Helsinki Noir joins Copenhagen Noir in representing the Akashic Noir Series in the far north of Europe, exposing its frigid and sometimes frightening confines. “Readers should be prepared to keep the lights on at night after finishing this unnerving collection.” —Publishers Weekly “A gripping collection . . . Whether you are already a fan of the gloomy Finns or are new to the uniquely sinister aspect of Scandinavian literature, this book will provide steady entertainment.” —Reviewing the Evidence Akashic Books continues its groundbreaking series of original noir anthologies, launched in 2004 with Brooklyn Noir. Each story is set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the city of the book. Brand-new stories by: Leena Lehtolainen, Johanna Holmström, James Thompson, Antti Tuomainen, Jesse Itkonen, Joe L. Murr, Jukka Petäjä, Tapani Bagge, Pekka Hiltunen, Teemu Käskinen, Tuomas Lius, Riikka Ala-Harja, Karo Hämäläinen, and Jarkko Sipila. From the introduction by James Thompson: “Finland, the myths and truths. Internationally, it has a reputation as perhaps the best place in the world to live. A great economy. A low crime rate. Good and nearly cost-free health care. The needy are provided for by the state and live in reasonable comfort. Finns: peaceful and quiet people, living in the perfect example of a social democracy functioning as it should. A tourist, or even a person who has lived here for a length of time, might well view Finland as such. There is some truth to this, but like every country, Finland has many truths . . . "Finland is, like the theme so often explored in Star Trek , a parallel universe in which, on the surface, all seems normal, but under that shell lie vast differences . . . As this book demonstrates, Finland is a noir nation [and] this anthology is, I believe, the best representation of Finnish noir ever offered to the international community. Every word rings true. It holds Finland up in a way that not only exposes this wonderful and fascinating country to the world, but acts as a mirror that reflects its people and culture in a way every Finn will recognize, vocalizing those truths that are so seldom spoken here amongst ourselves.” "This is a good collection of all kinds of stories." ― Journey of a Bookseller "Mystery and true crime readers will appreciate the styles from all over the world, and embrace the darkness that every culture shares―no matter how hard they try to hide it. " ― Mom Read It JAMES THOMPSON (1964–2014) lived in Finland for over fifteen years and was one of the most popular representatives of Nordic noir, with his work being published in a dozen countries. His novel  Snow Angels , the first book in his acclaimed Kari Vaara series, was one of  Booklist‘s Best Crime Novel Debuts of the Year and was nominated for Edgar, Anthony, and Strand Critics awards.  Kirkus  selected  Lucifer’s Tears , the second book in the series, as one of the best books of 2011. Jim was a reviewer for the  New York Journal of Books  and held a master’s degree from the University of Helsinki. He was the editor of  Helsinki Noir. Helsinki Noir By James Thompson Akashic Books Copyright © 2014 Akashic Books All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-61775-241-4 Contents Introduction, 11, PART I: DEEP CUTS, Pekka Hiltunen Jenkem Töölö, 17, Leena Lehtolainen Kiss of Santa Stockmann Department Store, 32, James Thompson The Hand of Ai Kallio, 57, Riikka Ala-Harja St. Peter's Street Eira, 75, Tapani Bagge Hard Rain Esplanadi, 79, PART II: BROKEN BLADES, Joe L. Murr The Silent Woman Munkkiniemi, 97, Teemu Kaskinen Little Black Aurinkolahti, 112, Jarkko Sipila Silent Night East Pasila, 133, Jukka Petäjä Snowy Sarcophagus Meilahti, 155, Tuomas Lius Dead Cinch Central Train Station, 174, PART III: WINDS OF VIOLENCE, Jesse Itkonen Good Intentions Itäkeskus, 207, Karo Hämäläinen The Broker Fabianinkatu, 222, Antti Tuomainen The Script Lintulahti, 246, JoHanna Holmström Stolen Lives Vuosaari, 262, About the Contributors, 284, INTRODUCTION A Parallel Universe Finland, the myths and truths. Internationally, it has a reputation as perhaps the best place in the world to live. A great economy. A low crime rate. Good and nearly cost-free health care. The needy are provided for by the state and live in reasonable comfort. Finns: peaceful and quiet people, living in the perfect example of a social democracy functioning as it should. A tourist, or even a person who has lived here for a length of time, might well view Finland as such. There is some truth to this, but like every country, Finland has many truths. Finnish literature, traditionally, with the exception of the work of a handful of authors such as Leena Lehtolainen (she has publishers in around thirty countries), a contributor to this anthology, hasn't sold well abroad, especially in the noir genre. The reason for this is likely related to the fact that Finland is a quirky country, with customs