Loukko by 
We are thrilled to announce that Calmann-Lévy has acquired French rights to Minna Lindgren’s acclaimed Twilight Grove Trilogy (Teos) in a three-book-deal for publication starting in the spring of 2015.
Established in 1836 and home to the likes of Alexandre Dumas and Gustave Flaubert, Calmann-Lévy today is the publisher of bestselling authors such as Elizabeth Gilbert, Donna Leon, Malala Yousafzai, Téa Obreht, Tana French, Donato Carrisi and Michael Connelly.
“The Twilight Grove Trilogy presents a unique blend of charm, mystery, heartache and wit: Minna Lindgren has created a group of endearing, unforgettable characters, in the company of whom we feel comfortable enough to dwell on the hardest subjects – ageing, illness, death – and this is no mean feat! She is a keen observer of our time, a hilarious one to boot, and she will make you long for things past that you had completely forgotten about.”
–Deborah Kaufmann, Calmann-Lévy, France
The trilogy comprises Death in Twilight Grove (Kuolema Ehtoolehdossa, Teos 2013), Escape from Twilight Grove (Ehtoolehdon pakolaiset, Teos May 2014) and The End of Twilight Grove (working title, Teos 2015). Rights were previously sold in Italy to Marsilio, in Germany to Kiepenheuer & Witsch, in Spain to Santillana and in Estonia to Varrak (book I: Death in Twilight Grove). Film rights have been sold to Yellow Film & TV, and shooting is scheduled to begin in 2015.
The Twilight Grove Trilogy is a satirical mystery series that narrates life inside and around a retirement home through the eyes of three bright, spirited and inquisitive ladies in their 90s. If you enjoy the whodunits of Miss Marple, the sharp quips of Downton Abbey or the playfulness of the bestselling The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out of the Window and Disappeared, you will fall in love with The Twilight Grove Trilogy.
More praise from international publishers:
“Witty and funny, and despite its serious topic, a page turner. It’s a candidate for topping bestseller lists and still has a serious message: that dignity is not negotiable.”
-Helga Frese-Resch, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Germany
“[Death in Twilight Grove] is a clever mystery novel that brilliantly combines thriller with comedy. There’s suspense in it, and there’s warmth. By reading you will hear echoes of The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, and much more than this.”
-Francesca Varotto, Marsilio, Italy
“Death in Twilight Grove is a wonderful read for its charming main characters, gripping plot, and the descriptions of the city of Helsinki.”
-Maarja Kaaristo, Varrak, Estonia
Minna Lindgren (b. 1963) is a freelance journalist and columnist known for her whimsical writing style and fearless approach to topics as strange as opera and death. In addition to novels, she has authored nonfiction books on classical music and culture. In 2009 Lindgren won the Bonnier Journalism Prize for her article entitled “Father’s Death” (“Isän kuolema”).
RIGHTS SOLD: THE TWILIGHT GROVE TRILOGY
ESTONIA, Varrak (Part I)
GERMANY, Kiepenheuer & Witsch
FRANCE, Calmann-Lévy
ITALY, Marsilio
SPAIN, Santillana
Film rights: Yellow Film & TV
Reading materials:
English sample of book 1 (longer English sample available at the end of May!)
English synopses of books 1-2
Finnish editions of books 1-2
Original publisher:
Finland, Teos
For rights inquiries contact: info@ahlbackagency.com
