Meet Capt. Alexei Korolev, an officer in Stalinist Moscow working in the Criminal Investigative Division as his country changes around him. Assigned to investigate the heinous murder of a young woman found mutilated on a church altar, Korolev begins the skillful juggling of politics and persistence that are his world.

He may be good at his job, but doing that job in the rapidly changing political environment becomes more challenging every day. And when the girl's murder seems linked to other organizations and possibly American visitors, it's not surprising that the case becomes dangerous. A concussion and attempted murder let him know he's moving in the right direction -- but it's iffy whether he'll survive to solve the case.

In just one book, Capt. Alexei Korolev is established as a classic detective, reminiscent of Poirot and Pinkerton. Solid detective work -- with none of the fancy-schmancy DNA and labwork of today's detectives -- and a spirit that believes in justice and speaking for the dead put this book instantly on the keeper shelf. Can't wait for the next Korolev mystery from Mr. Ryan!