What do you think?
Rate this book
Natalya Ivanova Thriller #2
Black Wolf
A young woman is found dead on the outskirts of St. Petersburg on a freezing January morning. She has no injuries, and heavy snowfall has buried all trace of an attacker. Government security services immediately shut down the case, and Natalya suspects the authorities have something to hide. When the dead woman is revealed to be an anti-Putin activist, Natalya has to go undercover to expose the truth. But with her career at stake and her own family in danger, how far is she prepared to go? A captivating, pacy thriller that plunges right into the beating heart of Putin’s Russia.
340 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2019
12 people are currently reading
98 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 27, 2019
In the depths of a Russian winter in St Petersburg a body is found by the side of a road. A young woman, with no visible signs of injury, lying in a ditch. The case falls to Captain Natalya Ivanova, who quickly links the case to a group of dissidents with political motivations. As the case starts to progress government agents shut it down, and Natalya and her husband find themselves on the outer. As Natalya continues to pursue the case unofficially she finds not only is her job at risk, but also her life.
I did find Black Wolf to be an enjoyable police procedural, and the setting of the Russian winter was memorable. The political intrigue of modern Russia I found to be of particular interest, for those of us in the west who really have no idea what goes on in the post-Soviet era. However I didn't find any of the characters particularly engaging, and though the book climaxed with a satisfying conclusion, I doubt I will be looking out for other books in the series. An okay read for a quiet day.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did find Black Wolf to be an enjoyable police procedural, and the setting of the Russian winter was memorable. The political intrigue of modern Russia I found to be of particular interest, for those of us in the west who really have no idea what goes on in the post-Soviet era. However I didn't find any of the characters particularly engaging, and though the book climaxed with a satisfying conclusion, I doubt I will be looking out for other books in the series. An okay read for a quiet day.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2019
GD Abson follows up his excellent crime debut Motherland set in St Petersburg, Russia, featuring the wonderfully offbeat detective, Captain Natalya Ivanova of the Serious Crimes Unit (SCU), with this brilliant sequel. Abson writes a atmospheric crimes series that captures the dark heart of Putin's tyrannical Russia, and the crooks and thieves of the political establishment, and its no holds barred approach against those politicians, journalists and activists that challenge and oppose it. After previous events in the SCU led by Colonel Vasiliev, the new head of the unit is Colonel Dostoynov, a man keen to be rid of Natalya's husband, Mikhail or 'Misha', a Major in the Unit. So Misha finds himself travelling to places like Siberia, from where a young girl, Diana Maricheva ran away in 2012. Her body has now been discovered in the grounds of a monastery.
In the desperately freezing and snowy cold of a St Petersburg winter, Natalya is on the scene of a murdered woman's body dumped in a ditch. The woman turns out to be 25 year old Elizaveta Kalinina, a surveyor, and an anti-Putin activist allied to a group that the politically powerful in the country wish to crush. To this end, Sledkom, who have a reputation of going after the innocent on behalf of the guilty, take over the case. Kalinina's reputation is being unjustly trashed, and Natalya cannot help but feel for the dead woman's young son and her mother. Despite all the dangers that it entails, to herself, her colleagues, friends and family, she is determined to investigate and get to the truth. In a case that illuminates the twisted nature of the political power groups in the country and the differing security services that Natalya has to negotiate, danger swells around Natalya, as she stands to lose everything and those closest to her.
Abson writes a gripping and compulsive novel that provides a fascinating picture of the inner workings of today's Russia. I have become completely invested in the main character of Natalya, and her endeavours to be a honest cop in a dishonest and criminal political milieu. The colourful
and interesting supporting cast, such as Natalya's colleague, Leo, trying to atone for his previous betrayal, work partner, Sergeant Stepan Rogov, stepson Anton, the FSB's Major Belikova and others are becoming a well established part of this distinctively character driven series. The characterisation is beautifully done and being well and skilfully developed. I found this a brilliant crime read, and I think many readers will appreciate the wintry St Petersburg and Russian location amidst a background of elections taking place. Looking forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC.
In the desperately freezing and snowy cold of a St Petersburg winter, Natalya is on the scene of a murdered woman's body dumped in a ditch. The woman turns out to be 25 year old Elizaveta Kalinina, a surveyor, and an anti-Putin activist allied to a group that the politically powerful in the country wish to crush. To this end, Sledkom, who have a reputation of going after the innocent on behalf of the guilty, take over the case. Kalinina's reputation is being unjustly trashed, and Natalya cannot help but feel for the dead woman's young son and her mother. Despite all the dangers that it entails, to herself, her colleagues, friends and family, she is determined to investigate and get to the truth. In a case that illuminates the twisted nature of the political power groups in the country and the differing security services that Natalya has to negotiate, danger swells around Natalya, as she stands to lose everything and those closest to her.
