Netflix’s newest crime series takes viewers to the snowy setting of Sweden, where two gripping murder cases unfold under the guidance of lead detectives Hanna (Carla Sehn) and Daniel (Kardo Razzazi). The Åre Murders is a five-episode series based on the book series of the same name by Viveca Sten.
The show adapts the first two novels, splitting its story into two distinct cases. The first three episodes follow Hidden in Snow, while the last two are based on Hidden in Shadows.
Although the cases are separate, Hanna’s growing connection to the town of Åre ties the series together. When she first arrives, she is supposed to be on leave, but her curiosity pulls her into the investigation.
As the cases progress, Hanna and Daniel develop a stronger partnership, leading to an open-ended finale that leaves viewers with many questions about what lies ahead.
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The Mystery Behind Amanda’s Murder
The show begins with the disappearance of Amanda (Freddie Mosten-Jacob), a young girl who suddenly vanishes. The town quickly organizes a search party, and Hanna decides to take part. She asks for a temporary transfer, officially joining the case.
Hanna and Daniel follow several misleading clues throughout the investigation. They consider various suspects, including Amanda’s friends and a suspicious teacher for inappropriate behavior toward students. However, the key to solving the case turns out to be Hanna’s housekeeper, Zuhra (Diana Gardner).
Hanna notices that Amanda’s family also uses the same cleaning service. When she questions Zuhra, she discovers that she and Amanda have formed a close friendship. As they talk, an armed figure suddenly bursts in with a shotgun, leading to a dangerous car chase. Hanna suffers frostbite, but Daniel manages to capture the suspect—Bosse (Robin Stegmar).
The truth behind Amanda’s death is shocking. Bosse and his wife, the owners of the cleaning service, were involved in human trafficking. They had taken away Zuhra’s passport, preventing her from escaping. Amanda had been helping Zuhra collect money by selling stolen goods, hoping to free her from Bosse’s control.
On the night of Amanda’s disappearance, she left a party early and confronted Bosse about Zuhra’s situation. When he refused to help, she walked away, but he followed her. He offered her a ride home, but instead of taking her home, he drove her into the woods. There, he threatened her, trying to silence her. When Amanda refused to back down, Bosse strangled her and left her body on the ski lift.
The Investigation into Johan’s Dismemberment
The second case begins when a horrifying crime scene is discovered. A man’s body has been dismembered, and his remains are scattered near railway tracks. Hanna and Daniel take on their first official investigation together. They soon identify the victim as Johan (Viktor Åkerblom), a man whose troubled personal life led to his brutal murder.
Johan had been having an affair with Rebecka (Amalia Holm), the wife of a local pastor named Ole (Björn Elgerd). She was also pregnant with Johan’s child. Hanna follows her instincts and realizes that Rebecka is not safe with her husband. Her concerns turn out to be correct—Ole is abusive.
Eventually, he kidnaps Rebecka and takes her to an abandoned warehouse, where he plans to harm her. Daniel arrives just in time and shoots Ole, saving Rebecka’s life.
At first, it seems likely that Ole is responsible for Johan’s murder, but he has an alibi. Hanna and Daniel continue their investigation and start suspecting Carl (Samuel Astor), Johan’s stepson Leo’s biological father. However, when Carl is arrested, Leo begins to break under pressure.
Another clue raises further suspicion. Leo and his mother, Marion (Agnes Kittelson), had claimed to be at a concert on the night of the murder. However, Marion makes a mistake when recalling the concert details, leading Hanna to doubt their story.
When Hanna confronts them, the truth comes out. Johan had planned to leave Marion and support Rebecka in escaping her abusive marriage. Leo overheard this conversation and, in a moment of intense emotion, hit Johan over the head with a shovel. Carl and Marion then worked together to cover up the crime. They placed Johan’s body on the train tracks, which caused it to be dismembered. Afterward, they took Leo to a concert to create an alibi.
A Thought-Provoking Ending
As the series progresses, Hanna and Daniel develop a close connection. Both detectives are dealing with personal struggles that make them feel isolated. Hanna originally came to Åre because she was being investigated in Stockholm.
She had challenged her colleagues when they provided a suspect with an alibi, leading to accusations of harassment against her. This resulted in an internal investigation, which forced her to take a leave of absence.
Daniel, on the other hand, struggles with fatherhood. He constantly compares himself to his own father, who was absent for most of his life. These personal challenges push Hanna and Daniel together, creating a bond between them.
In the final scene, Hanna calls Daniel, but he chooses to focus on his family instead of answering. This marks a turning point for him—it is the first time he fully prioritizes his personal life over work. However, the audience knows that Hanna’s call is not necessarily about work.
At the same time, Hanna stands on a balcony, gazing out at the snowy view of Åre. This moment reflects the beginning of the series—she is alone, just as she was when she first arrived. However, now she carries the burden of her new role in homicide investigations.
The ending suggests that her future in Åre is uncertain. New cases will likely emerge, and the unresolved connection between her and Daniel lingers in the air.
Netflix’s The Åre Murders offers an intense and gripping look at crime investigations set against a chilling winter backdrop. The series is now available to stream in the U.S.
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