From the Bookshelf of Scandinavian Mysteries…

Murder at the Savoy (Martin Beck, #6)

Maj Sjöwall,

Per Wahlöö

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

May 23, 2025 Mark rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2025-read, sunny-coast

“During the long drive to Vasastaden in Stockholm, he considered the fact that even Lidingö had a generous portion of crime behind its polished façade. The only difference was that people were richer and could hide their dirty linen more easily”. p96

Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö’s ten book Martin Beck series, The Story of Crime, are really the epitome of the iconic genre that has become known as Nordic Noir. Written between 1965 and 1975, these police procedurals, were structured as not only myster “During the long drive to Vasastaden in Stockholm, he considered the fact that even Lidingö had a generous portion of crime behind its polished façade. The only difference was that people were richer and could hide their dirty linen more easily”. p96

Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö’s ten book Martin Beck series, The Story of Crime, are really the epitome of the iconic genre that has become known as Nordic Noir. Written between 1965 and 1975, these police procedurals, were structured as not only mysteries, but reflections and commentary on modern Swedish society. This commentary is equally important and privileged in these books as much as the crime story itself. In fact, if you’re reading these books purely for the crime procedural you might be disappointed. Both lenses are interdependent.

Murder at the Savoy is the sixth in the series and I gotta say, Sjöwall and Wahlöö’s political persuasions are fairly evident and probably the most prominent in the series so far.

The crime of capitalism actually seems to be the real investigation here as Beck leads a team to solve the cold blooded murder of Viktor Palmgren, capitalist, dealer in illegal alms sales, ruthless businessman and heartless landlord. It’s a real case of the haves and have nots and casualties of humanity, clearly evident in dialogue like:

"No, I do, but solely because of his money. It was the same thing with Palmgren. His fortune gave him influence pretty much everywhere. You must realize that this society has grown dependent on people like Palmgren and Broberg. In many cases, they have more leverage in the way the country's run than either the Government or Parliament and such. So even people like us have to accept them."
Gunvald Larsson looked at her with disgust. P106

It’s a sad indictment on our western civilization that this novel is as relevant 50 years on as when it was written. Acutely aware of my own political leanings and biases but I can’t help empathizing with the have nots although I find it challenging to reconcile the privilege I enjoy in a society that is very unequal. At times I feel a bit helpless and somewhat like Martin Beck whom I find such a relatable character….

“Chief Inspector Martin Beck didn't feel good at all.
He paid his bill, picked up his suitcase and walked over Mälar Bridge towards the railway station.
He wondered if he'd be able to sleep on the train.” ...more

13 likes · Like · see review