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The Russo-Turkish war is at a critical juncture, and Erast Fandorin, broken-hearted and disillusioned, has gone to the front in an attempt to forget his sorrows. But Fandorin's efforts to steer clear of trouble are thwarted when he comes to the aid of Varvara Suvorova - a 'progressive' Russian woman trying to make her way to the Russian headquarters to join her fiancé.Within days, Varvara's fiancé has been accused of treason, a Turkish victory looms on the horizon, and there are rumours of a Turkish spy hiding within their own camp. Our reluctant gentleman sleuth will need to resurrect all of his dormant powers of detection if he is to unmask the traitor, help the Russians to victory and smooth the path of young love.
'an exciting gallop through 19th-century Europe complete with parodic characters and outrageous moustaches. Derring is done and buckles swashed, while at the book's heart lies a melancholic and believable detective - and it works. Fandorin is a fascinating character and this is an excellent read.'
TELEGRAPH (15.10.05)
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