Abson writes a gripping and compulsive novel that provides a fascinating picture of the inner workings of today's Russia. I have become completely invested in the main character of Natalya, and her endeavours to be a honest cop in a dishonest and criminal political milieu. The colourful
and interesting supporting cast, such as Natalya's colleague, Leo, trying to atone for his previous betrayal, work partner, Sergeant Stepan Rogov, stepson Anton, the FSB's Major Belikova and others are becoming a well established part of this distinctively character driven series. The characterisation is beautifully done and being well and skilfully developed. I found this a brilliant crime read, and I think many readers will appreciate the wintry St Petersburg and Russian location amidst a background of elections taking place. Looking forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC.
May 15, 2019
'Have you ever heard of a black wolf, Ivanova?'
'No, Colonel.'
'It's a mutation caused by wolves mating with dogs in the distant past. Black wolves are outcasts, destined to be neither one thing nor the other. The wolves in the pack attack them for being different and they are shot for their trouble when seeking human company. That's you, Ivanova.'
This excellent sequel to Abson's debut thriller Motherland, again features Captain Natalya Ivanova of St Petersburg's Serious Crimes Unit. Natalya is a good investigator and an honest one who wants to arrest the real culprit and not just make the evidence fit the suspect for a speedy result. This makes her unpopular both with her new boss, Colonel Dostoynov, and the federal investigations unit, FSB who investigate matters related to state security. Her current investigations into the death of a young woman, found on a remote roadside were taken from her by FSB, when the dead woman was found to have links to an anti-Putin activist group. Knowing that they will do nothing to find the murderer, Natalya feels compelled to continue investigating how and where the girl died, at the risk of infuriating her boss and losing her job. Natalya's husband, Michael who works in the same unit, is also on a fast track to losing his job as the new boss (who's job Michael should have) tries to clear away any opposition and sends Michael running all over the country investigating backlogged cold cases.
The wintery, atmospheric St Petersburg setting and the political climate in Putin's Russia are what makes this series so compelling. This is a society of people struggling to under difficult conditions, watching their step and keeping their heads down lest they draw attention to themselves and find state security or anti-corruption investigators on their doorstep finding evidence where none exists. The rich and powerful are protected and off-limits to the police, even when blatantly corrupt, making an honest cop's job even more difficult. The plot is well written with good pacing and has the feel of thorough research to make contemporary St Petersburg as well as the lives and relationships of the characters feel real and authentic. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for a digital ARC.
'No, Colonel.'
'It's a mutation caused by wolves mating with dogs in the distant past. Black wolves are outcasts, destined to be neither one thing nor the other. The wolves in the pack attack them for being different and they are shot for their trouble when seeking human company. That's you, Ivanova.'
This excellent sequel to Abson's debut thriller Motherland, again features Captain Natalya Ivanova of St Petersburg's Serious Crimes Unit. Natalya is a good investigator and an honest one who wants to arrest the real culprit and not just make the evidence fit the suspect for a speedy result. This makes her unpopular both with her new boss, Colonel Dostoynov, and the federal investigations unit, FSB who investigate matters related to state security. Her current investigations into the death of a young woman, found on a remote roadside were taken from her by FSB, when the dead woman was found to have links to an anti-Putin activist group. Knowing that they will do nothing to find the murderer, Natalya feels compelled to continue investigating how and where the girl died, at the risk of infuriating her boss and losing her job. Natalya's husband, Michael who works in the same unit, is also on a fast track to losing his job as the new boss (who's job Michael should have) tries to clear away any opposition and sends Michael running all over the country investigating backlogged cold cases.
The wintery, atmospheric St Petersburg setting and the political climate in Putin's Russia are what makes this series so compelling. This is a society of people struggling to under difficult conditions, watching their step and keeping their heads down lest they draw attention to themselves and find state security or anti-corruption investigators on their doorstep finding evidence where none exists. The rich and powerful are protected and off-limits to the police, even when blatantly corrupt, making an honest cop's job even more difficult. The plot is well written with good pacing and has the feel of thorough research to make contemporary St Petersburg as well as the lives and relationships of the characters feel real and authentic. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for a digital ARC.
May 17, 2019
Black Wolf is the second thriller in the Captain Natalya Ivanova series based in stunning St Petersburg, Russia, and it has to one of the most unique works of noir I have encountered despite reading widely in this genre. The setting is what makes the book as well as the original cast of ruthless and unusual characters. This is one of my favourite series' for sure. It is a deeply political thriller and plays to the view the West appears to have of Russian politicians and institutions being either corrupt charlatans, brutal fascists or both. That's where Natalya comes in — she's a champion of fairness and justice and perceives the corruption running rife in her country as a cancer which needs to be cut out.
It's an action-packed read with Natalya regularly finding herself in some interesting predicaments, and Abson lands you right in the middle of the drama from the first couple of pages. As soon as I picked it up I knew I was destined to read into the small hours. The linear nature of the story and the single perspective narrative, Natalya's, enable you to get to know her as a character and watch her evolution through the series. There is tension aplenty as she defies the wishes of those around her placing a target on her back. Those with a lot to hide want to eliminate her and squash her but she refuses to be cowed.
