The Moose Paradox by Antti Tuomainen (translated by David Hackston)

I'm thrilled to be sharing my review today of The Moose Paradox by Antti Tuomainen, translated by David Hackston. And it's Orentober too, so perfect timing! This is the follow up to The Rabbit Factor which some of you might remember was one of my favourite books last year, so I have been eagerly, and rather impatiently, awaiting this one. I wasn't disappointed. More mayhem and madness in the adventure park business! Huge thanks to Anne Cater for the invitation and to the publisher, Orenda Books, for my review copy.

The Blurb

Insurance mathematician Henri Koskinen has finally restored order both to his life and to YouMeFun, the adventure park he now owns, when a man from the past appears – and turns everything upside down again. More problems arise when the park’s equipment supplier is taken over by a shady trio, with confusing demands. Why won’t Toy of Finland Ltd sell the new Moose Chute to Henri when he needs it as the park’s main attraction? Meanwhile, Henri’s relationship with artist Laura has reached breaking point, and, in order to survive this new chaotic world, he must push every calculation to its limits, before it’s too late. 

My Review

Actuary Henry's life is ruled by mathematics. Every decision is made after careful calculations, every problem dealt with in the most efficient way possible. He thrives on logic and order. All of that was thrown into chaos when he inherited an adventure (not amusement) park from his late brother, together with its quirky employees. His early adventures here are described in The Rabbit Factor. Six months on he has settled into his time and the park is running well. But to beat their competitors and increase visitor numbers, the park needs new equipment. Specifically, the Moose Chute. But Henri finds his previously good relationship with supplier Toy of Finland has soured since it was taken over by three new owners. And that's not how only problem. There are threats to him and threats to the park, a face from the past and rebellious staff. And a relationship to navigate. It's a lot.

I love, love, love Henri. He's never admit it but he is just as quirky as his park employees. I love his ability to apply maths and logic to everything he faces, even the ridiculous. And how that calm, organised approach can get him out of the stickiest of situations. And, without realising it, he's very funny! So brilliant from Tuomainen. His description of being caught short when out an about, and also his parents' joint funeral are very chucklesome, especially when the latter really shouldn't be. But what I really love is his burgeoning relationship with artist Laura Helanto. Every mention of her includes both her first name and surname. Henri is new to the vagaries of love and we see him struggle with telephone conversations and text messages, which I agree are a total minefield! And his description of love making is... well, read it for yourself! 😂 But the effect Laura, and her art, have on him is beautiful to read. Time spent with her is 'fuller and denser than usual.' He's such a carefully created character and it feels like this was done with a real affection for him. Laura, of course, is another character I love, and amongst the park employees I have affection for Kristian, an eager young puppy, keen to learn, taking courses to improve himself, although not, it should be noted, Henri's course on 'The Fundamental Principles Of Adventure-Park Mathematics, and Head of Security Esa, who I suspect might be as mad as a box of frogs! 

But it's not all love and fun. Threats to YouMeFun come from every direction and Henri finds himself in some absurd, and dangerous, situations. He has to make some difficult, but always calculated, decisions and must decide how honest to be with DI Osmala, a big man with tiny feet! The descriptions of all these encounters are so entertaining, brilliantly written. 

This book is brilliamtly written and skilfully translated by David Hackston. Amongst the giggles are some beautiful descriptions:

'...it's light was like an endless cascade of white gold and silk.'

'Outside it is dark, save for the illuminated windows of the building opposite, which seem to be floating in mid-air. Golden, multicoloured, dim, bright floating squares in a sea of black or in an endless universe, all set in soothing, regular formation.'

The Moose Paradox is madcappery and mayhem, with some genuine peril thrown in. Add to that an awkward love story and one of my favourite protagonists ever and it is everything I could ask for. Loved it! 

The Author

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. In 2013, the Finnish press crowned Tuomainen the ‘King of Helsinki Noir’ when Dark as My Heart was published. With a piercing and evocative style, Tuomainen was one of the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime genre formula, and his poignant, dark and hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards. Palm Beach Finland was an immense success, with Marcel Berlins (The Times) calling Tuomainen ‘the funniest writer in Europe’. Little Siberia (2020), was shortlisted for the CWA International Dagger, the Amazon Publishing/Capital Crime Awards and the CrimeFest Last Laugh Award, and won the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel of the Year. The Rabbit Factor (2021), the first book in Antti’s first ever series, is in production by Amazon Studios with Steve Carell starring. The Moose Paradox is the second book in the series.