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The Reluctant Contact
The Svalbard archipelago, 1977, Norwegian territory, yet closer to the north pole. Russian engineer Yuri arrives on the last boat to the Soviet mining outpost of Pyramiden, as the Arctic sun disappears for the winter. Yuri still plays by Stalin-era rules: Don't trust anyone; Keep your head down; Look after number one. Yet when a co-worker is found dead deep in the mine, the circumstances appear strange. Against his better judgement, Yuri breaks his own rules, and decides to investigate. At the same time, he begins a stormy love affair with the volatile, brooding Anya. She has come to Pyramiden to meet someone who has not shown himself in three months, if he exists at all. While the whole island is frozen in twenty-four-hour darkness, Yuri enters a dangerous world of secrets and conflicting agendas, where even the people closest to you are not always what they seem.
- GenresFiction
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2017
40 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Burke
11 books8 followersBorn and raised in Dublin, Stephen Burke's first novel, The Good Italian was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the Historical Writers Association Debut Fiction award. A screenwriter and director, his first feature film was Happy Ever Afters, starring Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins. A father of three children, he lives and works between Ireland and Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 28, 2017
We first meet the main character of this novel, Yuri, when he is returning from his brother’s funeral in Moscow to the Soviet mining outpost of Pyramiden. Most of the men aboard ship with him are on a two year contact, but Yuri is on his sixth. Chief engineer, Pyramiden, a Soviet showcase, is his adopted home. Still, even with the benefits of the amenities, such as they are, this is a bleak and frozen wasteland, in the Arctic Circle; while Timur, the secret service agent, is a constant thorn in Yuri’s side, as is his sneaky assistant, Semyon.
Yuri is a great believer in the old, Soviet rules – don’t trust anyone, keep your head down and look after number one. In order to side step complaints, he is careful to make himself indispensible, and, in order to make his life as easy and pleasant as possible, he tends to keep any relationships short term. After all, most women who work on Pyramiden leave after two years. However, his attempts to keep life simple are about to be challenged.
First, there is a sudden death, which Yuri suspects to be murder. Secondly, his life is about to be further complicated by two women. The first is a British visitor, called Catherine, who is a fanatical believer in communism, and who he finds himself having to keep watch on, when she visits Pyramiden. The second is the hard drinking, beautiful, Anya, who Yuri finds himself irresistibly drawn to.
With the various threads of storyline involving spies, defectors, informers and a murderer, this is an interesting thriller, with an unusual setting. I liked the characters, including the chess playing Grigori, unpleasant Timur and the bumbling Lithuanians, who seem to sway between wanting to help Yuri in his endeavours and beat him to a pulp… Indeed, this novel does have some humour in the bleak, icy surroundings and I really would like to see Yuri in a further novel.
Yuri is a great believer in the old, Soviet rules – don’t trust anyone, keep your head down and look after number one. In order to side step complaints, he is careful to make himself indispensible, and, in order to make his life as easy and pleasant as possible, he tends to keep any relationships short term. After all, most women who work on Pyramiden leave after two years. However, his attempts to keep life simple are about to be challenged.
First, there is a sudden death, which Yuri suspects to be murder. Secondly, his life is about to be further complicated by two women. The first is a British visitor, called Catherine, who is a fanatical believer in communism, and who he finds himself having to keep watch on, when she visits Pyramiden. The second is the hard drinking, beautiful, Anya, who Yuri finds himself irresistibly drawn to.
With the various threads of storyline involving spies, defectors, informers and a murderer, this is an interesting thriller, with an unusual setting. I liked the characters, including the chess playing Grigori, unpleasant Timur and the bumbling Lithuanians, who seem to sway between wanting to help Yuri in his endeavours and beat him to a pulp… Indeed, this novel does have some humour in the bleak, icy surroundings and I really would like to see Yuri in a further novel.
