City of Ghosts

A Times 'Thriller of the Year'

Ben Creed author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Headline Publishing Group

Published:15th Oct '20

Should be back in stock very soon

City of Ghosts cover

In City of Ghosts, a former violinist turned cop investigates a series of chilling murders in 1951 Leningrad, uncovering dark secrets in a dangerous political landscape.

Set against the backdrop of Leningrad in 1951, City of Ghosts introduces us to Revol Rossel, a once-promising violinist turned state militia cop. As the remnants of war still haunt the city, Rossel is thrust into a chilling investigation when five frozen corpses are discovered meticulously arranged between railway lines. The mystery surrounding these deaths raises questions about whether a deranged killer is at work or if the MGB, the Soviet secret police, is involved. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Rossel navigates a world where every corner holds secrets and danger lurks in the shadows.

As he delves deeper into the case, Rossel's journey takes him into the heart of Leningrad's classical music scene, a world he knows all too well. The haunting melodies of his past intertwine with the grim realities of his present, leading him to confront not only the murderer but also his own shattered dreams. The investigation reveals layers of intrigue that connect the music he loves to the oppressive regime that seeks to control it. In City of Ghosts, the stakes rise as Rossel inches closer to the truth, risking everything in a city where trust is a luxury few can afford.

This debut novel is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines historical depth with a compelling narrative. With its vivid setting and complex characters, City of Ghosts promises to captivate readers, drawing them into a world where the echoes of the past collide with the chilling present.

A highly assured and entertaining debut . . . Martin Cruz Smith's Gorky Park [...] may have a true heir * THE TIMES *
A worthy successor to Cruz Smith's Arkady Renko . . . A fine and often moving thriller * FINANCIAL TIMES *

ISBN: 9781787394940

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 32mm

Weight: 293g

416 pages