Loukko by 
J.K. Johansson’s Palokaski Trilogy, exploring the disappearance of three young women, has been coined a hybrid of Twin Peaks, Gone Girl and Nordic crime. Set in an ordinary Finnish suburb, the mystery builds from one book to the next. Both the Finnish media and international publishers are praising the series.
Praise from international publishers:
“J.K. Johansson has written an intriguing novel. The plot and the psychology behind the disappearance of Laura is so very cleverly put together that reading this first book in a series of three will definitely raise your appetite for the two following books. We are thrilled to publish this series.”
-Ilonka Reintjens, The House of Books, The Netherlands
“A small town. A missing girl. A secret that grows deeper the more is unveiled. Laura is electrifying, and we are thrilled to publish this wonderful book as first part of a series that will be a treat for fans of Nordic crime fiction.”
-Susanne Gretter, Suhrkamp, Germany
Critical praise for Noora (Tammi, April 2014):
“Laura was one of last year’s best Finnish novels, and its sequel Noora is just as strong. This thriller, set in a high school, is addictive, fast-paced and skillfully written. It is also full of delicious references to popular culture. One cannot compliment this book enough; in its genre it’s the cream of the crop.”
–Ilona magazine, Finland
“The second entry in the Palokaski series manages to be even more entertaining than the first. The appeal of these books stems from their ability to steal a reader away from everyday routines, lull him or her in their embrace and offer pleasure that feels like candy – without the subsequent gross feeling.”
–Rakkaudesta kirjoihin (For the Love of Books) literary blog, Finland
“The online world and young people’s behaviour in it is incorporated into the story in a believable way…the language flows nicely and keeps a reader in its grasp. Character relationships and moments of tension make this book difficult to put down.”
–KP24 news site, Finland
“Like its predecessor Laura, Noora is constructed from the building blocks of guaranteed literary entertainment. A slick plot has been packed full with surprises and a sense of danger and dread. The chapters are short and snappy and almost always end in a hook that a reader can’t resist.”
–Kouvolan sanomat newspaper, Finland
About the Palokaski Trilogy:
Laura (Tammi 2013)
Miia Pohjavirta, a former internet cop, begins a new career as a special needs teacher at her former high school. Right before the start of the school year, student Laura Anderson, the client of Miia’s brother, school psychologist Nikke, goes missing. When Laura’s parents create a Facebook page in order to locate their daughter, a Pandora’s Box is opened.
Noora (Tammi 2014)
Noora is a lonely girl with no friends. Once having desperately sought Laura’s friendship, Noora has followed the case and is prepared to do almost anything for a fraction of the attention Laura received. Miia Pohjavirta is trying to move on from Laura’s case, but is plagued by new suspicions.
Venla (Tammi 2015, full English synopsis now available!)
Venla‘s case is the undercurrent in all the parts of the series. The sudden disappearance of Miia and Nikke’s sister Venla in the 1980s left its mark on the whole family. As Miia finds herself being pulled back into Venla’s mystery, she begins to see connections between the stories of Laura, Noora and Venla.
J. K. Johansson is the pen name of a group of professional storytellers. Johansson loves Nordic crime novels, HBO series, well-written sex scenes, and reading the book before seeing the movie.
RIGHTS SOLD:
NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM: The House of Books
GERMANY: Suhrkamp
GREECE: Kedros
POLAND: Literackie
FILM & TV RIGHTS: Nordisk Film & TV
Reading materials
English sample of book 1
German sample of book 1
Italian sample of book 1
Finnish editions of books 1-2
English synopses of books 1-3
Contact: info@ahlbackagency.com
