Was “read more” one of your New Year’s resolutions? Nordic Watchlist has scoured publishers’ catalogues to come up with 8 new Nordic novels for 2026 to look out for and add to your to-be-read pile.

With Jo Nesbø’s hugely successful Harry Hole novels hitting TV screens internationally in March, via a major new Netflix series, Nordic literature is going to be the “big” thing in 2026. While we don’t have a new Harry Hole novel to look forward to (yet), there are plenty of other treats in store from across the region.

Please note: Publication dates and titles are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.

8 New Nordic Novels for 2026

The Murder Pool – Stella Blómkvist | Iceland

The enigma that is Stella Blómkvist returns with a fourth English translation in March. The Murder Pool sees an artist found murdered in a pool, with an axe deep in his chest. The police think they know the killer but, in trademark Stella style, she thinks differently.

The mysterious Stella never takes the simple road, and as in previous works, there’s more than one case on her desk, and plenty of unorthodox investigation methods at play.

Murder, intrigue and her trademark acid tongue – don’t expect a comfortable ride from the latest instalment in the Stella saga.

The Murder Pool by Stella Blómkvist, translated by Quentin Bates, is published on 5 March 2026.

Under the Blazing Sun – Jenny Lund Madsen | Denmark

Following on from 2023’s Thirty Days of Darkness, Jenny Lund Madsen’s Under the Blazing Sun is the second novel featuring disgruntled author-turned-accidental detective Hannah, whose writing has an uncanny habit of turning into life imitating art.

Hit by writer’s block, Hannah heads to Sicily to finish her sequel, but instead of inspiration she finds a murder. Expect plenty of dark humour and twisting plotlines in this eagerly awaited second book.

Under the Blazing Sun by Jenny Lund Madsen, translated by Paul Russell Garrett, is published on 21 May 2026.

Stop Dead – Katrín Júlíusdóttir | Iceland

If you’ve chosen running to be your 2026 fitness plan, then Katrín Júlíusdóttir’s Stop Dead may make you reconsider. The Reykjavík Marathon becomes a crime scene as a controversial TV personality is murdered during the race.

Trainee detective Sigurdis is drawn into investigating a crime, with a list of potential enemies of the victim as long as the marathon entry list itself. The 2023 novel Dead Sweet was a strong debut for former Icelandic MP Júlíusdóttir, and the return of Sigurdis to the page promises to be equally thrilling.

Stop Dead by Katrín Júlíusdóttir, translated by Larissa Kyzer, is published on 21 May 2026.

The Last Tenant – Eva Björg Ægisdóttir | Iceland

A new instalment in the Forbidden Iceland series is always an eagerly anticipated event. Eva Björg Ægisdóttir’s releases have become huge international hits and, with the release of book six in the series, The Last Tenant, excitement continues to grow.

The discovery of the skeletons of a young woman and a baby sees West Iceland CID drawn into a tale of a carefully hidden past. Detective Elma juggles past crimes with current cases in a close-knit community that doesn’t want to divulge its secrets.

Ægisdóttir’s trademark meticulously plotted investigation, full of psychological suspense, looks set to be one of the highlights of the Nordic literature year.

The Last Tenant by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir, translated by Victoria Cribb, is published on 10 September 2026.

The Princes of Pauper’s Pond – Lars Elling | Norway

Lars Elling is one of Norway’s most successful artists and he now turns his hand to writing with his debut novel The Princes of Pauper’s Pond.

Spanning the scars that have shaped a family for decades, Elling’s The Princes of Pauper’s Pond is a deeply moving novel about brotherhood and belonging, about finding joy and love in the open landscape, and about those single moments that can seal a family’s fate.

Dagbladet, one of Norway’s largest newspapers, awarded the book a six out of six, and its original release was nominated for the 2022 Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize. Now English readers have the chance to enter this magical world.

The Princes of Pauper’s Pond by Lars Elling, translated by Don Bartlett, is published on 10 September 2026.

Alfa – Lilja Sigurðardóttir | Iceland

Set in the year 2052, Lilja Sigurðardóttir imagines a society governed by Alfa, an artificial intelligence that has overseen all aspects of life for twenty-five years, ensuring decisions are made for the collective good. When a protester dies under mysterious circumstances, thoughts turn to who was responsible – and who the intended victim really was.

This standalone novel takes Sigurðardóttir’s trademark style but moves into a futuristic world transformed by technology, where not everyone is content with the changes.

Alfa by Lilja Sigurðardóttir translated by Lorenza Garcia, is published on 8 November 2026.

The Fresh Cut – Antti Tuomainen | Finland

A new standalone novel from one of Finland’s most popular authors, The Fresh Cut sees the owner of a once successful sawmill receive an unusual offer from a local gangster that could solve all his problems.

Regular Tuomainen readers will know that nothing ever goes quite to plan in his works and the same is true here as the pressure builds and misunderstandings multiply.

The Fresh Cut by Antti Tuomainen, translated by David Hackston, is published on 8 November 2026.

Face to Face – Gunnar Staalesen | Norway

New English translations of Gunnar Staalesen’s Varg Veum series are always eagerly received by his many fans, and the December release of another back catalogue entry looks set to round the year off nicely. First published in Norway back in 2006, Bergen based detective Veum finds himself deep in an investigation leading back to the 1970s.

Tense and atmospheric, the two-decade wait for this English translation is almost over.

Face to Face by Gunnar Staalesen, translated by Don Bartlett, is published on 3 December 2026.

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