Maj Sjöwall is a Swedish author and translator, best known for her work in the crime fiction genre. Born on September 25, 1935, she gained fame as one half of the writing duo Sjöwall and Wahlöö, who created the popular Martin Beck series. This series, featuring a police detective, is credited with revolutionizing the crime novel in Sweden and influencing the genre worldwide. Sjöwall's writing often reflects social issues and critiques of Swedish society, making her stories both engaging and thought-provoking. She collaborated with her partner, Per Wahlöö, from the 1960s until his death in 1975, producing ten novels that remain influential in crime literature today.