The Ice Curtain: A Novel

by Robin White

A thriller that explodes with taut suspense and raw emotion, The Ice Curtain pulls us into a murder mystery that is at once compelling and deeply moving. With the skill of a master storyteller, the bestselling author of Siberian Light breathes life into a haunting and unforgettable landscape, weaving a dazzlingly original story of murder, deceit...and diamonds.The Ice CurtainThe Iron Curtain is down, and Russia has become a smuggler’s paradise. Hidden behind a curtain of ice in Siberia’s far north is the richest diamond mine on earth, a motherlode of treasure so vast it could break the back of the world’s oldest–and wealthiest–cartel. A cartel that will buy the enemies it can...and eliminate the ones it cannot. Against this turbulent backdrop, Gregori Nowek searches for the truth behind the murder of his best friend–shot in cold blood on a dark Moscow street. In a violent land where a twenty-dollar bill can buy or end a life, half a billion dollars in rough diamonds have vanished, lost between Siberia’s mines and Moscow’s vaults. The brutal murder of his best friend tests everything Nowek believes as a Russian, and as a man. In a dark realm of glittering diamonds, corrupt politicians, biznessmen, and cops caught up in the chaos of modern Russia, Nowek must find the missing diamonds before the world finds out they’re gone. At stake is the future of Russia itself.Nowek’s search will take him back to the place he knows best...Siberia, where the reason for his friend’s murder is buried inside a gem-filled chasm beneath eternal ice and snow. It is a secret guarded by the vastness of Siberia, the diamond cartel, and a beautiful young woman who, like the dazzling gems, is trapped in a grim city walled off from the world behind a curtain of ice.Dangerously stubborn and committed to the truth, Nowek risks his life to vindicate a friend, to secure Russia’s future, and to bring an astounding act of deception into the light of day. With haunting images and a powerful sense of character and place, The Ice Curtain is riveting entertainment. Deeply atmospheric and unfailingly gripping, it delivers top-notch suspense from its opening scene to its unforgettable climax.

Genres: Fiction

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series by Robin White about murder in Siberia - and then they stopped. I may just pull these down and re-read both again. I am surprised that the books haven't been optioned for a movie - I can see these easily on the big screen.

[Nohow2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diamonds in Siberia? Yes, and a thrilling adventure to go with it. Similar charactors from White's "Siberian Light". If you never thought you would experience feeeling for Russians, you will after reading this one.

[Tes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with Jean...The two books in this series (especially this one) would be thrilling on thie big screen.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome plot surrounding diamond cartels, the mafiya, and Russian government!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first novel by Robin White. A story of greed & callous control. A friend is murdered like a dog in the street for demanding the miners get paid. Nowek witnesses the crime & is determined to find the people responsible even if he has to team up with a FSB agent & go to the deep freeze of Siberia to learn the truth. But there is more danger than Nowek bargains for as he finds himself up against the most ruthless control freaks; the diamond hoarders. The story illuminates the struggle of the Russian spirit for hope in the harsh grey world of Siberia.

[Liz Hobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fabulous background detail on life in post soviet Russia and insightful look at the life and economy of Siberia. I enjoyed this thriller but my rating is relatively low because the story just didn't move fast enough for me and I found myself wishing I could get there quicker. I struggled to picture a lot of the scenes despite the copious amount of descriptive detail - at times there was just too much and I found myself skipping it. I'm on the fence about reading another from the same author - despite loving the story setting.

[Garth Pettersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, fast-paced novel with solid characters in a well-crafted setting (Yeltsin's Russia).

[Marva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over halfway through and still felt like the introduction. Nice descriptions though

[james · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author writes about modern day Siberia. Ice Curtain deals with the antics of a mammouth diamond cartel and a lone investigator. It's a quick read.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as sharp as some of his other offerings, but a fun, suspenseful read nonetheless. Did I say "fun"? I am so grateful to my parents for emigrating. Bolshoe spahceebo.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read.