Polar Star
Books | Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
3.8
Martin Cruz Smith
Don't miss the latest book in the Arkady Renko series, THE SIBERIAN DILEMMA by Martin Cruz Smith, ‘the master of the international thriller’ (New York Times) – available to order now! AN ARKADY RENKO NOVEL: #2 'One of those writers that anyone who is serious about their craft views with respect bordering on awe' Val McDermid 'Makes tension rise through the page like a shark's fin’ Independent *** Arkady Renko, former Chief Investigator of the Moscow Town Prosecutor's Office, made too many enemies and lost the favour of his party. After a self-imposed exile in Siberia, Renko toils on the 'slime line' of a factory ship in the Bering Sea. But when an adventurous Georgian woman comes up with the day's catch, the signs of murder are undeniable. Up against the Soviet bureaucracy in a complex international web, Renko must again become the obsessed, dedicated cop he once was. And in doing so, he discovers much more than he bargained for . . .Praise for Martin Cruz Smith 'The story drips with atmosphere and authenticity – a literary triumph' David Young, bestselling author of Stasi Child 'One of those writers that anyone who is serious about their craft views with respect bordering on awe' Val McDermid ‘Cleverly and intelligently told, The Girl from Venice is a truly riveting tale of love, mystery and rampant danger. I loved it’ Kate Furnivall, author of The Liberation ‘Smith not only constructs grittily realistic plots, he also has a gift for characterisation of which most thriller writers can only dream' Mail on Sunday 'Smith was among the first of a new generation of writers who made thrillers literary' Guardian 'Brilliantly worked, marvellously written . . . an imaginative triumph' Sunday Times ‘Martin Cruz Smith’s Renko novels are superb’ William Ryan, author of The Constant Soldier
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More Details:
Author
Martin Cruz Smith
Pages
592
Publisher
Simon and Schuster
Published Date
2013-08-15
ISBN
1849838240 9781849838245
Community ReviewsSee all
"First off, who knew fish gutting could be so dramatic? I mean, seriously, Arkady Renko, exiled to the frozen wasteland of the Bering Sea? Talk about a demotion! But hey, at least the scenery is breathtaking (if you ignore the constant threat of hypothermia).
Then, along comes Zinaida, a breath of fresh air (and smuggled American rock music). She's like a ray of sunshine in a snowstorm, and honestly, I was rooting for her. But alas, tragedy strikes. And of course, Renko, being the nosy detective he is, can't resist poking his nose into the investigation.
What follows is a thrilling chase through ice floes and Soviet bureaucracy. Renko, with his signature blend of cynicism and charm, navigates this treacherous landscape with a mix of cunning and sheer luck. Let's just say, he's not afraid to bend the rules (or break a few laws) to get the job done.
Why 4 stars?
* The atmosphere is absolutely chilling. You can practically feel the icy wind biting at your face.
* Renko is a master of deadpan humor. He'd probably give Eeyore a run for his money in the misery department.
* The plot twists will leave you shivering. In a good way, I promise.
But:
* The pacing can be a bit glacial at times. (See what I did there?)
Overall:
"Polar Star" is a worthy successor to "Gorky Park." It's a captivating blend of mystery, intrigue, and icy cold thrills. Just be prepared for a few slow patches and a healthy dose of Soviet cynicism.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need a stiff drink. Something strong. Something that will warm me from the inside out.
"
sappybeans
