Siberian Red

Stalin is sending Pekkala back to Siberia, this time to investigate a murder in his former prison camp, in the disguise of a prisoner. However, Stalin receives a telegram informing him that Pekkala isn’t on the train.  In reality, Pekkala is aboard the train, and is surprised when he discovers Stalin has sent a bodyguard for him amongst the prisoners.

Pekkala needs to earn the trust of the gang, which runs the camp.  If he can do that, he might be able to find the killer.  It just might result in his own death, however.  The camp commandant is confident that the case is closed, but Pekkala isn’t so sure.

An old file back in Moscow, discovered by Pekkala’s assistant, Major Kirov, identities the murder victim as a former agent of the tsar.  Pekkala also realises that he himself had been betrayed by the tsar.  When Pekkala escapes from the prison, Stalin sends Major Kirov in search of him.

Will Kirov manage to get to Siberia and save Pekkala or will Pekkala freeze to death in the depths of frozen Siberia?

Author Sam Eastland’s thriller is a very good read, based on historical facts.  I look forward to reading the next book in this series.