Intrigue

This audio book is very well narrated it keeps the listener interested and is due opening

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A little predictable, but extremely enjoyable

It's a historical mystery and is extremely enjoyable. If you are a detective mystery fan then there won't be a lot of surprises here...sometimes that increases the tension. It's well constructed, interesting and has decent action sequences.

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Worth a listen - war time thriller.

I wasn't sure at first with this title. I don't normally read anything like this, but the story is well constructed with interesting characters. Steven Pacey is just fantastic as the narrator as usual. There is a lot of historical stuff in this book as you'd guess, but the author mixes the truth with fiction to make a really good story. Book two downloaded now!

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4 people found this helpful

Great Story but Drags a lot

I know a lot of people like this book and it certainly has an excellent story. However, the writer's style kills the books for me. The writer is dedicated to flashbacks -- we have long episodes of flashback. Some serve a purpose to give a background of Pekala's life but to me there are just so many of them that they break the flow of the plot.

Looking for the murderer of the last Tsar certainly makes for a gripping story. And when that story is being told the book is interesting. However, the constant interruptions of the story with these flashbacks just killed the book for me. I will not be reading any more of this author as I understand that all his books contain flashbacks. It is simply an unappealing style for me, but for readers who don't object, this is good book. My rating of the book is due to the flashback which I find to interrupting and made the real story seem disjointed.

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4 people found this helpful

This story gripped me from the beginning.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Characters finely drawn with broad brush strokes confidently defining a difficult time in Russian history. Brilliantly told, and held me captivated by the strength of the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Eye of the Red Tsar?

The description of the railway station where he was held, having been discovered as the eye of the tzar. The cold and cruelty described took my breath away. I froze in what I was doing to listen.

What does Steven Pacey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His voice, his accent, his persuasion to lead you on in the story. Riveting.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me cry, and wonder.

Any additional comments?

A beautiful book.

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4 people found this helpful

Eye of the red Tsar

An evocative, informative, and well-researched historical novel based on the final years of the Russian Imperial family. Although fictitious much of the storyline is based on real events. There are fine descriptions of the main characters from the Tsar to Stalin and their respective supporters and detractors which are excellently Iortrayed. In addition the author gives vivid descriptions of historic events. The novel concludes with a brief but excellent timeline ending with the final recognition, using DNA, of the remains of Tsar and his family.

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Good story

I am a huge fan of the Martin Cruz Smith series of Arkady Renko books, and having read them all, I was recomended the Inspector Pekkala series.

Straight away I was hooked when I read the basic plot and reviews to see that it was my kind of stories and gave it a try.

This story is a fantastic introduction, as it follows two stories. One set in the 1930's following Inspector Pekkala as he is dragged out of the Gulags and forced to do a deal with the devil and work for the man who put him in the Gulags in the first place.

The second story is in terms of flashbacks to cover his rise to power from working in his dads undertakers buisness in Finland (then part of the Russian empire) to becoming the personal bodyguard/detective of the Russian Tsar right up to the Russian revolution.

The performance is pretty good and smooth, though when the reader tries a Borat-ish style Russian accent.

All in all very good, and going to move on to the second book.

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CRACKING READ

WELL NARRATED GOOD PLOT LINE A GOOD PLAUSIBLE HISTORICAL RENDITION WHICH KEEPS YOU ENTERTAINED FOR HOURS

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1 person found this helpful

Totally gripping

Steven Pacey is one of the best readers and this rendition is one of his best. Thrilling historical detective story, with excellent notes at the end. About to buy the next book in the series.

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting

Being interested in Russian history this was a fascinating context. Brilliantly narrated as usual and a great start to a series.

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