ARCHIVE 17

Paul Michael demonstrates the special allure of a narrator who adeptly performs Russian accents. Plus, when Michael’s efforts are combined with novelist Sam Eastland’s captivating plot, the result is thoroughly entertaining. The book centers on Stalin’s efforts to discover Tsar Nicholas II’s missing gold. To do so, Stalin sends investigator Pekkala undercover to Siberia, where he must befriend a group of convicts who allegedly know the location of the valuable stash. Of course, the story turns out to be far more complex, making it difficult for Pekkala not only to locate the truth but also to be certain where his loyalties lie. Michael’s use of accents complements the dialogue and leaves the listener anticipating every scene and the book’s memorable conclusion. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2012]