With an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere underpinning it all, this is a fast-paced, authentic and exciting portrayal of Russia. Many thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC.
It's an action-packed read with Natalya regularly finding herself in some interesting predicaments, and Abson lands you right in the middle of the drama from the first couple of pages. As soon as I picked it up I knew I was destined to read into the small hours. The linear nature of the story and the single perspective narrative, Natalya's, enable you to get to know her as a character and watch her evolution through the series. There is tension aplenty as she defies the wishes of those around her placing a target on her back. Those with a lot to hide want to eliminate her and squash her but she refuses to be cowed.
With an oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere underpinning it all, this is a fast-paced, authentic and exciting portrayal of Russia. Many thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC.
June 19, 2019
This sequel to 'Motherland' is another winding investigation for our idealistic and honest cop trying to operate in a sea of corruption - the maverick lone wolf is a cliche of crime fiction, of course, but what lifts this is the engaging characterisation, the slick writing, and - most of all - the commentary on contemporary post-Soviet Russia.
With Decembrists rebelling against the Putin regime plus the internal politics of the police and various other security organisations, this is a gripping read. Good switch-off reading but I missed more interactions between Natalya and her husband Mikhail, and there's a 'with one bound they were free' feel about the end.
With Decembrists rebelling against the Putin regime plus the internal politics of the police and various other security organisations, this is a gripping read. Good switch-off reading but I missed more interactions between Natalya and her husband Mikhail, and there's a 'with one bound they were free' feel about the end.
May 7, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Mirror Books for an advance copy of Black Wolf, the second book to feature Captain Natalya Ivanova of the St Petersburg Criminal Investigations Directorate.
Natalya and her deputy, Sergeant Rogov, are called out to a dead body. Elisaveta Kalinina has been murdered but before the investigation can get going it is turned over to state investigators because the victim was a dissident Decembrist and with an election looming the government wants to avoid scandal and root out her fellow travellers. Natalya wants justice not a coverup and keeps investigating but she’s fighting stronger powers and soon the repercussions are hitting close to home.
I thoroughly enjoyed Black Wolf which is a drama filled thriller with some unexpected twists. There is barely a dull moment whether it the political apparatus in full flow, the depiction of greed and self interest or the action scenes and I was hooked from start to finish. This is partly because the novel is told, after the first few scene setting opening chapters, exclusively from Natalya’s point of view. This allows the reader to identify with her and get absorbed in her narrative. The other part is the strong plot, not so much the actual investigation but the repercussions from it and the moves Natalya has to make to keep it moving forward. The author never lets the reader forget that Russia is an authoritarian state so the novel is chock full of atmosphere. The paranoia, greed, self interest and vindictiveness are everywhere, making for a difficult but intensely rewarding read. It doesn’t paint a pretty picture of Russia, in fact it made me shudder at the thought of living in those conditions, constantly on guard against reprisals whether deserved or not.
In stark contrast to this venal background Natalya Ivanova is a beacon of fairness and incorruptibility. How likely this is I am unable to judge but it makes for good reading in the standard good v evil way. In detective fiction set in the West Natalya would be a fairly standard detective who wants to serve justice, drinks too much and is a dogged investigator. In St Petersburg she is seen as an uncompromising anomaly. It’s an interesting twist.
Black Wolf is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Natalya and her deputy, Sergeant Rogov, are called out to a dead body. Elisaveta Kalinina has been murdered but before the investigation can get going it is turned over to state investigators because the victim was a dissident Decembrist and with an election looming the government wants to avoid scandal and root out her fellow travellers. Natalya wants justice not a coverup and keeps investigating but she’s fighting stronger powers and soon the repercussions are hitting close to home.
I thoroughly enjoyed Black Wolf which is a drama filled thriller with some unexpected twists. There is barely a dull moment whether it the political apparatus in full flow, the depiction of greed and self interest or the action scenes and I was hooked from start to finish. This is partly because the novel is told, after the first few scene setting opening chapters, exclusively from Natalya’s point of view. This allows the reader to identify with her and get absorbed in her narrative. The other part is the strong plot, not so much the actual investigation but the repercussions from it and the moves Natalya has to make to keep it moving forward. The author never lets the reader forget that Russia is an authoritarian state so the novel is chock full of atmosphere. The paranoia, greed, self interest and vindictiveness are everywhere, making for a difficult but intensely rewarding read. It doesn’t paint a pretty picture of Russia, in fact it made me shudder at the thought of living in those conditions, constantly on guard against reprisals whether deserved or not.
In stark contrast to this venal background Natalya Ivanova is a beacon of fairness and incorruptibility. How likely this is I am unable to judge but it makes for good reading in the standard good v evil way. In detective fiction set in the West Natalya would be a fairly standard detective who wants to serve justice, drinks too much and is a dogged investigator. In St Petersburg she is seen as an uncompromising anomaly. It’s an interesting twist.
