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Lena Polyanskaya #2
Легкие шаги безумия
Маньяк-убийца задержан, осужден и казнен. Но почему прошлое снова вернулось чередой необъяснимых смертей? Что же произошло тогда: торжество правосудия или роковая судебная ошибка? Судьбы людей вновь переплелись в кровавом клубке событий.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Polina Dashkova
80 books20 followersPolina Dashkova (Russian: Полина Дашкова) is a Russian author of crime novels.
Her first novel was published in 1996. Since then she has published a line of books which are based against the recent time of change in Russia. She has sold over 40 million books to date.
Her name is also transcribed as Polina Daškova or Polina Daschkowa, depending on a book's country of publication.
Her first novel was published in 1996. Since then she has published a line of books which are based against the recent time of change in Russia. She has sold over 40 million books to date.
Her name is also transcribed as Polina Daškova or Polina Daschkowa, depending on a book's country of publication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 25, 2017
This is a Russian translated novel by prolific and popular author, Polina Dashkova, although so far this is the only one that has been translated. It is set in Moscow and Siberia and within two different Russian historical periods in 1996 and the 1980s. Lena Polyanskaya is a busy and hardworking mother of a two year old daughter, is a journalist and magazine editor, and the wife of a high ranking policeman, a Colonel in counterintelligence. The brother of a close friend of Lena, Mitya, hangs himself and it is ruled as a suicide. Lena is not so convinced, something does not feel quite right, he just does not seem the type to take his own life. The story is delivered through the perspectives of Lena, 'Venya' Volkov and his wife, Regina.
Lena investigates and finds connections to historical murders in Siberia. She is tracked by Volkov and Regina, and the closer she comes to the truth, the more danger she finds herself in and she becomes seriously worried about her family. In terms of crime fiction, this is a well plotted and straightforward tale that brings few surprises. Where the novel excels is in the details of Russian life, politics, culture, and the huge criminal elements, this allows us to compare and contrast two different eras separated by a mere fourteen years. The Soviet Communist era differs substantially from the 1990s deregulation of lives and the economy. If you are interested in these periods of recent Russian history, then I recommend this novel which comes from a Russian perspective. Many thanks to Amazon Crossing for an ARC.
Lena investigates and finds connections to historical murders in Siberia. She is tracked by Volkov and Regina, and the closer she comes to the truth, the more danger she finds herself in and she becomes seriously worried about her family. In terms of crime fiction, this is a well plotted and straightforward tale that brings few surprises. Where the novel excels is in the details of Russian life, politics, culture, and the huge criminal elements, this allows us to compare and contrast two different eras separated by a mere fourteen years. The Soviet Communist era differs substantially from the 1990s deregulation of lives and the economy. If you are interested in these periods of recent Russian history, then I recommend this novel which comes from a Russian perspective. Many thanks to Amazon Crossing for an ARC.
October 10, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads getaway, and I can't say enough about those. They are fabulous. I have won some terrific, outstanding, award-winning books, many of which I'd never have tried on my own. Been introduced to some great writers, but this one...
I kind of got lost in it. A slew of characters at the start, which later on, you need to piece together to figure out what's going on. Also totally confusing; I often lost track of what was happening, or had happened. It's not my age - I hope - I've read some pretty weighty, convoluted stories. But I also found this one to be a little --- boring? I didn't care about any of the characters, and that's sad.
But for me, the worst thing a book can be is boring. If I lay a book down and just don't care where it is, or I ignore it as I pass from the porch to the kitchen on my way for a snack....
(I mean, I actually turn my head so I won't see it lying there, wanting to be read...)
Then that's not a good indication I'm liking a book. Plus I was reading a few other books which were so dynamic, so great in character and dialogue and plot and blah-blah, that I sort of dismissed this one.
Anyhow, there are these three people who all go back to some deaths which happened years and years ago, in Siberia. The deaths eventually are connected to the old Soviet Union - and that's all I can say. It didn't pull me in, as you can see.
Hence, call me bored and disappointed. Two lightly-tread upon stars.
(Oh, and I skimmed the ending.)
I kind of got lost in it. A slew of characters at the start, which later on, you need to piece together to figure out what's going on. Also totally confusing; I often lost track of what was happening, or had happened. It's not my age - I hope - I've read some pretty weighty, convoluted stories. But I also found this one to be a little --- boring? I didn't care about any of the characters, and that's sad.
But for me, the worst thing a book can be is boring. If I lay a book down and just don't care where it is, or I ignore it as I pass from the porch to the kitchen on my way for a snack....
(I mean, I actually turn my head so I won't see it lying there, wanting to be read...)
Then that's not a good indication I'm liking a book. Plus I was reading a few other books which were so dynamic, so great in character and dialogue and plot and blah-blah, that I sort of dismissed this one.
Anyhow, there are these three people who all go back to some deaths which happened years and years ago, in Siberia. The deaths eventually are connected to the old Soviet Union - and that's all I can say. It didn't pull me in, as you can see.
Hence, call me bored and disappointed. Two lightly-tread upon stars.
(Oh, and I skimmed the ending.)
September 22, 2017
I have been taking a literary trip around the world with the assistance of AmazonCrossing. It’s really interesting to experience how authors in other cultures write and develop their stories. For this leg of my voyage, I’m off to Russia with Polina Dashkova’s Madness Treads Lightly.
You may think that my reasons are crazy, but I got off to a bad start with this book. There were a lot of characters (I hear my wife saying, “You read Game of Thrones.”) with unusual names (again, she says, “But you read Game of Thrones!”). It took me a bit of time to figure out who was doing what to whom (No. It’s not that kind of book.).
Eventually, I figured out that in Russia people have three names; these names are used individually or in twos depending on the relationship with the person and the situation they are in. As a fan of Roman history, I get it, I just didn’t know that it was a Russian thing as well. I respect that this is how things are done in Russia. But as this is a translated book targeted for the American market, I think that the flow would have been better had the translator adopted a more easily relatable standard for addressing the characters.
Now that my translation issue has been addressed…on to the story.
Once I was able to get my characters straight, I was able to really get into the story. Dashkova has written a suspense-filled cat-and-mouse story with some great surprises along the way. I was caught up in the story, and the characters.
The story bounced back and forth between communist and post-communist Russia. It was interesting to get the perspective on these two very different periods from someone who lived through it.
