Martin Beck is a fictional character created by Swedish authors Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö. He is a detective in the Stockholm Police and is known for his methodical approach to solving crimes. The character appears in a series of ten novels, which are often credited with shaping the modern crime fiction genre. The Martin Beck series explores social issues in Sweden during the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting the authors' concerns about society. The books are notable for their realistic portrayal of police work and the complexities of human behavior, making them influential in the development of detective fiction.