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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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....
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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