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Andreja Panasenko thought she knew her mother. But then, death changes everything.
Mourning the death of her mother, Andreja just wants to be left alone. When a strange journal of espionage and intrigue comes to light, along with an amendment to her mother’s will, peace is the last thing she’ll get.
To avoid losing her inheritance, Andreja must reconnect with her estranged sister. One problem, her sister went missing as a child, nearly fifty years ago.
Leo & Allissa travel to Riga to help, but they’re barely off the plane before Andrea’s nowhere to be seen. Taken or fled, they don’t know, but to find her, they must follow clues dating back to a time when powerful men ruled supreme.
From the backstreets of Riga to the vast Latvian forests, Leo & Allissa stumble into a dog-eat-dog world of politics, lies and secrets.
Can they find the truth about a woman who hasn’t been seen in fifty years to save another whose life they fear is on the line? Or will the ghosts of the past get the final word?
Riga is the new international detective thriller from bestselling author, Luke Richardson. If you like Clive Cussler, Nick Thacker, Ernest Dempsey, and Russell Blake, then you’ll love this explosive new adventure.
Mourning the death of her mother, Andreja just wants to be left alone. When a strange journal of espionage and intrigue comes to light, along with an amendment to her mother’s will, peace is the last thing she’ll get.
To avoid losing her inheritance, Andreja must reconnect with her estranged sister. One problem, her sister went missing as a child, nearly fifty years ago.
Leo & Allissa travel to Riga to help, but they’re barely off the plane before Andrea’s nowhere to be seen. Taken or fled, they don’t know, but to find her, they must follow clues dating back to a time when powerful men ruled supreme.
From the backstreets of Riga to the vast Latvian forests, Leo & Allissa stumble into a dog-eat-dog world of politics, lies and secrets.
Can they find the truth about a woman who hasn’t been seen in fifty years to save another whose life they fear is on the line? Or will the ghosts of the past get the final word?
Riga is the new international detective thriller from bestselling author, Luke Richardson. If you like Clive Cussler, Nick Thacker, Ernest Dempsey, and Russell Blake, then you’ll love this explosive new adventure.
- GenresAmazon
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2021
293 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Luke Richardson
76 books208 followersWANTED, adventure lovers for hazardous journey. Must be prepared for nail-biting action, constant danger, fear around every corner, with safe return doubtful.
If that sounds like your sort of thing, in your choice of books at least, then come with me...
Hey there, I’m Luke Richardson, and I’m applying for the job as your next favorite author!
As an Amazon bestselling author, I've had the honour of sharing my stories with readers all around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a travel addict, or just looking for a little excitement in your reading, my books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I write books that take you on a journey to foreign and exotic places, blending history, adventure, and suspense into a gripping tale.
In my books, you'll find yourself transported to places like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the glitzy skyscrapers of Hong Kong, or the shady backstreets of Kathmandu in Nepal. But it's not just about the locations; my stories are also filled with fascinating characters, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat action.
It was visiting India for the first time that actually made me want to start writing. The sun had just risen as we landed at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway.
I love sharing my stories and am proud to say that my books have been well-received by readers and reviewers. One of the greatest compliments I get is when people say that my books transport them to a new place. Although people often comment on the loveable characters, intricate plots, and fast-paced storytelling too. And I'm always working hard to bring you even more thrilling adventures.
So, if you're looking for a page-turning read that will take you on a journey to far-off lands, look no further than my books. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
If that sounds like your sort of thing, in your choice of books at least, then come with me...
Hey there, I’m Luke Richardson, and I’m applying for the job as your next favorite author!
As an Amazon bestselling author, I've had the honour of sharing my stories with readers all around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a travel addict, or just looking for a little excitement in your reading, my books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I write books that take you on a journey to foreign and exotic places, blending history, adventure, and suspense into a gripping tale.
In my books, you'll find yourself transported to places like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the glitzy skyscrapers of Hong Kong, or the shady backstreets of Kathmandu in Nepal. But it's not just about the locations; my stories are also filled with fascinating characters, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat action.
It was visiting India for the first time that actually made me want to start writing. The sun had just risen as we landed at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway.
