Swedish property owners can relax, reassures the countryТs police, in response to growing interest in the country and its fictional crime scene.
Sweden, and particularly the town of Ystad, has become well-known in the Uk thanks to TV shows such as Wallander. The Kenneth Branagh-played detective has introduced Sweden to many as a hub of criminal activity, where murders take place on a regular basis. But the police are correcting the image portrayed in Henning MankellТs popular thrillers.
УThis is a very peaceful place,Ф Inspector Charlotte Lindh told the Toronto Sun. "I am happy I can bring up my children up in Ystad."
Murderous reputation
Stieg LarssonТs Milennium trilogy, beginning with the novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, has also added to the countryТs murderous reputation.
The best-selling books about sociopath computer hacker Lisbeth Salander have spawned two separate film adaptations, one Swedish production in 2009, and an upcoming American remake by director David Fincher, due for release this year. Both feature violence, murder and other scenes of assault.
Tourism industry makes a killing
The fictional blood-spilling in the Swedish streets has undoubtedly helped to boost the countryТs tourist industry Ц according to last yearТs figures, overnight stays in the capital of Stockholm have increased by over 75 per cent since 2000.
But while property buyers may expect to find a nationwide crime scene on their doorstep, they can be reassured that houses for sale in Sweden remain a safe investment.