Madness Treads Lightly was a good book that kept me involved. I would definitely read more books by Dashkova in the future.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
You may think that my reasons are crazy, but I got off to a bad start with this book. There were a lot of characters (I hear my wife saying, “You read Game of Thrones.”) with unusual names (again, she says, “But you read Game of Thrones!”). It took me a bit of time to figure out who was doing what to whom (No. It’s not that kind of book.).
Eventually, I figured out that in Russia people have three names; these names are used individually or in twos depending on the relationship with the person and the situation they are in. As a fan of Roman history, I get it, I just didn’t know that it was a Russian thing as well. I respect that this is how things are done in Russia. But as this is a translated book targeted for the American market, I think that the flow would have been better had the translator adopted a more easily relatable standard for addressing the characters.
Now that my translation issue has been addressed…on to the story.
Once I was able to get my characters straight, I was able to really get into the story. Dashkova has written a suspense-filled cat-and-mouse story with some great surprises along the way. I was caught up in the story, and the characters.
The story bounced back and forth between communist and post-communist Russia. It was interesting to get the perspective on these two very different periods from someone who lived through it.
Madness Treads Lightly was a good book that kept me involved. I would definitely read more books by Dashkova in the future.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2017
RELEASE DATE: September 26th , 2017
RATING: 5 Stars Loved it loved it loved it!!!
GENRE: Cultural Mystery
SERIES: Standalone
REVIEW: I am not generally a fan of books that aren’t set in the good old U.S. of A. It removes me from my frame of reference, and words like “boot” (for car trunk) and “earwig” (for eavesdropping) drive me crazy. It can’t be said, though, that it wasn’t completely clear that this was a translated Russian novel when I entered the Goodreads giveaway. Upon finishing “Madness Treads Lightly”, I have to wonder how many excellent book opportunities I’ve passed up due to my pickiness. On first guess, probably quite a few…
Lena Polyanskaya is a hard-working woman. Between her two year old daughter, a gig as a journalist and magazine editor, and a marriage to a very politically connected husband, it’s hard to understand where she can find time to breath. In the midst of all things, a friend’s brother commits what is being called a suicide. After his death, his widow apparently kills herself with an overdose, overcome with grief and shame. After doing a little digging, Lena isn’t so sure that Mitya killed himself. She discovers that his death is somehow connected to deaths in Siberia over fourteen years ago. The deeper Lena digs for the truth, the closer she is to putting her family in harm’s way.
This story bounces back between the early 80’s and “present day” which in the book is 1996. This gives readers an opportunity to experience Communist and post-Communist Russia through the eyes of someone who lived in both environments. Chapters are also written in alternating viewpoints, from Lena the main character to Venya Volkov and his wife.
Readers should be warned that there are a few cultural differences that can impede smooth writing. It seems like each character has to have 5 names (ok, at least 3) and they are used differently by the relationship connection. Also, if a word is used that doesn’t make sense, google it for different English meanings. I was stumped a time or two but managed to really enjoy the book even while I learned something.
*Tremendous thanks to Goodreads and AmazonCrossing for an ARC.
RATING: 5 Stars Loved it loved it loved it!!!
GENRE: Cultural Mystery
SERIES: Standalone
REVIEW: I am not generally a fan of books that aren’t set in the good old U.S. of A. It removes me from my frame of reference, and words like “boot” (for car trunk) and “earwig” (for eavesdropping) drive me crazy. It can’t be said, though, that it wasn’t completely clear that this was a translated Russian novel when I entered the Goodreads giveaway. Upon finishing “Madness Treads Lightly”, I have to wonder how many excellent book opportunities I’ve passed up due to my pickiness. On first guess, probably quite a few…
Lena Polyanskaya is a hard-working woman. Between her two year old daughter, a gig as a journalist and magazine editor, and a marriage to a very politically connected husband, it’s hard to understand where she can find time to breath. In the midst of all things, a friend’s brother commits what is being called a suicide. After his death, his widow apparently kills herself with an overdose, overcome with grief and shame. After doing a little digging, Lena isn’t so sure that Mitya killed himself. She discovers that his death is somehow connected to deaths in Siberia over fourteen years ago. The deeper Lena digs for the truth, the closer she is to putting her family in harm’s way.
This story bounces back between the early 80’s and “present day” which in the book is 1996. This gives readers an opportunity to experience Communist and post-Communist Russia through the eyes of someone who lived in both environments. Chapters are also written in alternating viewpoints, from Lena the main character to Venya Volkov and his wife.
Readers should be warned that there are a few cultural differences that can impede smooth writing. It seems like each character has to have 5 names (ok, at least 3) and they are used differently by the relationship connection. Also, if a word is used that doesn’t make sense, google it for different English meanings. I was stumped a time or two but managed to really enjoy the book even while I learned something.
*Tremendous thanks to Goodreads and AmazonCrossing for an ARC.
September 19, 2017
Ach wie schön, meine Urlaubslektüre.
INHALT
Die russische Journalistin (für Literatur) Lena, wird über den vermeintlichen Selbstmord eines Bekannten in gefährliche Geschichten verwickelt. Nicht nur glaubt sie, dass Mitja sich nicht selbst erhängt habe, sie stößt im Zuge ihrer Nachforschungen auch auf eine Geschichte, die bereits 14 Jahre in der Vergangenheit liegt und auch mit ihr irgendwie doch einziges zu tun hat. Das klingt hier wie ein Klappentext, aber über Krimis kann man halt auch nicht viel sagen.
ALLGEMEINES
Das Buch ist aus der Sicht von Lena in der dritten Person geschrieben. Gelegentlich kommt auch die Sichtweise von Wenjamin, einem Plattenkonzernchef und früheren flüchtigen Bekannten, und vereinzelt anderer Personen hinzu.
Das Buch teilt sich zudem vor allem zu Beginn in zwei Zeitlinien, wobei die aktuelle 1996, und die in der Vergangenheit befindliche 1982 spielt. Das ist aus heutiger Sicht schon sehr weit zurück, und ehrlich gesagt kann ich auch nicht sagen, wie Russland damals war, aber es liest sich trotz allem sehr angenehm.
Ein wenig verwirrend könnten allerdings Namen (Ich musste erst nachsehen wann man wen in Russland wie anspricht, da kaum Nachnamen, aber fast immer Vatersnamen (dass es die gibt, wusste ich) genannt wurden), aber auch die Orte (kein Plan wie man die ausspricht, oder wo was liegt *Atlas suchen geht*) sein. Nicht zuletzt ist auch die Kultur sehr anders, wobei ein paar Sachen dann doch in Fußnoten erklärte waren. Vor allem das kriminelle Mileu Russlands war sehr interessant und gut ausgeführt. Ich glaube aber insgesamt hätte noch ein bisschen was hinzu kommen können.
