A beautifully written thriller from the acclaimed Cold War series writer: 'a welcome addition to the wartime ground mapped out by Philip Kerr and Alan Furst' Guardian

Prague, 1968: a young student is captured as he tries to flee the country in the wake of Russia's suppression of the Prague Spring.

Seven years later, a People's Militia homicide investigator boards a plane for Istanbul. When it is hijacked by Armenian terrorists, the Turkish authorities try to establish contact - but the plane explodes in mid-air.

No negotiation, no explanation.

Why? Two investigators are assigned to the case: Gavra Noukas, a homicide detective who lives a dangerous double-life, and Brano Sev, an experienced secret policeman loyal to the state. Both believe their superiors are keeping them in the dark but neither can work out why. As they start unravelling the elaborate mystery, though, a trail emerges - one leading back to a seven-year-old murder, a seemingly insignificant killing with terrifying consequences.

About the Author

OLEN STEINHAUER's first two novels, 'The Bridge of Sighs' and 'The Confession', have garnered thus far an Edgar nomination, an Anthony nomination, a Macavity nomination, a Historical Dagger nomination, and rave reviews. Inspired to write his Eastern European series while on a Fulbright Scholarship in Romania, Steinhauer was raised in Texas and now lives in Budapest, Hungary.

Reviews

Praise for 'The Istanbul Variations':

'Great stuff.' Observer

Praise for 'The Vienna Assignment':

'Fascinating...clever...a beautifully written spy thriller.' Guardian

'Steinhauer has carved a niche for his well-researched Cold War thrillers....vividly captures the atmosphere and the mood of the time, with credible characters and impressive detail.' Sunday Telegraph

'Highly recommended.' Irish Times

'Steinhauer shows himself to be a master of plotting...he doesn't put a foot wrong...exquisitely written, full of well-drawn characters.' Irish Examiner

Praise for Olen Steinhauer:

'A powerful, thought-provoking literary thriller in the mould of Philip Kerr's 'Berlin Noir' trilogy.' Daily Telegraph

'Think of the suspenseful erudition of Alan Furst's thrillers and Philip Kerr's eye-opening "Berlin Noir" trilogy... right up there on those stellar heights, casting new light on relatively recent history we thought we already knew everything about.' Chicago Tribune

'Steinhauer is a welcome addition to the wartime ground mapped out by Philip Kerr and Alan Furst.' Guardian

'Brilliant...this powerful novel grips from beginning to end.' Sunday Telegraph

Book Information
ISBN 9780007232062
Author Olen Steinhauer
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 210g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 18mm