Fiction
New
Ann-Christin Antell: White Lily
Helsinki Literary Agency, Valkea lilja, Gummerus 2025
history, romance
FILI Reads Ann-Christin Antell’s new trilogy follows the lives of the Finnish Adel family, particularly its daughters, in the early 20th century. Lily Adel burns with a passion for art and dreams of becoming a painter. But in an era when women are expected to marry rather than pursue a profession, her aspirations seem far from realistic. Lily gets the chance to accompany her grandmother on a trip to Florence, a city steeped in art, where a woman can visit a cafeteria on her own. The novel is an intriguing portrayal of early 20th-century travel, bringing the breathtaking Tuscan landscapes and Florence’s dazzling aesthetics to life – and not without a dash of romance.
Siiri Enoranta : Nocturnal Lifelines
Bonnier Rights Finland, Keuhkopuiden uni, Gummerus 2024
New
Anna-Kaari Hakkarainen: The Saprophile
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Marraseliö, Tammi 2024
Guest Read ”The Saprophile weaves together three or four intriguing themes, interlaced with each other. The first layer is a fictional essay in which the narrator travels to Gotland, to (Ingmar) Bergman’s island of Fårö, attempting to process their obsessive relationship with what is perhaps Bergman’s most ambiguous film. The narrator deliberately uses the term “bergmania”. The second layer delves into an analysis of the role of women in Bergman’s films, a topic the narrator has promised to write an essay about for a magazine. The third layer concerns the narrator’s search for an idea for their novel. The fourth narrative thread explores the unravelling relationship between the narrator and their partner. The novel has an intelligent yet unpretentious structure, with layers that the reader navigates with ease. The narrator’s numerous references to the writers who inspired their own artistic practice vividly illuminate their reflections throughout the book. Hakkarainen, who has previously written five compelling novels, has created a remarkably ambitious and artistically sophisticated work that reaches a level of narrative craft fit for an international audience.” Hannu Harju, Suomen Kuvalehti magazine –
Aamos Honka: Crimson Web
Janne Peura series #1
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Punainen verkko, Gummerus 2025
FILI Reads Aamos Honka’s timely debut novel The Red Web marks the beginning of a new thriller series by an author with a background in intelligence. In the story, China seeks to undermine Western unity, and Finland becomes entangled in hybrid warfare. As acts of sabotage target critical infrastructure, Commander Janne Peura begins to suspect that a hidden hand is orchestrating the chaos. The plot unfolds through the actions of individual characters and events, gripping the reader from start to finish. Honka masterfully blends a fast-paced narrative and tense atmosphere with authentic portrayals of intelligence work. Beneath the surface, the novel raises genuine concerns about the fragility of democracy and the role of social media platforms – such as TikTok – as a tool of disinformation. Honka’s professional experience lends depth and credibility to this compelling political thriller.
New
Helena Immonen: Operation Fire Fox
FOX series
Bonnier Rights Finland, Operaatio Tulikettu -sarja, Docendo 2020-2024
Thriller
FILI Reads "Helena Immonen won the 2024 Torch-Bearer Literary Export Prize for her book Tulikettu (Fire Fox). Her Fox series of military thrillers has been praised by critics in Finland, and the series has sold over 170,000 copies. “Immonen’s depiction of the conflict between NATO and Russia is painfully timely. Although the Fox series is entertaining literature, it captures the fears and threats of our time in a way that also feels therapeutic to confront.” – Kaisa Järvelä, Torch-Bearer Prize Jury
Maija Kajanto: Cardamom Christmas
Bonnier Rights Finland, Kardemummajoulu, WSOY 2024
Joona Keskitalo: The Swamp That Sank
The Outback series #2
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Suo, joka upposi, Takamailla 2, Bazar 2024
FILI Reads The author has summed up the book’s premise brilliantly in one sentence: "This is a story about two gas stations and six bodies along the highway cutting through Northern Ostrobothnia." One swamp and two feuding families: the Lehtonen family runs a gas station, while the Kaski family owns an auto repair shop just a few hundred meters away—with ambitions to open a competing gas station. At the heart of the story is 17-year-old Maria, who was committed for her father’s murder—a crime she remembers nothing about. Maria is released from prison and returns home, where her uncle Jussi now runs the family business. He promises to pay her a share of her inheritance, but money is tight, and soon, another murder occurs. The Swamp That Sank is a crime novel filled with eccentric characters and black humour.
