I have read many books in my lifetime. From classics to science fiction to even an occasional romance novel, but of all these books, only very few have had the power to actually influence my life. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is one of these novels.

This riveting masterpiece takes you on the journey of a despondent young man contemplating an unthinkable ethical dilemma. Within the opening pages this novel will grab hold of you and send you back to 1800 Russia where you will vividly live the mental anguish and rationalization of the protagonist’s choice and the unexpected ramifications of his actions.

I love this story because I feel that it truly speaks to the human condition. Every single one of us at one point or another has faced ethical and moral dilemmas and the pressures that come with making the right choice.

If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of this novel and get ready for a twisted tale of greed, crime, and punishment you won’t soon forget.

Here I go again. Just can’t get enough of Arkady Renko. I knew Havana Bay was going to be a couldn’t put it down winner, when in the opening pages a character tells Renko, “A dead Russian, a live Russian. What’s the difference?” Talk about cynicism.

Havana Bay is the fourth book in the Arkady Renko novel series. Although some of Renko’s fans will be disappointed and upset at the turn of events that led their favorite investigator to Havana, Cuba, this novel is a riveting page turner that delivers.

Renko arrives in Havana Cuba with nothing to lose and delves into communism, a state he knows too well, in search of an old friend. Place a Russian in Cuba who speaks no Spanish, knows nothing about the island and its history, and can’t contain his need to ask questions, and you can’t help but get a heart-stopping thriller.

If you don’t’ already own it be sure to pick it up. For maximum satisfaction, it is strongly recommended that these novels be read in the order they were written.

Having read Gorky Park and Polar Star back to back, I didn’t know if I had the mental stamina to embark on another rollercoaster ride with Arkady Renko. The thought of another unrelenting page turner was exciting, yet exhausting.

However, the day after finishing Polar Star found me right back at the bookstore. But could I endure another string of sleepless nights completely absorbed in another couldn’t put it down page turner? I figured I just read a couple of chapters and then get some sleep. Of course I didn’t count on how quickly, in the hands of a master storyteller, one can be hopelessly ensnared. Like a junkie, I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading until my alarm clock, quite rudely, let me know it was time to go to work.

What I’ve enjoyed most about the Arkady Renko novels, is the author’s ability to make the protagonist seem so real that after I’ve finished one, I find Arkady Renko constantly cruising through my thoughts. This installment wasn’t much different.

In Red Square, Arkady Renko goes after the ghost of his past only to find that the future he had concocted in his mind all these years, in no way mirrored his current reality. I strongly recommend these novels are read in the order in which they were written. Pick up the first one now, if you haven’t yet done so, and get ready to be swept away.

WARNING: If you’re suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, or stress put the book down and step away from the bookshelf. I repeat: STEP AWAY FROM THE BOOKSHELF.

But if you’re like me, and you like sharp turns, big hills, and free falling, get ready to sail out into the Bearing sea on the Polar Star and be enthralled by this stomach lurching, white-knuckle gripping, page turning, heart throbbing experience.

If you didn’t already come to love Arkady Renko in Gorky Park, you will in this novel. The author, mercilessly takes you along with Renko on a series of unpredictable and shocking twists and turns that are sure to keep your heart rate up and your stomach churning.

If you don’t already own it be sure to pick up this couldn’t put it down winner and let it sweep you away in its story telling magic.

Tom Rob Smith. Repeat it to yourself. This is a name you need to remember. It will soon be as much a household name as Stephen King. It is almost inconceivable that this is his first book. Many very talented an author, with years of experience pounding the keyboard honing their craft, would sell their souls to write something half as good.

From the haunting opening sequences this story takes hold of you and never lets go.  In this remarkable book the author reworks the story of Andrei Chikatilo, Russia’s most notorious serial killer, into a chilling, riveting, and unforgettable jaunt through Stalinist Soviet Russia.

This couldn’t put it down unforgettable page turner draws you into a nightmarish world were the rules of justice and common human dignity are turned upside down.  This is at once a thriller, a mystery and a historical romance, but above all this is a serious book that will force you to fall in love all over again with basic concepts so many of us take for granted, such as liberty, democracy and the freedom to pursue ones own happiness.

This is by far one of the most enjoyable books ever written. There are not many novels one could be comfortable reading over and over again. This is one of those. I have myself read it four times and plan to read it again in the near future.

I recommend this novel to anyone, regardless of what type of genre you enjoy reading most.

Martin Cruz Smith displays true genius in his portrayal of Arkady Renko. Arkady is the head of Homicide in Moscow during an era when communism was deeply entrenched Russia.  Towards the end of this book you’ll find yourself slowing down hoping and praying it won’t end just yet.