Product Description
Russia, 1891. The new governor-general of Siberia has been secreted away on a train from St. Petersburg to Moscow. A blizzard rages outside as a mustachioed official climbs aboard near the city; with his trademark stutter, he introduces himself as State Counsellor Erast Fandorin. He then thrusts a dagger inscribed with the initials CG into the governor-general's heart and, tearing off his mustache, escapes out the carriage window. The head of the Department of Security soon shows up at the real Fandorin's door and arrests him for murder. The only way to save his reputation is to find CG—and the government mole who is feeding the group information. Can Fandorin survive corruption among his fellow officials, the fearlessness of an unknown enemy, and the advances of a sultry young nihilist with his morals intact? The State Counsellor is colorful entertainment from a master of the sly historical romp.
Reviews/Praise
"Akunin's descriptions of characters' appearances and temperaments, as well as the time period, call to mind Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes adventures. Narrative sleights of hand and copious red herrings will keep readers guessing until the end."―Publishers Weekly
"Through every twist and turn, both Akunin and his hero maintain an imperturbable decorum that makes this the most ceremonious tale of terrorism and counterterrorism you're ever likely to read."―Kirkus Reviews
“Brimming with adventure and extraordinary vitality, a sweeping journey through a unique time and place, yet with a humanity that touches us all.” —Anne Perry, bestselling author of Revenge in a Cold River
“In The State Counsellor, Boris Akunin has drawn a richly detailed picture of tsarist Russia, populated it with complex, intriguing characters, and set into motion an intricate, engaging plot. He is a masterful storyteller; this compelling tale is nothing short of superb.” —Tasha Alexander, bestselling author of A Terrible Beauty: A Lady Emily Mystery