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duparker's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars if I could. I found this book to be fascinating. The characters were true life, with oddities and flaws that seemed very realistic. The string is a huge part of the story. Having been to Havana it was interesting to see it painted so crisply. I have to presume the author visited it, in order to write so cleanly and clearly about it.
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
3.0
To be rated/reviewed after this month's book club meeting
This is really a 3.5 star rating for me. While this is the fourth book in the series, this was my first introduction to Arkady Renko. I felt like I was able to enjoy this as a stand-alone read, as there was enough of Renko's backstory included. Perhaps this was also due to the fact that this installment is set in Cuba, rather than Russia. Renko is sent to investigate and possibly identify a missing Russian who may or may not be the dead man whose body was recovered from Havana Bay. As the investigation unfolds, the reader is presented with a gritty look at life in Cuba and the tense, antagonistic relationship between Russia and Cuba. Will Renko uncover the mystery of his missing comrade and overcome the animosity of the Cuban investigators? It seems unlikely but the reader suspects that Renko will find a way.
This is really a 3.5 star rating for me. While this is the fourth book in the series, this was my first introduction to Arkady Renko. I felt like I was able to enjoy this as a stand-alone read, as there was enough of Renko's backstory included. Perhaps this was also due to the fact that this installment is set in Cuba, rather than Russia. Renko is sent to investigate and possibly identify a missing Russian who may or may not be the dead man whose body was recovered from Havana Bay. As the investigation unfolds, the reader is presented with a gritty look at life in Cuba and the tense, antagonistic relationship between Russia and Cuba. Will Renko uncover the mystery of his missing comrade and overcome the animosity of the Cuban investigators? It seems unlikely but the reader suspects that Renko will find a way.
sandin954's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent story featuring Russian investigator Arkady Renko. The setting is Cuba and since the time period is after the break-up of the Soviet Union Russians are not the most popular and Renko's quest for information does not make him many friends. I was glad to find an older audio version read by Frank Muller who was one of the best.
katefort's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favorite Renko novel, but certainly better than most detective series.
krep___'s review against another edition
4.0
Narrated by Frank Muller (my favorite narrator). Take this one over the Ed Lewis edition. Mr. Lewis was fine, but Frank Muller (d. 2008) is like real estate - they're not making any more. Enjoy him where you can find him.
c_richards's review against another edition
4.0
A decent, but not great "mystery" but mostly I liked the characters and their interactions. Read this right before my 1st ever visit to Cuba and had some insights about Cubans, Russians and USA.
glowe2's review
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The continuing adventures of the Russian detective (Arkady Renko) that Martin Cruz Smith introduced in Gorky Park. Renko is in Havana looking for a missing colleague. The story is set while Castro is still in command of Cuba but after the Soviet Union has collapsed. Cubans now view Russians as enemies which makes Renko's task more difficult.
Well written with a good pace, Havana Bay will subtly bring you into the plot so you find yourself disappointed when the book ends.
Well written with a good pace, Havana Bay will subtly bring you into the plot so you find yourself disappointed when the book ends.
lmk217's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
crichards14's review against another edition
4.0
A decent, but not great "mystery" but mostly I liked the characters and their interactions. Read this right before my 1st ever visit to Cuba and had some insights about Cubans, Russians and USA.