Russian Mystery
I enjoyed the book, quick read. Character development was well done. Not a book that I would have picked up at the store, but am glad that I had the opportunity to read about historical Russia. Solving the murder takes very interesting turns through rural Russia, with the help of a Moscow detective.
Rated of 5
by Jennifer F. (Saratoga, CA)
Intriguing
The Darkening Field gave me an insight into the transitioning period of Soviet culture through a well-written mystery with believable characters. I enjoy books that take an unusual view of a historical period. I recommend this book to others who like a suspenseful read with some historical perspective.
Rated of 5
by Judith P. (rosebud, missouri)
Character study of a place and time.
The USSR in the 1930's is the main character of this story of murder and political intrigue. Trying to solve a crime and keep the different entities from putting the detective in prison or the gulag. Very insightful into the suffering of the people in the name of a political system.
Rated of 5
by Les G. (Fort Collins, CO)
Great mystery
The Darkening Field by William Ryan is a wonderful murder mystery set in 1937 Soviet Russia. When Captain Alexi Korolev of Moscow's Criminal Investigation Division is sent to Odessa to investigate the murder of a young actress, he uncovers a plot much more twisted than he could have imagined. This is a first-rate mystery that perfectly captures the overriding fog of terror in Stalin's Russia, where even an innocent mistake or mishap is enough to doom you, your coworkers, and your entire family.
Thanks to Book Browse's First Impressions for a chance to read this advance readers' edition.
Rated of 5
by Judith W. (Brooklyn, NY)
Good Russian Cop
I enjoyed this book and liked the main character. A good solid police procedural in an unusual setting in a time period and place I am unfamiliar with, and about which I would now like to learn more. Will definitely be reading the author's first novel and look forward to the next.
Rated of 5
by Loren B. (Appleton, WI)
political mystery
Actually this novel was less of a mystery and more political intrigue. I found it a little hard to follow, but the main character is deep and thoughtful-a different kind of man than what might be expected in Stalin's USSR.
Rated of 5
by John W. (Clayton, Missouri)
Stalinist Russia - political intrigue, but not a mystery
The best part of this novel is the vivid description of pre-World War II Stalinist Russia. If you are interested in Soviet culture, this book will appeal to you. Captain Korolev is a likeable character and truly loves his country, but understands the realities of living in a dictatorship. If you are looking for a good mystery this is not the book for you – it’s more a good historical read with a lot of political intrigue.
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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by Jane C. (Brighton, MI)
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by Loren B. (Appleton, WI)
