Can't recommend this crime novel by Tom Rob Smith too highly. It's not only a cracking story of a serial killer set against the backdrop Soviet Russia in the early 50's but a highly readable and well-researched analysis of a system that believed crime in the USSR was only ever committed by foreigners and deviants. The atmosphere of mistrust among the militia and civilians not only within for each other but within their own ranks is brilliantly recounted. Somewhere in the middle of this is a love story between two people whose emotional journey takes just as many twists and turns as the intricate crime plot. The research is deep but relevant and entirely convincing. I love that there will be another one starring Leo Demidov and hopefuly, his wife Raisa.

My agent represents him. It's done really, really well.

My husband loved it but my usual pathetic squeamishness about crime novels involving children has stopped me from reading it so far. Think I'm going to give it a go now.

You should, Caroline. There isn't much dwelling on blood and gore - I can't read that stuff either.

In fact, I finished my current book last night(a children's book called Just Henry by Michele Magorian. Had very mixed feelings about it) so think I will go for Child 44 next...thanks for the rec!