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Three Stations

An Arkady Renko Novel
Aug 28, 2010lwarman rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
This is easily the weakest of the otherwise fine series of Arkady Renko novels. Not only does it have a unrealistic plot worthy of Agatha Christie at her most florid, but it lacks the acute descriptions and compelling characterizations of the earlier novels. This is exacerbated by what appears to be a total lack of editing. For example, the first murder scene is described on page 13 as follows: "A half-empty litre of vodka stood on the floor next to a denim skirt, underpants, and shiny high-heeled boots" On page 34 Renko comments: "Her underpants were taken and she was left on display". The autopsy report on page 47 states: "Underpants were retrieved from an upper bunk in the trailer." What I found most distressing was the character of Arkady Renko himself. Once an endearing mix of cynicism and stubborn idealism, now he merely sounds tired. Perhaps it is time he retired.