Child 44 – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Saturday, 30 July , 2011 at 12:10 pm
Author: Tom Rob Smith
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-0-85720-408-0
In 1950’s Russia, people live in fear under Stalin’s terrifying regime. Leo Demidov, a secret police office in Moscow, has spent his career arresting anyone who steps out of line. However, his world is turned upside-down when he discovers evidence of a child killer. With the State insisting there’s no crime in Russia, Leo must put not only his own life at risk, but his wife’s too, to save the lives of others. Can Leo stop the killer without becoming a covered-up statistic himself?
The first pages of Child 44 are not easy to read, in fact I was wondering if I was going to be able to read on. However, the book proved to be gripping and I’m glad I read on.
This book is tense. If there’s one book that gets you right in the story, with the feeling of being there and living it too, it’s this one. It has just the right feel for a story based in 1950’s secretive Russia, not knowing who to trust or believe. It’s a edgy read which has even the reader being cautious and suspicious about the characters.
Child 44 was inspired by a real-life serial killer in Russia and Russia’s own criminal system (or lack of one that provided justice). According to the author’s Q&A at the end of the book, the television series “24” was also an influence. Tom Rob Smith wanted to write a book that was as exciting and compulsive as “24”. As a big fan of “24” (and now of Tom Rob Smith, too!), I can honestly say that he has succeeded. Child 44 has the tension, excitement and action of “24” and is compulsive reading, it’s a real page-turner.
Child 44 is one of the best books I’ve read this year and it’s definitely the best debut novel I’ve read so far this year. I can’t wait to read the next two books in this Leo Demidov trilogy, The Secret Speech and Agent 6.
Highly recommended!
Buy Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith from the Book Depository.
Tom Rob Smith is a British author from London.
This is the 20th book I’ve read for the British Books Challenge.
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Please note: I received this book free from Real Readers – Book Dagger. However, this is no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (5)
Category: Books,British Books Challenge,Crime,Historical Fiction,Mystery,Real Readers,Reviews,Thriller
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Comment by OldOldLady Of The Hills
Made Saturday, 30 of July , 2011 at 5:19 pm
I LOVE your reviews Nikki-Ann….You write so well–I feel like I really know what this book is about on a rather deep level…! I’m not sure it is something I will read because of the subject matter–BUT, I wouldn’t know about it or even consider it, if you hadn’t reviewed it! Thank You!
Comment by Yvonne
Made Saturday, 30 of July , 2011 at 10:28 pm
Hi Nikki,
I’m not sure that this is a storyline that I shall enjoy very much, but I have found my copy of the book, languishing in my TBR pile, so I have dug it out and brought it to the top and will definitely strive to give it a ‘fair reading’!!
Comment by Samantha
Made Thursday, 4 of August , 2011 at 1:19 am
This does sound like an interesting read but one that I would have to be in the right mood for. Great review!
Comment by Jerome Parisse
Made Thursday, 11 of August , 2011 at 8:20 am
This one sounds good. I’ll add it to my (already long) list of books to read this summer!
Comment by Kathleen
Made Sunday, 28 of August , 2011 at 9:24 pm
I love these kinds of crime fiction thrillers. The fact that this story is based on a real one makes it even more appealing to me.