SCHREIBSTIL
Ich habe ja keine Ahnung wie Russen so schreiben, aber die Übersetzung war ziemlich gelungen. Hier und da waren die Gedanken der Figuren ein wenig steif... (niemand denkt "Übrigens das ist ja..."), aber eigentlich kann man nicht klagen.
CHARAKTERE
Lena, die Hauptprotagonistin ist sehr angenehm. Einerseits ist sie Mutter einer kleinen Tochter, verantwortungsbewusst und erwachsen. Dann aber wieder ist sie ganz herrlich frei, und stur und auch erfrischend. Sie hat einfach Pepp und es macht Spaß sie zu lesen. Außerdem ist sie meiner Meinung nach nicht allzu gefühlslastig geschrieben, und eher ein Mensch der nachdenkt, anstatt spontan zu handeln.
Wenjamin mochte ich am Anfang sehr. Für mich war schnell klar, dass er semi-böse ist. Seine Geschichte wird in der 1984er-Zeitlinie geschildert und war sehr interessant. Ich mochte auch die Beziehung die er zu Lena hat, allerdings steigert er sich ab der Hälfte zu sehr in seinen Besessenheit hinein, und ein wenig mehr Misstrauen könnte ihm auch nicht schaden. Für jemanden der einen Konzern in Russland leitet ist er nämlich schrecklich naiv.
Regina konnte ich von Anfang an nicht leiden. Sie hat mich zwar mit ihrer Art ein paar mal unwillkürlich zum Lachen gebracht, aber ich mag sie einfach nicht. Gar nicht wegen Sachen die sie tut oder nicht tut, sie ist einfach kalt und sie übertreibt. Hätte sie das ganze auf sich beruhen lassen, wäre wohl viel weniger passiert. Außerdem wird mehrmals darauf hingewiesen wie begat sie in Sachen Hypnose usw. Ist, aber wirklich ausgespielt wird es nur in 50% der Fälle, da sie sonst quasi unbesiegbar wäre...hatte ich das Gefühl.
Letztlich möchte ich noch Michael, den englischen Professor erwähnen. Der war zwar praktisch für die Geschichte, und auch ein guter Grund Lena nach Tobolsk zu schicken, wo alles begonnen hat (er hatte sie als Dolmetscherin gebucht), aber am Ende muss ich sagen, dass er wie ein kleines Kind gewirkt hat, überhaupt nicht erwachsen, überhaupt nicht.. naja intelligent auf eine gewisse Art und Weise. Er hat halt die Geschichte vorangebracht aber das wars dann eben.
MEINUNG
Story Time: Zugegebenermaßen habe ich dieses Buch vor 5 oder 6 Jahren bekommen. Es lag damals in einer Wühlkiste und ich hatte für den Urlaub nichts zu lesen. Es war schon interessant, aber ein anderes Buch, nämlich das, welches sich meine Schwester ausgesucht hatte, war dann doch interessanter. Daher habe ich es nie über Seite 250 geschafft, obwohl ich mir immer vorgenommen hatte es zu beenden. Diesen Urlaub habe ich es extra mitgeschleppt.
Ich kann zum Glück sagen, dass ich es nicht bereue. Ich würde gerne mehr über Lena lesen (ja es gibt noch einen Band über sie, den hole ich mir auch bei Gelegenheit), und ich habe nach der Lektüre auch das Bedürfnis mehr über Russland zu erfahren. Es war eine andere Kultur und auf eine gewisse Art bin ich wohl auch in diese eingetaucht, und das freut mich immer an einem Buch. Außerdem war es spannend, und weder wurde alles am Ende haarklein erläutert, noch zu viel offen gelassen. Man wird übrigens ein wenig durchgeführt, da man die ganze Zeit eigentlich von den meisten Dingen weiß wer es war, und es mehr darum geht die Personen auf deren Suche zu begleiten, als selbst zu suchen. Was auch mal eine schöne Abwechslung war.
Daher eine solide Leseempfehlung, wenn auch nichts was mich Nachts wachgehalten hat.
INHALT
Die russische Journalistin (für Literatur) Lena, wird über den vermeintlichen Selbstmord eines Bekannten in gefährliche Geschichten verwickelt. Nicht nur glaubt sie, dass Mitja sich nicht selbst erhängt habe, sie stößt im Zuge ihrer Nachforschungen auch auf eine Geschichte, die bereits 14 Jahre in der Vergangenheit liegt und auch mit ihr irgendwie doch einziges zu tun hat. Das klingt hier wie ein Klappentext, aber über Krimis kann man halt auch nicht viel sagen.
ALLGEMEINES
Das Buch ist aus der Sicht von Lena in der dritten Person geschrieben. Gelegentlich kommt auch die Sichtweise von Wenjamin, einem Plattenkonzernchef und früheren flüchtigen Bekannten, und vereinzelt anderer Personen hinzu.
Das Buch teilt sich zudem vor allem zu Beginn in zwei Zeitlinien, wobei die aktuelle 1996, und die in der Vergangenheit befindliche 1982 spielt. Das ist aus heutiger Sicht schon sehr weit zurück, und ehrlich gesagt kann ich auch nicht sagen, wie Russland damals war, aber es liest sich trotz allem sehr angenehm.
Ein wenig verwirrend könnten allerdings Namen (Ich musste erst nachsehen wann man wen in Russland wie anspricht, da kaum Nachnamen, aber fast immer Vatersnamen (dass es die gibt, wusste ich) genannt wurden), aber auch die Orte (kein Plan wie man die ausspricht, oder wo was liegt *Atlas suchen geht*) sein. Nicht zuletzt ist auch die Kultur sehr anders, wobei ein paar Sachen dann doch in Fußnoten erklärte waren. Vor allem das kriminelle Mileu Russlands war sehr interessant und gut ausgeführt. Ich glaube aber insgesamt hätte noch ein bisschen was hinzu kommen können.
SCHREIBSTIL
Ich habe ja keine Ahnung wie Russen so schreiben, aber die Übersetzung war ziemlich gelungen. Hier und da waren die Gedanken der Figuren ein wenig steif... (niemand denkt "Übrigens das ist ja..."), aber eigentlich kann man nicht klagen.
CHARAKTERE
Lena, die Hauptprotagonistin ist sehr angenehm. Einerseits ist sie Mutter einer kleinen Tochter, verantwortungsbewusst und erwachsen. Dann aber wieder ist sie ganz herrlich frei, und stur und auch erfrischend. Sie hat einfach Pepp und es macht Spaß sie zu lesen. Außerdem ist sie meiner Meinung nach nicht allzu gefühlslastig geschrieben, und eher ein Mensch der nachdenkt, anstatt spontan zu handeln.
