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When I was looking at the books Smith has written, I was surprised to see that I've actually read all of the Renko novels. I've liked all of the books, but have not been wild about them (well, except for Gorky Park, which I would rate 5 stars). For some reason, I just don't like the way Smith closes his novels, it always seems rushed, and Stalin's Ghost is no different. And yet, I think Renko is one of the remarkable characters I've run across in all of fiction. What a dilemma! 5 stars for the c
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A particularly noir series, but an excellent one for understanding the perplexing contrasts of modern Russia as it moves relentlessly into a future that can't separate from its past. Renko's just the man to show the way - not necessarily kind, or smart, or upstanding, but tenacious enough to never be satisfied by an easy story, no matter the appeal of its sound.
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Jan 22, 2020
Kara
marked it as to-read

Apr 07, 2025
Carla
marked it as to-read