Black Wolf is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 22, 2019
I enjoyed Black Wolf, but perhaps not as much as its predecessor, Motherland.
Set in contemporary St. Petersburg, Natalya Ivanova is an honest investigator in a deeply political and corrupt police force. As she investigates the death of a woman who is involved in an anti-corruption protest movement, she becomes embroiled in political intrigue and faces the determination of Russia’s super-rich and their protectors within the state to thwart what may be an embarrassment to them, with extreme consequences for her and her family.
The great strength of these books is the portrait of a corrupt society where political and financial interests override any sense of law, justice or fairness. G.D.Abson writes very well and creates an excellent atmosphere of suppression and fear, along with the bone-chilling cold of a Russian winter. The story, though, is a bit average with a lot of familiar clichés among the superior background and the ending became rather silly, with – you’ve guessed it – a stand-off with the killer who explains everything to Ivanova before...etc. etc, plus a bit of a with-one-bound-she-was-free solution to her political problems.
This is a perfectly decent read, but the powerful background isn’t such an original feature second time around and as a police thriller it’s nothing special. Recommended with reservations.
(My thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Set in contemporary St. Petersburg, Natalya Ivanova is an honest investigator in a deeply political and corrupt police force. As she investigates the death of a woman who is involved in an anti-corruption protest movement, she becomes embroiled in political intrigue and faces the determination of Russia’s super-rich and their protectors within the state to thwart what may be an embarrassment to them, with extreme consequences for her and her family.
The great strength of these books is the portrait of a corrupt society where political and financial interests override any sense of law, justice or fairness. G.D.Abson writes very well and creates an excellent atmosphere of suppression and fear, along with the bone-chilling cold of a Russian winter. The story, though, is a bit average with a lot of familiar clichés among the superior background and the ending became rather silly, with – you’ve guessed it – a stand-off with the killer who explains everything to Ivanova before...etc. etc, plus a bit of a with-one-bound-she-was-free solution to her political problems.
This is a perfectly decent read, but the powerful background isn’t such an original feature second time around and as a police thriller it’s nothing special. Recommended with reservations.
(My thanks to Mirror Books for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Want to read
August 8, 2019Normally I don't bother with books, where I fall a sleep reading but it's headed back to the TBR pile , till I've read Motherland and will give it another try.
April 21, 2019
I discovered this on NetGalley so this is my first review ever. I hope it comes across well.
This is the first novel I've read by the author. I had recently read Where the Shadows Lie by Michael Ridpath. I believe because it was set in Iceland, this helped attract me to this one. It is set in Russia.
The characters are well established with a strong female lead. It is paced well and kept me guessing from the start. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of detective novels.
My only negative would be that the book doesn't give much away about the antagonist. Similar books I've read feed the readers tad bits of info throughout to start the cogs spinning. But I wouldn't let that put you off, this is a great story and i enjoyed it throughly.
I thought I'd keep it short and sweet for my first review.
This is the first novel I've read by the author. I had recently read Where the Shadows Lie by Michael Ridpath. I believe because it was set in Iceland, this helped attract me to this one. It is set in Russia.
The characters are well established with a strong female lead. It is paced well and kept me guessing from the start. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of detective novels.
My only negative would be that the book doesn't give much away about the antagonist. Similar books I've read feed the readers tad bits of info throughout to start the cogs spinning. But I wouldn't let that put you off, this is a great story and i enjoyed it throughly.
I thought I'd keep it short and sweet for my first review.
July 25, 2019
4 Stars from me
A bit deeper and and a more grown up read than my usual fluffy crime thrillers, Black Wolf is the sequel to Abson's debut thriller Motherland and again features Captain Natalya Ivanova of St Petersburg's Serious Crimes Unit.
The book begins with a beautifully described and atmospheric scene which dunks you straight into the cold, stark, brutal world in which the book is set. It took me a while to comprehend that this is truly based on modern day Russia.
Natalya has a case taken off her but can't let go of it - the body of a young woman, found on a remote roadside who is found to have links to an anti-Putin activist group - Decembrists. Natalya knows that there will be no true attempts made to find the murderer and she continues her own investigation, even though doing so puts her job and possibly her life in jeopardy.
The beautiful, wintery back drop of St Petersburg and what feels like a private glimpse into Russian politics made this a fascinating read. Dishonesty and corruption are rife, freedom of speech/thought/deed are non-existent and there is a palpable sense of danger throughout.
No spoilers from me. This is a great book to get your teeth into and lose yourself in the icy and dangerous political climate of Putin's Russia.
A bit deeper and and a more grown up read than my usual fluffy crime thrillers, Black Wolf is the sequel to Abson's debut thriller Motherland and again features Captain Natalya Ivanova of St Petersburg's Serious Crimes Unit.