I love sharing my stories and am proud to say that my books have been well-received by readers and reviewers. One of the greatest compliments I get is when people say that my books transport them to a new place. Although people often comment on the loveable characters, intricate plots, and fast-paced storytelling too. And I'm always working hard to bring you even more thrilling adventures.
So, if you're looking for a page-turning read that will take you on a journey to far-off lands, look no further than my books. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 15, 2021
Book 5 in the series and we find ourselves transported very quickly from Brighton to Riga ( the capital of Latvia ), Leo and Allissa have been employed to help find a missing sister, when this sister is found the other sister will then be a multi millionaire! ( I wont give anymore away than that ) except to say as always it won’t be easy for the pair to resolve the mystery, especially with the maybe soon to be President of Latvia on their tale
I love following these 2, I have said before, especially Leo and his panics and anxieties makes him such a real character and he works so well with Allissa who is the exact opposite
For me the series’ just gets better and better, as always the Country descriptions are spot on and I especially enjoyed the parts citing how Riga had changed since independence from The Soviet Union
There is never a dull moment in these stories, there is not endless chapters of filler, the action starts pretty much straight away and carries on through to the last page and this story has a major twist and turn I wasn’t expecting
It’s always good to spend time with Leo and Allissa and be part of their latest adventure
Great read
9/10
5 Stars
I love following these 2, I have said before, especially Leo and his panics and anxieties makes him such a real character and he works so well with Allissa who is the exact opposite
For me the series’ just gets better and better, as always the Country descriptions are spot on and I especially enjoyed the parts citing how Riga had changed since independence from The Soviet Union
There is never a dull moment in these stories, there is not endless chapters of filler, the action starts pretty much straight away and carries on through to the last page and this story has a major twist and turn I wasn’t expecting
It’s always good to spend time with Leo and Allissa and be part of their latest adventure
Great read
9/10
5 Stars
October 23, 2021
I've read all the previous books in this series, and this next one certainly didn't disappoint! We are again following Leo and Allissa in their next hunt for a missing person with this time their search taking them to the capital of Latvia, Riga. Leo and Allissa have been asked by a solicitor to help find Emilija, missing sister of Andreja and daughter of Marija. Marija has recently passed, but in her will has stated that unless her missing daughter Emilija (last seen as a child in Latvia in 1973) is either found or confirmed dead, Andreja will not receive her mother's inheritance. Andreja, somewhat outraged by this, travels with Leo and Allissa to Riga in order to find out what happened to her sister all those years ago. However, it is here that the plot begins to appear more complicated than Leo and Allissa first imagined. Andreja is not who Leo and Allissa initially thought she was, and the family history is tied up in a history involving the Soviet Union. I found the book to be a real page turner, with plenty of action and dialogue happening in each short chapter. This not only helped with the pace of the book, but kept you wanting to know more as a reader. The modern day descriptions of Riga and Latvia are mixed with a history that has gone before now, and it is by unveiling this history that Leo and Allissa can discover the truth about Emilja and her family. If you like a good thriller that will take you to another country and keep you on the edge of your seat as you read, then this is book I would most definitely recommend. I'm already looking forward to the next one due out next year, entitled 'Istanbul'.
October 15, 2021
Review of Riga by Luke Richardson.
I have read several books by Richardson and this one is one of my favorites.
He has a way of drawing you in and making you feel as though you are there in the action; at other times as an exclusive observer of some terrifying events.
This book moves easily between Latvia in the seventies and modern day England.
It begins with a family of four, Marija, her husband Peteris and their two young daughters, Andreja and Emilija making a perilous journey in very cold weather in a rickety old car with no heat. One of the girls has to relieve herself and in spite of their assurances that their destination is near, the child is insistent; the mother follows her daughter along a path so that she can relieve herself. From there the trip takes on tragic events.
In present day England an attorney must visit one of the girls, now grown. He knows that what he has to tell her will not be received well and that the task will include having to search for a member of that family who has been missing since the 1970's. He takes with him two excellent investigators, Leo and Allisa.
Leo and Allisa set out to find the missing family member. Their journey is perilous, full of action and sometimes terror.
This story has so many elements to it that only a skilled writer like Richardson could blend them into this beautifully flowing story.
