Back from exile in the hellish reaches of the Soviet Union, homicide investigator Arkady Renko discovers that his country, his Moscow, even his job, are nearly dead. But his enemies are very much alive, and foremost among them are the powerful black-market crime lords of the Russian mafia. Hounded by this terrifying new underworld, chased by the ruthless minions of the newly rich and powerful, and tempted by his great love, defector Irina Asanova, Arkady can only hope desperately for escape. But fate has something else in store.

"Gripping . . . Smith at his best."--The Wall Street Journal

"A crackling suspense thriller."--The Boston Globe

"Fascinating . . . powerful."--The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Absorbing."--The New York Times

"Extraordinary."--Time