Child 44 Introduction

In a Nutshell

Question: What's the best way to get into the spy thriller business?

Answer: Writing for Cambodian soap operas, of course.

Well, that's the path that Tom Rob Smith took, at least. After graduating from college in 2001, Smith wrote for several popular television shows for the BBC and eventually helped the network launch their first soap opera in Cambodia. Fast-forward just a few years, and the guy is totally releasing the action-packed, critically acclaimed thriller, Child 44.

Yeah, that's quite the leap, but Smith was totally up for it: his debut novel has earned its fair share of top honors since its publication, including the much-coveted CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award.

So what's this baby all about? Well, the novel follows Leo Demidov, a high-ranking member of the Soviet secret police, who's experiencing a bit of a crisis of conscience. Though he's always been a die-hard believer in his government's ideology, recent events have shaken that faith. In the wake of this realization, Leo struggles to come to terms with the harm he has done to so many of his fellow citizens.

Oh, yeah—and did we mention that there's a serial killer running amok?

You've probably already guessed that this is one action-packed book. You'll watch as Leo fights for justice in a system rigged to ensure the exact opposite. You'll watch as his wife, Raisa, struggles between her anti-authoritarian belief system and her love for her husband. And yes, you'll see plenty of car chases, fight scenes, and explosions, if that's your bag.

Don't pigeonhole Child 44 as just another action-thriller, though. Underneath all of this high-octane action and international espionage, there's a very sincere book about the importance of family, community, and—most importantly—love. And serial killers. We're always forgetting about that serial killer.

 

Why Should I Care?

Child 44 is the literary equivalent of a summer blockbuster. The novel features:

  • Spies and double agents
  • Twisted serial killers
  • High-speed chases
  • Tense showdowns
  • Bloodthirsty Cyber-Zombies

Okay, so that last one isn't true, but you get the picture. Still, you'd be giving Child 44 short shrift by only focusing on its blockbuster moments.

That's because Child 44 is an ode to family, above all else. Underneath all of the political intrigue, all of the serial-killer mystery, and all of tense action, you'll find a heartfelt story about the lengths we'll go to for the people we love. Plus, if you think that your family is crazy, then just wait until you get a load of the Demidov clan—that's one gnarled family tree.