The book begins with a beautifully described and atmospheric scene which dunks you straight into the cold, stark, brutal world in which the book is set. It took me a while to comprehend that this is truly based on modern day Russia.
Natalya has a case taken off her but can't let go of it - the body of a young woman, found on a remote roadside who is found to have links to an anti-Putin activist group - Decembrists. Natalya knows that there will be no true attempts made to find the murderer and she continues her own investigation, even though doing so puts her job and possibly her life in jeopardy.
The beautiful, wintery back drop of St Petersburg and what feels like a private glimpse into Russian politics made this a fascinating read. Dishonesty and corruption are rife, freedom of speech/thought/deed are non-existent and there is a palpable sense of danger throughout.
No spoilers from me. This is a great book to get your teeth into and lose yourself in the icy and dangerous political climate of Putin's Russia.
May 14, 2019
My thanks to the Author and Mirror Books for providing a Hardback version of this book to read and honestly review. This is a new Author to me and this is the second book of the series featuring our heroine and i would expect more to follow but having read and very much enjoyed this book i will be looking for the first and keeping an eye out for more to follow.
A young woman is found dead on the outskirts of St Petersburg on a freezing January morning. There are no signs of injury, and heavy snowfall has buried all trace of an attacker.
Captain Natalya Ivanova's investigation quickly links the victim to the Decembrists, an anti-Putin dissident group whose acts of civil disobedience have caught the eye of the authorities. And Natalya soon realises she is not the only one interested in the case, as government security services wade in and shut down her investigation almost before it has begun.
Before long, state media are spreading smear stories about the dead woman, and Natalya suspects the authorities have something to hide. When a second rebel activist goes missing, she is forced to go undercover to expose the truth. But the stakes are higher than ever before. Not only could her pursuit of the murderer destroy her career, but her family ties to one of the victims threaten to tear her personal life apart.
A captivating, pacy thriller that plunges right into the beating heart of Putin's Russia.
So says the publishers 'Blurb' for this book, and now for my opinion, this is an excellent read, a book that immediately grabs your interest and does no let go until the final page, a real page turner. Well written and researched. with a real feel for the time and place, so descriptive you can almost feel the cold. Whilst this is the second book of the series and there are some very slight references to a previous investigation it works perfectly as a standalone story, and did not spoil the story in any way. The characters are well drawn and very believable especially the 'Ballsy' brave charismatic clever idealistic and possibly the only honest cop in the city. Imagine a female 'Arkady Renko' and i can think of no higher praise for the Author. There are more than enough plot twists to keep this reader guessing and failing miserably to crack the case. Engaging gripping imaginative and gritty, a terrific read which i heartily recommend.
A young woman is found dead on the outskirts of St Petersburg on a freezing January morning. There are no signs of injury, and heavy snowfall has buried all trace of an attacker.
Captain Natalya Ivanova's investigation quickly links the victim to the Decembrists, an anti-Putin dissident group whose acts of civil disobedience have caught the eye of the authorities. And Natalya soon realises she is not the only one interested in the case, as government security services wade in and shut down her investigation almost before it has begun.
Before long, state media are spreading smear stories about the dead woman, and Natalya suspects the authorities have something to hide. When a second rebel activist goes missing, she is forced to go undercover to expose the truth. But the stakes are higher than ever before. Not only could her pursuit of the murderer destroy her career, but her family ties to one of the victims threaten to tear her personal life apart.
A captivating, pacy thriller that plunges right into the beating heart of Putin's Russia.
So says the publishers 'Blurb' for this book, and now for my opinion, this is an excellent read, a book that immediately grabs your interest and does no let go until the final page, a real page turner. Well written and researched. with a real feel for the time and place, so descriptive you can almost feel the cold. Whilst this is the second book of the series and there are some very slight references to a previous investigation it works perfectly as a standalone story, and did not spoil the story in any way. The characters are well drawn and very believable especially the 'Ballsy' brave charismatic clever idealistic and possibly the only honest cop in the city. Imagine a female 'Arkady Renko' and i can think of no higher praise for the Author. There are more than enough plot twists to keep this reader guessing and failing miserably to crack the case. Engaging gripping imaginative and gritty, a terrific read which i heartily recommend.
May 18, 2019
A young woman is found dead on the outskirts of St Petersburg on a freezing January morning. There are no signs of injury, and heavy snowfall has buried all trace of an attacker.
Captain Natalya Ivanova's investigation quickly links the victim to the Decembrists, an anti-Putin dissident group whose acts of civil disobedience have caught the eye of the authorities. And Natalya soon realises she is not the only one interested in the case, as government security services wade in and shut down her investigation almost before it has begun.
Before long, state media are spreading smear stories about the dead woman, and Natalya suspects the authorities have something to hide. When a second rebel activist goes missing, she is forced to go undercover to expose the truth. But the stakes are higher than ever before. Not only could her pursuit of the murderer destroy her career, but her family ties to one of the victims threaten to tear her personal life apart.
