Before we announce the Petrona Award 2026 Winner, from the above shortlist on 22 October, we’d like to introduce you to the Petrona Award judges, Ewa, Jackie and Sonja. So here are a few fiendish questions to get to know them better.
First up is Jackie:
1. The judging panel is truly international so let’s start with where were you born/live now?
Have always lived in the UK
2. Can you remember the first Scandinavian crime novel you read (in translation) and if so do you remember when that was?
Roseanna - Maj Sjöwall / Per Wahlöö. Picked up an old, battered copy of this in a thrift sale when I was a teenager, and then tracked down the rest of the series as quickly as I could! From there my love of Scandinavian crime fiction and fiction was born...
3. What attracts you to Scandinavian crime fiction?
I really enjoy the socio-political element of the genre, giving us a window into the Nordic societies, which outwardly seem almost halcyon in some respects, but are actually pervaded by the same societal, political and criminality issues that we recognise from our own. I also like the gender balance that tends to exist where women are not so often portrayed as victims and have more agency. Obviously I love the sense of darkness that usually permeates these books both in plot and characterisation, but also the unexpected glimpses of mordant or absurd wit that some authors exhibit. It's a smorgasbord of enjoyment!
4. Why do you think it is still so popular in the UK?
I think it's still popular because of the window it gives other Europeans into Nordic life and society. Also because there are so many sub-genres of the crime genre. Where some are incredibly dark, visceral and unsettling, there are those that have cynical private investigators, maverick detectives, a touch of the Golden Age tradition, a sense of the absurd, ones that touch on the countries' troubled historical past, or conniving families and career criminals. It's a great mix and something for everyone!
5. Do you have a favourite sub-genre of Scandinavian crime fiction and are you willing to say who your favourite authors and translators are?
I am a sucker for a grizzled maverick detective, journalist or private eye and I love a bit of dark humour, so no, I don't really have a favourite sub genre and having the privilege of reading for The Petrona Award every year, it's always good to keep an open mind!
6. And finally, where can we find more of your writings?
I'm very active on social media as @ravencrime and also have a blog Raven Crime Reads.
Thank you Jackie for submitting to this cross-examination!
