Detective Arkady Renko-"one of the most compelling figures in modern fiction" (USA TODAY)-returns in this tense thriller set amid the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In the latest installment of Martin Cruz Smith's celebrated Arkady Renko series, the legendary Moscow investigator seeks to solve the murder of a diplomat as Russia's invasion of Ukraine wears on and the effects of Renko's Parkinson's Disease worsen. Helped by his lover, journalist Tatiana Petrovna, Renko traces the murder to a Russian paramilitary group aided by a government official who also used to be a romantic partner of Renko. Before long, those responsible for the killing look to similarly dispatch Arkady and Tatiana-all of it leading to a thrilling and action-packed climax. Hotel Ukraine upholds Martin Cruz Smith's reputation as a master of modern detective fiction and Arkady Renko's standing as one of the genre's most complex protagonists. Martin Cruz Smith's novels include Gorky Park, Stallion Gate, Nightwing, Polar Star, Stalin's Ghost, Rose, December 6, Tatiana, The Girl from Venice, The Siberian Dilemma, and Independence Square. He was a two-time winner of the Hammett Prize, a recipient of the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award and Britain's Golden Dagger Award, and a winner of the Premio Piemonte Giallo Internazionale. "Jeremy Bobb transports listeners to Russia during the early days of the invasion of Ukraine as Detective Arkady Renko investigates the brutal murder of a Russian minister of defense. Bobb's strong narration, which is marked by authentic-sounding pronunciation and excellent timing, provides the perfect backdrop for this contemporary thriller, which exudes a distinct atmosphere of Putin's Russia. He brings Renko to life as a believable, complex character who is facing numerous challenges, including hiding his Parkinson's diagnosis from colleagues. Bobb also voices a diverse and compelling group of supporting characters. Although this is the final installment in the series, the author's sharp plotting combined with Bobb's superb narration makes it an enjoyable and engaging listen even for newcomers."
