Child 44
Child 44
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Soviet Union • 1950s
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith follows former Ministry of State Security officer Leo Demidov as he investigates a series of brutal child murders in Stalin's Soviet Union, battling against his own government’s oppressive bureaucracy and sinister forces that seek to silence the truth. The story features themes of governmental corruption, the abuse of power, and the paranoia of the Cold War era.
Dark
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Gritty
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
99,660 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith is a compelling thriller set in Stalinist Russia, blending historical detail with gripping suspense. Critics praise its atmospheric tension and well-drawn characters, but note that the plot occasionally strains credulity and can be heavy-handed. Nonetheless, it's an engaging read for fans of historical crime fiction.
Who Should Read Child 44?
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith appeals to readers who enjoy historical thrillers with a dark, suspenseful edge. Fans of Robert Harris's Fatherland or Daniel Silva’s The Unlikely Spy will find the novel’s blend of Soviet-era intrigue and relentless pacing captivating. This book is ideal for those who appreciate meticulously researched settings and complex characters.
99,660 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
480
Novel • Fiction
Soviet Union • 1950s
2008
Adult
18+ years
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