City of Ghosts: A Times 'Thriller of the Year'

In 1951 Leningrad, Russia, Revol Rossel is a state militia cop investigating a series of desperate crimes. When he finds five frozen corpses arranged between railway lines, he is faced with the most puzzling and dangerous case of his career. His hunt for the truth leads him to the dark heart of Leningrad's musical establishment and the highest levels of the Kremlin itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Welbeck Publishing Group

Brilliantly orchestrated and utterly captivating, James Patterson's novel "The Crime Writers Association" transports readers to the tumultuous backdrop of Leningrad, Russia, in 1951. The shadow of war looms large, casting a dark shadow over the lives of its citizens. Revol Rossel, once a renowned violinist with a promising future, finds himself relegated to a humble position as a state militia cop, tasked with investigating desperate crimes in this desperate era. However, when five frozen corpses are discovered neatly arranged between railway lines, Rossel is plunged into the most perplexing and perilous case of his career. His relentless pursuit of the truth leads him deep into the heart of Leningrad's musical establishment, and ultimately to the highest echelons of the Kremlin itself.

This world, which he once knew intimately, holds a painful memory of shattered dreams and a potential threat lurking in the shadows. With his exceptional skills and unwavering determination, Rossel embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery that surrounds these corpses and expose the truth behind the enigmatic killings.

As he delves deeper into the intricate web of lies and deceit, Rossel encounters a cast of characters that are as complex and enigmatic as the case itself. From the enigmatic conductor, who holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the musical establishment, to the political figures who wield power behind the scenes, each character adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

Patterson's writing is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a seamless blend of historical accuracy and suspense. The atmosphere in Leningrad is palpable, and the reader is transported back to a time of political turmoil and cultural upheaval. The novel's intricate plot twists and turns keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction and wonder.

"The Crime Writers Association" is a highly assured and entertaining debut that showcases James Patterson's talent for creating compelling and intricate narratives. It is a worthy successor to Martin Cruz Smith's "Arkady Renko" series, and it is sure to captivate readers with its historical heft, plenty of twists along the way, and a uniquely ingenious code left behind by the murderer. This novel marks the beginning of a promising new historical crime series, and fans of the genre are in for a treat.

In conclusion, "The Crime Writers Association" by James Patterson is a masterful work of fiction that transports readers to the tumultuous backdrop of Leningrad, Russia, in 1951. With its brilliant orchestration, intricate plot, and compelling characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical crime fiction. Prepare to be immersed in a world of mystery, suspense, and intrigue as Revol Rossel embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic killings and expose the dark heart of Leningrad's musical establishment.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787394940