A captivating, pacy thriller that plunges right into the beating heart of Putin's Russia.
Black Wolf is the second thriller in the Captain Natalya Ivanova series based in St Petersburg, Russia.
This sequel to Abson's debut thriller, Motherland, again features Captain Natalya Ivanova of St Petersburg's Serious Crimes Unit.
This is police procedural novel that is filled with drama, suspense, police and political corruption and lots of drinking.
The story has lots of twists and turns to keep you gripped.
The characters are well established and strong lead female also.
Well written story which I enjoyed.
Recommend reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers' for the ARC. This is my honest voluntary review.
Captain Natalya Ivanova's investigation quickly links the victim to the Decembrists, an anti-Putin dissident group whose acts of civil disobedience have caught the eye of the authorities. And Natalya soon realises she is not the only one interested in the case, as government security services wade in and shut down her investigation almost before it has begun.
Before long, state media are spreading smear stories about the dead woman, and Natalya suspects the authorities have something to hide. When a second rebel activist goes missing, she is forced to go undercover to expose the truth. But the stakes are higher than ever before. Not only could her pursuit of the murderer destroy her career, but her family ties to one of the victims threaten to tear her personal life apart.
A captivating, pacy thriller that plunges right into the beating heart of Putin's Russia.
Black Wolf is the second thriller in the Captain Natalya Ivanova series based in St Petersburg, Russia.
This sequel to Abson's debut thriller, Motherland, again features Captain Natalya Ivanova of St Petersburg's Serious Crimes Unit.
This is police procedural novel that is filled with drama, suspense, police and political corruption and lots of drinking.
The story has lots of twists and turns to keep you gripped.
The characters are well established and strong lead female also.
Well written story which I enjoyed.
Recommend reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers' for the ARC. This is my honest voluntary review.
February 9, 2021
I've not read many books set in modern day Russia so was pleased to find this different setting for a crime novel. A female detective is called to a body found in a ditch in the middle of winter. She's up against corruption and layers of secrecy in her quest to find the truth. This wasn't a bad book but something about it just didn't grab me and I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.
April 25, 2019
Loved this even more than Abson's first - total page-turner, with an extremely compelling cast of characters. Loved getting deeper under the skin of Natalya and the twisty nets of deceit she finds herself tied up in. Just brilliant.
May 12, 2019
Really enjoyable police procedural. I have not read any police books set in Russia before so that added to the story.. It also had a strong female protagonist. Of course she pursued the case even at risk to her career and marriage so another overly obsessed detective. It seems there is a book prior to this in the series that I now look forward to getting.
I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 12, 2019
Black Wolf is a sequel to The authors debut novel Motherland.
As with the previous book we have a strong and likeable character in Captain Natalya Ivanova. She is called out with her deputy to a murder. With so many obstacles in her way will she find out who the murderer is.
Set in Russia this is certainly a page turner. The author has given us some brilliant secondary characters that adds so much to the story.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
As with the previous book we have a strong and likeable character in Captain Natalya Ivanova. She is called out with her deputy to a murder. With so many obstacles in her way will she find out who the murderer is.
Set in Russia this is certainly a page turner. The author has given us some brilliant secondary characters that adds so much to the story.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
October 8, 2020
Fast paced murder/police procedural Yes!
Set in Putin’s Russia. Yes
Lots of snow and conspiracy theories. Yes
A riveting, if slightly holier than thou
heroine who has many of the characteristics
of a Jack Russell. Yes
A slightly(!) unrealistic ending Yes
But a great read with writing that brings St Petersburg and a myriad of mismatched characters to life. If you like the Karin Müller books by David Young, you’ll love this. I’m off to hunt down Motherland now.
Set in Putin’s Russia. Yes
Lots of snow and conspiracy theories. Yes
A riveting, if slightly holier than thou
heroine who has many of the characteristics
of a Jack Russell. Yes
A slightly(!) unrealistic ending Yes
But a great read with writing that brings St Petersburg and a myriad of mismatched characters to life. If you like the Karin Müller books by David Young, you’ll love this. I’m off to hunt down Motherland now.
August 12, 2019
This is a crime novel set in current day Russia where corruption abounds in the upper echelons of both the judiciary and the government. Natalya Ivanova is a police officer in charge of a case in which a young woman was found dead in a snowdrift just outside St Petersburg. Shortly after starting her investigation the rug is pulled from under her feet and the investigation is closed down. She suspects that the “powers that be” have something to hide and when she discovers that the girl was an anti-Putin activist she is determined to continue her investigation undercover. But in modern-day Russia, if you don’t toe the party line then things can start to go very wrong.
There are a lot of good things about this book. It was fast-paced and had a good storyline. Natalya was a strongly developed character and the winter setting lent a dramatic feel to it. It was also interesting to get an insight into the way a corrupt society functions.
