W.C. Ryan

In 1937 Stalinist Russia, CID detective Alexei Korolev is “asked” by the NKVD to find out more about the suspected suicide of a young woman in Ukraine who was working on a movie production subsidized by the state. If it is in fact suicide then he can consider the trip as a holiday without mentioning his orders, if not, then he is to investigate. Making things more precarious, she was having an affair with a party director. He has no choice, however, even though he would prefer to avoid political cases at all costs. He travels to Ukraine from Moscow by air - his first flight! The coroner finds the woman was murdered, which to Korolev’s horror means he must investigate party members. While he is loyal to the party he finds himself trapped by that loyalty and his obligation to justice.

Ryan’s writing portrays not only the terrible anxiety produced by Stalin’s Communism that is in opposition to the Orthodox church, still operating in secrecy, but also the danger of antagonizing the party during a time of Stalin’s frequent purges. An excellent novel, I look forward to reading more by Ryan.… (mehr)

[The Winter Guest] is a strangely atmospheric murder mystery set in post-WWI rural Ireland. Sent down from Dublin to investigate the death of a hero of the Easter Rising (who was once his fiancee), Harkin finds himself struggling with shellshock as he tries to unravel the crime against a backdrop of complicated familial relationships and political turmoil. Reminiscent of Charles Todd's Inspector Rutledge books, this book deftly handled the brutality of the Irish Civil War and captured the slow demise of a way of life. All in all, an engaging read - 4 stars.… (mehr)

1944.

He was a soldier. It’s been a long time since he was home. His name is the same. Paul Brandt. But in the period he was away, he’s changed. He doesn’t look the same, nor does he feel the same—one of the things that happens in a time of war.

He’ll stay home on the farm with his father and sister. Home was in a village in Poland. Now it is part of Nazi Germany—the future unknown. The war continues. A morning walk gives him a plan. This time he could help her. She may not recognize him, but he’s never forgotten her. Five years ago, Vienna was a different place, a different time. He had two names then. So did she.

WWII historical fiction unlike any other I’ve read, principally from the perspective of a soldier, a soldier in the Wehrmacht. A man riddled with guilt. A man that can’t change the past, but perhaps there is yet time to atone. The atmospheric writing is gripping in intensity. The imagery is haunting, chilling. The reader is grasped by the extent of depravity while others in their midst risk everything to turn the tide even for a moment, even if only possible for a few.

War. Orders. Resistance. Guilt. Redemption. The book is well-written, profound, complex, powerful, exemplary, and essential to the whole of literary WWII historical fiction. Highly recommended.

The Author’s Note at the novel’s end provides inspiration for the fictional version of the storyline based on SS officer Karl Höcker, actual locations, and events. The note includes a bibliography of work read during the author’s meticulous research.

Thank you to William Ryan, Skyhorse Publishing (Arcade), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

Reviewer's Note: Release Date for this edition by Skyhorse Publishing (Arcade) is November 7, 2023.… (mehr)

The Holy Thief. (Moscow Noir Book I)William Ryan. 2010. Korolev is a captain in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Moscow Militia, a policeman in 1936 Moscow. He is assigned to investigate the murder and torture of a woman found dead on the altar of a church. Stalin’s Great Terror is just beginning, and he is aware that he is being watched by the NKVD. He must thread his way between the KNVD and the Russian underworld. This is a fascinating way to look at Russian society during this time and it is a good mystery! I will read the other books in this series.… (mehr)