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There are currently 26 member reviews
for The Darkening Field
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WDH (New Port Richey, FL)
Action & Intrigue
The characters were interesting and the plot has lots of twists and turns adding to the suspense. The author has a descriptive writing style that helps envision people and places throughout the book such as the extreme cold and the barren landscape of the steppes. He also does a good job with the dialogue - exposing the intrigue of an environment where you can't say what you really mean and must express yourself carefully to survive. I did feel the wrap-up was a bit long. Overall a good read - I will look for his first book to catch up on the adventures of Alexei Korolev.
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Norman G. (Diamond Bar, CA)
Grows on you
Book started off as a typical foreign who-dun-it but the characters and the plot expanded nicely. The lead Soviet era investigator took on a full life and the plot had enough twists to keep the interest. Especially well written details about how some factions in The Soviet Union must have viewed their lives add an interesting historical touch. Not a great book but worth the time.
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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.
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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.
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Patricia H. (Norman, OK)
And We Think Politics Can Make Life Difficult!
In 1937 Russia, Captain Alexei Korolev is caught between his party loyalties and his sense of justice, while investigating the murder of an actress. What makes the job more difficult is the one secret condition under which he must perform the investigation. With endless possible suspects, Ryan writes an intriguing crime fiction drawn from history. Rated good versus very good because occasionally a bit stilted but a fascinating story none-the-less.
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Katherine T. (Atlanta, Georgia)
Darkening field
It was very difficult to get through this book. I wanted to like it; mystery, Russian History. Sounded good. Two issues; I had a hard time figuring out the detective, Alexei Korolev. Maybe if I had the first book staring him. Not sure his motivations and what he feels. The second issue is the idea of the murder itself. Hard to feel sympathetic towards the dead woman in the mist of so much other tragedy and depression. Looking for the culprit of one murder when the book mentions the mass killings. Not that the death of one is less important, but it feels that way in the book. Some interesting facts on Russia.
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J W. (Davis, CA)
Editing required
This story is fascinating because of the time period and the location. Those two factors turn in into a psychological study as well as a mystery. And those two factors are what kept me reading. The writing, itself, was disjointed in presenting thoughts, conversations and actions. I found myself wondering if it was a translation...but it isn't. The author praises his editor but, I don't think her work is done. This could be a great story instead of only an average one. I won't be hurrying to read his next installment.
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