Stylish Television: The Åre Murders

Netflix has become a great place for fans of crime, both crime fiction and true crime. The Harlan Corben adaptations have become a New Year’s treat, eagerly anticipated by all. Now Netflix has bought into the Scandi Noir trend with their newest hit series. The Åre Murders, which are set in the Swedish ski resort of Åre are atmospheric thrillers in the whodunnit style/ They are set in the most beautiful and eye catching of scenery, and have a central partnership filled with chemistry and a growing sexual tension that just has to be explored in further episodes. (fingers crossed Netflix!)

What’s it about?

The Åre Murders are based on the popular books by Viveca Sten‘s with the first two books, “Hidden in Snow” and “Hidden in the Shadows” being filmed so far, and more books available for filming. The books follow Police officer Hanna Ahlander. She is a Stockholm detective who had been assigned to the domestic violence department but is currently on an extended leave from her role whilst being under internal investigation. She decides to take a break at her sister’s holiday home in the ski resort of  Åre, but when a young local girl goes missing there, Hanna offers her services to the overstretched local police. She forms an, initially prickly, relationship with local police officer Daniel Lindskog, an overworked new dad, as they try to solve the mystery of who would kill a seemingly innocent teen.

What’s it like?

There is much to recommend in The Åre Murders, and I binged them in a day, and can’t wait for more. The central characters are interesting, and well played by Carla Sehn and Kardo Razzazi, who have a great chemistry that will definitely be explored in further series. The setting is just so stunning, it is almost another character, with the snow adding to the bleakness of the situations – you can, quite literally feel the cold through the television.

This is not cosy crime, Hidden in the Shadows, in particular, is quite brutal in its portrayal of domestic abuse and coercive control. But it is a great Winter thriller that feels just perfect for grey days when you are tucked under a duvet, staying in the warmth of the house.

You can watch all five episodes of The Åre Murders currently on Netflix, where they are sitting, quite comfortably, in the Top Ten most viewed.

Highly recommended.

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