November 23, 2019
I stumbled upon this novel by accident and it was such a pleasant surprise. The novel takes place during the late '70s in a remote Soviet coal mine on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, only 80 kms from the Arctic Pole. The mine, Pyramiden, is a real place that actually operated till the end of the '90s, and now offer ghost town tourism with a hotel on its premises.
The setting offers all of the wonderful materials you could wish for - a closed community in which a rare dramatic event occurs that shakes up hidden secrets, creates and breaks relationships; a dark and harsh geographical background with significant psychological effects; a paranoid political atmosphere. And Burke knows just how to use all of these. The novel features unique and believable characters, psychological depth and compassion, lyrical atmospherics but also good pace and suspense.
The themes include loyalty to country and to friends; betrayal of a country, friends and lovers; ideology vs. pragmatism, man vs. nature, and much more.
The only comment I have is that Burke's decision to throw in a "big reveal" about one of the main characters quite late in the story did not add anything, and the issue itself was quite irrelevant here. I think there is enough "meat" and interest here without it, and that it was redundant in this case, a little bit too much. However, it did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying his writing, and I'll be looking for more from this author.
The setting offers all of the wonderful materials you could wish for - a closed community in which a rare dramatic event occurs that shakes up hidden secrets, creates and breaks relationships; a dark and harsh geographical background with significant psychological effects; a paranoid political atmosphere. And Burke knows just how to use all of these. The novel features unique and believable characters, psychological depth and compassion, lyrical atmospherics but also good pace and suspense.
The themes include loyalty to country and to friends; betrayal of a country, friends and lovers; ideology vs. pragmatism, man vs. nature, and much more.
The only comment I have is that Burke's decision to throw in a "big reveal" about one of the main characters quite late in the story did not add anything, and the issue itself was quite irrelevant here. I think there is enough "meat" and interest here without it, and that it was redundant in this case, a little bit too much. However, it did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying his writing, and I'll be looking for more from this author.
October 3, 2017
An intriguing murder mystery in Norway at the time of no daylight.
Yuri is the chief engineer in a mining camp in the far north of Norway, a place called Svalbard. He has just returned to the camp as the story begins after attending his brother’s funeral. It is the time of year when there are 24 hours of darkness and for most of the miners a 2-year contract is sufficient before they return to civilisation. Yuri, however, is on his sixth contract and seems to have adopted Svalbard as his home. He is happy to keep his head down and do his work avoiding conflict with the ever-present KGB officer Timur and the party official Grigory. His only weakness is a penchant for having affairs with the few women workers who are at the mine, affairs that last until the women return to Russia at the end of their contract. Affairs with no strings attached.
When Yuri returns he immediately becomes attracted to Anya, a beautiful woman and unlike his other conquests, she does not appear interested in him. This only spurs his interest and eventually, she does become his mistress. She is unpredictable and intriguing but Yuri is fascinated and starts to fall in love with her. She then tells him that she has come to Svalbard to meet a contact but she does not know who it is. Her previous partner has defected to The West and she is hoping that this mysterious person is going to help her make contact.
Added to the mix are various other interesting characters of various nationalities who are working in the mines. Catherine is a young English student who has a totally idealistic view of how wonderful Communism is and has come to Svalbard supposedly to write a thesis but in actuality just wants to be immersed in what, to her, is the proper way of life. Yuri’s assistant Semyon is an informer for the KGB but also wants to usurp Yuri as chief engineer. When he is found murdered deep in the mine Yuri becomes the chief suspect.
