The best way I could think to describe this book is "supernatural biological thriller". It's also a testament to Murphy's Law. Interesting premise, using throwbacks in history to convey the story. I really cannot say much more about the story without giving away plot points, but you have a Russian Grand Duchess, a mad monk, a remote Alaskan island, wolves, a somewhat disgraced epidemiologist, a Russian geologist, an Inuit mayor, and two criminal brothers who are the most idiotic, hapless pair you ever met. Add in the aurora borealis and amazing Alaskan setting, and I found myself almost overwhelmed with the cast of characters! Good read, though. I might try his stuff again. (This one was definitely not in my normal wheelhouse, but the cover and blurb were intriguing enough to get me to check it out of the library.) ( )

I can see this being made into a movie, or at least, I hope it is! ( )

In The Romanov Cross, author Robert Masello combines a historical mystery with the heart pounding action of a thriller. After facing military ramifications for his maverick behavior, Dr. Frank Slater is sent to the graveyard on St. Peter's Island in Alaska to see if he can isolate the 1918 flu virus from any remains and hopefully head off a flu pandemic. Unknown to him, however, is the existence of a treasure, an emerald encrusted cross, that is going to put treasure hunters on the same island and set into motion a devastating chain of events. The cross points to the survival of
Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of the last czar of Russia.

There is a lot going on in this novel, but the story lines are easy to follow and the action moves along at a brisk pace. While I could introduce more of the various characters and their plans, rest assured that this is a perfect summer read. The events may move along quickly, but the characters and their stories are all well developed. Masello brilliantly divulges just enough information as the novel unfolds to keep you engrossed in what will happen next.

While I enjoyed The Romanov Cross immensely, I kept thinking I had read it before, or certainly a novel that had some of the same components in its plot: Anastasia, Alaska (or Canada) and the 1918 flu and a present day doctor searching for victims buried in the permafrost. But a name or author didn't present themselves to my memory so perhaps I'm cobbling several other books that did come to mind together and thinking they were one book like The Romanov Cross. Does it matter? Probably not since these are all plot elements that have certainly been in more than one novel.

Very highly recommended - this one is for all the action/adventure junkies out there looking for a well written summer fix/thrill.


Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Random House via Netgalley for review purposes.
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Anastasia supernatural in legend to some, is present through the mists and dangers of time. Once again criminal minds think of her wealth the royal treasure; when they gain knowledge of the scientist’s mission. Their actions leave them without protection as terrifying dangers evolve from the cunning guardian wolves.
Kozak and Slater fellow scientist’s research in Alaska, a world saturated with a deadly virus. Vicious wolves appear and scientists fight for their own lives. They are caught in the virus contamination that could lead to a disaster of epic proportions.
Gripping suspense unfolds in each thrilling trial for their survival. I recommend this book. ( )

A fresh new take on the end of the Romanov Dynasty. ( )