An absolute thriller - although the mystery is relatively well-done, the struggle to find justice within a communist state that refuses to acknowledge the existence of crime really takes the center stage. ( )

The truth can kill you! Especially in Stalinist Russia where even a hint of disloyalty will get you twenty-five years of hard labor, execution by firing squad, or worse -the train ride to the Gulags.

Leo Stepanovich Demidov is a War Hero. He is an MGB officer proud to serve Stalin and protect the State. He finds traitors and brings them to justice by any means necessary. He doesn't question his orders, he's a brave soldier, a loyal Russian, he serves the "greater good" - that of the State. But what if the State is lying? What if the State isn't protecting its people but just its power? Leo is going to find out the truth, about himself, and the State.

This novel is a nail biter! Love suspense, action, danger? Want to be dropped into the middle of a nightmare? This is the book for you, as long as you aren't squeamish. Read it and see what happens when power goes unchecked, or in Leo's case totally unrecognized. ( )

Children are being murdered in Stalinist Russia. Officials don't want publicity and cover the murders up or disguise them as individual crimes.
Officer Leo Demidov of the Ministry of State Security is a man with a conscience. One of the men in his unit tells him that the man's son has been murdered and found naked by the railroad tracks. Leo begins to investigate but is ordered to stop.

Vasili Nikiyin is Leo's conneiving assistant. He'll do whatever he can to get ahead and is jealous of Leo. He manages to get Leo and his wife, Raisa, transferred to Voualsk a small town outside of Moscow.
In his new location, Leo must prove himeslf and is still under skrutiny. Two children are murdered. Leo goes to his superior, Maj Kuzmin and confronts him. In Russia at this time, authorities didn't open an investigation without already having a suspect. Kuzman tells Leo he can continue to investigate but he's on his own.
Between Kuzman's unofficial investigation and Leo, they find 44 children have been murdered. All of them within vicinity of the railroad tracks. Leo is making headway when he's denounced.
How will Leo succeed?
Will he overcome Vasili's compulsive hatred?
Tom Rob Smith has written a classic, wonderful novel.
Leo is one of the most sympathetic, likable characters that I've read. The critics agree. The list of awards and nominations is almost unprecedented.
"Los Angeles Times" Book Award
Booker Prize - Longlist
"The Strand" Critics Award
Anthony Award Nominee
Barry Award Nominee
Dilys Award Nominee
Thriller Award, best 1st Novel.

Run out and get a copy. You will have an unforgetable reading experience. ( )

loved it, gripping, a genuine unputdownable, reminded me sometimes of 1984, but also lots of reflection on real historical totalitarianism ( )

The synopsis of this book leads one to think it is the story of the hunt for a serial killer in Russia. It turns out that the serial killer story is of less importance than the politics and way of life in the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

It was interesting and very depressing. It is hard to imagine living with "big brother" watching every move, every thought. Every neighbor or friend could turn on you to improve their life, even if just by getting a little more food. Even a married couple couldn't find faith or trust in each other. ( )