I really enjoyed reading this book, mainly because I liked the setting, the feeling of coldness and emptiness really came through and I could understand how drinking and sex were the only respite worth having in such a bleak and forbidding atmosphere. The story was intriguing with an unusual twist and it was one of those books that made you want to read whenever you could to find out what happened. I hope Yuri reappears in another book; there is certainly scope for a follow-up which I would definitely read.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Yuri is the chief engineer in a mining camp in the far north of Norway, a place called Svalbard. He has just returned to the camp as the story begins after attending his brother’s funeral. It is the time of year when there are 24 hours of darkness and for most of the miners a 2-year contract is sufficient before they return to civilisation. Yuri, however, is on his sixth contract and seems to have adopted Svalbard as his home. He is happy to keep his head down and do his work avoiding conflict with the ever-present KGB officer Timur and the party official Grigory. His only weakness is a penchant for having affairs with the few women workers who are at the mine, affairs that last until the women return to Russia at the end of their contract. Affairs with no strings attached.
When Yuri returns he immediately becomes attracted to Anya, a beautiful woman and unlike his other conquests, she does not appear interested in him. This only spurs his interest and eventually, she does become his mistress. She is unpredictable and intriguing but Yuri is fascinated and starts to fall in love with her. She then tells him that she has come to Svalbard to meet a contact but she does not know who it is. Her previous partner has defected to The West and she is hoping that this mysterious person is going to help her make contact.
Added to the mix are various other interesting characters of various nationalities who are working in the mines. Catherine is a young English student who has a totally idealistic view of how wonderful Communism is and has come to Svalbard supposedly to write a thesis but in actuality just wants to be immersed in what, to her, is the proper way of life. Yuri’s assistant Semyon is an informer for the KGB but also wants to usurp Yuri as chief engineer. When he is found murdered deep in the mine Yuri becomes the chief suspect.
I really enjoyed reading this book, mainly because I liked the setting, the feeling of coldness and emptiness really came through and I could understand how drinking and sex were the only respite worth having in such a bleak and forbidding atmosphere. The story was intriguing with an unusual twist and it was one of those books that made you want to read whenever you could to find out what happened. I hope Yuri reappears in another book; there is certainly scope for a follow-up which I would definitely read.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
May 14, 2021
Ok, straight away it was entertaining. I did not lose interest in the unfolding chapters as they kept me glued to read for more. It's a thriller with suspense. Anyone who is into mystery stuff can give it a try it will be good. There were many things in the book, but the story of lovers and how it ended was a bit emotional for me. Overall give it a try, the writer has put effort into it.
October 18, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 / 5 — Cold, claustrophobic, and completely captivating
This one’s way out of my usual reading lane, but I found it tucked away in an op shop and simply couldn’t resist. Safe to say — best impulsive purchase ever.
Set against the icy isolation of the Soviet Arctic in the 1960s, The Reluctant Contact throws you straight into a world where trust is dangerous, secrets are currency, and survival is never guaranteed. No spoilers here — but it’s the kind of story that keeps you questioning everyone and everything.
I could not put this one down. Stephen Burke’s writing completely transported me — the tension, the bleak beauty of the landscape, the uneasy sense that danger is always one conversation away. Every chapter ends like a quiet explosion, leaving you whispering “just one more” until it’s suddenly 2 a.m.
It’s part historical thriller, part psychological unraveling, and somehow still deeply human underneath all the snow and suspicion.
What to expect:
• Chilling Cold War tension and survival stakes
• Secrets layered inside secrets
• A protagonist you’ll root for even when you’re not sure you can trust them
• Vivid atmosphere that seeps under your skin
Final thoughts:
The Reluctant Contact is sharp, tense, and hauntingly immersive — the kind of book that reminds you why stepping outside your usual genres can be the most rewarding surprise.
This one’s way out of my usual reading lane, but I found it tucked away in an op shop and simply couldn’t resist. Safe to say — best impulsive purchase ever.
Set against the icy isolation of the Soviet Arctic in the 1960s, The Reluctant Contact throws you straight into a world where trust is dangerous, secrets are currency, and survival is never guaranteed. No spoilers here — but it’s the kind of story that keeps you questioning everyone and everything.
I could not put this one down. Stephen Burke’s writing completely transported me — the tension, the bleak beauty of the landscape, the uneasy sense that danger is always one conversation away. Every chapter ends like a quiet explosion, leaving you whispering “just one more” until it’s suddenly 2 a.m.
