Die Åre-Morde

This was a very watchable series. It's a much darker scenario than many others of Viveca Sten's novels or screenplays but still frothy enough not to be depressing.

Yes, there are cliches such as the maverick, suspended, female detective, a male cop whose home life is breaking down and a closeted gay guy but these are woven into the fabric of the story to make a coherent and easy-to-watch narrative.

The plots were fantastical at times with characters doing unexpected or downright dangerous things. A little too much intuition was used in the solving of the cases too. However, in the main, this was worth watching. I saw the lot over a couple of days and it filled in some time very enjoyably. I'd recommend it but don't expect "The Bridge" or "Forbrydelsen".

As Episode 1 of "The Are Murders' (2025 release from Swe3den; 5 episodes ranging from 35 to 57 min) opens, 17 yo Amanda is at a house party in the remote town of Are, Sweden, and then leaves the party. In a parallel story that same evening, we are introduced to Hanna, of the Stockholm PD. Hanna has taken a two months' leave of absence and is driving towards the cabin of her sister's, in Are. Next morning, Amanda is missing... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this TV mini-series is based on the Swedish book series "Hidden in Snow" (which covers the first 3 episodes) and "Hidden in Shadows" (which covers the last 2 episodes) by Viveva Sten. The connection between the two separate stories is Hanna, the Stockholm cop who shows up in Are looking to get away of whatever troubled her in the Swedish capital. The two stories are plot-heavy, so the less said of that, the better. I will simply say that I quite liked the first story "Hidden in Snow", and rate it 7/10. It does not prepare you for the second story "Hidden in Shadows", which absolutely blew me away, and which I rate 9/10, hence my overall rating of this mini-series of 8/10. The (for me no-names) cast is terrific throughout. "The Are Murders" is no-nonsense and gritty, and quite dark (in particular in the second story). I was hooked from start to finish. Now we hopefully await the further adventures of Hanna in the next book(s) from Ms. Sten...

"The Are Murders" started streaming on Netflix about a week ago, and I watched the 5 episodes over 2 evenings. The is currently rated 81% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and there is ample reason for that. If you love a top-notch crime series set in Sweden, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Åremorden (The Åre Murders) is a TV series based on Viveca Sten's books. The series' leading character is a police officer Hanna Ahlander (Carla Sehn), who has been suspended from her job in Stockholm and dumped by her partner when she moves to her sister's vacation home in Åre. The first, second, and third episodes are based on the "Offermakaren -Hidden in Snow" book. The fourth and fifth episodes are based on the "Dalskuggan - Hidden in Shadows" book. I really liked the fourth and fifth episodes because they were filmed according to the book. I believe that there should be a second season which consists of the other three books. I give seven over ten for the first season because of the episodes four and five.

There are times when you come across a show that feels like a hidden gem-a real gold mine. Unfortunately, The Åre Murders isn't one of them.

While the series boasts a fine cast, strong direction, and breathtaking cinematography that enhances the overall experience, it somehow lacks the warmth of your typical Netflix and chill session. And I don't blame the visuals-the real issue lies with the story itself, which never feels truly resolute.

Viveca Sten is undoubtedly a fantastic crime thriller writer, with nearly 20 books to her credit and an international bestseller reputation. However, The Åre Murders leaves gaps that can't easily be ignored. At times, it feels like just another stretched-out episode of CSI-a simple story where characters are grieving, and that's about it. Nothing more, nothing less.

I am going to with a decent 6/10 for this one, you can skip this if you want to.

I agree with the other reviewers, the problem with the series is the script. The location is beautiful and it's nice to have a series not set in Stockholm or Malmo or.... In general I have no problem with the cast. Episodes 1-3 are one story, 4 & 5 a second story.

Hanna is a stereotype of a green detective who goes off on her own and doesn't take orders from her senior partner. She has maturing to do and admits that she should have waited and not gone alone. One would think after her recent Stockholm experience, that she'd look before she leaps.

I'm a big fan of the "Beck" series set in Stockholm, that series has a really good cast and superior scripts. This is not a Beck, but it's better than some other Swedish police procedurals..

I'm also a fan of "Sandhamn Murders" also from Viveca Sten mystery novels. Different cast, writers and different production companies. I'd like to see more Swedish crime dramas from Netflix.