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Natalya Ivanova Thriller #1
Motherland
MOTHERLAND is the first in a gripping series of crime novels set in contemporary St Petersburg, featuring sharp and intriguing policewoman, Captain Natalya Ivanova.
When the daughter of a Swedish billionaire goes missing in St Petersburg after a night out with a friend, Captain Natalya Ivanova is assigned the case but nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
Dark, violent and insightful, Motherland twists and turns to a satisfyingly dramatic conclusion.
When the daughter of a Swedish billionaire goes missing in St Petersburg after a night out with a friend, Captain Natalya Ivanova is assigned the case but nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
Dark, violent and insightful, Motherland twists and turns to a satisfyingly dramatic conclusion.
360 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2017
35 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
G.D. Abson
2 books27 followersG.D. Abson is the author of Motherland, the first in his Senior Investigator Natalya Ivanova series set in Vladimir Putin's Russia.
Motherland is a Times/ Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick and has been shortlisted for a Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger.
G.D. (alias Garry David) was born in County Durham, England, and brought up on army bases in Germany and Singapore before returning to the UK. He developed a lifelong obsession with Russia after studying the revolution at school and Russian politics at university as the Soviet Union collapsed.
Motherland is a Times/ Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick and has been shortlisted for a Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger.
G.D. (alias Garry David) was born in County Durham, England, and brought up on army bases in Germany and Singapore before returning to the UK. He developed a lifelong obsession with Russia after studying the revolution at school and Russian politics at university as the Soviet Union collapsed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 28, 2018
This is an absolute corker of a crime fiction thriller debut from the gifted Abson set in Putin's contemporary Russia, a fearsome kleptocratic, scary and lawless nation. It is the first in the Captain Natalya Ivanova series located in beautiful and historic St Petersburg. Ivanova works in the thankless area of domestic abuse at the Criminal Investigations Directorate. She is married to cop, Mikhail, a Major, and loves her stepson, Anton, irrespective of how troublesome he can be. She finds herself investigating the disappearance of student Zena Dahl, the adopted Swedish daughter of Thorsen Dahl, a billionaire. Aware of the political repercussions of not doing anything, Ivanova's boss, Colonel Vasiliev makes her the lead investigator of a complex case where nothing is as seems.
Ivanova is faced with numerous obstacles in the case, including menacing interference from the FSB, the contemporary version of the old KGB. On top of that, Dostoynov, the new man at the Directorate, ex-FSB, and he is up against Mikhail in the fight for promotion. If Mikhail wins, Natalya will have to leave the unit due to their personal relationship. In the meantime, Natalya begins to have serious personal concerns about Mikhail, how far can she trust him? There is the presence of the mafia and gangsters, and Yulia, Zena's best and only friend goes missing. When the case appears to be solved, Ivanova is not so certain. Despite being warned off to stay away from the case, Ivanova is not a woman to give up, besides she wants justice for Zena. There are familial secrets and deception galore in every corner of the case. Natalya has no idea how heavy the price she pays will be, as ruthless and powerful forces threaten both her and her family.
Abson's research on Russia is impressive and shines throughout this outstanding novel. The highlights of the story are Abson's skills in characterisation and the relationships portrayed between Natalya, her colleagues and her family; Ivanova is a wonderful charismatic central lead, full of warmth, wit, having to negotiate the nightmare of the FSB and their outrageous demands. Ivanova's relationships, with her colleagues such as Sergeant Rogov and her family are a joy to behold. Abson gives us an insightful glimpse of the different policing and security services institutions and the deadly political machinations that take place under Putin. Russia is a place where every palm has to be greased, where a meritocracy is a elusive concept, and those in charge abuse their powers with impunity. This is a fantastic atmospheric read which I strongly urge others to read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC.
Ivanova is faced with numerous obstacles in the case, including menacing interference from the FSB, the contemporary version of the old KGB. On top of that, Dostoynov, the new man at the Directorate, ex-FSB, and he is up against Mikhail in the fight for promotion. If Mikhail wins, Natalya will have to leave the unit due to their personal relationship. In the meantime, Natalya begins to have serious personal concerns about Mikhail, how far can she trust him? There is the presence of the mafia and gangsters, and Yulia, Zena's best and only friend goes missing. When the case appears to be solved, Ivanova is not so certain. Despite being warned off to stay away from the case, Ivanova is not a woman to give up, besides she wants justice for Zena. There are familial secrets and deception galore in every corner of the case. Natalya has no idea how heavy the price she pays will be, as ruthless and powerful forces threaten both her and her family.
Abson's research on Russia is impressive and shines throughout this outstanding novel. The highlights of the story are Abson's skills in characterisation and the relationships portrayed between Natalya, her colleagues and her family; Ivanova is a wonderful charismatic central lead, full of warmth, wit, having to negotiate the nightmare of the FSB and their outrageous demands. Ivanova's relationships, with her colleagues such as Sergeant Rogov and her family are a joy to behold. Abson gives us an insightful glimpse of the different policing and security services institutions and the deadly political machinations that take place under Putin. Russia is a place where every palm has to be greased, where a meritocracy is a elusive concept, and those in charge abuse their powers with impunity. This is a fantastic atmospheric read which I strongly urge others to read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC.
April 25, 2018
This is a very assured debut thriller set in modern day St Petersburg. Zena Dahl, a Swedish student studying at the University has disappeared during a night out with a friend during the start of the White Nights. Police Captain Natalya Ivanova is assigned the case and thinks Zena is probably just staying with friends and will resurface in a day or two but when she doesn't and Natalya learns that Zena is the adopted daughter of a Swedish billionaire, kidnapping appears to be more likely.
Modern day Russia still bears some of the hallmarks of communist Russia. Alcohol abuse is common and police are breath tested before signing out a car for the day. Graft and corruption are rife and everyone expects to have their palm greased before doing anything. Forensic examination of crime scenes would appear to be very primitive and the police are not adverse to getting "confessions" out of suspects using violence. The FSB (successor to the KGB) keeps getting in the way of her case with their heavy handed tactics. Natalya was brought up in Germany before returning to Russia and therefore has some insight into Western practices and likes to play straight, finding the real culprit instead of framing an innocent. She even has concerns about her own husband, Mikhail a Major in the police force working out of the same station as her and doesn't know if she can totally trust him.
It was refreshing to read a police thriller set in modern Russia, with it's different rules and constraints on the police. Natalya is a great character, smart and honest and passionate about fighting for the underdog and those repressed by a violent society. The plot is complex and multilayered and very impressive for a debut novel. This promises to be the first in a series so I will definitely be looking out for the next episode to find out what happens to Natalya and Mikhail next. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for a digital ARC to read
Modern day Russia still bears some of the hallmarks of communist Russia. Alcohol abuse is common and police are breath tested before signing out a car for the day. Graft and corruption are rife and everyone expects to have their palm greased before doing anything. Forensic examination of crime scenes would appear to be very primitive and the police are not adverse to getting "confessions" out of suspects using violence. The FSB (successor to the KGB) keeps getting in the way of her case with their heavy handed tactics. Natalya was brought up in Germany before returning to Russia and therefore has some insight into Western practices and likes to play straight, finding the real culprit instead of framing an innocent. She even has concerns about her own husband, Mikhail a Major in the police force working out of the same station as her and doesn't know if she can totally trust him.
It was refreshing to read a police thriller set in modern Russia, with it's different rules and constraints on the police. Natalya is a great character, smart and honest and passionate about fighting for the underdog and those repressed by a violent society. The plot is complex and multilayered and very impressive for a debut novel. This promises to be the first in a series so I will definitely be looking out for the next episode to find out what happens to Natalya and Mikhail next. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for a digital ARC to read
April 15, 2018
I requested this book because it takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia and I always like to read mysteries that take place somewhere different. Abson perfectly captures the feel of Putin’s Russia, the bribes, the chauvinism, the drinking, not to mention St. Petersburg during the White Nights. It drew me in from the very beginning. I mean, imagine a police force that requires its officers to take a breathalyzer test before giving them a set of car keys.
