As Red As Blood by Salla Simukka, translated from the Finnish by Owen F. Witesman
Review by Lauren
source: copy from publisher/Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Lumikki Andersson has made it a rule to stay out of things that do not involve her. She knows all too well that trouble comes to those who stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. But Lumikki’s rule is put to the test when she uncovers thousands of washed Euro notes hung to dry in her school’s darkroom and three of her classmates with blood on their hands. Literally.
A web of lies and deception now has Lumikki on the run from those determined to get the money back—no matter the cost. At the center of the chaos: Polar Bear, the mythical drug lord who has managed to remain anonymous despite hosting lavish parties and having a notorious reputation. If Lumikki hopes to make it out alive, she’ll have to uncover the entire operation.
Even the cold Finnish winter can’t hide a culprit determined to stain the streets red.
Review: Lumikki Andersson is a tough teenager, living in a Finish apartment on her own instead of with her family. She does this because she doesn’t mind being alone, but also because she’s attending a top school that allows her to escape from her rough earlier schooling. I loved the character of Lumikki because she’s smart and physically capable of taking care of herself. She has closed herself off from people, but not in a way that means people don’t like her. She’s just there, in a sense. That is until she finds thousands of Euros hanging to dry in the school’s darkroom one morning and she realizes that they have been washed of blood.
This leads Lumikki to being entangled in the mystery of this money, unable to walk away because she genuinely feels bad for one of the people involved. She understands their fear, so she does what she can to help. First off, they have to figure out if the money was meant for this group or not. And if it was, why?
This was a relatively short book, but it’s very much a full story. It moves at a quick pace. You get to know the various characters/players involved quite well. I liked that you could see some of their perspectives, instead of only following Lumikki, though she is definitely the central point of this story. While this book is for young adult readers, I would like to note that it could easily be read by adults. Nothing is too overly gratuitous, but there is talk of sex, death, violence, and of course, blood. It’s definitely more of a mature YA read.
Lumikki is no Snow White, but she’s not above playing her to get the information she needs.
I’m definitely ready for the next two books in this wonderful translated trilogy from Finland!
Want a copy of As Red As Blood? Check it out on Amazon here (I’m an Amazon Associate – I get a small percent for every sale through my links. Thanks!)
This sounds super intriguing!
xx
She does sound tough. You've made this book sound good!
Glad that even though this is a shorter read it still felt like a complete story for you, I love it when that happens. Hope the next book is just as great for you!
This sounds interesting, def. a good page turner! It sounds like Lumikki has an intriguing personality, too!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Hmmmm, looks interesting. Hey, have you read any Anne McCaffrey?? Thoughts? – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
This sounds fantastic! I love reading books like this with main characters from other countries that have actually been written and translated from their original language. I think you learn so much. Thanks for sharing!
I have never read anything translated from Finland. I am curious now. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh I'm glad this is a good translation. I totally understand when people I know who speak a different language don't care for the translations. However, sounds like they did an exceptional job here. I'm curious about it and will have to bug my library for it. 🙂
This sounds incredibly interesting! I haven't read too many foreign novels translated into English but I'm glad to hear this one seems to have kept the suspense and everything.
Oh Lauren this actually sounds like a book that I could enjoy, I really like the mystery aspect of it and the strength of Lumikki's character. Thanks for putting this book on my radar!
I had never heard of this book before but it does sound exciting. I like that Lumikki sounds like a pretty complex character.
Scrolling through my reader and that cover stood out to me right away! Glad the story inside is just as good 🙂 This is actually the first I'm hearing of this book/series so I think I'll add it to my Goodreads and look into it more.
This sounds interesting!
Oooh, I'm intrigued!
This sounds like a very interesting read Lauren!
Oh I did read this one… different. One day I'll have to read more
Lumikki sounds like my kind of heroine. Is this a translated book?
Your review and that premise have me curious. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Sounds like a nice read. Sometimes I do need something fast paced and quite easy to read 🙂
-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Ooh, sounds like my kind of read.
This is the first I've heard of this one, but I always think it's interesting when a book is translated. I also love fairy tale twists. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tressa @ Wishful Endings
WHAT?! This sounds so good!! Thanks so much for the recommendation. I love a good murder mystery–better yet when it's an exciting whodunnit. 🙂 Thanks for the review!
Wow, this one sounds amazing! That synopsis really hooked me. I've never read any Finnish fiction so I doubt I would have heard of this one otherwise. So glad you shared this one, Lauren!
Okay, so Anne McCaffrey!!! She writes all the Dragonriders of Pern books. I am re-reading them, and I forgot how much I love them… not sure if this type of book is your cup of tea, but you should check it out for sure! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
This sounds absolutely incredible Lauren and I love Lumikki character, strong and capable. I haven't read many translated books before, but the few that I have I absolutely adored! Thanks foe the brilliant review Lauren, excited to grab a copy! <3
This sounds super interesting!! I don't read that many thriller-y books either. Off to goodreads again. 😛 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things