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Pushkin Vertigo to publish Kaukonen's 'twisty' psychological thriller
Pushkin Vertigo, an imprint of Pushkin Press, is to publish Follow the Butterfly by Martta Kaukonen, translated from the Finnish by David Hackston.
A critical success and bestseller in Finland, where it was shortlisted for the Savonia Prize, rights to the novel have now been sold in 12 languages. Pushkin commissioning editor Daniel Seton bought world English rights from Rhea Lyons at HG Literary on behalf of Elina Ahlback at the Ahlback Agency, in a two-book deal. Pushkin Vertigo will publish the book in hardback and e-book on 7th March 2024. Screen rights have been sold to Legendary Tobis TV who will be adapting the novel into a German language TV series.
Follow the Butterfly, the debut thriller by the chief film critic of Finland’s biggest newspaper, introduces readers to renowned therapist Clarissa Virtanen, “a character not afraid to look at the darkest side of humanity”, according to the publisher. “Haunted by the death of a young patient, she will do whatever it takes to save the most vulnerable. But when Ida – angry, damaged and seemingly suicidal – walks into her office, Clarissa may have met her match. For Ida has secrets. Murderous secrets, which mark her like a bloodstain.”
Seton said: “Follow the Butterfly is a twisty psychological thriller with a fantastic hook – what happens when a serial killer goes into therapy? Crime fans across Europe have already fallen in love with this book; I can’t wait for British readers to get their chance, too.”
Kaukonen added: “I’m grateful for Pushkin Press for introducing my work and my protagonist, 20-year-old serial killer Ida, to British readers.”