Natalya Ivanova is a captain in the Criminal Investigations Directorate, handling domestic violence crimes, which in itself is interesting because “There wasn’t an offence of domestic violence in the Criminal Code. Worse, a bill had been recently introduced in the Duma to downgrade assaults within the family to an administrative crime”.
She’s handed a missing persons case, a rich Swedish girl disappears after a night out clubbing with a friend. “A missing person, she thought, was a puzzle with a hundred different combinations and only one resolution.” This is a well thought out mystery. Fast paced, yet detailed. Abson keeps the tension going throughout. It’s not an easy read. There are lots of moving parts to keep you fixated. It demands your attention.
Natalya is a well defined, three dimensional character. She’s facing a lot of tough choices, some of which could lead to her death. The FSB, the successor to the KGB, figures prominently in this story. Given their current status in the news lately with the poisonings of Putin’s critics, this adds another dimension to the story.
I’m hoping the author follows through with a second book in the series.
My Thanks to netgalley and Mirror Books for an advance copy of this mystery.
March 7, 2020
4-5 stars rounded up.
First of all, the St Petersburg setting (Piter) absolutely grabbed me as did the insight into Russian policing and crime. Fascinating.
The book starts with a mysterious escape in 1999 and a car crash which coincides with the resignation of Yeltsin and close to the beginning of the Putin era. It then fast forwards to June 2017 and we see a nation that runs on bribes, questioning who it’s possible to trust in the police and then there’s the shadowy FSB. Senior Detective Natalia Ivanova works for the Criminal Investigations Directorate as does husband Mikhail (Misha) who is a Major. She is asked by boss Colonel Vasiliev to investigate the disappearance of Zena Dahl, the daughter of a Swedish billionaire. What unfolds is an intriguing story full of twists that surprises you and plenty of danger from a variety of sources.
I like a lot about this book especially the character of Natalia which shines through. She is caught between so many rivalries and interferences, threats and lies from several sources both inside and outside the police force. We have the Russian Mafia and gangsters in the equation too which adds an extra level of menace. Natalia despite all this bravely pursues the truth at great personal risk and to her family too. The novel is very well written and plotted and the finale is very dramatic and exciting.
Although I’ve never been to Russia and I have a fascination with its history and St Petersburg is on my wish list of places to visit. I feel the author transports you there in this atmospheric and impressive thriller. He gives us a real glimpse of what life may be like under Putin - best to watch your back.
Overall, an excellent read that I recommend to fans of thrillers who want to read something a little bit different.
First of all, the St Petersburg setting (Piter) absolutely grabbed me as did the insight into Russian policing and crime. Fascinating.
The book starts with a mysterious escape in 1999 and a car crash which coincides with the resignation of Yeltsin and close to the beginning of the Putin era. It then fast forwards to June 2017 and we see a nation that runs on bribes, questioning who it’s possible to trust in the police and then there’s the shadowy FSB. Senior Detective Natalia Ivanova works for the Criminal Investigations Directorate as does husband Mikhail (Misha) who is a Major. She is asked by boss Colonel Vasiliev to investigate the disappearance of Zena Dahl, the daughter of a Swedish billionaire. What unfolds is an intriguing story full of twists that surprises you and plenty of danger from a variety of sources.
I like a lot about this book especially the character of Natalia which shines through. She is caught between so many rivalries and interferences, threats and lies from several sources both inside and outside the police force. We have the Russian Mafia and gangsters in the equation too which adds an extra level of menace. Natalia despite all this bravely pursues the truth at great personal risk and to her family too. The novel is very well written and plotted and the finale is very dramatic and exciting.
Although I’ve never been to Russia and I have a fascination with its history and St Petersburg is on my wish list of places to visit. I feel the author transports you there in this atmospheric and impressive thriller. He gives us a real glimpse of what life may be like under Putin - best to watch your back.
Overall, an excellent read that I recommend to fans of thrillers who want to read something a little bit different.
April 6, 2018
Natalya Ivanova Thriller #1.
Set in contemporary St Petersburg. When the daughter of Swedish billionaire goes missing after a night out with a friend, Captain Natayla Ivanova is assigned the case. But nothing is straightforward as it seems.
Captain Natalya Ivanova has been taken off the domestic abuse case she was investigating to investigate the disappearance of a missing teenager. As it's not yet been 48 hours since the teenager has been missing, Natalya does not think that she's been kidnapped, she thinks she's just a student who has went away with her friends. But then a body turns up and things get serious as the hunt for the killer begins. This is a well written debut novel. It's fast pace, gripping and a very tense storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not put this book down. A very promising start to a new series.
Set in contemporary St Petersburg. When the daughter of Swedish billionaire goes missing after a night out with a friend, Captain Natayla Ivanova is assigned the case. But nothing is straightforward as it seems.
Captain Natalya Ivanova has been taken off the domestic abuse case she was investigating to investigate the disappearance of a missing teenager. As it's not yet been 48 hours since the teenager has been missing, Natalya does not think that she's been kidnapped, she thinks she's just a student who has went away with her friends. But then a body turns up and things get serious as the hunt for the killer begins. This is a well written debut novel. It's fast pace, gripping and a very tense storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not put this book down. A very promising start to a new series.
May 2, 2018
A solid 4 stars.
This book is depressing in that it takes place in present day St. Petersburg, Russia. Everything bad about corruption that you have read about in Russia comes to life in this dark story of murder and corruption. It is book 1 in the Natalya Ivanova series. Natalya is a police captain in the St. Petersburg Police. She takes the case of a Swedish billionaire's daughter, reported missing. She is also dealing with personal problems in her family. Her husband, Mikhail, another police officer in the same office as her, is hiding something from her. Her stepson, Anton, may or may not be admitted into university, depending on whether or not they can bribe the right people. If he is not admitted to university, he can be drafted into the army and sent to the dirty war in the Ukraine or commit suicide because of vicious hazing meted out to Army recruits.
While dealing with the above, she finds herself entangled with the Mafia, and the FSB, successor to the infamous KGB and just as deadly to anyone in their way. She continues to dig, despite being threatened. She is proud that she does not take bribes, unlike most police. However, this does not win her many friends. How she solves the case is a riveting thriller/mystery with the killer revealed only at the end.
Some quotes: Bribes, Mikhail talking to Anton-- "So you're taking driving lessons, Mikhail swigging on the Ochakovo. 'If I don't pay the examiner he'll fail you no matter how many times you take it. But if I slip him a thousand, he'll pass you even if you've never been inside a car."
Putin: "You like Botox? the woman asked.
What?
Botox. You know, Putin. The old woman pointed at the television and cackled."
Bribes: "What sane society was based on paying and receiving bribes?"..."There was even an app for a mobile phone that calculated the appropriate bribe to offer for a traffic violation."
Thanks to NetGalley, Mirror Books, and the author for sending me this e ARC.
This book is depressing in that it takes place in present day St. Petersburg, Russia. Everything bad about corruption that you have read about in Russia comes to life in this dark story of murder and corruption. It is book 1 in the Natalya Ivanova series. Natalya is a police captain in the St. Petersburg Police. She takes the case of a Swedish billionaire's daughter, reported missing. She is also dealing with personal problems in her family. Her husband, Mikhail, another police officer in the same office as her, is hiding something from her. Her stepson, Anton, may or may not be admitted into university, depending on whether or not they can bribe the right people. If he is not admitted to university, he can be drafted into the army and sent to the dirty war in the Ukraine or commit suicide because of vicious hazing meted out to Army recruits.
