The revolutionary politics and chaotic history at the heart of Olen Steinhauer’s literary crime series set in Eastern Europe have made it one of today’s most acclaimed, garnering two Edgar Award nominations and numerous other awards. Upon reaching the tumultuous 1980s, the series comes full circle as one of the People’s Militia’s earliest cases reemerges to torment its inspectors, including militia chief Emil Brod, the original detective on the case. His arrest of a revolutionary leader in the late 1940s resulted in the politician’s imprisonment, but at the time Emil was too young to understand how great the cost would be. Only now, in 1989, when he is days from retirement and spends more and more time looking over his shoulder, does he realize that what he did in the line of duty may get him—and others—killed.
By fusing a story of revenge at any cost with a portrait of a country on the brink of collapse, Steinhauer masterfully brings the personal and political together with devastating results—and once again raises crime fiction to a stunning new level.
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"Steinhauer wraps up his People's Militia Series with this engrossing tale of revenge in the midst of the revolutionary events of 1989.It is not the sleek razor edged thriller Liberation Movements, but is a fascinating conclusion to this under-appreciated series. "
— Kevin (4 out of 5 stars)
“This story catches all the danger and excitement of the historic moment.”
— New York Times Book Review“Clipped, economical prose…Steinhauer offers a concrete end to the sins of the past.”
— Los Angeles Times“Employing an intricate story, characters both sympathetic and despicable as well as a remarkable sense of place, Steinhauer subtly illuminates an unforgettable historical moment.”
— Publishers Weekly“This is remarkable storytelling, exploring the life cycle of a state through the eyes of political idealists, government informants, and good cops like Brod who just want to solve crimes.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Brilliant conclusion of his ambitious Eastern European series…Masterful.”
— Kirkus Reviews" Last volume in his series about an Eastern European country from the end of World War II to the fall of communism. Enjoyed them all. "
— Amweatherill, 10/18/2009" The conclusion of Olen Steinhauer's series - the joint show the most in this book, perhaps too hastily written to put a cap on things, but a fitting end nonetheless. A great series of books. "
— Carrie, 1/6/2009" has all the elements of eastern euro good fiction, but ultiamtely not that good of a book. i am disappointed, as authopr has a lot of hype. "
— Tuck, 7/3/2008" This is part of a detective series set in a fictional Eastern European country. Now I want to read the earlier books. Very good writer. Much insight into the region and the politics. "
— Jeanne, 12/1/2007Olen Steinhauer is a New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, whose work has won the Dashiell Hammett Award, been a two-time Edgar Award finalist, and was shortlisted for the Anthony, the Macavity, the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger, the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, and the Barry awards.
Don Leslie has appeared on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theaters throughout the country. He has been heard in thousands of commercials, promos for all the broadcast networks and most cable stations, political campaigns, movie trailers, and over fifty audiobooks.