I highly recommend this book.
Fritzi Redgrave.
I have read several books by Richardson and this one is one of my favorites.
He has a way of drawing you in and making you feel as though you are there in the action; at other times as an exclusive observer of some terrifying events.
This book moves easily between Latvia in the seventies and modern day England.
It begins with a family of four, Marija, her husband Peteris and their two young daughters, Andreja and Emilija making a perilous journey in very cold weather in a rickety old car with no heat. One of the girls has to relieve herself and in spite of their assurances that their destination is near, the child is insistent; the mother follows her daughter along a path so that she can relieve herself. From there the trip takes on tragic events.
In present day England an attorney must visit one of the girls, now grown. He knows that what he has to tell her will not be received well and that the task will include having to search for a member of that family who has been missing since the 1970's. He takes with him two excellent investigators, Leo and Allisa.
Leo and Allisa set out to find the missing family member. Their journey is perilous, full of action and sometimes terror.
This story has so many elements to it that only a skilled writer like Richardson could blend them into this beautifully flowing story.
I highly recommend this book.
Fritzi Redgrave.
August 23, 2022
This is the fifth book in a series in which a romantically involved English pair go off to exotic places and do investigations. She is the spunkier, brash one while he is slower mentally, but more of a romantic, providing muscle in a pinch. He does get to figure out the big plot twist before she does, but with the recurrent obvious clues, most readers will get it well before him.
I didn't read the earlier books but they certainly were referenced a lot -- the fellow would stop at a crucial moment and suddenly reflect on how this was like the time yadda yadda yadda (when I would be having the hero take quick responsive action, myself, if I was editing it, and stop woolgathering during crises). As the title indicates, a large part of the action is set in Riga. That's why I decided to read it in the first place: I wanted to learn more about that interesting Baltic city, its architecture and Latvian culture. Mostly it was stereotypical Iron curtain dreariness, even though it was set in the present. Rather flat presentation of setting that I felt could have been integrated more pleasingly.
The flow was choppy. All in all, although there were a few intriguing characters and I liked the premise, given the style and presentation of the novel, I don't think I'll read further in the series.
I didn't read the earlier books but they certainly were referenced a lot -- the fellow would stop at a crucial moment and suddenly reflect on how this was like the time yadda yadda yadda (when I would be having the hero take quick responsive action, myself, if I was editing it, and stop woolgathering during crises). As the title indicates, a large part of the action is set in Riga. That's why I decided to read it in the first place: I wanted to learn more about that interesting Baltic city, its architecture and Latvian culture. Mostly it was stereotypical Iron curtain dreariness, even though it was set in the present. Rather flat presentation of setting that I felt could have been integrated more pleasingly.
The flow was choppy. All in all, although there were a few intriguing characters and I liked the premise, given the style and presentation of the novel, I don't think I'll read further in the series.
July 12, 2024
I picked this up for a "Reading the World" challenge.
While I enjoyed the story itself, the writing was almost painful to read at times...every chase scene felt like it was in slow motion thanks to the clunky writing--and that's NOT the point of a chase scene, am I right? I didn't find the investigators terribly interesting characters either and the series is about their exploits, so I'm def done with this series. Maybe if he had a decent editor--to fix glaring spelling errors, the constant use of "floor" when "ground" was meant (so irritating!), and to streamline the prose (especially in moments of suspense, when concise language keeps the reader on edge rather than bored by the glut of repetitive language and overuse of adjectives)--I could imagine picking up another book by this author...the plot was interesting and I felt like I learned something about Latvia, so it wasn't a total loss.
While I enjoyed the story itself, the writing was almost painful to read at times...every chase scene felt like it was in slow motion thanks to the clunky writing--and that's NOT the point of a chase scene, am I right? I didn't find the investigators terribly interesting characters either and the series is about their exploits, so I'm def done with this series. Maybe if he had a decent editor--to fix glaring spelling errors, the constant use of "floor" when "ground" was meant (so irritating!), and to streamline the prose (especially in moments of suspense, when concise language keeps the reader on edge rather than bored by the glut of repetitive language and overuse of adjectives)--I could imagine picking up another book by this author...the plot was interesting and I felt like I learned something about Latvia, so it wasn't a total loss.