While dealing with the above, she finds herself entangled with the Mafia, and the FSB, successor to the infamous KGB and just as deadly to anyone in their way. She continues to dig, despite being threatened. She is proud that she does not take bribes, unlike most police. However, this does not win her many friends. How she solves the case is a riveting thriller/mystery with the killer revealed only at the end.
Some quotes: Bribes, Mikhail talking to Anton-- "So you're taking driving lessons, Mikhail swigging on the Ochakovo. 'If I don't pay the examiner he'll fail you no matter how many times you take it. But if I slip him a thousand, he'll pass you even if you've never been inside a car."
Putin: "You like Botox? the woman asked.
What?
Botox. You know, Putin. The old woman pointed at the television and cackled."
Bribes: "What sane society was based on paying and receiving bribes?"..."There was even an app for a mobile phone that calculated the appropriate bribe to offer for a traffic violation."
Thanks to NetGalley, Mirror Books, and the author for sending me this e ARC.
April 25, 2018
Motherland, a debut thriller, is a police procedural set in St Petersburg in modern-day Russia. The main character is Senior Detective Natalya Ivanova, working for the Criminal Investigations Directorate which deals with serious crimes. She strives to do her job well, to be an honorable ‘ment’—the local slang for police—and even though she knows that the police have a bad reputation, she believes most of the time it is undeserved.
In this first book, Natalya is assigned to a missing persons case. Zena, the young adopted daughter of a Swedish billionaire, has gone missing after leaving a bar alone late at night. So far there have been no ransom demands, no bodies reported, so there isn’t much to go on. Has the girl just gone off on her own accord, not telling anyone?
A meeting on the father’s private jet ‘confirmed Natalya’s suspicion that the super-rich had broken away and become an entirely different species of human being altogether.’ Natalya can’t help feeling everyone is hiding something from her—Yulia, Zena’s only friend; Dahl, the girl’s father, his lawyer Lagunov. To add to the tension, there is a power struggle going on at work for an opening in the department. And Natalya has problems at home with her new husband and her stepson.
This mystery gives a fascinating look into every day life in Russia under Putin. Natalya ‘pretended to be a European liberal while bribing her way through life like everyone else. That’s what happened when the old KGB men were put in charge of a country. News studios pretended propaganda was the truth. Elections pretended to be fair. Everyone pretended to be someone else, and nobody knew who they were any more.’
Natalya says she is just doing her job when she goes the extra mile to learn the truth. She is smart, brave, resourceful and principled—yes, truly an honorable ‘ment.’ I enjoyed getting to know her through the twists and turn of this story and look forward to hopefully reading more in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this thriller for an honest review.
In this first book, Natalya is assigned to a missing persons case. Zena, the young adopted daughter of a Swedish billionaire, has gone missing after leaving a bar alone late at night. So far there have been no ransom demands, no bodies reported, so there isn’t much to go on. Has the girl just gone off on her own accord, not telling anyone?
A meeting on the father’s private jet ‘confirmed Natalya’s suspicion that the super-rich had broken away and become an entirely different species of human being altogether.’ Natalya can’t help feeling everyone is hiding something from her—Yulia, Zena’s only friend; Dahl, the girl’s father, his lawyer Lagunov. To add to the tension, there is a power struggle going on at work for an opening in the department. And Natalya has problems at home with her new husband and her stepson.
This mystery gives a fascinating look into every day life in Russia under Putin. Natalya ‘pretended to be a European liberal while bribing her way through life like everyone else. That’s what happened when the old KGB men were put in charge of a country. News studios pretended propaganda was the truth. Elections pretended to be fair. Everyone pretended to be someone else, and nobody knew who they were any more.’
Natalya says she is just doing her job when she goes the extra mile to learn the truth. She is smart, brave, resourceful and principled—yes, truly an honorable ‘ment.’ I enjoyed getting to know her through the twists and turn of this story and look forward to hopefully reading more in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this thriller for an honest review.
February 5, 2018
Meh. This just didn't do it for me. I can't point to anything specifically wrong with it, I just didn't click with it and didn't care about the characters or the crime. I wouldn't have finished if it wasn't both a NetGalley book and checked off a box for Read Harder. This will teach me not to request books from NetGalley unless I'm *really* interested in them, and would put them on my TBR even if they weren't free!
*I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 12, 2020
"Motherland" is a fast-paced, police procedural crime novel set in the beautiful, yet corrupt, St. Petersburg, Russia. The protagonist is Natalya Ivanova, a Russian police detective with the Criminal Investigations Directorate. (Russian C.I.D.)
On a personal note, Natalya is in her late thirties, married to a fellow police officer, and is as yet childless, though she has come to care for her teenage step-son. Thanks to an inheritance from her husband's mother, they live in a luxury apartment with a view of the stone lions on Lviny Bridge.
Her work with the police normally involves the investigation of domestic violence. This is rampant in the chauvinistic Russian society where the perpetrators of domestic abuse rarely get punished for their crimes. Despite the fact that she is surrounded by patronizing, and condescending co-workers, Natalya's idealism remains unabated, much to the amusement of her husband Mikhail.
One weekend, while she is 'on-call', she receives a telephone call to investigate the disappearance of Zena Dahl, a 19 year-old student and the adoptive daughter of a billionaire Swedish businessman. Natalya Ivanova speculates that the young woman was kidnapped, but when the body of the young woman is discovered, the focus of the investigation shifts. Events conspire to put Natalya's police career, perhaps even her life, in jeopardy. When the FSB get involved, things spiral downward...
"Women hate the lie more than what it conceals."
Natalya's personal life is precarious as well. She has begun to mistrust her husband and suspects him of corruption.
"Honesty is admirable in an honest society, but here it destroys you."
Throughout the novel one is made abundantly aware that this is a city, and a country, that accepts corruption as the norm. A place where everyone uses bribes to smooth their way through a corrupt bureaucracy. A place where the populace is rightly distrustful of the police who are often incompetent or corrupt themselves, partly due to the minuscule wage they earn. A place where the police officers have to be breathalyzed before they can take out a police car. A place where young men are conscripted into the army - by force if need be...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am always intrigued when an author chooses a protagonist of a different gender to their own. In this case, the author really extended himself by writing with a woman protagonist AND having set his novel in a foreign country.
This book reinforced my gratitude that I live in a democratic country, with all the freedoms and privileges that Canada has to offer. I believe "Motherland" was the first novel (other than 'Dr. Zhivago' many years ago) that I've read that was set in Russia. It is fast paced, the writing flows well, yet - although police procedurals are a favourite sub-genre of mine, "Motherland" was just not in my comfort zone. The author obviously has a lot of talent, yet I'm skeptical as to whether I'll continue on with the series. This in no way reflects on the novel, rather it is a personal foible of mine that I want to 'like' the setting, and sadly Russia just doesn't appeal at all - though the character of Natalya did hold appeal for me. The Russian psyche is so vastly different from the Canadian psyche that I felt uncomfortable while reading it.
"Motherland" meticulously sheds a spotlight on modern day Russia's continued political corruption, rampant chauvinism, propaganda, and organized crime. Well fleshed out characters and an expertly rendered, intricate plot assure promised success for this thriller series. A worthy addition to the suspense/crime thriller genre.
On a personal note, Natalya is in her late thirties, married to a fellow police officer, and is as yet childless, though she has come to care for her teenage step-son. Thanks to an inheritance from her husband's mother, they live in a luxury apartment with a view of the stone lions on Lviny Bridge.
