Boris Akunin

Took a while to get into, found Erast is a bit irritating at the start, but then it became more of an adventure and I was carried along. I stopped worrying about their ranks or pronouncing names and streets. It got better when Erast starting showing some gumption in addition to intelligence. But the ending, what an awful, shocking ending. He will be changed forever and I can't read anymore.

Read 19.07.2023

Moscow, 1876. A spate of suicides among young students triggers and investigation by young investigator Erast Fandorin. The young men are killing themselves by "American Roulette," which is just what you think it is. The investigation leads Fandorin to some very strange conclusions, and across several countries. It's a good (I think) portrait of Russia and Europe at the time, and the mystery is well done. I'll probably read some more by Akunin.

I'm lying when I say I've 'finished' this book. I gave it a couple of goes, but never got beyond page 60. I couldn't get to grips with the cast of thousands (well, dozens, anyway)and perhaps its only fault really was in being a swashbuckling tale of derring-do. I don't really do swashbuckling tales of derring-do, so I'm not really one to judge. But I couldn't finish it.

i have read 3 akunin mysteries and this is my favorite so far. The use of narratives from different characters (reminiscent of wilkie collins, one of my all time favorites) worked well and added to the variety, making up for the closed setting of the ship.