Istanbul Variations

A beautifully written new thriller from the acclaimed Cold War series writer.

Prague, 1968: Peter Husak, a young student, is captured as he tries to flee the country in the wake of Russia's suppression of Czechoslovakia's fledgling freedom movement.

Seven years later, a People's Militia homicide investigator with defection on his mind boards a plane for Istanbul. When it is hijacked by Armenian terrorists, the Turkish authorities try to establish contact - but the plane explodes in mid-air.

No negotiation, no explanation.

Why? Two investigators are assigned to the case: Gavra Noukas, a homicide detective who lives a dangerous double-life, and Brano Sev, an experienced secret policeman loyal to the state. Both believe their superiors are keeping them in the dark, but they can't work out why. As they start unravelling the elaborate mystery, though, a trail emerges - one leading back to a seven-year-old murder, a seemingly insignificant killing with terrifying consequences.

Review:

Praise for 'The Vienna Assignment':

'Fascinating...clever...a beautifully written spy thriller.' Guardian

'Steinhauer has carved a niche for his well-researched Cold War thrillers....vividly captures the atmosphere and the mood of the time, with credible characters and impressive detail.' Sunday Telegraph

'Highly recommended.' Irish Times

'Steinhauer shows himself to be a master of plotting...he doesn't put a foot wrong...exquisitely written, full of well-drawn characters.' Irish Examiner

Praise for Olen Steinhauer:

'A powerful, thought-provoking literary thriller in the mould of Philip Kerr's 'Berlin Noir' trilogy.' Daily Telegraph

'Think of the suspenseful erudition of Alan Furst's thrillers, especially the earlier ones such as 'The Polish Officer' and of Philip Kerr's eye-opening 'Berlin Noir' trilogy... Steinhauer's debut - the start of a promised series - is right up there on those stellar heights, casting new light on relatively recent history we thought we already knew everything about'. Chicago Tribune

'Steinhauer is a welcome addition to the wartime ground mapped out by Philip Kerr and Alan Furst.' Guardian

'Brilliant...this powerful novel grips from beginning to end.' Sunday Telegraph

'Very well written, full of chilling menace and overall a cracking good story.' Publishing News