Hanna-Riikka Kuisma: Treatment
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Korvaushoito, Like 2024
Matti Laine: Her Father’s Daughter
Armadillo series #1
Bonnier Rights Finland, Isänsä tytär, Bazar 2025
FILI Reads Her Father’s Daughter tells the story of a father and daughter separated by a past tragedy. The daughter, Kata Kovanen, lives in Berlin and works for an organization with a secret mission: to protect those whom the authorities cannot keep safe. Her father, Rene Kovanen, is a former police officer who lives in Lapland, alone and in isolation. This modern spy novel, set in Berlin, Helsinki, and Lapland, is packed with action, ruthless criminals, and thrilling plot twists from start to finish. But at its core, it is also a story about human relationships and family dynamics. Kata Kovanen is the kind of bold, action-driven hero whose storyline is one that’s usually reserved for men in thrillers—she rides a motorcycle, knows martial arts, and plays in a punk rock band.
Sami Makkonen: Kalevala – Juhlalaitos
Like 2025
New
Mooses Mentula: Air of Hope
Bonnier Rights Finland, Toiviokoski, WSOY 2023
FILI Reads Mooses Mentula’s Air of Hope is a historical novel set in post-war Finland. The story takes place in the late 1940s and follows a young man named Vilho, who is striving to start his life anew alongside his wife Elsa. The war left Vilho traumatized and severely injured, and he returns to civilian life addicted to the heroin tablets used to medicate his injuries. He struggles with the heavy work at his paper mill job, but eventually, with the help of his friend Esko, he becomes the editor of the mill’s newspaper. This allows him to climb the social rankings and gives him the chance for a better life, but it also creates tensions with both colleagues and old friends. The book deals with personal struggles—war trauma, friendship, and love. At the same time, it paints a picture of post-war society and its tensions. Mooses Mentula’s fantastic storytelling and thorough historical research allow him to create a compelling and credible fictional setting. Despite everything, there’s still hope for the future.
Children's & Young Adult Books
New
Ilona Ahti & Daniela Hakulinen: Girls Girls Girls
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Tytöt tytöt tytöt, Tammi 2025
New
Metsämarja Aittokoski: Pikkuli Learns Emotions
Bonnier Rights Finland, Pikkuli oppii tunteita, Mäkelä 2022
children, picture book
FILI Reads With the help of Pikkuli books, children learn essential early concepts — from colours and numbers to emotions and everyday skills. Pikkuli Learns: Emotions, which is part of the wide-ranging series designed for young children, helps young children recognize emotions and develop social skills. In this small book, big feelings and important questions take centre stage: What does it feel like to be sad? When do butterflies flutter in your tummy? When do you feel ashamed? What makes you feel excited?
New
Linda Bondestam: Chop Chop – The Story of a Busy Robot
Rights & Brands, Chop chop – En tapper jordbos berättelse, Förlaget 2024
New
Ted Forsström & Åsa Lucander: Stiven
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Stivens fat är utan mat, Förlaget 2025
FILI Reads Is there anything better than delightfully mischievous pets, and wonderfully entertaining, true-to-life illustrated stories about our four-legged friends who rule the household? Meet Stiven the cat, whose life mission revolves around one thing: food. Every time Stiven takes a nap, there must be food waiting when he wakes up. If his dish is empty— which it always is—his human servants, both young and old, are promptly reminded. Everyone kindly takes turns feeding him, yet no one stops to wonder if Stiven might have already been fed. So classic! Who hasn’t been in the same situation—either no one remembers to feed the cat, or everyone does! But what happens on the day when, for the first time, Stiven's dish stays empty?
New
Helena Immonen: The Test of Strength
Animagi of the Mist series #2
Bonnier Rights Finland, Purppurausvan animaagit 2, Kokelaiden koitos, Tammi 2024
FILI Reads The Animagi of The Mist is a thrilling series ideal for middle-grade readers who love animal fantasy and are looking for a fast-paced yet accessible adventure. In The Test of Strength, Tommo, Aasa, and Hedda set out to rescue young animagi apprentices who have been captured by Ismar and his wild dog pack. During the mission, they encounter Jarek, a young husky from the enemy camp, whom Aasa insists on saving. Jarek knows the secrets of the enemy stronghold—but can he be trusted?