Her work with the police normally involves the investigation of domestic violence. This is rampant in the chauvinistic Russian society where the perpetrators of domestic abuse rarely get punished for their crimes. Despite the fact that she is surrounded by patronizing, and condescending co-workers, Natalya's idealism remains unabated, much to the amusement of her husband Mikhail.
One weekend, while she is 'on-call', she receives a telephone call to investigate the disappearance of Zena Dahl, a 19 year-old student and the adoptive daughter of a billionaire Swedish businessman. Natalya Ivanova speculates that the young woman was kidnapped, but when the body of the young woman is discovered, the focus of the investigation shifts. Events conspire to put Natalya's police career, perhaps even her life, in jeopardy. When the FSB get involved, things spiral downward...
"Women hate the lie more than what it conceals."
Natalya's personal life is precarious as well. She has begun to mistrust her husband and suspects him of corruption.
"Honesty is admirable in an honest society, but here it destroys you."
Throughout the novel one is made abundantly aware that this is a city, and a country, that accepts corruption as the norm. A place where everyone uses bribes to smooth their way through a corrupt bureaucracy. A place where the populace is rightly distrustful of the police who are often incompetent or corrupt themselves, partly due to the minuscule wage they earn. A place where the police officers have to be breathalyzed before they can take out a police car. A place where young men are conscripted into the army - by force if need be...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am always intrigued when an author chooses a protagonist of a different gender to their own. In this case, the author really extended himself by writing with a woman protagonist AND having set his novel in a foreign country.
This book reinforced my gratitude that I live in a democratic country, with all the freedoms and privileges that Canada has to offer. I believe "Motherland" was the first novel (other than 'Dr. Zhivago' many years ago) that I've read that was set in Russia. It is fast paced, the writing flows well, yet - although police procedurals are a favourite sub-genre of mine, "Motherland" was just not in my comfort zone. The author obviously has a lot of talent, yet I'm skeptical as to whether I'll continue on with the series. This in no way reflects on the novel, rather it is a personal foible of mine that I want to 'like' the setting, and sadly Russia just doesn't appeal at all - though the character of Natalya did hold appeal for me. The Russian psyche is so vastly different from the Canadian psyche that I felt uncomfortable while reading it.
"Motherland" meticulously sheds a spotlight on modern day Russia's continued political corruption, rampant chauvinism, propaganda, and organized crime. Well fleshed out characters and an expertly rendered, intricate plot assure promised success for this thriller series. A worthy addition to the suspense/crime thriller genre.
June 3, 2020
I struggled connecting with this story. I found the Russian names confusing and this meant I lost track of the plot development. Whilst it is very well-written, particularly for a debut novel, I think the location left me lost and isolated.
The premise of the story is clearly established from the beginning: rich girl goes missing. We, as readers, are given ambiguous clues in the opening chapters that are only obviously relevant once the plot has developed. I wouldn’t describe this book as “dark” because I have read many other crime stories that detail abduction and horrid behaviours in far more detail. Instead, the writer glosses over the actual crime; we instead are shown the darker side to Russian society.
This is what I found most intriguing. I have very limited knowledge of social values in Russia. I would assume that Abson has researched this in detail. Readers learn about the extent of corruption and bribery – even to the extent of securing the a university place. This opened up another stream of suspicion concerning Natalya and her partner, whom she suspects is either a “dirty” cop or has come into money illegally. I did not find her relationship with Mikhail very convincing and, as the start of the series, would be surprised if this liaison has any future to it; the writer paints a rather bleak picture for this couple.
I question whether I would continue to visit the series. Honestly, if the names were more familiar, I would probably be more open-minded to it. I consider myself receptive to all types of fiction, but I really struggled with the location, meaning I felt disconnected from Natalya all the way throughout.
With thanks to Mirror books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the story is clearly established from the beginning: rich girl goes missing. We, as readers, are given ambiguous clues in the opening chapters that are only obviously relevant once the plot has developed. I wouldn’t describe this book as “dark” because I have read many other crime stories that detail abduction and horrid behaviours in far more detail. Instead, the writer glosses over the actual crime; we instead are shown the darker side to Russian society.
This is what I found most intriguing. I have very limited knowledge of social values in Russia. I would assume that Abson has researched this in detail. Readers learn about the extent of corruption and bribery – even to the extent of securing the a university place. This opened up another stream of suspicion concerning Natalya and her partner, whom she suspects is either a “dirty” cop or has come into money illegally. I did not find her relationship with Mikhail very convincing and, as the start of the series, would be surprised if this liaison has any future to it; the writer paints a rather bleak picture for this couple.
I question whether I would continue to visit the series. Honestly, if the names were more familiar, I would probably be more open-minded to it. I consider myself receptive to all types of fiction, but I really struggled with the location, meaning I felt disconnected from Natalya all the way throughout.
With thanks to Mirror books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is an International Crime Thriller set in St. Petersburg in Russia, featuring Captain Natalya Ivanova.
The Captain is an intriguing character, she is very dedicated, willing to do whatever it takes to bring justice to the victims of crime. Her normal work area is in domestic violence, but because a prominent family has reported the disappearance of their daughter, Natalya is called in to investigate.
The powers that be want a quick result and the family wants their daughter back, but there are twists and turns that seem hellbent on keeping secrets hidden and lies covered up.
There is strong character development and the story premise is a good one. I felt the start was very slow but it did get faster paced as the story went on. The suspense is highly palpable in places and it all leads to a surprising, dramatic conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Mirror Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this debut novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This is an International Crime Thriller set in St. Petersburg in Russia, featuring Captain Natalya Ivanova.
The Captain is an intriguing character, she is very dedicated, willing to do whatever it takes to bring justice to the victims of crime. Her normal work area is in domestic violence, but because a prominent family has reported the disappearance of their daughter, Natalya is called in to investigate.
The powers that be want a quick result and the family wants their daughter back, but there are twists and turns that seem hellbent on keeping secrets hidden and lies covered up.
There is strong character development and the story premise is a good one. I felt the start was very slow but it did get faster paced as the story went on. The suspense is highly palpable in places and it all leads to a surprising, dramatic conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Mirror Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this debut novel. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 9, 2018
Pining for the heady excitement of Tom Rob Smith’s Child 44 trilogy? Wishing that Martin Cruz Smith would recapture the magic of Gorky Park over and over again? Well fret no more gentle reader, as we may be onto a bit of a winner with Motherland, the first instalment of a new series featuring Captain Natalya Ivanova of the St Petersburg Criminal Investigations Directorate…
From the air of breathless danger that Abson introduces in the prologue, through to an extremely tense conclusion, real heart in the mouth stuff, I found this thriller utterly compelling throughout. I thought that Abson’s control of pace and tension was superb, and the balance between the domestic affairs and professional life of Ivanova, was spot on, with neither overpowering the other. They worked together to give the reader an extremely rounded depiction of all aspects of Ivanova’s life, be it the professional tension of being married to a fellow crime investigator, the nefarious interference in their investigation by other Russian security services, and the sheer intensity and intrigue of the case itself involving a major figure in Swedish industry, and the suspected kidnap and murder of his adopted daughter. I also enjoyed the intermittent references to Putin, his rise to power, his strengthening grip on all aspects of Russian life, and how his shadow looms over the structures of law enforcement and criminal investigation, which reminded me strongly of David Young’s excellent depiction of Stasi interference in East Germany in his series featuring Major Karin Muller. All of these strands weaved in and out sustaining the reader’s interest and engagement, and I found it very difficult to second guess where the story was going, and who was the most duplicitous of the characters involved. There were some nifty little tricks and turns in the plot, and most satisfyingly I didn’t identify the utter rotter at the close of the book, but thought this revelation was unexpected, but totally believable in the context of the plot itself.
