Loukko by 
Original title: Valhe
Author: Kaisu Tuokko
Published: 2025
Publisher: Otava
Genre: Crime & Suspense
Pages: 300
Part of a series: The Kristinestad Murders
Reading material:
Full English translation, English synopsis, Finnish Edition, Series presentation
An idyllic summer evening in Kristinestad takes a chilling turn when a pool of blood is found on the steps of the Church of Ulrika Eleonora. Inspector Mats Bergholm interrupts his Midsummer celebrations to investigate the case and escape his distressing family situation.
Journalist Eevi Manner is adjusting to a new phase of life and being home from work, but can’t resist getting involved in the mystery that has gripped the town. At the same time, she worries about her new friend whose relationship is going sour.
Eevi and Mats cross paths again as the past is closing in with fatal consequences.
“Revenge starts with a wicked crime with a distressing motive [but] text has been written delicately. Fantastic work.” – Satu Rämö, author (Hildur series)
The Kristinestad Murders is an atmospheric crime series set in a coastal town in Finland, with intriguing main characters and interpersonal relationships. The author Kaisu Tuokko combines the thrilling crime plots with societal issues, and the result hooks the reader. The first two books in the series have sold over 50,000 copies – and six installments are planned.
“Kaisu Tuokko perfectly balances the combination of a gorgeous, atmospheric setting and the aftermath of a terrible crime that exposes the eerie underbelly below the shiny surface of lovely Kristinestad. Mats and Eevi, a police investigator and a journalist, complement each other so well because one of them can always keep digging where the other one reaches their limits. And she proves that is no need for the character of the grumpy police officer. Her investigative team is capable and likeable – what more could you ask for?”
Sarah Mainka, Editor, Aufbau Verlage, on The Kristinestad Murders #1: Revenge
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Rights sold:
FINLAND: Otava (orig.), Förlaget (Finnish-Swedish)
SWEDEN: Förlaget
