Lena Lilleste
I’ve been a children’s and young adult author for 20 years and have written more than 40 books. Several of my books have been nominated for awards and have appeared on the Bokjury’s Top Ten list for seven consecutive years. They are also frequently borrowed from libraries.
In the Tommy and Flisen series, I write about the world of teenagers, and most of the ideas for the books have come from things I’ve read, heard, or seen in the news. This has likely contributed to their popularity, as the stories are very realistic and tackle current topics.
It’s great fun to write for two very different target audiences, and in the School Detectives series, it’s an exciting challenge to keep my young readers on the edge of their seats — while still fitting a complete story into a short format. Inspiration for School Detectives comes from the child within me, my surroundings, and every time I pass by a school or after-school center.
I also do author visits and have met thousands of school classes across Sweden. I’ve lived the author life for 20 years, and before that, I traveled around the world, lived in the USA and Spain, studied, and worked for a pharmaceutical company. I now live just outside Gothenburg, on the west coast of Sweden.
So far, I have sold more than 430,000 books.
Sold to Norway, Finland and Estonia
Instagram: lenalilleste
The Diamond Thief
Max and Penny are super good at solving mysteries! And that’s lucky—because plenty of strange things are happening at their school.
One afternoon, while playing after school, Max and Penny find a bag with a sparkling stone inside. It looks like a diamond! It must be stolen—why else would it be lying on the schoolyard? The children decide to take the stone to the jeweler’s shop, but on the way they spot an old man who seems to be searching for something. Could he be the diamond thief? The school detectives Max and Penny are determined to find out!
The School Detectives is a new easy-to-read series by author Lena Lilleste and illustrator Lena Forsman. The books feature short, accessible text, thrilling stories, and lots of colorful illustrations. The stories themselves are written in lower-case letters, while the pictures include speech bubbles in upper-case. This way, children can practice reading on two levels. And best of all—it’s so exciting that you forget you’re practicing!
Each book features a clever group of school friends who team up to solve everyday mysteries — from missing pets to stolen jewels. With short chapters, engaging illustrations, and language tailored for new readers, the series combines suspense, humor, and friendship in a way that inspires both confidence and a love of reading.
Original title: The school detectives
Publication: Raben och Sjögren
Books: 10
Rights sold: All rights available
In the Tommy and Flisen series, I write about the world of teenagers, and most of the ideas for the books have come from things I’ve read, heard, or seen in the news. This has likely contributed to their popularity, as the stories are very realistic and tackle current topics.
Lena Lilleste is one of Sweden’s most popular authors of children’s crime fiction. Her bestselling Tommy & Flisen series, spanning twelve thrilling books, follows two clever friends who solve mysteries, outsmart villains, and uncover secrets hidden in everyday life. With fast-paced plots, humor, and relatable characters, these books have become favorites among young readers and teachers alike — perfect for fans of mystery, friendship, and adventure.
Original title: Tommy and Flisen series
Publication: Raben och Sjögren
Books: 102
Rights sold: All rights available
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