5 Best Russian Fiction Books

Many great writers have come from Russia over the centuries. Their works, from Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" to Tolstoy's "War and Peace" have been ingrained as classics in our literary culture.

The books featured in this hub however are from a different mold. They are more modern, much less heralded, but (for me at least) as entertaining as a book can get. It is pure escapist fiction with a brain - the perfect nighttime novel. If reading "Crime and Punishment" isn't exactly what you are looking for, but you are interested in Russian and Soviet history, these thrillers provide intellectual, historically accurate and very real backdrops for their fictional stories. All are set in 20th Century Russia, and all are solid, enjoyable reads for the escapist thrill-seeker.

A suspenseful story of psychoanalyst Otto Spethmann, his family, and a famous chessmaster set in 1914 St. Petersburg.  Murder and intrigue force the doctor to maneuver through the increasingly sticky situation in which he finds himself.  This thriller captures the prevailing mood of uncertainty and impending change in Europe during this time period, yet it remains focused on the human element.

7/10 - Definitely Worth Reading

One of Robert Harris' extremely thrilling historical fictions (if you like this book you will love his others), Archangel is about a university scholar, Fluke Kelso, and his quest to uncover the hidden mysteries of Stalin and his legacy. As he travels through Russia encountering friends and enemies, he unravels an incredibly powerful secret. This is a pure thriller - completely escapist fiction but very highly recommended.

7/10 - Definitely Worth Reading

Set in 1953 USSR, this Tom Rob Smith debut is an absolute instant classic, vividly depicting the terrifying world of communist Russia during the time of Stalin's death.  Former war hero Leo Demidov must question his country at every turn as he attempts to crack the case of a murder.  A thrill a page keeps you hooked, while the backdrop of Stalinism is both educational and unbelievable.  Highly recommended; the best book on this list.

10/10 - Modern Classic

The sequel to Tom Rob Smith's Child 44, The Secret Speech follows a different storyline from the original, yet it retains the incredibly accurate backdrop of Soviet Russia during the confusing period following Stalin's death. Another fantastic novel by Tom Rob Smith - if you were lucky enough to enjoy these two, keep an eye out for the third and final book of the trilogy, Agent 6. I personally can't wait.

9/10 - Must Read

Gorky Park is the first Martin Cruz Smith novel to feature detective Arkady Renko and his adventures through not only the Soviet Union, but also the rest of the world as he tracks down the bad guys. Renko is up against all odds, as he discovers that he must solve the mystery alone, without the help of his friends or country. Another pure thriller, with an interesting exposé on the corruption and decadence in the USSR.

9/10 - Must Read