Stuart M. Kaminsky
A Cold Red Sunrise (1988)
Author: Stuart M. Kaminsky
Genre: Mystery (Police Detective)
Plot Summary:
Deep in the Siberian taiga a Soviet dissident’s daughter is found dead. When the investigation into her death leads to the murder of the investigating detective, Moscow sends the body building, unorthodox, morally incorruptible Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov to unearth and apprehend the criminal. Accompanied by his assistant, the intimidating and impenetrable Emil Karpo, Inspector Rostnikov reluctantly leaves his warm home and loving wife for the frigid, isolated hinterland of Tumsk, Siberia. SPOILER: In the course of the investigation Rostnikov encounters regular political interference from his superiors in Moscow. He must contend with informers sent to spy on his progress, a recurring leg injury, the townspeople of Tumsk who are not entirely cooperative, and threats to his person from the murderer. What's worse, Rostnikov must race against the clock to uncover the criminal in order to speed back to Moscow and be by his wife's side as she battles a sudden illness. Despite these obstacles, Rostnikov adeptly, calmly, and with a tinge of ironic humor outmaneuvers and overcomes the numerous handicaps and obstructions.
Geographical Setting: Moscow and Siberia (USSR)
Time Period: Late 1980s, Soviet/Glasnost' Period
Series: Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov Mystery, number 5
Appeal Characteristics:
Author Stuart Kaminsky excels at developing a mosaic of characters while not forgoing depth of characterization. He achieves this by cultivating close bonds between the primary character, Rostnikov, and equally intriguing secondary characters, such as the enigmatic assistant Inspector Karpo and the competent, yet boyish Inspector Sasha Tkach. Relationships between characters in the police department are recurring and carry-over throughout the series, thus encouraging the reader to follow individuals as they evolve. From this montage of characters, Rostnikov emerges foremost as a complex realist who is incredibly able to balance the hazardous world of Soviet politics with his internal moral compass, all while still maintaining his mild wry sense of humor. Kaminsky also gives a voice to the killer, which provides the added element of suspense, and compels the story forward. The story exponentially builds to a climax while simultaneously being enriched by details of Soviet history, society, and culture. Kaminsky also adeptly juxtaposes the menacing, capricious world of Soviet state politics with the simpler, more personal world of provincial Siberia. When the two worlds intersect, indigenous Russian society confronts and resists the modern Soviet machine. Although the story resolves in the capture of the murderer, the discord between personal human needs and the demands of the Soviet state are never reconciled. Multiple plotlines centered on this theme compel a deeper affection for the characters and attachment to the series.
Read-alikes:
For more murder and corruption in Moscow, try Smith’s Gorky Park, which features the maverick Inspector Renko, a compelling plotline including Siberian sable smuggling, and more complicated politics on the Moscow police force. For readers looking for a grittier account of police force politics, multiple plotlines, and a variety of exciting and well-developed characters, Ed McBain’s Cop Hater is a sure bet. Another Soviet era novel by Olen Steinhauer, The Bridge of Sighs will appease readers' interests in rich descriptions of 1948 Eastern Europe, a compelling plot including departmental conspiracy, and multifaceted secondary characters. The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo portrays the humanity of its central characters in the police force against the backdrop of crime and corruption in Stockholm, mixed in with a slightly lighter tone similar to the Rostnikov series. Similarly set in Sweden, Henning Mankell depicts a darker and more melancholy side to police work in his Faceless Killers novel. For something different, readers might try Tony Hillerman’s A Thief of Time for its juxtaposition of the traditional and contemporary, its rich atmosphere centered on Navajo culture, and its lighter humorous side, similar to Kaminsky’s ability to draw humor from unbearable circumstances.
Red Flags: Some violence is depicted, although not overly graphic. Sexual acts appear in the book, but are not explicit.
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