New
Malin Klingenberg: Sisters of the Desert
Helsinki Literary Agency, Slättens systrar, Schildts & Söderströms 2024
FILI Reads Winner of the Runeberg Junior Prize, The Sisters of the Desert marks Malin Klingenberg’s fantasy debut and is the first book in the Chronicles of Gibat series. The story follows two sisters living a quiet life with their desert tribe—until children start disappearing. Soon, they uncover shocking family secrets: their father is breaking tribal laws for personal gain, and they possess hidden magical powers. Faced with a choice—stay silent or take control of their own destiny—they choose to fight back. As secrets unravel, they discover their strength in a world where few adults can be trusted. Klingenberg’s storytelling is immersive—you feel the desert heat, share the sisters’ fears, and celebrate their triumphs.
New
Laura Lähteenmäki: Count Silently To Ten
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Laske salaa kymmeneen, WSOY 2023
FILI Reads Laura Lähteenmäki’s Count Silently to Ten is a delicate and timely novel about navigating the line between childhood and adolescence, the significance of friendship, the pressures of belonging to a group, and a child’s right to be a child. Ten-year-old Myy is part of a close-knit group of five girls, but feels like she is "too much," as if she’s an outsider within the group. Then Myy meets Lassi, with whom she doesn’t need to pretend, talk about boys, hair or clothes, or play social games. Their shared moments in the forest and the imaginative games they play create a sanctuary where Myy can be entirely herself. Because for Myy, it is important to play and to be a child.
New
J. S. Merenmaa & Elina Äijälä: Darkclaw
Monster Manor series #1
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Pimeänkynsi, Karisto 2024
FILI Reads Darkclaw kicks off a horror series for middle grade readers. In the first book, 13-year-old Aapo stumbles upon Lumola Manor while chasing after his frisbee disc. The manor turns out to be a sanctuary for monsters—creatures that not everyone can see. There, Aapo also encounters a mysterious figure bearing the same tattoo as his recently deceased grandfather. Could it really be just a coincidence? J.S. Meresmaa is a versatile author who uses this new series for young readers to explore a timely theme—biodiversity loss—through the lens of various monsters. Illustrated by Elina Äijälä, Pimeänkynsi was voted Tähtipöllö Book of the Year and selected as a finalist for the LukuVarkaus prize.
New
Kaisa Paasto : Bride of Prankenstein
Prankenstein series #2
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Prankensteinin morsian, Tammi 2025
FILI Reads The funny and fast-paced second instalment tackles misunderstandings, friendship, and identity crises – all served with a generous dose of prankster humour. This book is perfect for readers aged 8–12 who enjoy quick, entertaining stories full of mischief, school life, and clever comedy. It also offers a touch of drama and personal growth, with witty language that even adult readers will appreciate. When Elmeri's school principal becomes the target of repeated pranks, all fingers point to Elmeri, resulting in him losing his spot on the student council’s trip to Stockholm — a trip that just so happens to include Mima, the neighbour girl he may or may not have a crush on. Determined to uncover the truth, Elmeri turns detective. Is the prankster his archrival Leo, who claims he’s changed, or is it someone else entirely?
New
Satu Rämö & Satu Kontinen: The Secret of the Golden Hay
The Island Adventures series #2
Bonnier Rights Finland, Satujen saaret 2. Kotikumpu, Tammi 2025
Non-Fiction
New
Anna-Riikka Carlson : Dearest Eeva Kilpi. This Celebration Will Continue
Bonnier Rights Finland, Rakas Eeva Kilpi. Nämä juhlat jatkuvat vielä, WSOY 2024
New
Frank Martela: Stop Chasing Happiness: A Pessimist’s Guide to a Good Life
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Älä etsi onnea: Epätyypillisiä elämänohjeita nykyihmiselle, UK: Allen & Unwin 2025
New
Henrik Meinander: Helsinki. The Story of a City
Helsinki Literary Agency, Helsingfors. Historien om en stad, Schildts & Söderströms 2025
New
Sanna Nyqvist: By the Seashore: How Writers Discovered the Sea
Elina Ahlback Literary Agency, Rannalla: Miten kirjailijat löysivät meren, Tammi 2024
