Mystery

    In this gripping Swedish crime novel, the story unfolds with the brutal murder of a high-ranking police officer in a Stockholm hospital, setting off a tense investigation led by the methodical Detective Martin Beck and his team. As they delve deeper into the officer's past, they uncover a web of corruption and abuse of power within the police force, challenging their perceptions of justice and morality. The narrative skillfully explores themes of authority, ethics, and the societal impact of unchecked power, all while maintaining a suspenseful and engaging pace that keeps readers on edge until the very end.

  7. 7. Murder At The Savoy

    A Martin Beck Police Mystery

    Set against the backdrop of a politically charged Sweden, this gripping detective novel follows Inspector Martin Beck and his team as they unravel the mystery behind the assassination of a powerful businessman at a luxurious hotel. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of corruption, deceit, and social unrest, reflecting the tensions simmering beneath the surface of Swedish society. The narrative intricately weaves together the personal and professional challenges faced by the detectives, highlighting the moral complexities of justice and the impact of societal change.

  8. 8. The Fire Engine That Disappeared

    A Martin Beck Police Mystery

    In this gripping installment of the Martin Beck series, the Swedish police force is thrown into chaos when a seemingly routine surveillance operation ends in a deadly explosion, leaving a building in ruins and several lives lost. As Detective Martin Beck and his team delve into the investigation, they uncover a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and corruption that stretches far beyond the initial crime scene. With meticulous attention to detail and a keen understanding of human nature, Beck navigates the murky waters of Stockholm's criminal underworld, piecing together clues that reveal a shocking conspiracy, all while grappling with his own personal struggles and the relentless pressures of police work.

  9. 9. The Man On The Balcony

    Set in the bustling city of Stockholm, this gripping crime novel follows the meticulous detective Martin Beck as he investigates a series of chilling child murders. The tension mounts as Beck and his team race against time to catch the elusive killer, whose only clue is a mysterious man seen on a balcony overlooking a park where one of the victims was last seen. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative delves into the complexities of police work, the psychological toll of crime-solving, and the societal issues that lurk beneath the surface of urban life. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the story offers a compelling exploration of justice and morality.

  10. 10. Mannen Som Gick Upp I Rök

    In this gripping mystery, a Swedish journalist mysteriously vanishes while on assignment in Budapest, prompting the meticulous detective Martin Beck to unravel the tangled web of espionage, deceit, and political intrigue that surrounds the case. As Beck delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a labyrinth of clues and suspects, each leading him further into the shadowy underworld of Cold War Europe. With his keen intuition and relentless pursuit of the truth, Beck navigates the complexities of international relations and personal vendettas to uncover the chilling reality behind the journalist's disappearance.