Well, 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbø is really good. It's got a really creepy atmosphere that draws you in right from the start. Then there's 'The Killing' by Søren Sveistrup. The TV adaptation was super popular, and the book is also excellent with its in - depth exploration of a murder case. And don't forget 'Before the Frost' by Henning Mankell. It's part of his Wallander series, which is known for its gritty realism and great character development.
In Scandinavian crime fiction, 'The Bridge' is quite notable. The characters in the story are complex and the cross - border crime aspect adds an interesting layer. 'Those Who Kill' is another one. It delves deep into the minds of killers and the detectives who hunt them. Also, 'Headhunters' by Jo Nesbø has a very unique plot. It's not your typical crime story as it involves corporate espionage and a wild cat - and - mouse game between the protagonist and the antagonist.
One of the must - read books in Scandinavian crime fiction is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and strong, unique characters. Another great one is 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' by Peter Høeg. The story is full of intrigue and the main character, Smilla, is very engaging. Also, 'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indriðason is worth reading. It gives a great insight into Icelandic society while presenting a gripping crime plot.