Agency Ahlbäck Oy is one of the leading Nordic agencies, and Finland’s #1, representing 150+ award-winning and bestselling Finnish and Nordic authors, screenwriters, and directors. The agency sells book, Film&TV and media rights worldwide in 50+ countries and Hollywood. In 2020, it was shortlisted for The 2020 International Excellence Awards as one of the TOP3 Literary Agencies in the World at the London Book Fair.

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Bestselling this season

2023, Picture Books (0-3 Years), Chapter Books (3-6 Years)

Stella

Ted Forsström

2025, Picture Books (0-3 Years), Chapter Books (3-6 Years)

Stiven

Ted Forsström

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2022, Crime & Suspense

Swing

A. M. Ollikainen

2021, Crime & Suspense

Cargo

A. M. Ollikainen

Latest reviews

Brita-Kajsa

Katja Kettu

“Brita-Kajsa by Katja Kettu is a grand celebration of literary art. Whether everything in the new novel Brita-Kajsa, which tells the story of Lars Levi Laestadius’s wife Brita-Kajsa Laestadius, is true or not, the novel is great literary art, a linguistic bombardment under which a reader who loves the Finnish language gladly wants to remain. Or at least to survive long enough to devour more of this delicious text. Kettu’s novel is like nourishing food that a reader of literary fiction craves. Kettu serves up a rich mixed stew of language, seasoned with a touch of Northern Sámi, Meänkieli, and Swedish. [--] Katja Kettu is a genius!”


– Päivi Alasalmi, Keski-Suomi newspaper

Juuli, Big Brother and Five Raspberries

Maria Vilja

”Juuli, Big Brother and Five Raspberries is a delightful book. Vilja has quickly become one of my favorite illustrators. The book features truly wonderful pages, and Juuli’s expressiveness in particular is excellent. This little girl has character, and it shows clearly in the illustrations. The emotional range of the book is wide and is conveyed beautifully. The text and images support each other well. Based on the first two books, the Juuli series is currently among the very best of Finnish picture books; I warmly recommend these books to every family with picture book readers.”


– Mikko, Kirjavinkit book blog

The Saprophile

Anna-Kaari Hakkarainen

“The Saprophile is a mutable literary exploration of womanhood, love, and the masculine myth of artistic creation. The novel also depicts mistreatment, manipulation, the limits of personality, self-determination, and self-sacrifice. The novel’s central configurations and tensions recur in branching narrative lines, constantly transforming, like the branches of a tree or a river dividing into tributaries. From the narrative emerges intersecting images, characters, and motifs, all of which are essential. If even one were missing, the picture would not be complete. Hakkarainen’s strength as a writer lies in her ability to make the novel feel whole, even as the intersecting, mutually commenting characters, perspectives, levels, and structures continuously shift.”


Jarkko Laine literature prize winner 2026

Snowsinger

Emmi Itäranta

“Emmi Itäranta’s Snowsinger is a successfully modernized take on the Kalevala that breaks out from the level of fiction into real societal debate. Written in a sensitive and beautiful style, this fresh interpretation builds a multilayered fantasy from the world of the Kalevala, whose strong female perspective is timely and relevant in our own era as well.”


Tampere City Literary Prize jury

The Witch of Sardesia

J.S. Meresmaa

“This coming‑of‑age story offers adventure, romance, unexpected plot twists, and thoughtful social commentary. The narrative’s light and dark tones blend seamlessly into a cohesive whole. A richly diverse fantasy world and playful use of language make the novel a thoroughly enjoyable read.”


Tähtifantasia Award 2026 jury

Snowsinger

Emmi Itäranta

“This mythic novel offers a vivid and deeply convincing portrayal of people and circumstances in Iron Age northern lands. Its themes include justice, storytelling as a means of power, and individual choice. The characters feel authentic and dynamic, and the language is both evocative and beautifully crafted.”


Tähtifantasia Award 2026 jury

Kaplamak - A Circus Summer

Sanna Sofia Vuori

“The story, divided into 57 short chapters, is plot-driven. Vuori tells it smoothly and with good humor, sensing moods and details. They offer humor and a friendly feel-good atmosphere in their summery refuge. Elle’s worn-out phone is turned off and thrown under the bed so it won’t disturb the adventure. The scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and freshly popped popcorn spreads a sweet, gentle veil over the summer holiday story, where even the magic is kind. Good so. And the twist at the end, which involves reading, is fitting and successful.”


– Hufvudstadsbladet, newspaper, Mia Österlund

Article 5

Aamos Honka

“Article 5 is practically a textbook example of a successful spy novel and thriller, whose success stems from many factors. [--] Undoubtedly, the overwhelmingly most important reason for the success of Honka’s works is the realism and factual basis of the events. [--] On top of everything, Honka is an absolutely excellent writer. Article 5 is exciting, interesting, and entertaining.”


– Veijo Hietala, Turun Sanomat newspaper

The Last Point

Michaela von Kügelgen, Anne Hietanen

THE LAST POINT is a crime novel that grabs the reader from the very first page and never lets go. You can really feel that the authors had fun writing it! And Tilde and Philip are perfect as the main characters, a match made in heaven, just like the book’s authors.


– Martin Welander, publisher, Schildts & Söderströms, Finland

Meet Me in the Darkness

Martta Kaukonen

"For a while now, even though I read decent thrillers, I always noticed the same old plot threads, a repetition of predictable dynamics, characters who acted according to clichés, and I regularly ended up getting a little bored. In short, I felt the need to find a good thriller that would surprise me, that finally represented something different from the usual. When I read Darkness by Martta Kaukonen, published by Longanesi, I knew I'd found the thriller I was looking for."


– Sarah Savioli, la Republica, Italy, on Meet me in the Darkness

Swan Song

Johanna Sinisalo

“The work, which deals with broad themes such as animal rights ethics, interspecies communication, and human‑caused ecological catastrophe, unfolds across several narrative threads. In one of them, a very familiar‑sounding author character reflects on his long career and discusses sources of inspiration related to simulation theory. In another, a multinational multimillionaire uses his wealth and influence to do good. The compelling storytelling and rich informational content keep the reader fully engaged.”


Tähtivaeltaja 2026 jury, Helsinki Science Fiction Society

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New foreign covers

2024, Crime & Suspense

The Eagle

Tuomas Niskakangas