This book is more of a commentary on the plight of children in Russia. It has prostitution, pedohilia, children gangs, under age pimps, mafia murderers, midgets, dancers, illegal immigrants and corrupt militia. All running around three train stations in the center of Moscow. As a side show Renko investigates a murder in one of the train station, which leads him to discover that there is a serial killer who positions his victims, semi-nude, in ballet poses.

This is not one of Martin Cruz Smith's better Renko books. He seems to be trying to make a social statement rather than a mystery with social overtones. As a result I did not find it very rewarding. The jumping from one plot to the other is confusing. He seems to have written two books and at the last minute put them toghether.

Renko does retain some of his rebel qualities, but they only show in flashes and the side characters are as vivid as always, specially Victor.