Wenjamin mochte ich am Anfang sehr. Für mich war schnell klar, dass er semi-böse ist. Seine Geschichte wird in der 1984er-Zeitlinie geschildert und war sehr interessant. Ich mochte auch die Beziehung die er zu Lena hat, allerdings steigert er sich ab der Hälfte zu sehr in seinen Besessenheit hinein, und ein wenig mehr Misstrauen könnte ihm auch nicht schaden. Für jemanden der einen Konzern in Russland leitet ist er nämlich schrecklich naiv.
Regina konnte ich von Anfang an nicht leiden. Sie hat mich zwar mit ihrer Art ein paar mal unwillkürlich zum Lachen gebracht, aber ich mag sie einfach nicht. Gar nicht wegen Sachen die sie tut oder nicht tut, sie ist einfach kalt und sie übertreibt. Hätte sie das ganze auf sich beruhen lassen, wäre wohl viel weniger passiert. Außerdem wird mehrmals darauf hingewiesen wie begat sie in Sachen Hypnose usw. Ist, aber wirklich ausgespielt wird es nur in 50% der Fälle, da sie sonst quasi unbesiegbar wäre...hatte ich das Gefühl.
Letztlich möchte ich noch Michael, den englischen Professor erwähnen. Der war zwar praktisch für die Geschichte, und auch ein guter Grund Lena nach Tobolsk zu schicken, wo alles begonnen hat (er hatte sie als Dolmetscherin gebucht), aber am Ende muss ich sagen, dass er wie ein kleines Kind gewirkt hat, überhaupt nicht erwachsen, überhaupt nicht.. naja intelligent auf eine gewisse Art und Weise. Er hat halt die Geschichte vorangebracht aber das wars dann eben.
MEINUNG
Story Time: Zugegebenermaßen habe ich dieses Buch vor 5 oder 6 Jahren bekommen. Es lag damals in einer Wühlkiste und ich hatte für den Urlaub nichts zu lesen. Es war schon interessant, aber ein anderes Buch, nämlich das, welches sich meine Schwester ausgesucht hatte, war dann doch interessanter. Daher habe ich es nie über Seite 250 geschafft, obwohl ich mir immer vorgenommen hatte es zu beenden. Diesen Urlaub habe ich es extra mitgeschleppt.
Ich kann zum Glück sagen, dass ich es nicht bereue. Ich würde gerne mehr über Lena lesen (ja es gibt noch einen Band über sie, den hole ich mir auch bei Gelegenheit), und ich habe nach der Lektüre auch das Bedürfnis mehr über Russland zu erfahren. Es war eine andere Kultur und auf eine gewisse Art bin ich wohl auch in diese eingetaucht, und das freut mich immer an einem Buch. Außerdem war es spannend, und weder wurde alles am Ende haarklein erläutert, noch zu viel offen gelassen. Man wird übrigens ein wenig durchgeführt, da man die ganze Zeit eigentlich von den meisten Dingen weiß wer es war, und es mehr darum geht die Personen auf deren Suche zu begleiten, als selbst zu suchen. Was auch mal eine schöne Abwechslung war.
Daher eine solide Leseempfehlung, wenn auch nichts was mich Nachts wachgehalten hat.
May 16, 2026
Как всегда шикарно🔥🔥
May 30, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and AmazonCrossing for an advance copy of Madness Treads Lightly, a Russian novel set in 1996 Moscow and Siberia.
Lena Polanskaya is upset when she hears that her friend, Mitya, has committed suicide but when she looks closer she wonders if it really is suicide and then why anyone would kill him. The reader is in no doubt that it is murder and has the reason early on in the novel as the novel switches point of view frequently from Lena to Veniamin "Venya" Volkov and his wife Regina Valentinova. When Lena starts looking closer she soon attracts their attention.
Madness Treads Lightly is a long but interesting read. On the surface it is a fairly standard thriller - baddies trying to eliminate anyone who could reveal their secrets but the setting makes it different. It is full of little details about the Russian way of life and the pervasiveness of criminals in 1990s Russia. Some of the plot seems ridiculous until you remember this setting and then it seems much more plausible. I also think that the flashbacks to 1982 when the system was in full communist swing are interesting and informative in their mundane detail.
Lena is a very normal protagonist, a working mum married to a policeman. I don't feel she comes across as particularly Russian and could be any nationality. I don't think this is disappointing, more of a surprise, as it makes it easy to identify with her and get involved in her troubles.
The main thrust of the novel is the characters of Venya and Regina. They are damaged individuals and the novel makes it clear that upbringing and personality both play a part in this damage. I can't say that I found them particularly convincing, especially Venya, but they make sense in a twisted way.
Madness Treads Lightly is not a bad book, just a bit clichéd but as it was originally written in 2000 this is understandable. I would be interested to read some of Ms Dashkova's more recent novels to see how she progresses her characters and novels.
Lena Polanskaya is upset when she hears that her friend, Mitya, has committed suicide but when she looks closer she wonders if it really is suicide and then why anyone would kill him. The reader is in no doubt that it is murder and has the reason early on in the novel as the novel switches point of view frequently from Lena to Veniamin "Venya" Volkov and his wife Regina Valentinova. When Lena starts looking closer she soon attracts their attention.
Madness Treads Lightly is a long but interesting read. On the surface it is a fairly standard thriller - baddies trying to eliminate anyone who could reveal their secrets but the setting makes it different. It is full of little details about the Russian way of life and the pervasiveness of criminals in 1990s Russia. Some of the plot seems ridiculous until you remember this setting and then it seems much more plausible. I also think that the flashbacks to 1982 when the system was in full communist swing are interesting and informative in their mundane detail.
Lena is a very normal protagonist, a working mum married to a policeman. I don't feel she comes across as particularly Russian and could be any nationality. I don't think this is disappointing, more of a surprise, as it makes it easy to identify with her and get involved in her troubles.
The main thrust of the novel is the characters of Venya and Regina. They are damaged individuals and the novel makes it clear that upbringing and personality both play a part in this damage. I can't say that I found them particularly convincing, especially Venya, but they make sense in a twisted way.
Madness Treads Lightly is not a bad book, just a bit clichéd but as it was originally written in 2000 this is understandable. I would be interested to read some of Ms Dashkova's more recent novels to see how she progresses her characters and novels.
