In The Media

Published in The Writer’s Narrative – November 2024

Scandinavian noir—characterized by moody landscapes, complex characters, and slow-burn suspense—has taken the world of crime fiction by storm. From the snow-blanketed streets of Stockholm to the quiet, looming forests of rural Norway, this genre combines atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and societal critique in ways that captivate readers. For those interested in writing their own Scandinavian noir, understanding the essential elements of the genre is key. Drawing from my own experience writing Cold Reckoning, here’s a guide to crafting your own Nordic thriller.

Setting as a Character

In Scandinavian noir, the setting is more than a mere backdrop; it’s an active participant in the story. The cold, desolate landscapes of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland provide an atmosphere of isolation, bleakness, and vulnerability that deepens the mystery and tension. Snow-draped forests, icy lakes, and long, dark winters aren’t just visuals—they are tools for creating mood and reflecting the inner lives of your characters.

When writing Cold Reckoning, I wanted the reader to feel the unyielding winter landscape as a metaphor for the psychological struggle of the protagonist, Avril. The isolated forests and ice-encrusted roads mirror her journey as she chases her mother’s killer through Sweden’s chilling wilderness. To write Scandinavian noir effectively, let the landscape echo the characters’ emotions. Use the cold, dark, and silent surroundings to amplify themes of loneliness, dread, and suspense.

Tip: Spend time developing the details of your setting. Research the geography, climate, and urban-rural divide of your chosen Scandinavian country. Incorporate these elements naturally, so the setting becomes an immersive experience for the reader.

Slow-Burn Pacing and Suspense

Unlike traditional crime thrillers, Scandinavian noir often favours a slow-burn approach, where suspense builds gradually. Instead of explosive action sequences, the genre relies on an ever-tightening web of secrets, shifting alliances, and the steady unfolding of the mystery. Each revelation is like a breadcrumb, and as the protagonist follows the trail, the tension builds at a measured, deliberate pace.

In Cold Reckoning, Avril’s search for her mother’s killer is a steady process that allows her character to develop as she uncovers both external clues and internal truths. This slower pace lets readers sink into the world of the novel and gives weight to every discovery.

Tip: Embrace a slower pace to allow readers to linger in the story’s darker corners. Trust that each step of the investigation, each new character, and each clue builds suspense without needing constant action. With Scandinavian noir, less can be more.

Flawed, Complex Characters

In Scandinavian noir, protagonists are rarely clear-cut heroes. They’re often flawed, morally ambiguous, and haunted by their pasts. These characters, whether detectives, journalists, or even vigilantes, struggle with their own personal demons while trying to solve crimes that force them to confront their darkest fears and questions of morality.

In Cold Reckoning, Avril is a haunted character, grappling with her estranged relationship with her mother and the disturbing revelation of her father’s identity as a serial killer. Her internal conflicts drive her as much as the murder investigation, making her a complex, multifaceted protagonist. Avril is also often at odds with herself, questioning whether her drive for justice is motivated by righteousness or vengeance.

Tip: Develop protagonists who are more than just crime-solvers. They should be introspective, complex, and flawed. Let their personal histories influence their choices and decisions, creating layers that engage the reader.

Existential Themes and Moral Ambiguity

Scandinavian noir often explores existential themes, questioning the nature of justice, redemption, and human nature. These stories aren’t about simple good-versus-evil; instead, they reflect the complexity of real-life issues and often blur the lines between right and wrong. Characters grapple with choices that challenge their moral boundaries, asking themselves whether the ends justify the means.

In Cold Reckoning, Avril must constantly examine her motives and her willingness to manipulate or deceive in her pursuit of justice. Her journey is one of self-exploration as much as it is about solving a crime. She finds herself in morally grey territory, where doing what she feels is right may mean breaking the law or betraying others.

Tip: Introduce ethical dilemmas and explore the gray areas of morality in your story. Use these moments to develop the protagonist’s depth and complexity, allowing them (and the reader) to confront uncomfortable questions about justice and human nature.

Themes of Social Critique

Scandinavian noir often shines a light on societal issues, making it a genre that’s not just about crime but also about the darker side of society. Many novels address topics such as economic inequality, immigration, political corruption, and environmental destruction. These themes ground the story in real-world issues and make the crimes feel like a reflection of society’s flaws.

In Cold Reckoning, I wanted to explore how a seemingly progressive society can hide dark secrets beneath its polished surface. As Avril investigates, she uncovers societal issues within Sweden, from the isolating nature of rural communities to the treatment of outsiders. The cold, seemingly indifferent landscape serves as a reminder of the emotional and social isolation that people face.

Tip: Use your narrative to address relevant societal concerns. Root your story in the real-world complexities that Scandinavian societies face, such as mental health, climate change, or economic disparity. This will add depth to your narrative and make the story resonate with readers on multiple levels.

Villains with Complex Motivations

In Scandinavian noir, the villain isn’t simply a mindless psychopath but a character with depth and backstory. Their motivations are often rooted in personal trauma, social injustice, or distorted ideals, making them relatable and terrifying. The best Scandinavian noir villains are those who make readers question what might drive a person to such lengths, adding psychological depth to the narrative.

The antagonist in Cold Reckoning is not a conventional villain; he’s driven by a twisted sense of betrayal and justice, feeling as though his actions are justified based on his personal grievances. By creating an antagonist with complex motives, I aimed to make readers question whether he is pure evil or a product of his experiences.

Tip: Avoid one-dimensional villains. Give them believable motivations, and perhaps even moments of vulnerability, to make them feel like real, terrifying threats. Let their backstories influence their actions in ways that allow readers to empathize, even if only briefly.

Unforgiving Tone and Atmosphere

An overarching sense of dread, loneliness, and melancholy defines the tone of Scandinavian noir. This isn’t a genre where characters walk away unscathed or where happy endings are guaranteed. The atmosphere is often as cold and unforgiving as the Scandinavian winter, and the psychological toll of the investigation weighs heavily on the protagonist.

In Cold Reckoning, the atmosphere reflects Avril’s inner turmoil, with the bleak, cold landscapes mirroring her despair and her unyielding determination. As her investigation deepens, the tone of the novel grows darker, showing that the pursuit of truth and justice often comes at a heavy personal cost.

Tip: Cultivate a dark, introspective tone that captures the psychological weight of the protagonist’s journey. Use atmospheric details—long shadows, icy winds, silent forests—to heighten the sense of foreboding and underscore the emotional toll of the investigation.

Crafting Your Scandinavian Noir

Writing Scandinavian noir is about more than solving a mystery; it’s about peeling back the layers of character and society, delving into existential questions, and building a chillingly immersive atmosphere. When done well, Scandinavian noir doesn’t just reveal whodunit—it exposes the emotional and moral struggles of its characters, offering readers an experience that lingers long after the final page.

If you’re aiming to write your own Scandinavian noir, consider these elements as essential ingredients in your story. Let the setting speak, make the characters as complicated as real people, and don’t be afraid to explore the darkness lurking beneath the surface. Scandinavian noir is a genre that invites readers to brave the cold, walk through the shadows, and confront the complexity of the human condition.

For those who enjoy crime fiction that probes deeper than the typical thriller, Cold Reckoning offers a journey through a winter landscape where justice, identity, and legacy blur together. Scandinavian noir isn’t just about crime—it’s about survival, resilience, and the secrets we keep hidden in the darkest corners of our lives.