What a book! Historical fiction, a criminal thriller and a political/social nightmare all rolled into one. Russia in the early 1950's must have been one frightening place for the normal working man and his family. Denouncements, arrests and the notorious Gulags; what a combination to instil terror and compliance! Add into this mix a serial killer who targets young children and you have got the perfect recipe for an excellent novel.

The main protagonist works for the state and is their perfect tool, that is until he refuses to denounce his wife and insists on attempting to bring a serial killer to heel, a criminal the state does not recognise. What then follows is a whirlwind of an adventure which will have the reader completely gripped.

The characters are superbly crafted; I couldn't believe how sorry I initially felt for the criminal until I reminded myself that he was a deluded and dangerous individual. The main characters, Leo and his wife epitomised human determination and the desire to do the right thing, even when paying the ultimate sacrifice.

This book is a fantastic read and a great insight into Russian culture and their bizarre political system of the early 1950's. If you are looking for a book which will have you completely hooked, almost to the point where you can't put it down, then look no further. Ideal for lovers of history, politics and criminal thrillers.