September 9, 2021
A family attempting to escape Latvia gets followed and pulled over. The mother and 1 daughter hide in the bushes and escapes. The father gets shot and dies, The other daughter gets taken and gets a name change. The mother dies and in the will, Andreja, must find her sister and find out what happened to her or lose her inheritance. A former ruthless KGB member, Mikhail, is running for president. As Andreja returns to Riga with two private detectives, Andreja is captured. Andreja has a map of hidden documents that can bring the government down. Mikhail will do what it takes to get the documents so they do not become public. The author makes you feel like you are there with them. All is not what it seems. A thriller that is captivating from the beginning.
September 11, 2021
Set in Riga and the Latvian countryside, this novel uses a post-Soviet spy scene, with a suppressed violent politico regime that lingers in candidates for Latvia’s current elections.
Leo and Allissa have a job to do. Find a missing daughter who disappeared during the Soviet era. Their investigation becomes embroiled in the history of missing and murdered people, victims of the former era State Security and it’s Commissioner, and secured documentation of the misdeeds.
Luke Richardson has a great knack for integrating his world travels into his thriller novels. With Riga, he’s done it better than ever. All the action is weaved into believable descriptions of the historic city and the forests beyond.
Leo and Allissa have a job to do. Find a missing daughter who disappeared during the Soviet era. Their investigation becomes embroiled in the history of missing and murdered people, victims of the former era State Security and it’s Commissioner, and secured documentation of the misdeeds.
Luke Richardson has a great knack for integrating his world travels into his thriller novels. With Riga, he’s done it better than ever. All the action is weaved into believable descriptions of the historic city and the forests beyond.
April 5, 2022
Riga - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A dual timeline between the present day in the UK and 1973 in Latvia, sees a Latvian family betrayed to the regime while trying to escape to the West, while
now with her mother's death, Andreja learns that to keep her cottage and the rest of her mother's legacy, she must prove if her long-lost sister's alive or dead.
Luckily Leo and Allissa, 'people-finders' supreme are available, (for a price) to lend a hand.
But with deadly enemies determined to seize power at any cost, and only an old Latvian man's help to decipher clues in a mysterious journal, can Leo and Allissa make a difference to a foreign country's future and get home safely?
Read Luke Richardson's unputdownable, 5-star, international thriller, Riga, today...you'll love it!
A dual timeline between the present day in the UK and 1973 in Latvia, sees a Latvian family betrayed to the regime while trying to escape to the West, while
now with her mother's death, Andreja learns that to keep her cottage and the rest of her mother's legacy, she must prove if her long-lost sister's alive or dead.
Luckily Leo and Allissa, 'people-finders' supreme are available, (for a price) to lend a hand.
But with deadly enemies determined to seize power at any cost, and only an old Latvian man's help to decipher clues in a mysterious journal, can Leo and Allissa make a difference to a foreign country's future and get home safely?
Read Luke Richardson's unputdownable, 5-star, international thriller, Riga, today...you'll love it!
September 20, 2021
This is another wonderful book by Luke about Leo and Alissa this time sent to find the whereabouts of a sister in Riga. The family escaped in the past but the whereabouts of the sister is unknown, is she even alive or dead.
This was a very clever plotline. There were many twists and turns to keep you turning those pages.I totally loved it, A bit like a treasure hunt with puzzles and clues to solve Such a rollercoaster.
The atmosphere as always in Luke's books is fantastic and you can really feel you are there (not a place I've been in real life!)
Totally recommended.
This was a very clever plotline. There were many twists and turns to keep you turning those pages.I totally loved it, A bit like a treasure hunt with puzzles and clues to solve Such a rollercoaster.
The atmosphere as always in Luke's books is fantastic and you can really feel you are there (not a place I've been in real life!)
Totally recommended.
October 11, 2021
I believe this is one of the best books in the Leo & Alissa series. Even though it is a work of fiction, it brings to the reader's attention all the drama and difficulties that happened in the past countries that were part of the USRR.Leo and Alissa keep on unravelling crimes of the past and bringing on them even more scary people and actions. It's a fast-paced story, full of action, and believable passages. Really worth reading! Very, very entertaining!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.
