The Silver Bone

A Novel (Samson Kolechko Investigates, Book 1)

De: Andrey Kurkov

Narrado por: Josh Bloomberg

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024

""Very intriguing and atmospheric ... a fascinating read in the light of contemporary events.” –Alexander McCall Smith, Bestselling Author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

""With its earthy prose and stunning attention to detail, this stands apart."" –Publishers Weekly (starred review)

From Ukraine’s most celebrated novelist, ""a gift for crime fiction fans"" (New York Times Book Review) that introduces rookie detective Samson Kolechko in Kyiv as he tackles his first case, set against real life details of the tumultuous early twentieth century.

Kyiv, 1919. World War I has ended in Western Europe, but to the East, six factions continue to vie for control of Ukraine. Amidst the political turmoil, young Samson Kolechko is forced to place his engineering career on hold. But in the city of Kyiv everything remains up for grabs and new opportunity lurks just around the corner . . .

When two Red Army soldiers commandeer his home, Samson’s life is completely upended. But as Samson juggles his personal life –including a budding romance with the ingenious Nadezhda, a statistician helping run the city’s census– with the soldiers’ intrusion, he winds up overhearing their secret plans. Deciding to report them, Samson instead finds himself unwittingly recruited as an investigator for the city’s new police force.

His first case involves two murders, a long bone made of pure silver, and a suit of decidedly unusual proportions tailored from fine English cloth. The odds stacked against him, Samson turns to Nadezhda, who proves to be more than his match. Inflected with Kurkov’s signature humor and off kilter universe, The Silver Bone takes its inspiration from the archives of Kyiv's secret police, crafting a propulsive narrative bursting to life with rich historical detail.

Translated from the Russian by Boris Dralyuk

©2024 Andrey Kurkov (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent New Series

This is the first book in a fascinating new historical mystery series, set in Kiev, Ukraine in 1919, at the height of the civil war between the Soviets, democratic Ukrainians and what was left of the old imperial Russian forces. The main character, Samson Kolechko, is a sympathetic and optimistic survivor navigating his way in very treacherous waters as a police investigator.

I’ve heard Andrey Kurkov referred to as Ukraine’s answer to Boris Akunin (whose mysteries I’ve really enjoyed), but I think he’s considerably more than that. Superbly written, insightful and with a touch of magical realism, this series is well worth your time. Please translate the other books in the series as soon as possible!

Interesting history with an engaging main character

Very sympathetic lead character set in a fascinating historical era in Kiev. Immersive background and compelling story. The reader was outstanding.

Good narration

Ending was a bit abrupt leaving the main character sort of hanging. Hopefully he continues in a future endeavor.

Moving and all too pertinent

The mystery plot doesn’t kick in until around the halfway point. The first part gives a harrowing depiction of daily life in Kiev in 1919, during an earlier occupation by Russian troops, with the brutal complication of Cossacks, bandits and counter-revolutionaries. The literary quality is exceptionally high, far above the usual run of detective fiction, but don’t expect an Agatha Christie-style puzzle. Rather, it’s a historical novel about an accidental policeman, who has to learn on the job. Kiev itself is vividly depicted, and the depiction can break your heart when you think of what is happening today.

Interesting insight into Ukrainian mind, culture, and some history

Description of Ukrainian life in that troubled time. Seems like there's not much Ukrainian history that hasn't been troubled.

the novelty of the setting

He provdes great character development and Russian style of prose. unique location for readers who are interested in the complicated geopolitical history of the region.

Interesting history, disappointing plot

Learning about this tumultuous period for this long-suffering country is interesting. But, as mysteries/police procedurals go the plot is subpar. The writing is clumsy. I will chalk that up to translation. But I can not recommend the book.