October 26, 2014
Het leek me wel leuk om eens tussendoor een Russische thriller te lezen. Ik had ergens gelezen dat Polina Dasjkova de koningin van de misdaadroman in Rusland is en daar miljoenen boeken heeft verkocht. Het boek bleek een redelijk conventioneel serial killer verhaal te zijn, dat niet echt afweek van het gebruikelijke verhaal over zo'n psychopaat in Amerika. Het verschillen zijn natuurlijk wel de veelvoudig verbuigende dubbele Russische namen, waar je moeilijk aan kunt wennen, en de actie die zich in Moskou en in Siberie afspeelt. Het was ook weer interessant te lezen hoe doordrenkt de moderne Russische maatschappij is van criminaliteit, hoewel het boek van A.D. Miller 'Snow Drops' daar m.i. een veel beklemmender beeld van gaf. Ik vond deze thriller weer eens wat anders, maar had een interessanter verhaal verwacht.
February 3, 2018
Normally I try to stay away from translated Russian writers ( prefer to read them in the original language). However, books in Russian are hard to come by where I live and not being a huge fan of e-books, I am often left drooling over videos made by Russian booktubers about contemporary Russian writers that I never get to read...
So, imagine my surprise, when on a very quick trip to my local library this book jumped at me from across the room. I started reading the back cover and to be honest, wasn't really thrilled by the synopsis. However, that need to read at lease SOME contemporary Russian writer won over and I, albeit reluctantly, brought this book home.
This book hooked me from the very beginning. It is not a "who-done-it" type of mystery or thriller. You can figure out who the killer is quite early in the book. Despite that, the story didn't loose it's appeal or a certain sense of mystery. Translation was really good and even some Russian proverbs or idioms were done quite well (something that a lot of translators usually struggle with)
However, there were some issues...For instance, the math didn't add up. In one part, you are told that Mitya and his wife Katya were together for 8 years and a few chapters later you learn that they were married for less than 5 years (he proposed to her on a second day, so they didn't even date that long). Another problem I had was the fact that it was never really explained why Regina was soo enamored with Venya and why she was willing to do everything that she did for him. Another question I had was why the big mafia boss Curly blindly buys Regina's story and acts against his own interests without even a simple check for validity (very hard to believe that). Oh, but the really annoying thing was the fact that someone can find a person in the middle of a taiga, without knowing even which direction that person went.
It might seem that the downsides outweigh the good sides, and they might for some readers. But for me, it worked. It scratched the itch I had for a Russian writer, it gave me a good story, and kept me guessing.
So, imagine my surprise, when on a very quick trip to my local library this book jumped at me from across the room. I started reading the back cover and to be honest, wasn't really thrilled by the synopsis. However, that need to read at lease SOME contemporary Russian writer won over and I, albeit reluctantly, brought this book home.
This book hooked me from the very beginning. It is not a "who-done-it" type of mystery or thriller. You can figure out who the killer is quite early in the book. Despite that, the story didn't loose it's appeal or a certain sense of mystery. Translation was really good and even some Russian proverbs or idioms were done quite well (something that a lot of translators usually struggle with)
However, there were some issues...For instance, the math didn't add up. In one part, you are told that Mitya and his wife Katya were together for 8 years and a few chapters later you learn that they were married for less than 5 years (he proposed to her on a second day, so they didn't even date that long). Another problem I had was the fact that it was never really explained why Regina was soo enamored with Venya and why she was willing to do everything that she did for him. Another question I had was why the big mafia boss Curly blindly buys Regina's story and acts against his own interests without even a simple check for validity (very hard to believe that). Oh, but the really annoying thing was the fact that someone can find a person in the middle of a taiga, without knowing even which direction that person went.
It might seem that the downsides outweigh the good sides, and they might for some readers. But for me, it worked. It scratched the itch I had for a Russian writer, it gave me a good story, and kept me guessing.
September 25, 2017
will learning the truth unmask a killer…or put her and her family in even more danger?
This book has been translated from Russian, it was originally released in 2000 in Russia and this is the first of her books to ever get translated into English.
It is set in Moscow and Siberia and switches between 1996 and the 1980’s, between communist and post-communist Russia which is really interesting, seeing how much things changed from an inside prospective.
It also switches between different view points, from Lena to Veniamin “Venya” Volkov and his wife Regina Valentinova.
Lena Polanskaya is a young mother of a two year old daughter, a journalist, the editor of a magazine and wife to a very high-ranking policeman, a Colonel in Counterintelligence.
When Lena hears that her friend Olga’s brother Mitya has committed suicide by hanging both ladies have their doubts but his death was recorded as suicide.
Then a few days later his widow is found dead from a fatal apparent overdose.
Both Lena and Olga know Mitya isn’t the sort of man to commit suicide so Lena decides to do an investigation of her own.
As she starts looking into his death and searching the past for any clues as to why anyone would wish him dead or even if there is a reason he would have had no other way out it begins to look like there is a connection between Mitya’s death and a spate of killings that took place 14 years ago in Siberia.
But digging up the past has drawn attention to Lena and someone out there knows the truth, and the closer she gets to finding the answers the more danger she finds herself in, her own live becomes a target and as the danger ramps up she fears for her family’s safety.
Someone does not want the truth to get out but how far are they willing to go to protect it?
This book takes a bit of time to get used to the style of writing due to the translation but once you have it is well worth a read!
This book has been translated from Russian, it was originally released in 2000 in Russia and this is the first of her books to ever get translated into English.
It is set in Moscow and Siberia and switches between 1996 and the 1980’s, between communist and post-communist Russia which is really interesting, seeing how much things changed from an inside prospective.
It also switches between different view points, from Lena to Veniamin “Venya” Volkov and his wife Regina Valentinova.
Lena Polanskaya is a young mother of a two year old daughter, a journalist, the editor of a magazine and wife to a very high-ranking policeman, a Colonel in Counterintelligence.
When Lena hears that her friend Olga’s brother Mitya has committed suicide by hanging both ladies have their doubts but his death was recorded as suicide.
Then a few days later his widow is found dead from a fatal apparent overdose.
Both Lena and Olga know Mitya isn’t the sort of man to commit suicide so Lena decides to do an investigation of her own.
As she starts looking into his death and searching the past for any clues as to why anyone would wish him dead or even if there is a reason he would have had no other way out it begins to look like there is a connection between Mitya’s death and a spate of killings that took place 14 years ago in Siberia.