Another aspect of the book that I particularly enjoyed were the little instances of gentle, and not so gentle, joshing that occur between Ivanova and her colleagues, and the wonderfully eccentric babushka who inhabits the apartment next to that of the murdered girl, who finds herself inextricably linked to the case as the finale approaches. I enjoyed the building of tension and suspicion in Ivanova’s marriage, from her belief that her husband Misha has acquired dirty money, her growing reliance on alcohol and cigarettes, and her wonderfully lax approach to housework and cooking. She has a natural feistiness to her character that is endearing, and by the same token Abson does not make her some kind of indestructible kick-ass heroine, with the violence she experiences producing realistic results. I appreciated the balance that Abson brought to her character, and that her character is nicely defined by not being completely Russian, and that her upbringing in Germany, where her sister resides, could be expanded on in future books.
Overall, I thought Motherland was a strong, positive start to a series, introducing a notable female protagonist, and a nice little cohort of personal and professional relationships, that will give stability, and opportunities for character development in further books. Abson can dip his toes in an oligarch’s fountain, and avoid a trip to the gulag as Motherland was an extremely enjoyable thriller. Highly recommended.
From the air of breathless danger that Abson introduces in the prologue, through to an extremely tense conclusion, real heart in the mouth stuff, I found this thriller utterly compelling throughout. I thought that Abson’s control of pace and tension was superb, and the balance between the domestic affairs and professional life of Ivanova, was spot on, with neither overpowering the other. They worked together to give the reader an extremely rounded depiction of all aspects of Ivanova’s life, be it the professional tension of being married to a fellow crime investigator, the nefarious interference in their investigation by other Russian security services, and the sheer intensity and intrigue of the case itself involving a major figure in Swedish industry, and the suspected kidnap and murder of his adopted daughter. I also enjoyed the intermittent references to Putin, his rise to power, his strengthening grip on all aspects of Russian life, and how his shadow looms over the structures of law enforcement and criminal investigation, which reminded me strongly of David Young’s excellent depiction of Stasi interference in East Germany in his series featuring Major Karin Muller. All of these strands weaved in and out sustaining the reader’s interest and engagement, and I found it very difficult to second guess where the story was going, and who was the most duplicitous of the characters involved. There were some nifty little tricks and turns in the plot, and most satisfyingly I didn’t identify the utter rotter at the close of the book, but thought this revelation was unexpected, but totally believable in the context of the plot itself.
Another aspect of the book that I particularly enjoyed were the little instances of gentle, and not so gentle, joshing that occur between Ivanova and her colleagues, and the wonderfully eccentric babushka who inhabits the apartment next to that of the murdered girl, who finds herself inextricably linked to the case as the finale approaches. I enjoyed the building of tension and suspicion in Ivanova’s marriage, from her belief that her husband Misha has acquired dirty money, her growing reliance on alcohol and cigarettes, and her wonderfully lax approach to housework and cooking. She has a natural feistiness to her character that is endearing, and by the same token Abson does not make her some kind of indestructible kick-ass heroine, with the violence she experiences producing realistic results. I appreciated the balance that Abson brought to her character, and that her character is nicely defined by not being completely Russian, and that her upbringing in Germany, where her sister resides, could be expanded on in future books.
Overall, I thought Motherland was a strong, positive start to a series, introducing a notable female protagonist, and a nice little cohort of personal and professional relationships, that will give stability, and opportunities for character development in further books. Abson can dip his toes in an oligarch’s fountain, and avoid a trip to the gulag as Motherland was an extremely enjoyable thriller. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for this book.
The main reason I wanted to read this book was because the setting is St. Petersburg. I’ve visited this beautiful city last July (although not exactly during the White Nights). I always wanted to visit the Hermitage (since I was 14…) and I wasn’t disappointed.
It is so much more fun to read a book where the setting is a little familiair. I know how it feels to sit on the small beach next to the Peter and Paul Fortress. I’ve walked the mighty bridges and had lunch at Teremok, went to the opera in the Mariinsky Theatre. I took the bus, not the metro, but this was mainly because during my visit to Moskou in 2015 I’ve seen so much of the metro already. But I preferred walking, sometimes more than 10 kilometers a day, to see the city, shop on Nevsky Prospekt and meet the (often very friendly) people.
But unlike Natalya, I didn’t have to worry about bribing officials. I didn’t have to worry about my job, or the FSB, of deal with nasty politicians. I was a tourist. Natalya, having lived in Germany for a few years, clearly sees the difference between that country and hers. But she is fiercely loyal to her job and above all, to her husband with whom she works in the same station. She knows how to give in when necessary and do something completely different than people expect her to do.
The story is well-plotted and even better written. This a debut? I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’m very jealous at this author 😉. I’ve read the book in just over a day because I couldn’t put it down. I’m also very much looking forward tot he next book in the series because Natalya and her husband are very interesting characters I hope to read more about – maybe a murder in the Hermitage? Or the theatre? What will happen to Nataly and Mikhail after unraveling this nasty case, and what will happen to all the other people we just met in this book?
The main reason I wanted to read this book was because the setting is St. Petersburg. I’ve visited this beautiful city last July (although not exactly during the White Nights). I always wanted to visit the Hermitage (since I was 14…) and I wasn’t disappointed.
It is so much more fun to read a book where the setting is a little familiair. I know how it feels to sit on the small beach next to the Peter and Paul Fortress. I’ve walked the mighty bridges and had lunch at Teremok, went to the opera in the Mariinsky Theatre. I took the bus, not the metro, but this was mainly because during my visit to Moskou in 2015 I’ve seen so much of the metro already. But I preferred walking, sometimes more than 10 kilometers a day, to see the city, shop on Nevsky Prospekt and meet the (often very friendly) people.
But unlike Natalya, I didn’t have to worry about bribing officials. I didn’t have to worry about my job, or the FSB, of deal with nasty politicians. I was a tourist. Natalya, having lived in Germany for a few years, clearly sees the difference between that country and hers. But she is fiercely loyal to her job and above all, to her husband with whom she works in the same station. She knows how to give in when necessary and do something completely different than people expect her to do.
The story is well-plotted and even better written. This a debut? I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’m very jealous at this author 😉. I’ve read the book in just over a day because I couldn’t put it down. I’m also very much looking forward tot he next book in the series because Natalya and her husband are very interesting characters I hope to read more about – maybe a murder in the Hermitage? Or the theatre? What will happen to Nataly and Mikhail after unraveling this nasty case, and what will happen to all the other people we just met in this book?
May 5, 2018
It's been quite a few years since Martin Cruz Smith last wrote one of his excellent thrillers featuring Russian investigator Arkady Renko & I needed something to fill that gap. Could this debut novel from G D Abson do the job ? Unfortunately not.
Set in present day St Petersburg Motherland sees Captain Natalya Ivanova investigating the case of a missing girl. There's some good background on Ivanova & her family, including her husband who also happens to be in the police. Other characters are quite well written, but there's a spark of excitement that's missing.
Abson certainly creates a believable Russian location, which I really enjoyed. However, it's a fairly pedestrian tale & sadly a book series that I won't be following.
Set in present day St Petersburg Motherland sees Captain Natalya Ivanova investigating the case of a missing girl. There's some good background on Ivanova & her family, including her husband who also happens to be in the police. Other characters are quite well written, but there's a spark of excitement that's missing.
Abson certainly creates a believable Russian location, which I really enjoyed. However, it's a fairly pedestrian tale & sadly a book series that I won't be following.
April 25, 2018
My endless fascination with Russia continues... This is a superb debut thriller from Abson.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
April 28, 2018
I really have to stop reading books about Russia written by people who think they know how Russia functions based on their knowledge from the books written by people who have no idea at all.
