Tiina Laanem releases children’s crime thriller

Writer Tiina Laanem has released a new children’s crime novel, “The Golden Trio and the Criminals,” ERR reported. The book is illustrated by artist Sirly Oder.

The story begins when a boy carrying a suitcase appears at Rocco’s front door and says he has come to live with the family. Rocco lives alone with his father, but his dad does not come home that evening. He sends only a brief message and is still absent the following morning.

With the help of his exceptionally clever friend Luna, Rocco forms an investigation team called the Golden Trio, and they set out to find his father. Along the way, they milk a goat, flee from an angry rooster and encounter criminals trying to make money in a particularly devious way.

“The business the children uncover is surprisingly profitable,” Laanem said. “This spring, one of our agencies also warned that this type of crime is showing a strong upward trend across Europe. At the same time, neither children nor adults know very much about it. It is even unfortunate that I cannot give more hints, because otherwise the suspense would disappear while reading.”

Oder said she was pleased to illustrate a book about a socially important subject that is also fast-paced and humorous.

“That way, I know the book plays an important role in developing children’s awareness and worldview, while the young reader can still easily engage with the text,” Oder said. She particularly enjoyed illustrating moments when the characters talked about earlier adventures or simply lied. These included a man fishing with a sock, penguins on the shore of Peipsi and a fleeing bear.

The book was published by Sidrunid ja Siilid, edited by Anu Jõesaar and designed by Kadri Siiroja.