The Power of Familiar Stories
Netflix taps a broad range of sources for its stories: best-selling novels, real-life events, or sometimes original scripts written just for its platform. Creators like Harlan Coben have made a name through multiple adaptations, but most often, Netflix develops series from books that achieved various levels of global success. Adaptations give new audiences a chance to discover international authors, while producers benefit from ready story arcs for new seasons. That’s often why when a Scandinavian crime series gets renewed, attentive viewers are quick to ask which original books will be adapted next.
Scandinavian Noir With Winter Chill
One recent hit, a Scandinavian thriller set during the depths of winter, is called Meurtre à Åre (the town is pronounced “oureuh”). This miniseries includes five tightly woven episodes that viewers reportedly devoured in a single night. Released in February 2025, it became the most-watched Swedish series of last year, according to FlixPatrol. It even surpassed previous favorites like The Glass Dome and Le crime à la racine, amassing an impressive 37 million views in 2025.
Set around Christmas, the series follows Hanna, a police officer who comes to Åre supposedly for a vacation. Her break is cut short when a local woman named Amanda goes missing. The show digs into both the investigation and the victim’s social circle, a trait that fans of Nordic noir especially appreciate. It’s not just about the resolution—it’s about suspecting everyone, even the cops themselves.
The Books Behind the Phenomenon
The series is adapted from work by Viveca Sten, a Swedish author and former lawyer who has carved out a major niche with her Åre investigations. Over the past three years, Sten has published four books in this collection. On Netflix, the first five episodes form two arcs named after her books—Une écharpe dans la neige (“A Scarf in the Snow”) and Les Ombres de la vallée (“Shadows of the Valley”). Reports at the time suggested that season two could draw from Sten’s later novels, Chambre 505 (“Room 505”) and Piste Noire (“Black Trail”), both of which have received strong reviews in France (each earning a 5/5 at retailer Fnac).
Audience Buzz and Critical Acclaim
Upon release, Meurtre à Åre earned a top spot among Netflix’s best-rated shows. Viewer reviews, translated from French, raved about the acting, cinematography, high suspense, and the originality of having several plotlines in one series. The popularity and positive ratings are likely factors in Netflix’s decision to develop a second season. If the ratings from French readers are any indication, future episodes may be just as well received.
Editor’s note: I’ve been passionate about fashion since I was seven, with a fascination for cultural and lifestyle trends—everything from style and décor to pop culture. This curiosity led me to study sociology and later specialize in fashion communications, blending my dual passions for writing and style. As a freelance journalist, I cover topics ranging from shopping and accessible fashion to the latest cultural trends and obscure Nordic crime gems. Expect honest advice, a few pop culture references, and plenty of tips for staying stylish without overspending—whether in fashion, home, or life itself.