It’s part historical thriller, part psychological unraveling, and somehow still deeply human underneath all the snow and suspicion.
What to expect:
• Chilling Cold War tension and survival stakes
• Secrets layered inside secrets
• A protagonist you’ll root for even when you’re not sure you can trust them
• Vivid atmosphere that seeps under your skin
Final thoughts:
The Reluctant Contact is sharp, tense, and hauntingly immersive — the kind of book that reminds you why stepping outside your usual genres can be the most rewarding surprise.
March 20, 2018
I stumbled across this book in a bookshop and picked it up solely because it was written about the former Soviet outpost of Pyramiden, which is situated in the Arctic Circle and is now a ghost town. I had heard of the town before and was intrigued to read this novel.
I actually really enjoyed the book. It was a page-turner and gave me some insight into what life was like in Pyramiden in the 1970s during an Arctic winter. There was also some Cold War intrigue thrown in for good measure (defections, secrets and spies) and a love affair with a detached, alcoholic schoolteacher. I felt empathy for Yuri, the main protagonist, a loner who had adapted to life in Pyramiden. I also enjoyed the twists and turns of the novel and the sense that nothing was as it seemed and no one was who they said they were.
It was not particularly complicated book but proved a satisfying read over a snowy weekend.
I actually really enjoyed the book. It was a page-turner and gave me some insight into what life was like in Pyramiden in the 1970s during an Arctic winter. There was also some Cold War intrigue thrown in for good measure (defections, secrets and spies) and a love affair with a detached, alcoholic schoolteacher. I felt empathy for Yuri, the main protagonist, a loner who had adapted to life in Pyramiden. I also enjoyed the twists and turns of the novel and the sense that nothing was as it seemed and no one was who they said they were.
It was not particularly complicated book but proved a satisfying read over a snowy weekend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
It's rare to find a book about Spitsbergen, and I was surprised to come across this book in Ireland. I'm fascinated by Svalbard, which I have visited once - but not the Russian community which is (as we see in this book) not close to Spitsbergen and difficult to access. Which makes this story of an attempted escape from a Russian mining town (at a time when Russian was still the USSR) exciting. The story has many unlike aspects but works as a mystery and certainly is set in an unusual and unlikely setting!
January 25, 2018
A 2017 spy story set on Spitzbergen at the Soviet mine-site of Pyramiden in 1977 which is clunkily written early on but redeemed by an unexpected twist and taut conclusion as well as the icy setting and rounded characters. Yuri is the Chief Engineer who loves the isolation, but makes some dumb choices one of whom is Anya, an attractive, heavy-drinking school teacher. Their relationship becomes complicated when Yuri discovers she is going to defect and he is a reluctant go-between with the equally-reluctant contact.
April 19, 2021
Three and a half stars for this slight but engaging trip into Arctic territory with the KGB lurking over every move. The highlight is definitely Yuri, the main protagonist, who was one of the best lead characters I have read recently. His quirky approach to life, love and honour shines through as he tries to navigate the web of lies around him.
December 25, 2019
A slightly lighter but no less atmospheric Kolymsky Heights, The Reluctant Contact is a slow-burner that builds very well to a really enjoyable peak. My only issue is that the book could be 200 pages longer. Burke’s writing would make that a more than worthwhile read.
January 5, 2026
Hmm didn’t like the characters but LOVED the setting/world building so that kept me engaged for the first 70% of the book which otherwise would have been quite slow but then it actually gets interesting for the last 30%
January 5, 2018
Pretty good
March 8, 2018
Not bad. Classic page turner, I wasn't entirely convinced of the 'Russian-ness' of the book and characters.
August 22, 2018
Enjoyed this book, a few twists and turns. Probably more of a 3.7 stars.
February 3, 2024
An enjoyable read👍
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews