Child 44 Stew

Begin with a rich, flavorful broth (beef, chicken, or, for those on a budget, cat) detailing Stalin-era Russia. Immediately add one MGB officer torn between duty to the State (who mandates there are no such thing as murderers) and an innate duty to find the serial killer who “doesn’t exist”.

Slowly stir in:
One estranged wife
44 creepy child murders (diced)
One deranged child murderer
One cat (the skinnier the better)

Let simmer. Skim often for clues. and cat hair.

This stark look at communist Russia was an absolute delight to read. I have never learned so much from a book nor been so immersed in a time period.

Tom Smith nails all the dirty details, from cannibalism to unapologetically bleak violence to Leo’s internal struggle as he realizes that Stalin’s regime and the “worker’s paradise” is fundamentally flawed.

From the first sentence—“Since Maria had decided to die her cat would have to fend for itself”, I was hooked.

If Smith had chosen to simply write a historical novel, it would have been worthwhile and I would be impressed. With the addition of a mystery/thriller, using communist Russia as a stunning backdrop to darker deeds, he creates a literary work of art. There are no glaring plot holes, the book moves along at a good speed, there are great plot twists, and Smith’s writing is elegant, to say the least.

I was particularly impressed with the fact that I didn’t see the ending coming from miles away. I pieced it together bit by bit, but I was still (occasionally) taken by surprise–big points to Smith!

This one rates a 8/10.

I look forward to Ridley Scott’s interpretation.