Gunnar Staalesen is a renowned Norwegian author, best known for his Scandinavian crime fiction novels. He has written over twenty books, many of which are part of the Varg Veum series. Staalesen was born in Bergen, Norway, a coastal city on the west coast of the country, where he grew up and continues to reside. His writing is influenced by his hometown, with Bergen serving as the setting for many of his stories.
Staalesen earned his Cand.philol degree from Universitetet i Bergen and has worked in the city's main theater, Den Nationale Scene. His background in the arts is evident in his writing, which often explores complex themes and characters. Staalesen's debut novel, "Uskyldstider," was published in 1969 when he was just 22 years old. However, it was not until 1986 that his work was first published in English, with the release of "At Night All Wolves Are Gray." This book introduced readers to the character of Varg Veum, a private investigator from Bergen, and marked the beginning of Staalesen's international success.
The Varg Veum series has been translated into over twelve languages and has gained a wide following in Norway and abroad. The character of Varg Veum has become a cultural icon in Norway, and the books have been adapted into a series of twelve films between 2007 and 2012. The films, which star Trond Espen Seim as Varg Veum, have been well-received and have helped to further popularize Staalesen's work. Despite his success, Staalesen remains a humble and dedicated writer, committed to exploring the darker side of human nature and the complexities of his beloved hometown.