What a fantastic novel! From the very outset to the last page it had me gripped. The insidious nature of Stalin's Russia was quite possibly the most terrifying character. So palpable was the terror felt by the lesser mortals I found myself looking over my shoulder now and then to check for someone watching me read what would (ironically) be described as 'Western literature and anti-State propaganda'. I half expected a tap on my shoulder and the words: 'you're under arrest' to be directed at me by some soulless uniformed official!! There is nothing more terrifying than an all-controlling government dictating the very thoughts one should have, and this is demonstrated brilliantly in this novel. From the start of the investigation, or rather the non-investigation, Leo is told what to say and how to think, events, however, conspire to instigate a slow but dawning realisation that the State is wrong and that such terrible, brutal crimes must be stopped. Leo is left with the uncomfortable realisation that many innocent people have been blamed for the murders - murders which in Stalinist Russia simply cannot happen, these sorts of crimes are the forte of the West and to commit them must surely be politically motivated and therefore anti-State. The idea that someone could be monstrous enough to get some sort of perverse pleasure from such crimes or that the motivation is somehow personal is simply unacceptable and by definition such crimes do not and will not exist! The murders of the children and the reason behind them is nothing short of fabulous. Graphically detailed and abhorrent in every regard, the sheer number of dead children is appalling. What is more so is the official response, sparking Leo's eventual epiphany and change of heart. Setting him on course to place himself and everyone with whom he makes even the briefest of contacts in mortal peril. Of the several superb twists I did not see coming, Leo's past and the outcome for his and Vasili's issues for example, the identity of the killer was not a surprise, this in no way detracts from the excellent storyline. I don't think there is a single character who disappointed. Some of the lesser ones I found myself conjuring and ending for - the young boy on the road towards the end, the fellow prisoners, the children in the orphanages and so many others. Raisa, Leo, Nesterov, Vasili and of course the killer were all perfectly crafted. At the end of my copy there is a list of 44 facts about Stalinist Russia, the last of which is perhaps the most shocking. Jaw-dropping stuff, the novel and these facts both. The ending, although nicely put together leaves scope for the sequel, to which I am looking forward with a great deal of anticipation. And if as good as this I will no doubt find myself once again looking over my shoulder and picking up my jaw whilst shaking my head with the horrors perpetrated by insidious officialdom. Definitely recommended for lovers of factually accurate historical fiction reminiscent of the Bernie Gunther novels by Philip Kerr.

I read this book on a recommedation as this is not a genre that normally draws me in but I am glad I picked this book up. Well structured at it's heart and really keeps you wanting to see where things will turn next. Also it appears well researched and the level of detail lets you really jump into the extremes of the time.

So glad someone recommended this book - it is a terrific read. For me it’s strength lies in immersing the reader in the lives of those who lived through that particular period in history and helps you understand the way the state operated like no other thriller I have read. The story is so well written and the action is unrelenting, I just hope that the next two books are as good, because they will be ordered next!

Highly recommend this book to any thriller lover. Child 44 has a fantastic, twist in the tale ending, which will come as a delight to any reader who loves this. Through Tom Rob Smith's skilful manipulation of language he keeps the readers interest throughout. A brilliant book, rich, different, fully-formed, mature... and thrilling. Child 44 is a remarkable debut novel - inventive, edgy and relentlessly gripping from the first page to the last. Tom Rob Smith is a natural storyteller.

A perfect historical thriller, Child 44 is set in Stalin's Soviet Union and is replete with menace. One of the best thrillers I've ever read.