However, although I thought it was a good book, I did not think it was a great one. Somehow I wasn’t completely invested in it and I’m not sure why. I suspect it was largely because of the setting, in Putin’s Russia. When corruption is so rife that it affects everyday life on a daily basis, it was a little difficult to tell whether the main focus of the book was the corruption or the crime. Personally I felt the emphasis crossed an invisible line such that the corruption element became the storyline, rather than being the background setting for the crime investigation itself. It also meant that the ending had to be fairly extreme and somewhat contrived in order to allow Natalya to live to fight another day in her next novel.
Apparently this is the second novel featuring Natalya Ivanova. Although I won’t be rushing out to buy the first, or subsequent books I would certainly read them if they came my way.
There are a lot of good things about this book. It was fast-paced and had a good storyline. Natalya was a strongly developed character and the winter setting lent a dramatic feel to it. It was also interesting to get an insight into the way a corrupt society functions.
However, although I thought it was a good book, I did not think it was a great one. Somehow I wasn’t completely invested in it and I’m not sure why. I suspect it was largely because of the setting, in Putin’s Russia. When corruption is so rife that it affects everyday life on a daily basis, it was a little difficult to tell whether the main focus of the book was the corruption or the crime. Personally I felt the emphasis crossed an invisible line such that the corruption element became the storyline, rather than being the background setting for the crime investigation itself. It also meant that the ending had to be fairly extreme and somewhat contrived in order to allow Natalya to live to fight another day in her next novel.
Apparently this is the second novel featuring Natalya Ivanova. Although I won’t be rushing out to buy the first, or subsequent books I would certainly read them if they came my way.
February 17, 2025
Black Wolf is an enjoyable police procedural set in modern day Russia, although it suffers at points from having too many characters and a narrative that felt like it failed on the last hurdle. It excels at portraying the corrupt and frightening landscape in Russia where dissention is treason and consequences are severe.
Natalya is perhaps one of the few honest investigators in the serious crime division. With a young woman's body found in a snowdrift, she finds the case is a political landmine when links are made to a protest group and the powers that be take the case out of her hands. Her dogged persistence in finding the truth may put herself and those she loves in danger and her job isn't the only thing at risk.
Parts of this were great. I enjoyed the build up of the case and watching the pieces slide together. The political landscape of Russia is frightening to read about frankly and the way politics, corruption and fear merge together to create uncertainty and suspicion is very well done. The characterisations were the weakest element of this though. Natalya herself is well drawn, however the multitude of side characters became a struggle to keep track of and other than one of two she works with closely, aren't really fleshed out enough to make you care about them. I also found the ending aggravating as it was both extreme and contrived and also managed to include the 'shock twist with no foreshadowing' that drives me bloody nuts.
So eh, I was enjoying the novel and how the various pieces were slotting together for the most part, but was underwhelmed with the characters and the ending. I probably won't go looking for any more of the authors work.
Natalya is perhaps one of the few honest investigators in the serious crime division. With a young woman's body found in a snowdrift, she finds the case is a political landmine when links are made to a protest group and the powers that be take the case out of her hands. Her dogged persistence in finding the truth may put herself and those she loves in danger and her job isn't the only thing at risk.
Parts of this were great. I enjoyed the build up of the case and watching the pieces slide together. The political landscape of Russia is frightening to read about frankly and the way politics, corruption and fear merge together to create uncertainty and suspicion is very well done. The characterisations were the weakest element of this though. Natalya herself is well drawn, however the multitude of side characters became a struggle to keep track of and other than one of two she works with closely, aren't really fleshed out enough to make you care about them. I also found the ending aggravating as it was both extreme and contrived and also managed to include the 'shock twist with no foreshadowing' that drives me bloody nuts.
So eh, I was enjoying the novel and how the various pieces were slotting together for the most part, but was underwhelmed with the characters and the ending. I probably won't go looking for any more of the authors work.
September 22, 2025
Black Wolf is a gripping, atmospheric thriller that pulls you straight into its world of intrigue and tension. I loved the story, the sense of unease running throughout, and the way Abson makes you feel what it’s like to be there, cold, dangerous, and claustrophobic. The buildup kept me hooked, and for most of the book I was convinced this would be a standout read.
But the ending left me disappointed. The last exchange between Natalya and Vita felt clumsy (she just got her career back and was going to destroy it again.... dumb) and the decision to suddenly trust the security guard, especially while returning to the exact place she’d already been caught, felt like a lapse in otherwise sharp storytelling. After such strong momentum, it came across as weak and unconvincing.
Despite that, the journey was excellent, and Abson’s ability to create atmosphere and tension is undeniable. A flawed but thoroughly engaging thriller.
But the ending left me disappointed. The last exchange between Natalya and Vita felt clumsy (she just got her career back and was going to destroy it again.... dumb) and the decision to suddenly trust the security guard, especially while returning to the exact place she’d already been caught, felt like a lapse in otherwise sharp storytelling. After such strong momentum, it came across as weak and unconvincing.