But digging up the past has drawn attention to Lena and someone out there knows the truth, and the closer she gets to finding the answers the more danger she finds herself in, her own live becomes a target and as the danger ramps up she fears for her family’s safety.
Someone does not want the truth to get out but how far are they willing to go to protect it?
This book takes a bit of time to get used to the style of writing due to the translation but once you have it is well worth a read!
September 6, 2017
Everything is possible in Russia.
Lena Polyanskaya is involved into a mysterious murder and she doesn't even know how long in the past this has started. In a summer 14 years ago a group of young people travelled to Siberia to perform a task for their employer and unknowingly they met with a murder. Now is the year of 1996, after the end of Communism and right into the wild post-communist era, and Lena's old friend Mitya is dead. Suicide, they say. But Mitya's wife is not satisfied with the answer and nor Lena is. Might there be some ugly secret hidden - or more of them?
Well, this book is about all that - and isn't. I live in the post-communist country, but not Russia, so I don't know that much neither about the Soviet/Rusian reality nor about the Russian soul. I am sure that some of the realities, issues and even emotions are truly real. And I find this aspect quite interesting and educative.
But as for the mystery - this novel is lacking in the logic department. Some plot parts are quite far-fetched and conveniently plotted here. This is more thriller than a traditional mystery novel as the crude details are much more important that any internal logic. Novel is also very prolonged and a good editor might have made wonders.
But, in the other hand, I was able to emotionally connect with at least some of the characters - sensitive addict Katya, Blindboy, Misha the policeman or even Venia (at least in some moments if his suffering). This doesn't make the book a better mystery, but it makes it a more readable one.
Don't read this novel if you are interested in good old mystery. But of you want to know a bit about Russia, its past and heritage, you might gather some parts of the mosaic here.
Lena Polyanskaya is involved into a mysterious murder and she doesn't even know how long in the past this has started. In a summer 14 years ago a group of young people travelled to Siberia to perform a task for their employer and unknowingly they met with a murder. Now is the year of 1996, after the end of Communism and right into the wild post-communist era, and Lena's old friend Mitya is dead. Suicide, they say. But Mitya's wife is not satisfied with the answer and nor Lena is. Might there be some ugly secret hidden - or more of them?
Well, this book is about all that - and isn't. I live in the post-communist country, but not Russia, so I don't know that much neither about the Soviet/Rusian reality nor about the Russian soul. I am sure that some of the realities, issues and even emotions are truly real. And I find this aspect quite interesting and educative.
But as for the mystery - this novel is lacking in the logic department. Some plot parts are quite far-fetched and conveniently plotted here. This is more thriller than a traditional mystery novel as the crude details are much more important that any internal logic. Novel is also very prolonged and a good editor might have made wonders.
But, in the other hand, I was able to emotionally connect with at least some of the characters - sensitive addict Katya, Blindboy, Misha the policeman or even Venia (at least in some moments if his suffering). This doesn't make the book a better mystery, but it makes it a more readable one.
Don't read this novel if you are interested in good old mystery. But of you want to know a bit about Russia, its past and heritage, you might gather some parts of the mosaic here.
June 2, 2017
4 stars
This book is set in 1996 Russia. It goes back and forth between fourteen years earlier and present day (1996).
Lena Polanskaya is a young mother of a two-year old daughter and the editor of a magazine. She supports her police detective husband. When she learns from her friend that another friend named Mitya has committed suicide she can’t believe it. But who would want to kill him?
As she investigates the incident, she learns that the “suicide” seems to be connected to some old homicides that took place in Siberia. As a side note, when the book flashes back to the early 1980’s, it is interesting to see the difference in the Soviet era when compared to modern day Russia.
Lena’s search brings her to the attention of two very bad people named Venya and Regina who begin to track her movements. When another friend falls victim Lena suspects that she may be next.
This book is full of little factoids about living in present day Russia versus when it was the Soviet Union. I found that part particularly interesting. The contrasts were vast.
I believe it to be well written, translated and plotted. This is my first Polina Dashkova novel, but I will most certainly look into her other works. The suspense was well handled, and it ratchets up as we near the denouement of the book.
I want to thank Netgalley and AmazonCrossing for forwarding to me this most interesting novel to read.
This book is set in 1996 Russia. It goes back and forth between fourteen years earlier and present day (1996).
Lena Polanskaya is a young mother of a two-year old daughter and the editor of a magazine. She supports her police detective husband. When she learns from her friend that another friend named Mitya has committed suicide she can’t believe it. But who would want to kill him?
As she investigates the incident, she learns that the “suicide” seems to be connected to some old homicides that took place in Siberia. As a side note, when the book flashes back to the early 1980’s, it is interesting to see the difference in the Soviet era when compared to modern day Russia.
Lena’s search brings her to the attention of two very bad people named Venya and Regina who begin to track her movements. When another friend falls victim Lena suspects that she may be next.
This book is full of little factoids about living in present day Russia versus when it was the Soviet Union. I found that part particularly interesting. The contrasts were vast.
I believe it to be well written, translated and plotted. This is my first Polina Dashkova novel, but I will most certainly look into her other works. The suspense was well handled, and it ratchets up as we near the denouement of the book.
I want to thank Netgalley and AmazonCrossing for forwarding to me this most interesting novel to read.
June 9, 2023
1996 - Russland, Moskau und Tobolsk (Sibirien)
first published 1999
Lena Poljanskaja zog den Kinderwagen durch den tiefen Frühjahrsmatsch und kam sich dabei vor wie ein Wolgatreidler. Die Räder versanken in dem pappigen, angetauten Schnee, auf dem Bürgersteig der schmalen Straße türmten sich hartgewordene Schneewehen, und die Autos bespritzten die Passanten mit dickem braunem Schmutz. Die zweijährige Lisa versuchte die ganze Zeit, sich im Kinderwagen aufzustellen, sie wollte unbedingt selbst laufen, denn sie fand sich schon viel zu groß für einen Kinderwagen, und außerdem passierte ringsum so viel Interessantes: Spatzen und Krähen zankten sich lauthals um eine feuchte Brotrinde, ein junger Hund mit zotteligem rotem Fell jagte hinter seinem eigenen Schwanz her, ein großer Junge kam ihnen entgegen und biß in einen riesigen, leuchtendroten Apfel.
»Mama, Lisa will auch Apfel«, erklärte die Kleine mit wichtiger Stimme und versuchte von neuem, auf die Beine zu kommen.
