Rated of 5
by Gerald R. (pompton lakes, NJ) Martin Cruz Smith wannabee.
This Russian police procedural, in the style of Martin Cruz Smith, was a bit disappointing. I found the plot to be pretty standard issue for the USSR in the late Thirties. The characters, although numerous, were not fleshed out. I never got the feeling that I knew any of them. Thank goodness there was a list of them at the beginning of the book that I had to keep referring to. I did like the author's way with words and his descriptions of life in Russia just prior to WWII. Captain Alexi Korolev has a way to go to be compared with Arkady Renko.
Rated of 5
by Eileen P. (Pittsford, NY) Second in series
This is the second book in the series featuring Captain Alexei Korolev. My pleasure in reading it was somewhat dimmed by not having read the first book in the series. However, the book captured my imagination, and raised all sorts of interesting questions about the strength of individuals’ loyalties and the compromises that must be made in oppressive societies. It would make a daring, but rewarding book club selection.
Rated of 5
by Daniel A. (Naugatuck, CT) The Darkening Field
I liked this book very much. It had a good plot with lots of twists and turns, and the Russian detective is a fascinating protagonist.
I like the list of characters at the beginning of the book, just like in an Agatha Christie novel; it helped me with the Russian names.
Overall, this was a good read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Rated of 5
by Jeanne W. (COLUMBIA, MD) Promising new series
I really enjoyed this book by William Ryan. It's a basic murder mystery, but set in pre-WWII Soviet Union and that makes all the difference. A Moscow detective gets sent to Odessa to investigate a murder on the set of a Soviet propaganda movie. Because the dead girl's lover is a highly placed Soviet officer he must tread carefully. The depictions of Odessa are evocative and the characters live in an atmosphere of paranoia and that make me very glad to live in the USA. The pace is a little slow, but I think that's the lack of technology so it just takes a little getting used to. This is the second in what looks to be a series. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Rated of 5
by William E. (Honolulu, HI) Life With Stalin
Interesting read for the description of life with Stalin. The story was not much of a mystery. The characters were fairly stereotypical. If one happens to be interested in the particular period in Russia under Stalin, it is a good read. For mystery readers not so much....
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.
A very large book - in number of pages and in content - and every page worth reading. Thoroughly enjoyed this one and her first book on the...
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Two Lives is a memoir written by international best-selling author, Vikram Seth. In this interesting and engaging book, Seth writes about his great...
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Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
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News Corp will officially split into two companies June 28(May 24 2013) As expected, News Corp has announced it will officially split its publishing and entertainment businesses on 28 June.
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Its board approved the...
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of 5
by Gerald R. (pompton lakes, NJ) 
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by Eileen P. (Pittsford, NY) 
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by Jeanne W. (COLUMBIA, MD) 
