by Tove Jansson
First published 2024
Sirkka and Martti move to Sun City, an isolated lakeside community, to enjoy their golden years. But their tranquil new home hides a dark secret. As strange occurrences mount, the couple grows paranoid, their neighbors evasive. When a child goes missing, Sirkka and Martti must confront the sinister forces lurking in the shadows before it's too late. In this taut psychological thriller, Jansson explores the perils of growing old in a world that no longer makes sense.
Genres: suspense, mystery, contemporary, psychological-thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: paranoia, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Sun City
Period: golden years
214 pages · Paperback · NYRB Classics
Content warnings: anxiety, mental-illness