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Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1)
Child 44 - Leo Demidov, Bk 1
Author: Tom Rob Smith
"There is no crime." — Stalin's Soviet Union strives to be a paradise for its workers, providing for all of their needs. One of its fundamental pillars is that its citizens live free from the fear of ordinary crime and criminals. — But in this society, millions do live in fear . . . of the State. Death is a whisper a...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780446402392
ISBN-10: 0446402397
Publication Date: 4/1/2009
Pages: 480
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 104

4 stars, based on 104 ratings
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

esjro avatar reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 946 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This thriller is one of the most hyped books this summer. The story follows one man's hunt to catch a serial killer of children. In typical thriller fashion, different chapters reveal what is happening with the protagonist, the killer, and occasionally victims or other side characters. Most chapters end with a cliff hanger before checking in with another character in the next.

Where Child 44 differs from the usual Safeway novel thrillers is in its setting - the story takes place in a Soviet Union ruled by Stalin. Clearly the author did quite a bit of research into that era, and he does a good job of showing the horrors and difficulties of life during that time. Much of the novel is spent developing the characters and setting - the murder investigations don't really rev up until the second half of the book.

Although the dialog is sometimes over-earnest and the who-dunnit aspect of the story is not very exciting, this book is still worth a read because of the dark but fascinating world and time it draws the reader into. This book should appeal to mystery/thriller fans, as well as those who enjoy historical fiction.
reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This book explore the psychological aspects of the politically minded very well. It's matter of fact tone sits well with the plot, and the (not often) action within is worthy of a Bourne-like movie. The plot is good, the pacing is good and if you have access to the audio version, give it a try! It's an excellent look into the communist's frame of mind, and the way people have to behave and act for their very survival.
reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 271 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
As it promised, this book kept me up long past my bedtime. The suspense begins from the first pages, and tension builds with every chapter. The surprising twists shocked me and kept me reading. This thriller is based on the notorious true life crimes of Andrei Chikatilo, who was a ritualistic serial killer in Soviet Russia. A reader can feel the oppression and the fear inspired by the government. I cared deeply about the characters and could not put this book down. It is "entirely convincing and frightening." I am looking forward to his next novel which picks up where this one leaves off.
bellasgranny avatar reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 468 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book is totally different from my usual fare, and I ordered it based on a fellow swapper's review. Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2008, this book is a definite page turner. An intense, very well written roller coaster ride that gripped me from the first page until the very last. Can't wait to order "The Secret Speech". Very highly recommend.
virginiamom avatar reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Excellent book. Really captures the bleakness of Russia (USSR) in the 30's and then in the 50s before Stalin dies. Favorably compares to Gorky Park and subsequent novels.
Read All 36 Book Reviews of "Child 44 Leo Demidov Bk 1"

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LENNY01 avatar reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
A great story as well as a good look at the Cold War Soviet Union.
reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
Not knowing much about Starlin-era Soviet Union I wasn't sure what I was getting into. I had read a little bit about the Gulag's, but nothing about the average person living at the time. This was exciting and fascinating at the same time. The story was riveting, but I'm not sure I liked the characters. I felt there was something a bit lacking in the explanation of the murders and what happened to Leo as a child. That sounds like a fascinating story too. I'll look into the next book for sure.
reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on
Somehow this book slipped below my radar...until now!
Set in Communist Russia when the average citizen lived with very little and in fear, the author introduces to a policeman whose everyday life involves beatings and sending fellow citizens to the Gulag. And this many times with fabricated charges.
After being involved with a case involving a child's death, brushing it aside, more sentencing for the family, the protagonist begins to evolve into a more caring person, even at risk to his family. A pattern of child murders has been uncovered.

Initially given a lot of information and trying to sort it out, the reader is "pulled in". I couldn't wait 'til the time of the day to read, yet didn't want to rush it but savor each chapter as it literally painted each chapter.
You'll be pulled in for a ride through a bleak time for Russians while Leo struggles to emerge into a new person.
Must reveal: as a Boomer this time still a draw, remembering Krushchev banging his fists declaring to bury America.
curledupwithabook avatar reviewed Child 44 (Leo Demidov, Bk 1) on + 169 more book reviews
Best book I've read this year, so far. Usually, I like a book to get right to the action and have little patience with authors that take their time setting the scene. TR Smith is such a good writer that he quickly draws you into, first, the back story, then the present day with all of its complexities and atrocities. The latter is so interesting that you don't even realize that half the book has been read before the focus turns to the child murders. Truly a story within a story!

The setting is post-revolutionary Russia just before and after Stalin's death. The protagonist, Leo Demidov, is a war hero turned security officer working for the state. He believes to his core in the righteousness of the laws, but is somewhat troubled by the ruthlessness and zeal with which they are enforced. Smith provides a chilling description of life during this time which was really no life at all when you consider the constant fear of being arrested for absolutely nothing.

It is in this surreal world, and after some personal tragedy and hardship, that our hero realizes that a serial killer is in their midst and dedicates himself to hunting down this creature and killing him. Because the existence of a serial killer would contradict the government's portrayal of their state as "crime-free", Leo risks his and his wife's lives by insisting that the killer exists and in pursuing his illegal investigation.

The tension builds and the atrocities against Leo and his wife (and those who assist them) continue until you simply can't put the book down. Very satisfying ending with a twist. You will NOT be disappointed in this book. Can't wait to read his second book!

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Series
Leo Demidov  1 of 3
People/Characters
Leo Demidov (Primary Character)
Raisa Demidov (Major Character)

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