Smith, Martin Cruz

This stand-alone novel may appeal more to historical fiction fans than readers of Smith's (Tatiana) espionage thrillers.

Recommended for libraries where the author is popular, although the stakes in earlier series entries have seemed higher. ["Burnished to a fine sheen, this tale has it all: a high-velocity plot…endearing chess-playing teenagers, patricide, and death-defying Renko, still indomitable despite a scarred and weary hide," read the starred review of the S. & S. hc, LJ 9/1/13.]

Burnished to a fine sheen, this tale has it all: a high-velocity plot complete with diabolically clever codes, endearing chess-playing teenagers, patricide, and death-defying Renko, still indomitable despite a scarred and weary hide. Pair Renko with Stuart Kaminsky's Inspector Rostnikov, and throw in Brett Ghelfi's gun-for-hire Alexei Volkovoy to achieve an unbeatable season of well-written and crackling reading enjoyment. [See Prepub Alert, 5/20/13.]

Fans everywhere will be eager to get the latest installment in the Renko saga, a terrific oeuvre for readers in every public library. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/15/10.]