Their Turn to Burn
West Wing meets Jo Nesbo in a skillfully plotted fast-paced political thriller, taking place in only 24 hours, demonstrating how easily inequality and the division of a population can escalate.
Helsinki 2027. The young prime minister and leader of the right coalition, Leo Koski, wakes up on a Saturday morning to a hangover, with a naked woman in his bed and frustrating crowds roaring outside the gate of his residence. But the reasons for his headache are elsewhere: The Left is uniting its forces, threatening with a large demonstration for the following day.
Leo is only a puppet of The Guild, a secret group of rich and powerful men pulling the strings. When a young woman suicides by tying to a tree and setting herself in flames outside the window of a Guild member, she leaves a secret behind that could overthrow the government.
Leo for the first time decides to execute the power he has as a prime minister, to save what he can. He has 24 hours to figure out the plot that could cost thousands of lives and the whole future of the country.
In the society, divisions have deepened, the middle class disappeared and most of Finland’s citizens literally fight to get by. Due to the clash of the economy, the political tensions between the classes have escalated and the society is volatile.
The left movement is led by a charismatic and decisive young leader, Emma Erola. Together with a mysterious acolyte, she is planning to take Finland towards new socialism, basing on artificial intellect and processed data. But is Emma’s ally trustworthy? And who is the mysterious Peregrino – a mere voice on the phone – who seems to be the one who truly is behind the actions of the right coalition?
info
Year of publication
2021
Original title
Roihu
Page count
525
Original publisher
Otava Publishing Company
Original language of publication
Finnish
Rights sold
Germany
Reviews
Suomen Kuvalehti
“A superb thriller that encourages to think.”
Helsingin Sanomat newspaper
”The novel fills the expectations for an international thriller.”
Mesta.net
”Their Turn to Burn is a brutally imaginative exploration to the dark side of Finland’s power politics.”
Helsingin Sanomat newspaper
“A promising start for a thriller career.”
Maaseudun Tulevaisuus newspaper
"In this book of more than 500 pages, the chapters are short and there are various characters. However, Thomas Oscar succeeds in tying together the fast-paced plot twists so that the reader can't put the book down.
Thomas Oscar who works as a financial journalist at Helsingin Sanomat newspaper skilfully describes the structures of the society and economic systems.
On the other hand, the description of unequal Finland is in some ways chillingly realistic. Especially when compared to the storming of the United States Capitol in January.
A special thanks for the accurate description of real political venues."
Tuijata blog
"The structure of Their Turn to Burn follows the typical style of a thriller, but the debut author with a background in financial journalism skilfully addresses the tension based on the economic situation and politics."
Satakunnan Kansa newspaper
"Their Turn to Burn is exciting, fluent, entertaining and appelingly detailed. Even comical at times. The book is a spectacular expression of professional writing. Thomas Oscar has created a great suspense novel with a real dose of general facts about geography, history as well as various economic theories."
Kulttuuri kukoistaa Blog
"Firstly, it is a powerful thriller. Know-how, good elements. I enjoy the pace, the surprise twists and the versatility of the content to the smallest details, from the reflection of character Erola’s favourite author (Jane Austen) to the status of nobility.
The different motives of the characters are interesting, even believable - well, as much as is needed in a thriller. The resources are inventive, and societal is interesting."
Krimi-Couch, German Online Magazine
"The flowing text exudes firm knowledge of society and allows the reader to enjoy the story carefreely. The story is fierce, and Tuomas Oskari has crafted the plot really skillfully. Points for real venues and accurate use of the map of Helsinki."
Kirsin kirjanurkka blog
"The Finnish kings of thrillers Ilkka Remes and Taavi Soininvaara face a worthy challenger from Thomas Oscar [...]"
Kerran elämässä blog
"Thomas Oscar and Their Turn to Burn – has a new star risen?
I haven't even finished reading Thomas Oscar's debut novel yet but I have to praise and review now. It is the best domestic or foreign thriller that I have read for a long time (or actually listened to, because as an expatriate Finn I rely on audiobook services). So for a really long time.
The atmosphere in the novel is fresh. This suspense novel doesn't have a protagonist with personal issues, drinking problems or who is divorced, there's not even a serial killer. Instead, it depicts the near future credibly."Uusi Suomi
"Their Turn to Burn sparked a new thriller star. The suspense remains from the beginning until the end. On a first try, Thomas Oscar convincingly takes his place among the front row of Finnish thriller authors, which isn't crowded."
N-TV Germany
"Their Turn to Burn is definitely a best-seller. Complex characters, headstrong protagonists with strengths and flaws. A story with surprising twists. A story that goes into the heart and into the brain. A narrative that awakens the reader and shows that nothing is set in stone."
Awards & Nominations
Awards
BookBeat Newcomer of the Year Award
2021
Nominations
Storytel Awards
2022
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