Netflix’s latest crime drama, The Åre Murders, transports viewers to the snowy landscapes of Sweden, where two distinct murder cases unfold. The show, based on Viveca Sten’s book series, spans five episodes and adapts the first two novels. The series follows lead detectives Hanna (Carla Sehn) and Daniel (Kardo Razzazi) as they investigate each case.
While the cases themselves are separate, the overarching narrative explores Hanna’s evolving relationship with the small town of Åre. Despite being on leave, her natural curiosity pulls her into the investigations, which leads to an uncertain and open-ended finale.
The first case centers around the disappearance of Amanda (Freddie Mosten-Jacob), a young adolescent. Hanna joins the investigation after a search party reveals that Amanda may be involved in something sinister. As Hanna and Daniel explore various leads, including conflicts with friends and inappropriate behavior from teachers, they uncover a darker story.
Hanna’s housekeeper, Zuhra (Diana Gardner), proves to be the key to unraveling the mystery. Amanda had been helping Zuhra escape an abusive situation, but after confronting the man responsible, Bosse (Robin Stegmar), Amanda ends up murdered. The case culminates in a chilling confrontation that leads to Bosse’s arrest.
Trafficking, Betrayal, and the Discovery of Johan’s Dismembered Body in Åre
The investigation reveals that Bosse and his wife were involved in trafficking Zuhra, and Amanda was trying to help her escape by stealing goods to raise money. After Amanda confronts Bosse about his mistreatment of Zuhra, he takes her out to the woods under the guise of offering a ride.
When Amanda refuses to keep quiet, Bosse strangles her and leaves her body on a ski lift. The tragic death highlights the exploitation hidden beneath Åre’s seemingly quiet surface, with Hanna and Daniel’s investigation exposing a complex web of secrets.
Carla Sehn as Hanna Ahlander (Photo: The Åre Murders/Netflix)The second case introduces a gruesome discovery—the dismembered body of Johan (Viktor Åkerblom) scattered near railway tracks. As Hanna and Daniel investigate, they learn Johan had been having an affair with the pregnant wife of a local pastor.
This affair, along with Johan’s complicated relationships, leads the detectives down various suspect paths. Initially, Pastor Ole (Björn Elgerd) seems like a prime suspect, but an airtight alibi clears him. The case takes a turn when it is revealed that Johan’s young stepson, Leo (Ayush Rajmachikar), is the real killer.
Leo’s Impulsive Act and the Uncertain Future of Hanna and Daniel’s Relationship
The investigation eventually uncovers the true motive behind Johan’s murder. Johan’s affair with Rebecka (Amalia Holm) and her pregnancy sparks a violent reaction from Ole, but it is Leo who kills Johan.
Overhearing a heated argument between his mother Marion (Agnes Kittelson) and Johan, Leo acts impulsively and strikes Johan with a shovel. Carl (Samuel Astor), Leo’s biological father, helps cover up the murder, leading to the dismemberment of Johan’s body and the chilling placement of his remains on the train tracks.
As the series progresses, the personal lives of Hanna and Daniel take center stage, providing emotional depth to the show. Hanna, dealing with an internal investigation in Stockholm, has come to Åre to escape her troubles. Daniel, struggling with fatherhood and his relationship with his own father, finds solace in working with Hanna.
By the end of the series, the two have formed a bond, but their futures remain uncertain. The show’s conclusion leaves room for more potential cases in Åre, and the unresolved tension between Hanna and Daniel hints at a complicated future. The finale, with Hanna contemplating her future alone and Daniel choosing family over work, leaves viewers with an air of ambiguity, inviting speculation on what comes next.
