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15 Authors like Per Wahloo

Per Wahloo was a Swedish author known for crime fiction. He co-authored the notable Martin Beck series with Maj Sjowall, including titles like The Laughing Policeman and The Man Who Went Up in Smoke, influencing modern detective novels.

If you enjoy reading books by Per Wahloo then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Maj Sjöwall

    Maj Sjöwall collaborated closely with Per Wahlöö, creating the classic Martin Beck mysteries. Their novels, such as Roseanna, blend police procedural realism with social commentary on Swedish society.

    If you appreciate intricate crime investigations combined with thoughtful reflection on social issues, Sjöwall's writing offers a rewarding read.

  2. Henning Mankell

    Henning Mankell delivers thoughtful detective fiction focused on social concerns and moral ambiguity.

    His notable book, Faceless Killers, introduces detective Kurt Wallander, a reflective investigator who grapples with personal struggles while confronting complex social issues like racism and immigration.

    Readers who enjoy deep characterization and social insight will find much to appreciate in Mankell.

  3. Stieg Larsson

    Stieg Larsson is widely known for combining crime fiction with political thrillers. His novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo explores dark themes including corruption, violence against women, and social injustice.

    Larsson's storytelling is intense and thought-provoking, offering sharp criticism of abuses of power and societal failings. Readers intrigued by Per Wahlöö's critical lens on society will find Larsson's novels absorbing.

  4. Jo Nesbø

    Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian author known for vivid stories characterized by suspense and psychological depth. His detective Harry Hole, in novels such as The Snowman, is complex and flawed.

    Nesbø's writing captures the gritty side of crime and human nature, making him an excellent choice if you like layered characters and dark, unpredictable narratives.

  5. Arnaldur Indriðason

    Arnaldur Indriðason writes Icelandic crime fiction rich with atmosphere and introspection. His detective Erlendur, central to novels like Jar City, quietly investigates crimes steeped in family secrets and historical wounds.

    Indriðason's narratives capture cold landscapes, melancholy memories, and characters grappling with past traumas, appealing to readers who enjoy thoughtful crime mysteries with emotional depth.

  6. Karin Fossum

    If you like Per Wahloo's clear-eyed exploration of social issues within detective fiction, Karin Fossum's novels could be just what you're looking for. Her writing is thoughtful and psychologically rich, often looking beneath the surface of ordinary lives.

    In Don't Look Back, Inspector Sejer investigates a quiet Norwegian village shaken by a teenage girl's disappearance, uncovering tensions and secrets behind everyday facades.

  7. Håkan Nesser

    Fans of Wahloo's careful pacing and psychological insight might enjoy Håkan Nesser. He creates stories that examine human behavior and ethical dilemmas through smartly plotted mysteries.

    Nesser's Mind's Eye introduces Inspector Van Veeteren, whose methodical style and philosophical reflections bring depth to a case that challenges assumptions of guilt and innocence.

  8. Georges Simenon

    If you're drawn to Per Wahloo's combination of crime narratives and thoughtful social observation, Georges Simenon offers an excellent follow-up. Simenon's detective fiction, especially his Inspector Maigret series, portrays ordinary human lives with simplicity and clarity.

    In The Yellow Dog, Maigret navigates a tense atmosphere of suspicion while investigating attempts on the lives of respected community figures.

  9. Ed McBain

    If the detailed procedural and ensemble-driven stories of Per Wahloo interest you, Ed McBain's work might be your next favorite. In his acclaimed 87th Precinct series, McBain highlights the realistic procedures of police work while drawing readers into a believable urban world.

    Cop Hater, the initial book in this groundbreaking series, follows detectives investigating the murder of fellow police officers, confronting the realities and daily struggles within the force.

  10. Ian Rankin

    If Wahloo's approach to crime fiction as a vehicle for social commentary appeals to you, Ian Rankin brings a similar thoughtful perspective within vivid, deeply defined settings. His popular Inspector Rebus novels combine gritty detail and strong characterization.

    In Knots and Crosses, Rebus investigates a disturbing string of crimes in Edinburgh, exposing city corruption and digging into his own troubled past.

  11. Andrea Camilleri

    Andrea Camilleri creates vivid mysteries set in sunny Sicily featuring Inspector Salvo Montalbano, who is witty, sharp, and deeply humane. Camilleri blends humor, social observation, and intriguing plots superbly.

    In The Shape of Water, Montalbano investigates the suspicious death of a political figure, uncovering corruption and the complex realities of Sicilian society.

  12. Leif G. W. Persson

    Leif G. W. Persson crafts thoughtful, detailed police procedurals that explore Sweden’s hidden political tensions and institutional corruption. His narratives are realistic, often cynical, and examine how power shapes justice.

    Between Summer's Longing and Winter's End is an absorbing novel that uses the unsolved murder of Prime Minister Olof Palme as the background for a complex investigation, exposing the darker sides of Swedish society.

  13. Liza Marklund

    Liza Marklund is known for her engaging crime fiction featuring Annika Bengtzon, an investigative journalist who tackles sensitive social topics through fast-paced thriller plots.

    Her writing is sharp, her observations are insightful, and she shows how the press influences public opinion and justice. In The Bomber, Annika investigates a devastating attack in Stockholm, revealing complex relationships between media, law enforcement, and politics.

  14. Yrsa Sigurðardóttir

    Yrsa Sigurðardóttir mixes suspense, Iceland’s rugged landscapes, and supernatural elements to craft haunting mysteries. Her books often explore hidden secrets from the past that resurface with chilling effects.

    In I Remember You, a psychological thriller about a secluded Icelandic village, eerie events reveal disturbing connections between remote characters, the past, and the supernatural.

  15. Jussi Adler-Olsen

    Jussi Adler-Olsen writes gritty and psychologically rich crime novels centered on Denmark’s Department Q, a police unit focused on cold-case crimes.

    His narratives are nuanced, darkly humorous, and insightful, exploring intricate relationships, hidden motivations, and societal failures.

    In The Keeper of Lost Causes, Detective Carl Mørck investigates the disappearance of a politician, uncovering complex trauma, corruption, and deep-seated grievances within Danish society.