This is the sixth novel in the Inspector Pekkala series, which I have read exactly five years from the previous one. I have always felt ambivalent towards this series. While the political backdrop of the Soviet Union in the time of Stalin and around the Second World War makes for an always interesting backdrop, I have often found the plots and central character rather unbelievable. In this case, while these factors are still present, I enjoyed the twists and turns of this convoluted plot connecting a bizarre religious sect the Skoptsy, an icon stolen from Rasputin's flat in 1915 and the nerve gas manufactured by the Nazis towards the end of the war, and felt more affinity for the main characters than normal (I still find Pekkala's associate, Major Kirov, much more believable and likeable than the Inspector himself). In addition to Kirov's name being that the same as that of the Bolshevik leader of Leningrad in the early 1930s, the author continues the irritating habit of naming minor characters after real famous people (a Krupskaya and a Voroshilov in this instance). Despite these flaws, this was a better page turner than most and, as with the previous novel in the series The Beast in the Red Forest, continues the trend whereby, unlike many series, I enjoy this one more the longer it goes on rather than the more usual reverse situation. ( )

I completely enjoyed this book - the 5th in Eastland's Inspector Pekkala series. The primary characters are well developed, the action was intense, the pacing excellent, and the story line - while involved, - had a few twists and turns. Each of Eastland's books seem to beg being made into a movie. I wonder if this will happen. I look forward to the next installment of Inspector Pekkala. ( )