Book Review: Leena Lehtolainen's retired detective no longer adheres to rules

The long-running Maria Kallio detective series by Finnish author Leena Lehtolainen appears to be drawing to a close. With the recent publication of a new novel, the series, which has captivated readers for three decades, may have reached its final chapter.

Lehtolainen, born in 1964, has penned a significant body of work, with the Maria Kallio series alone encompassing seventeen titles, or eighteen if the special publication "Turmanluoti" (2018) is included. The series celebrated its 30th anniversary three years ago, coinciding with the author's own milestone of 50 years in the literary world this year.

This book review, written by Suvi Ahola for Helsingin Sanomat, likely delves into the latest installment, assessing its place within the acclaimed series and potentially offering insights into Lehtolainen's reflections on her prolific career. The article suggests that the established detective, Maria Kallio, might be moving beyond her rule-following days as she navigates the complexities of her investigations and perhaps her own life.