Controversially, and in my opinion inappropriately, long-listed for the Man Booker and appropriately short-listed for the Costa 1st Novel award (used to be the Whitbread), the Desmond Elliot prize and winner of the Crime Writers’ Association Ian Fleming award, this is a cracking good serial killer tale set in Stalin’s 1950’s Russia. It is certainly one of the best intelligent new thrillers I have read in a long time. Atmospheric, dark, evocative of the period and era, the gradual change in our hero is beautifully handled, as is the slow build in an intriguing plot. You must read it. We also have an exclusive pre-publication extract from his new book The Secret Speech, so be one of the first to read a chapter before it's published.
February 2009 Book of the Month.
Longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2010.
Winner of the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2008.
Winner of the Galaxy New Writer of the Year 2009.
Shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award 2008.Costa Book Awards 2008 Judges' comment: "This gripping, unputdownable thriller is an exciting new addition to the genre."
Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 5 March 2009.
Comparison: Martin Cruz Smith, Robert Harris, John Le Carré.
| Primary Genre | Thriller and Suspense |
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