Kjell Ola Dahl is a highly acclaimed and award-winning Norwegian author, born on February 4, 1958, in Gjovik, Norway. He is best known for his expertise in writing crime fiction, thriller, and mystery stories. Dahl is particularly famous for creating the Oslo Detectives series, which has gained significant international success and garnered him comparisons to renowned author Henning Mankell. His writing career began in 1993 with the publication of his first novel, "Dodens Investeringer," which was later translated and released in English as "Lethal Investments."
In addition to his Oslo Detectives series, Dahl has also written standalone novels, one of which is "The Courier," set in Norway and Sweden during World War II and in 1967. This novel earned him the prestigious Brage-prize, further solidifying his reputation as a master of crime fiction. Dahl has been honored with the Riverton Prize twice, in 2000 and 2015, for his contributions to the crime fiction genre. His works have been translated into multiple languages, allowing his stories to reach and enthrall English readers worldwide.
Dahl began his writing career while working as a teacher and social adviser in a high school. His personal experiences and background have significantly influenced his storytelling and the creation of his beloved Oslo Detectives series, featuring characters Frank Frølich and Inspector Gunnarstranda. Now residing on the farm Torgunrud in Feiring, near the lake Mjosa, Dahl continues to write and contribute to the world of crime fiction, maintaining his status as a prominent figure in the genre.