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Title: The White Russian: A Novel by Tom Bradby ISBN: 0-385-50840-9 Publisher: Doubleday Books Pub. Date: 06 May, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.67 (6 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Another superb historical mystery
Comment: THE WHITE RUSSIAN by Tom Bradby (Bantam, 17.99)
Tom Bradby has written several novels in widely varied styles. First he wrote a couple of thrillers, SHADOW DANCER and SLEEP OF THE DEAD, then he moved onto his breakout book THE MASTER OF RAIN which was his first book published in the United States. MASTER takes place in 1926 Shanghai. This historical mystery was nominated for last year's Steel Dagger Award and was very well received. Now he returns with another superb historical mystery. This time we go to St. Petersburg, Russia in 1917 on the virge of revolution.
Two bodies are found on the frozen river, Neva. Sandro Ruzsky, chief police investigator, is assigned to the case. He manages to discover the identity of the bodies- one being a former member of the imperial household and the other is an American gangster. What is their relationship and who killed them? To answer these questions Sandro must visit the Palace of the Tzar in St. Petersburg, as well as the cities of Yalta and Moscow. The key to the murders might also lie with the ballerina, Maria Popova, a love of Sandro's. There are issues in Sandro's past that also need resolution including his relationship with his father, a Minister of the Interior, as well as his estranged wife and their young son.
There are several different types of novels in this book. In a sense, I wasn't sure where the author was going. He probably didn't know himself. Initially the plot is a straightforward police procedural with the backdrop of the historical location and era. However, as we began to explore Sandro's relationship with Maria, the love story of DR ZHIVAGO comes to mind. Finally, the historical events take over the plot and given the explosive nature of the politics at that time, this is actually quite appropriate. The depth of the characters, the complexity of the murders and the rich historical detail make this another exceptional work by this highly talented and versatile author.
Rating: 4
Summary: A Quick Read with Substance
Comment: I picked this book up when I was at the library and was interested because I liked the setting (Russia, 1917) and thought it sounded interesting. It was fantastic! Here's why:
The plot moved at a nice pace. Characters were developed, but not too much where you got bored or couldn't remember who's who. The author gave you as much information as you needed to keep things moving. He let you learn about characters through their interactions with other characters instead of going into long, drawn out descriptions.
There are a few twists and turns. Enough to keep you going, but somewhat predictable at times. Classic themes relating to love, class, family relationships and wealth are peppered throughout.
Physical settings are given their due. The reader gets a good idea of the divide between upper and lower classes in Imperial Russia in terms of physical comforts and conditions. The reader also gets an image of how large and diverse Russia is/was and also how divided it was.
I would have given it 5 stars if it wasn't for the ending. I'm not going to say what I expected or would have liked to see. Suffice to say, the book just ends. It ends well enough to leave you thinking about a few things, but not where you feel like there was a good amount of resolution.
Rating: 5
Summary: Outstanding - Deserves more readers
Comment: I read 2 books this week, this and Bangkok 8. Both were excellent. This whodunit takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1917. I won't rehash the plot, instead just say it gives you an idea what life and times were like then and a good mystery too. Mr. Bradby, who looks very young based on the D.J. photo, is a very good writer who has obviously done his research. Sometimes a book slips under the radar and sells less than it deserves, a shame. Highly recommended.
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Title: The Winter Queen : A Novel by BORIS AKUNIN, ANDREW BROMFIELD ISBN: 1400060494 Publisher: Random House Pub. Date: 06 May, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: The Master of Rain by Tom Bradby ISBN: 0375713336 Publisher: Anchor Books/Doubleday Pub. Date: 06 May, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Murder on the Leviathan : A Novel by BORIS AKUNIN, ANDREW BROMFIELD ISBN: 1400060516 Publisher: Random House Pub. Date: 27 April, 2004 List Price(USD): $21.95 |
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Title: Bangkok 8 by JOHN BURDETT ISBN: 1400040442 Publisher: Knopf Pub. Date: 03 June, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.00 |
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Title: A Spectacle of Corruption : A Novel by DAVID LISS ISBN: 0375508554 Publisher: Random House Pub. Date: 16 March, 2004 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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