However, one benefit star from me for Piter and for all research G.D. Abson did for his book. I know for sure he walked along these streets and driven along these roads and bridges himself and didn't just follow the descriptions of this beautiful city from Google Maps. But...still there are so MANY cliches in this book...(Corrupted cops and everyone drinks vodka. A LOT OF VODKA. Cheers!)
Besides, in spite of Natalya Ivanova seemed to be the only honest police officer in the city, I didn't become her fan.
I don't think I am interesting in the further books of the series.
***ARC provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
However, one benefit star from me for Piter and for all research G.D. Abson did for his book. I know for sure he walked along these streets and driven along these roads and bridges himself and didn't just follow the descriptions of this beautiful city from Google Maps. But...still there are so MANY cliches in this book...(Corrupted cops and everyone drinks vodka. A LOT OF VODKA. Cheers!)
Besides, in spite of Natalya Ivanova seemed to be the only honest police officer in the city, I didn't become her fan.
I don't think I am interesting in the further books of the series.
***ARC provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
January 17, 2018
A classy police procedural set in present-day St. Petersburg. Captain Natalya Ivanova is an attractive protagonist, tough without being over-feisty, with a sense of humour and an interesting relationship with her husband Mikhail, a Major in the same police department. The story is paced though slightly goes overboard in the last 20-25% as the FSB get involved and everything gets a bit frantic.
Despite that, there's a sense of realism about this, and a naturalness in the dialogue that keeps the pages turning. If this is the start of a Russian-set series, I'd be up for the next one.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
Despite that, there's a sense of realism about this, and a naturalness in the dialogue that keeps the pages turning. If this is the start of a Russian-set series, I'd be up for the next one.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
Read
October 20, 2023Finding good fiction set in post-Soviet Russia can be a challenge - the Russian-penned book I tried, NIGHT WATCH, was fairly chauvinistic in more than one sense, but on the other hand, a lot of Russia-set fiction in the English-speaking world is pretty poorly researched. MOTHERLAND, however, which is less a thriller than a murder mystery/police procedural with some bullets flying at the end, was a pleasant surprise in more ways than one.
First, the setting of this book is a bleak, gritty, dystopian 2017 St Petersburg which is utterly credible and vivid, with a staggering level of fine detail that nevertheless never overwhelms the narrative. With multiple Russians and books about 21st century Russia credited in the acknowledgements, Abson has clearly devoted the same effort to recreating modern-day Russia as I have to my historical fantasy books: the setting itself becomes a character in the novel. Given what a bleak picture it is - our protagonist has the thankless task of investigating domestic violence cases in a country where domestic violence laws are virtually nonexistent, and spends much of the book trying to arrange bribes to keep her beloved lunk of a stepson out of the army and a Donbas body bag - the level of detail in this book probably shouldn't have made me SO HAPPY, but what can I say? I love to see someone acing their historical/cultural assignment.
Second, I'm sure every woman who reads books can tell you horror stories about Dudes Who Write Women, but here again GD Abson has done us proud. He credits his wife with reading and critiquing multiple drafts of the book, and has clearly taken her input onboard. We spend the entire book in female POV characters, mostly that of Natalya Ivanova herself, and there was shockingly little to find fault with: Abson doesn't just treat his female characters with respect, but he also does an incredible job of writing from the perspective of a woman experiencing sexism and discrimination. Just as he couldn't have written the setting without listening to Russians, it's obvious that he couldn't have written a female character like this without actively listening to women.
Finally, I was so delighted by one particular subplot - while investigating the disappearance of a Swedish billionaire's daughter, Natalya must navigate a rocky patch in her marriage to a fellow detective. I loved everything about this. I loved how real and unsentimental the relationship between Mikhail and Natalya felt; I loved their uneasy alliances, their distrust, their affection, and their eventual reconciliation. I loved that the bone of contention between them isn't about cheating but about corruption, and despite how utterly grounded the relationship was that it gave me some of the same fun you get from a good enemies-to-lovers romance. In fact, it was at the point that this subplot got underway that I rushed off to google GD Abson because I couldn't believe the book wasn't actually written by a woman, and I mean this in the best possible way.
I will note that the book isn't perfect - the prose isn't always clear or smooth, I had all the biggest plot twists figured out long before the end, and I think that the characters were sometimes a little passive, failing to pick up on clues, have hunches, or investigate glaring possibilities; this meant that the ending was rushed and chaotic, and the solution owed less to Natalya and her allies piecing together the mystery than to a bunch of bad guys leaping out at her at the last minute - gangsters, FSB, corrupt businessmen. That said, I'm absolutely going to read the sequel, and I'm deeply chagrined that there aren't a ton of others in the series.
(Rating for pervasive language and some sexual content, though it's more down-to-earth grittiness than anything prurient.)
First, the setting of this book is a bleak, gritty, dystopian 2017 St Petersburg which is utterly credible and vivid, with a staggering level of fine detail that nevertheless never overwhelms the narrative. With multiple Russians and books about 21st century Russia credited in the acknowledgements, Abson has clearly devoted the same effort to recreating modern-day Russia as I have to my historical fantasy books: the setting itself becomes a character in the novel. Given what a bleak picture it is - our protagonist has the thankless task of investigating domestic violence cases in a country where domestic violence laws are virtually nonexistent, and spends much of the book trying to arrange bribes to keep her beloved lunk of a stepson out of the army and a Donbas body bag - the level of detail in this book probably shouldn't have made me SO HAPPY, but what can I say? I love to see someone acing their historical/cultural assignment.
Second, I'm sure every woman who reads books can tell you horror stories about Dudes Who Write Women, but here again GD Abson has done us proud. He credits his wife with reading and critiquing multiple drafts of the book, and has clearly taken her input onboard. We spend the entire book in female POV characters, mostly that of Natalya Ivanova herself, and there was shockingly little to find fault with: Abson doesn't just treat his female characters with respect, but he also does an incredible job of writing from the perspective of a woman experiencing sexism and discrimination. Just as he couldn't have written the setting without listening to Russians, it's obvious that he couldn't have written a female character like this without actively listening to women.
Finally, I was so delighted by one particular subplot - while investigating the disappearance of a Swedish billionaire's daughter, Natalya must navigate a rocky patch in her marriage to a fellow detective. I loved everything about this. I loved how real and unsentimental the relationship between Mikhail and Natalya felt; I loved their uneasy alliances, their distrust, their affection, and their eventual reconciliation. I loved that the bone of contention between them isn't about cheating but about corruption, and despite how utterly grounded the relationship was that it gave me some of the same fun you get from a good enemies-to-lovers romance. In fact, it was at the point that this subplot got underway that I rushed off to google GD Abson because I couldn't believe the book wasn't actually written by a woman, and I mean this in the best possible way.
I will note that the book isn't perfect - the prose isn't always clear or smooth, I had all the biggest plot twists figured out long before the end, and I think that the characters were sometimes a little passive, failing to pick up on clues, have hunches, or investigate glaring possibilities; this meant that the ending was rushed and chaotic, and the solution owed less to Natalya and her allies piecing together the mystery than to a bunch of bad guys leaping out at her at the last minute - gangsters, FSB, corrupt businessmen. That said, I'm absolutely going to read the sequel, and I'm deeply chagrined that there aren't a ton of others in the series.
(Rating for pervasive language and some sexual content, though it's more down-to-earth grittiness than anything prurient.)