Etwas enttäuschend - hat mir deutlich weniger gefallen als alle anderen Bücher, die ich bisher von Polina Dashkova gelesen habe. Viel zu viele Zufälle und deus-ex-machina Rettungen. Unglaubwürdige super böse Superbösewichte. Die seltsame Psychologie des Serienmörders ist für mich nicht nachvollziehbar.
first published 1999
Lena Poljanskaja zog den Kinderwagen durch den tiefen Frühjahrsmatsch und kam sich dabei vor wie ein Wolgatreidler. Die Räder versanken in dem pappigen, angetauten Schnee, auf dem Bürgersteig der schmalen Straße türmten sich hartgewordene Schneewehen, und die Autos bespritzten die Passanten mit dickem braunem Schmutz. Die zweijährige Lisa versuchte die ganze Zeit, sich im Kinderwagen aufzustellen, sie wollte unbedingt selbst laufen, denn sie fand sich schon viel zu groß für einen Kinderwagen, und außerdem passierte ringsum so viel Interessantes: Spatzen und Krähen zankten sich lauthals um eine feuchte Brotrinde, ein junger Hund mit zotteligem rotem Fell jagte hinter seinem eigenen Schwanz her, ein großer Junge kam ihnen entgegen und biß in einen riesigen, leuchtendroten Apfel.
»Mama, Lisa will auch Apfel«, erklärte die Kleine mit wichtiger Stimme und versuchte von neuem, auf die Beine zu kommen.
Etwas enttäuschend - hat mir deutlich weniger gefallen als alle anderen Bücher, die ich bisher von Polina Dashkova gelesen habe. Viel zu viele Zufälle und deus-ex-machina Rettungen. Unglaubwürdige super böse Superbösewichte. Die seltsame Psychologie des Serienmörders ist für mich nicht nachvollziehbar.
November 2, 2017
***I won this book via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. This has not influenced my review.***
Overall, this is a great story. The plots are intriguing and mysterious. The cast of characters and how they all fit together is creative. I enjoyed how all of the details were critical to the outcome of the story.
However, I found the writing to be disorganized in the first half of the book. It was a struggle to track the characters, where they were, and what was happening. The point of view was inconsistent and jumped around a lot. I struggled a lot with character names because sometimes each character had up to four names (first, middle, last, and nickname). Many times characters were referred to in conversation with first and last name, even if there was character familiarity. I think the name issue was the most frustrating for me.
The translation is a little rough. It doesn't have an even, easy to read flow. It reads like a translation. I was surprised to read about the translator and the number of accolades she has received for her work. I would have guessed this was her first attempt at translating.
If you like intense crime mysteries, check out this book even with its flaws. The story itself is worth it.
Overall, this is a great story. The plots are intriguing and mysterious. The cast of characters and how they all fit together is creative. I enjoyed how all of the details were critical to the outcome of the story.
However, I found the writing to be disorganized in the first half of the book. It was a struggle to track the characters, where they were, and what was happening. The point of view was inconsistent and jumped around a lot. I struggled a lot with character names because sometimes each character had up to four names (first, middle, last, and nickname). Many times characters were referred to in conversation with first and last name, even if there was character familiarity. I think the name issue was the most frustrating for me.
The translation is a little rough. It doesn't have an even, easy to read flow. It reads like a translation. I was surprised to read about the translator and the number of accolades she has received for her work. I would have guessed this was her first attempt at translating.
If you like intense crime mysteries, check out this book even with its flaws. The story itself is worth it.
June 4, 2017
This book is terrific, I really enjoyed it. Giving a peek into life in Russia in the 1990's, with a lovely female heroine, I didn't want to put the book down.
Lena is happily married, a journalist with a popular magazine, and juggles her working life with trying to spend as much time as possible with her 2-year old little girl.
When her best friend's brother hangs himself, it's ruled a suicide, but there's definitely something fishy about the situation.
We go back and forth between the 1980's and 1996 and slowly, as the plot is revealed, start fearing for Lena's life as she starts an investigation into the 'suicide'. From Moscow to Siberia, we get an interesting look at life in the new Russia.
This story was reminiscent of all the Scandinavian books I've read (and loved). That's why I was so disappointed when I realized this is the first and only English translation of Polina's 27 books...I sincerely hope there are more being translated because I would love to dive into Lena's life again.
Thank you Netgalley and AmazonCrossing for the eARC, it was very much appreciated!
Lena is happily married, a journalist with a popular magazine, and juggles her working life with trying to spend as much time as possible with her 2-year old little girl.
When her best friend's brother hangs himself, it's ruled a suicide, but there's definitely something fishy about the situation.
We go back and forth between the 1980's and 1996 and slowly, as the plot is revealed, start fearing for Lena's life as she starts an investigation into the 'suicide'. From Moscow to Siberia, we get an interesting look at life in the new Russia.
This story was reminiscent of all the Scandinavian books I've read (and loved). That's why I was so disappointed when I realized this is the first and only English translation of Polina's 27 books...I sincerely hope there are more being translated because I would love to dive into Lena's life again.
Thank you Netgalley and AmazonCrossing for the eARC, it was very much appreciated!
August 8, 2017
This is the first mystery by a popular Russian crime writer to be translated into English. Written and taking place in the 1990s, it is an interesting look at modern Russia from the inside. The plot and characters are complex - a rich music producer, an unusual psychotherapist, a musician and his drug addict wife, a journalist and her childhood friend, a serial killer, a hit man, security service detectives and bodies, lots of bodies. The action takes place in Moscow and Siberia, past and present, among rich and poor. The pace very gradually builds, the writing and translation are excellent, and the plot is somber and intricate, and should appeal to anyone who likes Scandinavian mysteries. A bit dark for my personal taste, but I do recommend it.
My copy was a Kindle ARC from NetGalley.
My copy was a Kindle ARC from NetGalley.
October 8, 2017
I’m not a natural reader of crime fiction and this one didn’t engage me. As a Russophile I certainly enjoyed discovering Polina Dashkova who is one of Russia’s most popular and successful crime fiction writers, and the detail about life in Russia and Siberia in the 1990s and Soviet times, was interesting and atmospheric. But overall I found the plot and characterisation pretty unconvincing and can’t say I enjoyed it. The storyline is conventional enough for a crime novel. The apparent suicide of her friend Mitya leads Moscow journalist Lena Polonskaya on an increasingly dangerous quest to find out what really happened and it soon becomes clear that there are many secrets and lies to be uncovered. Not a bad book by any means, if a little over-reliant on unlikely coincidences, but just not one for me.
November 18, 2017
I received this book through the goodreads giveaways program.
