The Romanov Code: A gripping, twisty and high-octane conspiracy thriller

by Gavin Collinson

'Danger, intrigue and glamour. My job's got the lot. If it wasn't for the hitmen paid to kill me and this ticking bomb of a case I should have never accepted, who knows? I might even enjoy it . . .'

Private detective Marc Novak is given one week to find the lost treasure of the Romanovs, or his friends and family will be killed.

But he's got to stay one step ahead of assassins, the Russian secret service and a mysterious, beautiful former spy if he's to stand any chance of saving his own life, let alone those of his loved ones.

Outnumbered, outgunned but never out-thought, Novak must use all his guile and audacity if he's to unravel the deadly riddle of the Romanov Code . . .

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2023

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel had the potential to be an exciting read. After all, it was about the Romanovs who I always find fascinating, but it didn't deliver. The dialogue felt forced and unbelievable and, despite the short chapters, it was an effort to keep my attention focused on the events that were happening. As for the end, the resolution was disappointing. I was hoping The Romanov Code would be filled with action, intrigue, suspense and adventure but in reality, all I got was mediocracy. A disappointing read.

[Alex Metzger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5.

I think this is someone’s cup of tea. If you like non-stop action from Page 1 and that’s the most important factor I think you’ll really enjoy this book. I thought the plot was okay and the ending had a good enough twist I wasn’t totally expecting.

However, I had a few real issues with this. The first was the chapters jumping between Future, Past at random times, then future but for characters we haven’t been introduced to for a random few chapters, then to a different time in the past. Really took me out of the book sometimes.

2nd, this detective comes off as a “do good for the right of the world no nonsense” guy which is fine. But by the end of the book he seemingly has more connections for powerful people and resources to do stuff than any secret agent would. Not to mention on multiple times disposing of enemies like he’s James Bond or something. Just insanely convenient for the plot.

Finally, the whole “he has 1 week to save his family” thing doesn’t take place until like 3/4 through the book and at the end you find out they were working together the whole time. Just an annoying thing to be putting on the back of the book to sell it imo.

Book was an easy enough read and again, for anyone who loves treasure hunting books I’m sure it will be better. But for me it was a weird mix of a plot that didn’t seem to know where it was going mixed with almost super human abilities from characters.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think there was any new way to present a story about the Romanovs but Gavin Collinson has proved me wrong. Marc Novak is a private detective who really gets his teeth into any job he takes on; he won’t rest until he solves whatever task has been set for him. This time it’s a Romanov mystery, with several seemingly impossible requests made by a Russian female ex spy. He has a handful of trusted friends who he will do anything for, like Frank, his mentor who seems to be holding out on him but can’t work out why. The plot has so many twists and turns that you could get dizzy, but all the details are there to help you work out where the answers lie and where the plot is going. It’s fast paced, obviously really well researched, and so believable. A couple of heart stopping moments had me gasping out loud, and not wanting to stop reading. I hadn’t read the first in this series, but I will be, however this is still a standalone read. I’ll also be looking out for the next in this series. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brie_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good. A private detective gets swept up into history as he learns about lost treasures and a mysterious book that could change the course of Russian history. Time jumps between modern day and the horrors of Ipatiev House and a treasure hunt over the Romanov history.

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Love history of the early 20th century and seeing the horrors fictionalized was well done

2) Short chapters that will keep you turning the pages and

3) A surprising twist.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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[Greer Andjanetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book choppy and hard to read.The writing style is mediocre at best and much od the dialogue comes across as artificial and unnatural. The plot and events described are not realistic and the liberal use of foul language just repels the reader a little more along with a somewhat obnoxious main character. I won't be keeping an eye out for further books in this series.

[Amalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda reads like a Guy Ritchie movie.

[Roxane Gravel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down!

[PETER STEER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than Brown!

[Emily West · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had the potential to be a great book; a bit of history, mystery and intrigue. The book was alright but I found the ending a bit disappointing. The writing style was good, short and snappy but I didn’t find myself warming to any of the characters and I finished the book feeling unsatisfied.