Independence Square by Martin Cruz Smith

Why haven’t I read this author’s works before? I absolutely loved and admired the way Smith created a murder mystery within the mire of Russian political activity. This is a book that lovers of Martin Cruz Smith will be delighted to read, but newcomers like me will be equally won over to the Arkady Renko series. Crossing over from Moscow  into the Crimean Peninsula and Ukraine, Arkady Renko is embroiled into an investigation of the disappearance of a young woman. As he investigates, the body count rises, and the missing woman’s friend becomes a romantic interest. He is constantly confronted by corruption and the struggle to find truth in the Russian political world is almost impossible. Money, coercion and intimidation speak far louder than truth and Russia seems to express its power in so many unsavoury ways. Can you solve a crime within the mess of Putin’s creation while also battling the personal challenge of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis?

Seated in the uncomfortable world of Moscow’s power and policing anomalies, this is almost an expose of the horrors of Russia and helps to understand how the invasion of Ukraine could ever occur. With bikers acting as political enforcers, police investigations tarred with corruption, and murder as a solution to uncomfortable realities, it is not surprising that Putin has remained in power and can accumulate obscene personal wealth at the expense of his country. This is the kind of murder mystery that adult readers will relish as it has a mature insight into the struggles in Russia, and some understanding of past historical events and present political posturing is also beneficial. The central character is flawed physically but seems surprisingly untainted in his struggles to uncover truth. There is also a tense ‘escape’ from the clutches of Russian authority. This is a well-written journey into the messiness of corrupted power. It is highly recommended for adult readers but mature and politically-aware readers aged 16+ will also enjoy this quick-paced drama.

Themes: Russia, Ukraine, Corruption, Bikers, Murder mystery, Parkinson’s disease.

Carolyn Hull