September 28, 2019
3.25 stars. Motherland by G.D. Abson takes place in current times in beautiful St. Petersburg, Russia. In spite of the beauty of that region, the novel manages to showcase the darker and seedier side where corruption is rampant and women are both exploited and not always respected. Captain Natalya Ivanova works domestic violence cases in which the man involved usually receive a slap on the wrist and where the woman is told that nothing will happen to their husband/boyfriend unless she is nearly killed. Regretably, Natalya's advice to such a woman is to move out and move on. Natalya is married to Mikhail, another senior detective who garners greater respect and is looking to move up in the department. It bears noting that Natalya is a serious-minded individual who prides herself on walking the straight and narrow, refusing to be corrupted. However, she is not above paying a bribe to get her stepson into college. Such is the way in Russia (and apparently also in the U.S. Hmmm.)
Natalya lands the case of missing Swedish student Zena Dahl, who disappears after a night out drinking with a friend. The action slows as Natalya tries to investigate a possible crime. She is often blocked and when she begins to dig deeper, the FSB (successor of the former KGB) steps in and "warns" her to back off. As that is not Natalya's style, the consequences of ignoring such a warning becomes very real. This takes a good while to develop. Also, there aren't many characters introduced which makes it easier to deduce who is involved and why. The last 5o or so pages pick up dramatically as the novel reaches its apex.
G.D. Abson is a talented writer and created some interesting characters. I felt, however, that the pace was uneven and some of the domestic issues were a bit strained. Still, a solid debut series and worth the read.
Natalya lands the case of missing Swedish student Zena Dahl, who disappears after a night out drinking with a friend. The action slows as Natalya tries to investigate a possible crime. She is often blocked and when she begins to dig deeper, the FSB (successor of the former KGB) steps in and "warns" her to back off. As that is not Natalya's style, the consequences of ignoring such a warning becomes very real. This takes a good while to develop. Also, there aren't many characters introduced which makes it easier to deduce who is involved and why. The last 5o or so pages pick up dramatically as the novel reaches its apex.
G.D. Abson is a talented writer and created some interesting characters. I felt, however, that the pace was uneven and some of the domestic issues were a bit strained. Still, a solid debut series and worth the read.
April 16, 2018
2.5 rounded up to 3
I seem to be in the minority about this book. I found I just couldn't fully engage in the story. I can see how it pulls others in, it's set in an interesting time in Russian history (present day) and has a lot of thrill aspects to it but it just didn't grab me enough to want to continue on in the series. I completely appreciate the fact that this thriller does not involve any love stories on the side between the cops, usually with a leading lady there is usually a love interest...ugh. Thank you, GD Abson! I also think that had I been in a different mood, I might have enjoyed it more. It has all the features I normally enjoy: set in Russia, thrills, a woman cop and no love interests. As most seem to really love it, I would recommend giving it a try if you like these things and see for yourself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I seem to be in the minority about this book. I found I just couldn't fully engage in the story. I can see how it pulls others in, it's set in an interesting time in Russian history (present day) and has a lot of thrill aspects to it but it just didn't grab me enough to want to continue on in the series. I completely appreciate the fact that this thriller does not involve any love stories on the side between the cops, usually with a leading lady there is usually a love interest...ugh. Thank you, GD Abson! I also think that had I been in a different mood, I might have enjoyed it more. It has all the features I normally enjoy: set in Russia, thrills, a woman cop and no love interests. As most seem to really love it, I would recommend giving it a try if you like these things and see for yourself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 3, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Mirror Books for a review copy of Motherland, the first in a projected series of thrillers set in present day St Petersburg.
Captain Natalya Ivanova is redirected from the domestic assault case she is handling to investigate the disappearance of a missing teenager. With no evidence of a crime, the girl being missing for less than 48 hours and over 18 she is puzzled until she learns that the girl is Swedish and seriously rich. Zena Dahl's disappearance requires investigation but Natalya is unprepared for the level of investigation required and the danger she will face.
I enjoyed Motherland which is a big book with a multi-faceted plot and great insight into modern day Russia. The plot is interesting and held my attention but I found the politics hard to warm to and almost fantastical, if I didn't know that they are realistic. I found the abuse of power difficult and uncomfortable to read.
Motherland is a difficult novel to review without spoilers because the plot and lifestyle are inextricably linked. There is a lawlessness that runs through the whole novel whether state sponsored or on the part of the characters. Nobody, apart maybe from Natalya, is wholly as they appear and everyone has secrets. The novel has a pervasive sense of menace and lack of personal security which makes it a dark, gritty read. It reminds me of the Stasi series where big brother is always watching.
The novel is excellent on the minutiae of Russian life and attitudes which, to Western sensibilities, seem decades old. For example, domestic abuse is not punishable unless the victim is half or fully killed and there are moves afoot to downgrade it to an administrative misdemeanour. On the other hand police officers have to take a breathalyser before driving. This mixture of attitudes is evident throughout. Natalya Ivanova is seen as an outsider due to spending her teenage years in Germany and her "liberal" views on policing and human rights. This allows the reader to identify with her and get a genuine feel for the setting. It's an inspired idea.
I think that as a first novel in a series Mr Abson has to do a fair amount of scene setting which, while interesting, does at times distract from the plot and makes the novel wordier than a less complex setting would require. The novel doesn't drag but sometimes goes a bit slower than I would have liked.
Motherland is a very interesting début and I will definitely be reading the sequel so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Captain Natalya Ivanova is redirected from the domestic assault case she is handling to investigate the disappearance of a missing teenager. With no evidence of a crime, the girl being missing for less than 48 hours and over 18 she is puzzled until she learns that the girl is Swedish and seriously rich. Zena Dahl's disappearance requires investigation but Natalya is unprepared for the level of investigation required and the danger she will face.
I enjoyed Motherland which is a big book with a multi-faceted plot and great insight into modern day Russia. The plot is interesting and held my attention but I found the politics hard to warm to and almost fantastical, if I didn't know that they are realistic. I found the abuse of power difficult and uncomfortable to read.
Motherland is a difficult novel to review without spoilers because the plot and lifestyle are inextricably linked. There is a lawlessness that runs through the whole novel whether state sponsored or on the part of the characters. Nobody, apart maybe from Natalya, is wholly as they appear and everyone has secrets. The novel has a pervasive sense of menace and lack of personal security which makes it a dark, gritty read. It reminds me of the Stasi series where big brother is always watching.
The novel is excellent on the minutiae of Russian life and attitudes which, to Western sensibilities, seem decades old. For example, domestic abuse is not punishable unless the victim is half or fully killed and there are moves afoot to downgrade it to an administrative misdemeanour. On the other hand police officers have to take a breathalyser before driving. This mixture of attitudes is evident throughout. Natalya Ivanova is seen as an outsider due to spending her teenage years in Germany and her "liberal" views on policing and human rights. This allows the reader to identify with her and get a genuine feel for the setting. It's an inspired idea.
I think that as a first novel in a series Mr Abson has to do a fair amount of scene setting which, while interesting, does at times distract from the plot and makes the novel wordier than a less complex setting would require. The novel doesn't drag but sometimes goes a bit slower than I would have liked.
Motherland is a very interesting début and I will definitely be reading the sequel so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
April 20, 2018
This was not a smooth exciting read for me. Weather it was the Russian mix, slow plot or the "I did not care about these Characters". This is usually the type of book I like with the crime mystery "Who done it" narrative. "A copy of this book was provided by Mirror Books via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
November 18, 2018
Having read a few crime novels set in Russia when I saw this one the shelf I had to pick it up to find out what it was all about. Most of the books I have come across set in Russia tend to be set either in the Stalin era or just after, the cold war would seem to be a very common backdrop. But with this one we get a glimpse into very modern Russia, all be it some of the worst it has to offer. This is a world drenched in crime and corruption. For me at least when I go for a book set in another country I want it to show me the difference they have to offer. And this book does an amazing job of that. We get an insight into how the modern Russian police force work. the author shows the political games that still have to be jumped through in order to solve any case this big.
