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The Holy Thief

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The Holy Thief

By: William Ryan, W.C. Ryan
Narrated by: Seán Barrett
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About this listen

Moscow, 1936. In a deconsecrated church, a young woman is found dead, her mutilated body displayed on the altar for all to see. Captain Alexei Dimitrevich Korolev is asked to investigate. But when he discovers that the victim is an American citizen, the NKVD - the most feared organisation in Russia - becomes involved.

Soon, Korolev’s every step is under close scrutiny and one false move will mean exile to the frozen camps of the far north. Committed to uncovering the truth, Korolov enters the realm of the Thieves, who run Moscow’s underworld. And as more bodies are discovered and the pressure from above builds, Korolev will find not only his moral and political ideals threatened, but also his life....

©2010 William Ryan (P)2012 Isis Audio Historical Mystery Russia Fiction Suspense
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What an excellent debut! Well researched, beautifully developed characters and storyline, and so much subtle detail of ordinary lives in the time of Stalin. Very much enjoyed this novel and now anticipating the following and future works.

Subtle details of life under Stalin within an excellent storyline

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Wow - what a plot, with the perfect narrator. This may well be one of the few books I read more than once. Complex; yet eloquent, superb characters and storyline. I’m onto book two right now.

Outstanding reading 5 stars

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And that’s something I hardly ever do!

The author’s use of language and his side quips were hilarious . They were delivered with great timing by Mr Barrett and they succeeded in alleviating some very dark moments.

A terrific rendition of a terrific book. I’m so pleased there’s another two to read.

So good I listened twice

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Good crime novels are a welcome opportunity to step away from the mundane. I shall be keeping an eye out for other William Ryan books I like his style of writing and the narrator Sean Barrett is a joy to listen to.

Pleasant Surprise

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