Loukko by 
Original title: Luonasi ikuisesti
Author: Erika Vik
Published: 2023
Publisher: Atena
Genre: Crime & Suspense
Pages: 350
Reading material:
English sample & synopsis
Nordic Noir meets Goth rock in this dark psychological thriller
✓ A rocking debut thriller by an award-winning author of three popular YA novels!
✓ Honorary award in Otava’s Crime novel competition
✓ Unique new voice in Nordic noir combining the world of rock music and dark desires
A fast-paced and intensive psychological thriller that takes a deep dive into the brutal world of the music industry. A black, snowless winter hides a mystery on the bleak streets of Helsinki where rock music, obsession and evil love become entwined.
Janne Kallamaa is a struggling musician at the lowest point of his popularity, a major Finnish rock star of the 90s who is rejected by his record company. Soon after, the CEO of said company is found dead. Is it suicide or murder?
Meanwhile, Janne is tormented by a faceless stalker whose threatening messages hide more than meets the eye. It's as if the stalker knows everything about the former star's life, even his darkest secrets.
Is there a connection between the stalker and a violent crime in Stockholm? How much is a human life worth when compared to immortal music? Janne feels the net starting to tighten around him and the city of shadows, hiding behind Helsinki’s facade and breathing the threat of violence, does not grant him mercy.
This dark debut thriller asks what we are willing to sacrifice for art.
"Vik has pictured the prototype of today's has-been rock star with a keen eye. […] Vik depicts the rock world and its details in the practice rooms, the gig venues and the record label with an everyday believability. The author's research is excellent. […] Forever with You is first and foremost a romantic love letter to an era when rock was still predominantly a youth music and culture."
– Mikko Aaltonen in Helsingin Sanomat newspaper
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