I enjoyed how the book zipped along at a good pace, the author managed to change not only how I viewed the crime at hand (which did change often) but also how I felt about Our heroine. Whilst short he manages to pack a lot into the pages of this book. He found a way to skip between multiple genres in his bid to solve Zena's disappearance. I suppose it would be difficult not to have a heavy dose of politics in any book set within Russian borders, it is what we come to expect. But here at lest It was not done with a heavy hand and allows for a balancing within the text. For me, it gave some added tension to the plot and made the story a little bit more scope. It is through this that we get some insight into how a country can be both a modern thriving place but still be dogged by echoes of it's past.
Giving this book a woman as the lead also gives a change in perspective to an old story told anew. With my past experience crime books set in Russia are always lead by a man. So I was already getting something different but the author took it one step further in having her grow up in Germany for her teenage years. In some ways, I suppose it gives an easier way in for reader from outside. Her views are a lot more liberal I would imagine and she is less willing to accept the way things have always been. With this in mind, it would explain her willingness to step outside the status quo. As is common to these sorts of books, we also get to view her family life which unlike most is not a complete train wreck. Which is not to say it doesn't have its ups and down, just less so.
This is a book of many complexities be it social, economic or political. As a first outing for the author, he came out strong and has not only built a world, but also a heroin that has piqued my interest. He has managed to set himself up for what will hopefully be a great series to come.
I enjoyed how the book zipped along at a good pace, the author managed to change not only how I viewed the crime at hand (which did change often) but also how I felt about Our heroine. Whilst short he manages to pack a lot into the pages of this book. He found a way to skip between multiple genres in his bid to solve Zena's disappearance. I suppose it would be difficult not to have a heavy dose of politics in any book set within Russian borders, it is what we come to expect. But here at lest It was not done with a heavy hand and allows for a balancing within the text. For me, it gave some added tension to the plot and made the story a little bit more scope. It is through this that we get some insight into how a country can be both a modern thriving place but still be dogged by echoes of it's past.
Giving this book a woman as the lead also gives a change in perspective to an old story told anew. With my past experience crime books set in Russia are always lead by a man. So I was already getting something different but the author took it one step further in having her grow up in Germany for her teenage years. In some ways, I suppose it gives an easier way in for reader from outside. Her views are a lot more liberal I would imagine and she is less willing to accept the way things have always been. With this in mind, it would explain her willingness to step outside the status quo. As is common to these sorts of books, we also get to view her family life which unlike most is not a complete train wreck. Which is not to say it doesn't have its ups and down, just less so.
This is a book of many complexities be it social, economic or political. As a first outing for the author, he came out strong and has not only built a world, but also a heroin that has piqued my interest. He has managed to set himself up for what will hopefully be a great series to come.
March 1, 2018
A wonderful mystery/thriller and first in a series set in St. Petersburg, Russia (present day). Since I have never been to Russia, I assume that the detailed description of the place and the people are accurate. I will admit that it all seemed very believable with the characters and the mystery.
I will definitely continue with this series.
My thanks to netgalley and Mirror Books for this advanced readers copy.
I will definitely continue with this series.
My thanks to netgalley and Mirror Books for this advanced readers copy.
October 14, 2022
For me it was a slow start but once I got around seventy pages in, it really picked up the pace to the point where I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
December 23, 2017
5 stars
This is a first rate debut thriller/mystery. It is very well written and plotted. It was both atmospheric and describes today’s Russia very well. I am attracted to all things Russian, so it was a delight for me to read this wonderful novel. I liked the relationship between policewoman Captain Natalya Ivanova and her husband, as well as with her step son Anton. It seems the problems with politics and rank are endemic to all police forces, not just our own. I truly enjoyed it. I predict great things for G. G. Abson. Keep writing!!
I want to thank NetGalley and Mirror books for forwarding to me a copy of this most great debut thriller for me to read and enjoy.
This is a first rate debut thriller/mystery. It is very well written and plotted. It was both atmospheric and describes today’s Russia very well. I am attracted to all things Russian, so it was a delight for me to read this wonderful novel. I liked the relationship between policewoman Captain Natalya Ivanova and her husband, as well as with her step son Anton. It seems the problems with politics and rank are endemic to all police forces, not just our own. I truly enjoyed it. I predict great things for G. G. Abson. Keep writing!!
I want to thank NetGalley and Mirror books for forwarding to me a copy of this most great debut thriller for me to read and enjoy.
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May 9, 2018Review on June 9th!
May 3, 2019
Motherland is a brilliantly written debut novel.
Natalya Ivanovo is a Captain in the Criminal Investigations Directorate in St Petersburg, Russia.
When a daughter of a Swedish billionaire goes missing Natalya is assigned to the case but all is not as it seems.
This is a great read. I liked Natalya. She came across as a relatable character. The storyline was fast paced and interesting.
I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Natalya Ivanovo is a Captain in the Criminal Investigations Directorate in St Petersburg, Russia.
When a daughter of a Swedish billionaire goes missing Natalya is assigned to the case but all is not as it seems.
This is a great read. I liked Natalya. She came across as a relatable character. The storyline was fast paced and interesting.
I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 30, 2018
Piter is a demonic city, we know it since Dostoyevsky.
Yet it not so demonic in Motherland.
I enjoyed the book, but it was lacking a depth somehow.
3 stars
Yet it not so demonic in Motherland.
I enjoyed the book, but it was lacking a depth somehow.
3 stars
June 26, 2018
Back in 1981, Martin Cruz Smith broke new ground with 'Gorky Park', a detective novel set in Soviet Russia. It was fresh, exciting and gave me and other readers a view into a world that we knew nothing off.
With this new series, G. D. Abson looks likely to do the same for a new Russian era, and one of the strongest elements of his writing is his gritty depiction of life in modern Russia - which is mostly harsh, gloomy and corrupt.
Against this background, his detective, Natalya Ivanova, stands out very brightly. Tough and cynical, she still manages to be an honest cop in spite of all the pressures on her to take the easy way out, accept a bribe, and look the other way. Inevitably, this attitude gets her into trouble!
No point in going over the plot in detail - it's complex and very much tied into the nature of contemporary Russian society. The writing is well paced and - mostly - absorbing. I say mostly, because there were a few places where I had to drop out of the story to ask questions like 'What just happened?' or 'Who was speaking there?' and even 'Why did she do that?'
When you're trying to follow a twisty plot through unfamiliar territory, little things like that can be a real annoyance, and it's a pity that this otherwise excellent thriller was spoiled for me in this way. However, there's no denying that it was still very enjoyable, and I would be happy to read more from this writer.
With this new series, G. D. Abson looks likely to do the same for a new Russian era, and one of the strongest elements of his writing is his gritty depiction of life in modern Russia - which is mostly harsh, gloomy and corrupt.
Against this background, his detective, Natalya Ivanova, stands out very brightly. Tough and cynical, she still manages to be an honest cop in spite of all the pressures on her to take the easy way out, accept a bribe, and look the other way. Inevitably, this attitude gets her into trouble!
No point in going over the plot in detail - it's complex and very much tied into the nature of contemporary Russian society. The writing is well paced and - mostly - absorbing. I say mostly, because there were a few places where I had to drop out of the story to ask questions like 'What just happened?' or 'Who was speaking there?' and even 'Why did she do that?'
When you're trying to follow a twisty plot through unfamiliar territory, little things like that can be a real annoyance, and it's a pity that this otherwise excellent thriller was spoiled for me in this way. However, there's no denying that it was still very enjoyable, and I would be happy to read more from this writer.
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