Murder in Helsinki

by John Swallow

When a frozen corpse is discovered amid a Helsinki winter, Detective Superintendent Topias Torikka is brought in to investigate. The dead man is the husband of a beautiful and beguiling young woman, whom Topias suspects knows more than she reveals. However, before long, she also finds herself in peril, and as the case progresses, so too does the body count. Intriguing connections arise, and motives appear, including the usual suspects: love, betrayal and money. Can Topias identify and bring a criminal conspiracy to justice before someone else dies?

Genres: Mystery

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2022

About the author

I am originally from Yorkshire, England and have had the privilege to have lived in countries such as Scotland, Argentina, Latvia and now Finland. Today, I live in the coastal city of Rauma, in the county of Satakunta.

My first novel was published in June 2020, entitled: 'The Paintings of Rauma.' It is an exciting crime adventure, featuring a new Nordic Noir hero, Police Officer Jussi Alonen. Based in Rauma, Finland, Jussi also travels to various other places around the world as part of the fight against crime.

My second book was published in November 2020, entitled: 'The Waves of Helsinki.' It is a sequel to the first book and the second in the 'Jussi Alonen Detective Adventures' series. In this story, Jussi moves to Helsinki to train as a Detective and finds himself thrown into even more exciting adventures.

My third novel was published in May 2021 and is entitled: "The Heat of Havana." This is the third in the series of Jussi Alonen novels. In this story, Jussi travels to Cuba to help an old flame who has been kidnapped; International crime once again follows him back to Finland.

My next book, published in October 2021, immerses the reader in the paranormal. It was co-written with Saana Jaakkola, a local ghost tour guide and travel writer It is a collection of stories about Rauma entitled: The 'Ghosts of Rauma.' It is also available in Finnish as: 'Aaveiden Rauma.' The medieval city of Rauma has a fascinating history and ten haunted buildings are described, together with tales and documented experiences. This hard cover book is available directly from me, or many of Finlands book retailers. If you like ghost stories - this one is for you!

In November 2022, I launched a new series, beginning with a novel entitled: Murder in Helsinki. Set amid a Finnish winter, this story begins with the discovery of a frozen corpse, and continues with a beguiling young widow. More crimes follow and Detective Superintendent Topias Torikka is challenged to solve the case before anyone else dies.

One year later, in November 2023, I published a sequel to Murder in Helsinki, entitled The Final Breath - Another Murder in Helsinki. This one is a bit different, so you'll have to read it to see where I took my inspiration. Topias Torikka is the protagonist, once more.

My latest work, UnFinnished (sorry about the pun) explores the culture and lifestyle of Finland. As I have lived here for the past fifteen years, I thought it was about time that I did. In this book, I explore many aspects of Finland in a lighthearted attempt to discover the country's essence.

All of my work so far is based in Finland or involves it somehow. Some stories are inspired by Rauma and the surrounding area. if you haven't been to Rauma yet or even Finland, may I propose that you add it to your list of future destinations? There is something special about it. The amazing countryside, distinct seasons, countless lakes and beautiful places to spend time in.

I hope you enjoy reading my books,

John

Reviews

[Oana Velcu-Laitinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nothing is as it appears to be." says superintendent Topias, the main character. Petra, the collateral victim with an angelic appearance, is the centre of the story's complexity.

Murder in Helsinki kept me wanting to read to the end to see who and why hides behind the appearances. Although I had already made up my mind about who the culprit was in the first chapters, I kept doubting my suspicion as I advanced towards the last pages.

All in all, I recommend this book to fans of detective stories.

[Barbara G. Graybill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

A great plot with intriguing characters and page turning twists in the plot. A fun mystery without the violence filled backdrop of heavy criminal life.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I couldn’t put the book down is an understatement, what a page turner! Looking forward to reading more by John Swallow!

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first, I thought the writing was so stilted because it was a translation from Finnish to English, (then I read the author's bio and it says he's from England. So, accept that this is written as a "Dragnet" style procedural. I also that it was translated because there is one point when he does on about watching the sunset -- but it's morning. There is an awful lot of taking saunas, drinking gallons and gallons of coffee, and cinnamon buns with every meal and snack. Oh, and our victim's wife and a suspect, an adult woman, is excited to order pizza for dinner. Oh, and lots of wine drinking.

When you read this, the clues are not slowly revealed so that you can figure it out as the detective does -- Swallow tells you who the evildoer is very early on, so there's no mystery here.

Our detective also crosses the line with the victim's wife/suspect by sleeping with her, and while many of his colleagues suspect as much, he never gets called out for it. This left me a bit contemptuous of our hero/detective especially as it did nothing to further the plot -- she didn't need to sleep with him to get his protection, just bat her eyes at him and weep a little.

Of all the characters in this novel, I liked the dog the best.

Glad this one was a freebie. I don't know if I will read any of Swallow's other novels -- maybe if I stumble upon another freebie after I've long forgotten this one.

[Patty U. · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a let down!

I made it half way through and had to quit. I didn't like how the lead detective had sex with a victim's wife ever chance that came along. I was really enjoying the book very much. Guess I am more into traditional detective books!

[Eunice M. Arias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stupidest Book I’ve ever read. Maybe not stupidest but what a waste of time. The stupidest detective ever. Obviously Petra was a slut and not to be trusted who sleeps with the detective so soon after your husbands passing away and who falls for that???


This man would’ve been far away from any case if anywhere else. No conclusion dumbest plot and I was struggggling to read it I rushed the ending because I just wanted it to be over. I couldnt stand the main characters anymore no plot no susbtance nothing.

What happened to Stefano? No idea this book was so stupid….on to the next.