April 9, 2022
Intense!
I have loved each of the books in this series but this is definitely the best to date. Complicated plotlines and characters so lifelike you might know them.
Further, each novel is set in a wonderful location many of us haven't visited. The flavor and magic of each place lingers long after the last page as if you had actually been there.
So if you love twisted and thrilling adventures in far flung places grab Riga now! You will quickly be searching out the rest of the series.
I have loved each of the books in this series but this is definitely the best to date. Complicated plotlines and characters so lifelike you might know them.
Further, each novel is set in a wonderful location many of us haven't visited. The flavor and magic of each place lingers long after the last page as if you had actually been there.
So if you love twisted and thrilling adventures in far flung places grab Riga now! You will quickly be searching out the rest of the series.
December 30, 2021
Nothing compelling about the book
I would not recommend the book . No real character development. and none or them were particularly interesting. I thought the book would provide more interesting insight into the Latvian culture.
I would not recommend the book . No real character development. and none or them were particularly interesting. I thought the book would provide more interesting insight into the Latvian culture.
July 1, 2022
Remnants of the old KGB in an old European country are still crooked.
A team of P.I.s try to infiltrate a European country to find information of old corruption among the new guard. Plus they needed to find a daughter of an old spy.
A team of P.I.s try to infiltrate a European country to find information of old corruption among the new guard. Plus they needed to find a daughter of an old spy.
July 11, 2022
Riga
An international thriller with plenty of twists, turns and romance! This is a hard book to put down. I just couldn't wait to see what happened next.. My guesses were usually wrong, so I'd get another surprise. A very enjoyable book.
An international thriller with plenty of twists, turns and romance! This is a hard book to put down. I just couldn't wait to see what happened next.. My guesses were usually wrong, so I'd get another surprise. A very enjoyable book.
January 8, 2023
This novel kept me from going to bed. I kept telling myself and my dog, "Just one more chapter. OK. Just one more" until I finished it. Richardson was good at pulling me into the scene with his characters. If you haven't enough excitement in your life, you might want to read this.
June 7, 2024
So many twists and turns. What is truth? A fun adventure where our two intrepid detectives unravel the mystery, save the free world, and sort thing out. The good guys win and the baddies lose big time.
A great finish too - the last mystery solved! So, what’s next?
A great finish too - the last mystery solved! So, what’s next?
September 19, 2021
This is another great story. The story line kept me interested. I enjoy the books in this series.
July 21, 2022
Slow start but picked up pace.
December 19, 2022
Fantastic! Espionage mixed in with the hunt for a missing person.
January 2, 2022
The novel Riga opens up in 1973 with a family on the run from the KGB. But who will be sacrificed and who will get out alive?
After nearly Fifty years Leo and Allissa have been asked to track down a missing daughter Emilija. Allissa is excited about the job in hand but Leo's anxiety starts to kick in as every job they take on leads them into danger.
There is also a condition with this job the missing daughter's sister Andreja has to go with them to Riga.
Luke's writing style and Leo and Allissa characters just get stronger and more intense with every book.
I could feel myself there with them in Riga the sights sounds and taste of the city.
Every character in the book felt real,the good the bad and the ugly one!
I was kept in suspense throughout the whole book not knowing what was going to happen next!
I could picture every scene vividly and there were definitely a few heart stopping moments.
Luke has achieved what every author wants and that is to make the reader truly believe that this story is real and that you never want to book to end.
After nearly Fifty years Leo and Allissa have been asked to track down a missing daughter Emilija. Allissa is excited about the job in hand but Leo's anxiety starts to kick in as every job they take on leads them into danger.
There is also a condition with this job the missing daughter's sister Andreja has to go with them to Riga.
Luke's writing style and Leo and Allissa characters just get stronger and more intense with every book.
I could feel myself there with them in Riga the sights sounds and taste of the city.
Every character in the book felt real,the good the bad and the ugly one!
I was kept in suspense throughout the whole book not knowing what was going to happen next!
I could picture every scene vividly and there were definitely a few heart stopping moments.
Luke has achieved what every author wants and that is to make the reader truly believe that this story is real and that you never want to book to end.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews