Saint Petersburg today can be deadly. A young woman disappears in the half-light of the White Nights.
Inspector Natalya Ivanova, known as much for her integrity as for her sharp tongue, is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a Swedish student. Her team investigates under high pressure, as the victim's father is extremely wealthy and her bosses want a quick success in the investigation. In fact, the case seems to be solved when a completely burnt body is found. Next to the remains: Zena Dahl's handbag, on which fingerprints can be found. But Natalya is sure that someone is pulling the strings in the background, and she does everything she can to uncover the true connections, against the instructions of her superiors. In doing so, she not only puts her own life in danger.
Natalya Ivanova does not bow to any system, but pursues only one goal, whatever the cost: the truth.
Excitingly written and you either begin to love or hate the protagonists. ( )

This is a crime novel set in modern day Russia, complete with all the corruption and shady dealing that goes with it. The main character Natalya Ivanova comes across the possible kidnapping of the daughter of a very rich Swede and is tasked with investigating it. However, there are complications. Due to the wealth of the family she must solve the case quickly but at the same time deal with departmental politics and the FSB at the same time. I quite enjoyed this but having recently been reading a lot of Val McDermid it fell short of the mark. This is perhaps an unfair comparison because McDermid is a master of the craft but it is how I feel nonetheless. The plot is fast paced and although I quickly suspected the main 'villain' It took me a while to suss out how he fitted into the bigger picture. There is a second book in the series and I will probably search it out at some point in the future. ( )

This was not a smooth exciting read for me. Weather it was the Russian mix, slow plot or the "I did not care about these Characters". This is usually the type of book I like with the crime mystery "Who done it" narrative. "A copy of this book was provided by Mirror Books via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." ( )

A wonderful mystery/thriller and first in a series set in St. Petersburg, Russia (present day). Since I have never been to Russia, I assume that the detailed description of the place and the people are accurate. I will admit that it all seemed very believable with the characters and the mystery.

I will definitely continue with this series.

My thanks to netgalley and Mirror Books for this advanced readers copy. ( )