Russian Roulette
""...a Russian equivalent of the mighty Jack Reacher. " "
Synopsis:
Meet Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic ex-KGB agent and tramp from the best-selling debut novel, 'The Fix'. He's a man with a dark history and darker future.
Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he's supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all-round idiot.
Then there's the so-called good guys, the councillors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals. But Konstantin isn't alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, a dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who's connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep.
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Review:
This is a first rate collection of short novellas depicting the failed attempts of Konstantin to lie low after a life in the KGB. Nixon's hero carries enough menace and brawn to be a Russian equivalent of the mighty Jack Reacher. Unlike Reacher, he tries to avoid trouble only reluctantly getting involved in the lives of others. Fidelity is a great foil for him and their scenes together stick longest in my mind. Other characters dip in and out of the story but Konstantin carries the tales like a sodden kitbag shouldered against the wind as he batters his way to successful resolutions. The plotting is neat and tidy and there is a distinct voice to Nixon's writing. The only flaw I could find was that I was left wanting to know more of Konstantin's early life. Otherwise this is a fantastic introduction to a character and author whose company I hope to spend a lot more time in.