R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 1/14/2013 + 1452 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I think that this Hugo award winning book would be classified as an alternate history. Israel is no more. Many Jewish people have settled in the federal district of Sitka, Alaska. However, the area is to be reverted to Alaskan control. Homicide detective Meyer Landsman and his partner, Berko Shemets, are searching for a murderer. Landsman's life is a mess. He drinks too much, has lost his wife and his career is in the doldrums. As a result, he has dedicated his life to law enforcement. His successes are admirable but his addiction to alcohol is tragic.

When Landsman discovers that his former wife, Bina, becomes his boss, he is frustrated and unsettled. How can he report to the woman he still loves and solve the murder that is consuming his interest - a murder she tells him to forget?

More murders, much investigation, and violent adventures lead Landsman into a tangle that only a chess game can help him solve. It's an outstanding read with romance, mystery, adventure and a tangled plot that keeps the reader forging ahead. While it would help the reader to have a good understanding of Yiddish, I still enjoyed it very much. Good one!

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details