Sjöwall and Wahlöö were a Swedish writing duo, consisting of Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö. They are best known for their series of ten detective novels featuring the character Martin Beck, a police detective in Stockholm. Their work is credited with revolutionizing the crime fiction genre, blending social commentary with traditional mystery elements. The duo's novels, published between 1965 and 1975, are often regarded as the foundation of the Scandinavian noir genre. Their stories explore themes of societal issues, politics, and human psychology, making them not only engaging mysteries but also insightful critiques of contemporary Swedish society.