I had trouble following it in places. I think it lost something in the translation. Some parts seemed to make no sense. Some of the characters were difficult to follow, as they were referred to by multiple names.
Basically years ago, Lena and her friends visit the area and meet up with another young man who shows them around. (one of the details I didn't follow, why they were there etc.) They don't realize, they're new friend is murdering young girls on the side. Years later, one of Lena's old friends is found dead of apparent overdose, but those who knew him know it isn't possible.
I had trouble following it in places. I think it lost something in the translation. Some parts seemed to make no sense. Some of the characters were difficult to follow, as they were referred to by multiple names.
Basically years ago, Lena and her friends visit the area and meet up with another young man who shows them around. (one of the details I didn't follow, why they were there etc.) They don't realize, they're new friend is murdering young girls on the side. Years later, one of Lena's old friends is found dead of apparent overdose, but those who knew him know it isn't possible.
June 2, 2020
Well, this was a thing! Like a lot of translated literature it felt oddly flat in the beginning, and the narrative structure felt different from more standard thrillers - we follow multiple tracks throughout: our heroine, Lena; the villain; the other villain; and flashbacks to the 1980s for basically everyone involved... not to mention occasional excursions into the viewpoints of minor characters, and piles of coincidences everywhere you turn. That said, this was really enjoyable, although I'm guessing that if you're uncomfortable with Russian names or geography it may feel a little more difficult to get through.
October 7, 2017
I won a free copy of this book through Goodreads.
This is an entertaining mystery with a strong plot that comes together nicely, but none too soon to keep the intrigue going. The back-and-forth Soviet and post-Soviet era setting is interesting and adds enough common culture to break up and add to the thick plot and numerous (although a few too many) characters.
I found it refreshing to see a committed wife and mother in a professional, personal, and investigative role where her husband and other wanna-be heroes were far in the background.
This is an entertaining mystery with a strong plot that comes together nicely, but none too soon to keep the intrigue going. The back-and-forth Soviet and post-Soviet era setting is interesting and adds enough common culture to break up and add to the thick plot and numerous (although a few too many) characters.
I found it refreshing to see a committed wife and mother in a professional, personal, and investigative role where her husband and other wanna-be heroes were far in the background.
October 23, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads getaway and have not been compensated in any way for my review. Having said this - I really enjoyed the book. The story was very well written: very descriptive, setting the scene to where I could almost see it as a movie as I read it. The characters were interesting and were written in such a way where you care for (or didn't care for) them. I loved the descriptions of the locations, felt like they pulled the reader into the story. And I really liked the ending. It was a really good read.
January 19, 2018
Satisfying Thriller
In the beginning, Madness Treads Lightly was a bit tricky to follow due to not establishing the main protagonist right away. Once it was clear that Lena was the main protagonist, it was easy to follow. The madness in the title can be applied in more than one way, and since i don't want to include spoilers, i can't explain why.
There is a lesson to learn from the storyline, which becomes clear just before the end, and the lesson makes this a very satisfying read.
In the beginning, Madness Treads Lightly was a bit tricky to follow due to not establishing the main protagonist right away. Once it was clear that Lena was the main protagonist, it was easy to follow. The madness in the title can be applied in more than one way, and since i don't want to include spoilers, i can't explain why.
There is a lesson to learn from the storyline, which becomes clear just before the end, and the lesson makes this a very satisfying read.
October 20, 2019
I almost gave up on this book. But being very interested in the Russian culture and history (and also one of those readers who tries as much as possible never to leave a book half-read), I decided to stick to it. Glad I did, it’s a great read. As other reviewers have mentioned, the translation possibly made it harder on English readers, and the beginning, going back and forth, was a bit confusing. All in all, a solid thriller, with great characters - the only exception being the 2-year-old daughter who sounded more like a 5 year-old.
October 6, 2017
Reading the description, I had very high hopes about this book but it disappointed me. I'm not sure if it's just the 'russian writing style' that I didn't like or something vanished of the essence of the story during translation but it wasn't at all what I expected. I prepared myself to a gripping, overly exciting novel but I was mostly just bored and annoyed while reading. I'm sorry, it doesn't work for me.
April 16, 2018
This is my first book by this author, although she has written many books. It was translated from Russian into English by Marian Schwartz.
The story is convoluted and interesting. I enjoyed reading how every day life is carried out in Russia. I do like reading books that take place in countries that I am not familiar with.
It includes the past and the present of the characters in the story.
The story kept me interested throughout the book.
The story is convoluted and interesting. I enjoyed reading how every day life is carried out in Russia. I do like reading books that take place in countries that I am not familiar with.
It includes the past and the present of the characters in the story.
The story kept me interested throughout the book.
April 30, 2018
Hard to rate this book; I really wanted to give it a 4 star, but just couldn’t . Writing, translation and action were all there, but the characters were too extreme, the plot was too far fetched and the reaction to developments by the characters just not believable. I did appreciate the detail of the Russian day to day existence. I hope more books by this author get translated. I would certainly try another.
July 15, 2018
A great crime thriller. Happen to pick this up off shelf at Library.
Lena Polyanskaya is one busy lady.
She edits a successful magazine, has a two year daughter
and a high ranking colonel in counterintelligence.
Suddenly a very good friend is found dead. Suicide. She
does not believe he would do that. Soon a second person
has died. Lean feels that she needs to find out who
is behind these murders.
Lena Polyanskaya is one busy lady.
She edits a successful magazine, has a two year daughter
and a high ranking colonel in counterintelligence.
Suddenly a very good friend is found dead. Suicide. She
does not believe he would do that. Soon a second person
has died. Lean feels that she needs to find out who
is behind these murders.
May 6, 2019
A little bit of a slow read and with a main character that is super-smart but does really, really stupid things. The villain is so cunning she borders on superhuman and the rest of the characters were hard to distinguish (not the author's fault but more due to my ignorance of Russian names). It was still entertaining enough that I didn't mind too much when I confused the characters. Also: OMG, did Russians smoke in the 90's!
September 12, 2017
A taut psychological thriller set during the societal upheaval as Russia pivoted towards capitalism during the 1980s and 90s. It is not only a wonderfully crafted crime thriller, but it is also an interesting look into the social and moral issues Russia faced as the average person tried to find their way in a new unchartered world. A world, in which most were not prepared to enter.
September 17, 2017
While I much prefer to read series, this was a pretty good book. It is set in the late 1990s, pre-Putin when the relationship between the US and Russia was as good as it has ever been. It mostly confirmed my perception of Russia. I gather that the Russian author is careful not to include corrupt police which could have implications for her.
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