I recently read two books by Antti Tuomainen, The Rabbit Factor (2021) and The Moose Paradox (2022), both published by Orenda Books. There is an upcoming film in the pipeline starring Steve Carell and, as I always rather read a book first before seeing it on screen, I felt the time was right . Also there is one more book in this series so at least now I have finally caught up!

‘A quirky, tense and warmly funny thriller from award-winning Finnish author Antti Tuomainen‘ is how Orenda Books describes The Rabbit Factor and it really is the most apt description for these highly entertaining reads. The main character, Henri Koskinen, is a pedantic actuary who loses his job and coincidentally inherits an adventure park after he receives news of the death of his only brother. When Henri arrives at the park, he makes a few discoveries and is soon under pressure from less savoury elements to keep the park afloat and to keep himself from an untimely end. With his precise approach to life Henri establishes some rules but there are just some rules that Henri is unable to follow and it is those relating to love.

Laura works at the park but has her own mysterious story to tell. Henri is unprepared for his feelings around Laura. She is unlike anyone he has ever met and, for reasons he can’t quite fathom, she seems to like him too. As Henri negotiates with criminals and takes control of the park’s unorthodox staff, he discovers that his brother was involved in some very shady dealings and that it is now up to him to rescue everyone and everything.

In The Moose Paradox, Henri’s abilities are put further to the test when an unlikely individual arrives at the park one day. Henri thought he had resolved many of the outstanding issues left behind by his brother but what happens next is far beyond his experience and expectations. Added to that his relationship with Laura has hit a few speed bumps leaving Henri with unexpected emotions and in a bit of a quandary.

Henri has an idiosyncratic personality. His mannerisms and speech immediately put me in mind of the wonderful novel, Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession. A lovable individual who very much paddles his own canoe, Henri is very set in his ways, which, as it turns out, are ofttimes to his benefit.

Antti Tuomainen writes offbeat stories with wacky plots that just quite simply work. There is dark humour but there is also a warmth emanating off the pages that is hard to describe. As a reader you are immediately rooting for Henri, hoping that the world will right itself and that the good guy will win out. With seamless translation by David Hackston, this is a series that will appeal to all looking for a slightly alternative reading experience. Original, fresh, funny and extremely enjoyable, there is everything to love about this series. I’m thrilled to have taken a punt with these books and so will you.