The Button Man

Cowley and Danilov #1

by Brian Freemantle

A serial killer's murder of a woman working in the American Embassy in Moscow leads to joint Russian-American murder investigation, full of Byzantine intrigues, political double-dealings, and media hysteria. 40,000 first printing. $40,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Audiobook

390 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Aka John Maxwell, Jonathan Evans, Jack Winchester, Harry Asher and Richard Gant.

Brian Freemantle [b. 1936] is one of Britain's most acclaimed authors of spy fiction. His novels have sold over ten million copies worldwide. Born in Southampton, Freemantle entered his career as a journalist, and began writing espionage thrillers in the late 1960s. Charlie M (1977) introduced the world to Charlie Muffin and won Freemantle international recognition—he would go on to publish fourteen titles in the series.

Freemantle has written dozens of other novels, including two featuring Sebastian Holmes, an illegitimate son of Sherlock Holmes, and the Cowley and Danilov series, about an American FBI agent and a Russian militia detective who work together to comabt organized crime in the post-Cold War world. Freemantle lives and works in London, Englad.

Reviews

[Charles Ray]

When Ann Harris, an economics officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, is murdered, it complicates life for People’s Militia Colonel Dimitri Danilov, because her killing matches one he’s already investigating. When the Americans insist on providing ‘assistance,’ in the form of FBI Agent William Cowley of their Russia Desk, things get complicated for both men.
While tracking a serial killer, Cowley and Danilov must also navigate the murky waters of official corruption that is rampant in Moscow and political and bureaucratic machinations that is typical in Washington.
In the Name of a Killer is a fascinating look at US-Russian cooperation post-Cold War by acclaimed spy novelist Brian Freemantle. This riveting thriller bears the marks of detailed research and authenticity that are typical of Freemantle’s novels—except for his description of the U.S. State Department’s personnel and assignments system, which is way off the mark. That one small imperfection aside, this is a mesmerizing story that you won’t want to stop reading until the explosive, and totally unexpected conclusion.

[Diogenes]

This is a darker departure from Freemantle's Charlie Muffin and most of his other novels; as complex and intricate as a chess master playing four championship games simultaneously. Russian and American police and spy agencies ply their mutual distrust, an American senator abuses power, the press distorts and makes up facts (can you believe it?), people are brutally murdered and the suspects prove wrong, and careers on both sides are effected. A fascinating labyrinth of a story, subtle and surprising.

[Sally Bisbee]

Glasnost has brought many western influences to Moscow. Along with McDonald's and rock music comes rampant consumerism and now, in Brian Freemantle's latest thriller, a serial killer. Russian Militia Colonel Dimitri Danilov, facing one of the most puzzling and terrifying cases of his career, must trace the trail of a murderer who has brutally killed a beautiful young American Embassy economist.

A very interesting take on the downside of western civilization's influence across the sea.

[Robert]

A serial killer in Russia takes the life of a U.S. Embassy staff member. Through the political machine the F.B.I. is called in to assist the Russian detective assigned to the case.This is a great read. It has such richly drawn characters and plot line that Brian Freemantle, with just one book read, launches himself to the upper limits of my favorite authors list. If you like the political thrillers, mysteries, or books about Russian life this one will satisfy all of the above.

[Rita]

I had a slow interest at first. But it is well written. I need up getting into it and enjoyed it. The dialogues and plots were well developed. It seemed familiar however, maybe another book or books that I have read. All in all, a very decent book.

[Kenneth]

This is the first book in the Cowley and Danilov series and I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the next two books.

[Cece]

The grisly character committing the murders kept me guessing until near the end!

[Kelly]

Better than expected, though I guessed who the bad guy was before the end.

[Chris Birdy]

This was a very entertaining story of life in an American embassy in Moscow and the life of a Russian detective. The brutal murder of an embassy employee is the cause for the FBI to jump into the situation. That and the fact that the young woman's uncle is high ranking politician. The FBI agent works with the Russian as they muddle through the case, each distrusting the other. The human side of the story was very interesting even if the ending was somewhat predictable.

[Nouran Attia]

It is interesting , thought it was a bit too long regarding some parts and could have been cut down , but all in all not bad, and I think it would definitely be good as a movie , except you don't get to know the characters that deeply.