Despite that, the journey was excellent, and Abson’s ability to create atmosphere and tension is undeniable. A flawed but thoroughly engaging thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
Natalya Ivanova is a great character, and that, plus the setting, made me pick up Black Wolf despite having mixed feelings about the first in the series, Motherland. It really is more of the same, which is a good thing for readers who enjoyed the previous novel. I had the same mixed feelings, and although G D Abson has found a formula that most reviewers obviously like, I won't be reading the next in the series if it appears, unless there is significant development. Throughout, I was wavering between a 3 and 4 star rating, thinking 7/10 would be about right, and then Natalya Ivanova did something physically impossible which knocked it down to 3 stars. Enjoyable enough if you liked Motherland and don't mind more of the same.
October 10, 2019
Enjoyable enough crime thriller set in contemporary St Petersburg, second in a series though I haven't read the first book. What I did like was Abson's convincingly chilly setting and how effectively he shows the frustrations of being a Good Cop in a corrupt system, with various departments involved in a power struggle that puts justice far down the list of priorities. However the police procedural aspect just didn't grab me and I was slow to warm to Natalya Ivanova. There's an undeniably tense, exciting climax, and I did keep turning pages to find out what happens next so Abson must be doing something right.Would I read more? Probably, though I won't rush out to buy that first book.
June 20, 2020
Second book of the Capt. Natalia Ivanova series; it's moderately entertaining, but it follows the pattern of similar novels on the new Russia: Putin is bad, everybody is corrupt, life is a bi*ch; and Natalia is of course a paragon of virtue, a maverick who fights crime and her bosses with the same determination, and is not shy in aiding and abetting an anti-government activist group about which she knows almost nothing; in the end, morally simplistic and well attuned to the prevailing narrative in the West about Russia.
February 22, 2022
A police procedural mystery set in Russia. Of course, it's a thriller.
Black Wolf, is about a woman who is found dead outside of St Petersburg during a morning in January. There are no traces because they have been buried in the snow. Then to make matters worse she has no injuries.
When the police close the case, Natalya believes they are hiding something and as the investigation unfolds you find out she was an anti-Putin activist. So, Natalya goes undercover to expose the truth, and here is where the mystery really begins.
Black Wolf, is about a woman who is found dead outside of St Petersburg during a morning in January. There are no traces because they have been buried in the snow. Then to make matters worse she has no injuries.
When the police close the case, Natalya believes they are hiding something and as the investigation unfolds you find out she was an anti-Putin activist. So, Natalya goes undercover to expose the truth, and here is where the mystery really begins.
April 13, 2019
There's a lot of corruption in this story,drinking and corruption.
It seems the higher up the ranks you are,the more corrupt you're likely to be.
Not being Russian,I didn't quite understand the different departments to supposedly uphold the law.
I now know not to trust most of them. 😁
Good central characters,a plot that nicely tied strands together that didn't look like they belonged anywhere near each other.
Interesting read.
My only real complaint was I found the pace a bit slow at times.
It seems the higher up the ranks you are,the more corrupt you're likely to be.
Not being Russian,I didn't quite understand the different departments to supposedly uphold the law.
I now know not to trust most of them. 😁
Good central characters,a plot that nicely tied strands together that didn't look like they belonged anywhere near each other.
Interesting read.
My only real complaint was I found the pace a bit slow at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2019
This is the second thriller for the main character, Captain Natalya Ivanova, although I didn’t realise this. However, the fact that I hadn’t read the first was not a problem. It did not detract from the story. She is a strong, and very likeable character.
If us set in St Petersburg, and is a police detective story. Filled with drama, suspense, and, being set in Russia, police and political corruption.
I highly recommend it.
If us set in St Petersburg, and is a police detective story. Filled with drama, suspense, and, being set in Russia, police and political corruption.
I highly recommend it.
August 8, 2019
Great thriller. I've read a lot of Cold War thrillers, usually with the plot and characters riddled with corruption. This novel was a good reminder that this can still be the case post Cold War.
The lead character came across as strong and capable, but insights into her frailties made her personable too.
The lead character came across as strong and capable, but insights into her frailties made her personable too.
May 23, 2020
Interesting thriller based in Russia with honest Senior Detective Captain Natalaya Ivanovo,fighting the system as an honest detective. Good plot, hard to place all the different Russian names. But great impression of the corrupt Russian system and how easy it is to fall from grace. Investigating the murder of two Decembrists. Good read.
May 27, 2023
Set against the backdrop of Putin’s Russia this had so much potential - corruption, political activists, murder and the brutal St Petersburg winter. It was a perfectly decent read but the ending was sudden and a bit too neat…. Stand off with the killer where he Bond villain like confesses all. Entertaining, well paced and not especially memorable.
July 17, 2019
A brooding and atmospheric Police procedural set in modern day Russia. The book details the inherent corruption throughout the legal system, which makes for a sobering read. I found the grand finale a little staged and theatrical, however it didn’t spoil the book for me. A decent read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews