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A review by alexctelander
Stalin's Ghost by Martin Cruz Smith
3.0
STALIN’S GHOST BY MARTIN CRUZ SMITH: Arkady Renko, the indomitable Russian detective is back with a new tale of murder and mayhem in Moscow. It is a time of political upheaval – nothing new for Russia – but a new politician must be elected. Renko meanwhile enters into a “murder-for-hire” scheme where he discovers the involvement of two fellow detectives – Nikolai Isakov and Marat Urman. Coupled with this is the supposed sighting of Stalin in ethereal form on the platforms of Russian’s subway stations. Black Berets bodies are also turning up at the morgue that are mysteriously linked to Isakov and Urman. The case eventually leads Renko transferring to Tver, where he will discover what exactly is going on and who is behind it all. Naturally, Renko’s uncertain and shaky love interest, Eva – who is also involved in the case – is in an uncomfortable relationship with Isakov, straining nerves and pushing Renko to the edge.
Stalin’s Ghost, Smith’s sixth book with Russian detective Renko once again does an incredible job of capturing the heart of this “new Russia” in a time when few people have visited there and know what the country is really like. Smith never holds back in description, loading each scene with the unique look of Russia, but also with the constant cold and snow adding a freezing tone to everything that happens. This is a new detective novel, with different twists and turns you don’t usually see, but is also part history lesson and part travelogue on Russia. This is a must have for all Smith fans, and a welcome introduction to those trying Martin Cruz Smith for the first time.
Stalin’s Ghost, Smith’s sixth book with Russian detective Renko once again does an incredible job of capturing the heart of this “new Russia” in a time when few people have visited there and know what the country is really like. Smith never holds back in description, loading each scene with the unique look of Russia, but also with the constant cold and snow adding a freezing tone to everything that happens. This is a new detective novel, with different twists and turns you don’t usually see, but is also part history lesson and part travelogue on Russia. This is a must have for all Smith fans, and a welcome introduction to those trying Martin Cruz Smith for the first time.