Series: Konstantin #1
Published by Gladius Press on May 4 2018
Pages: 199
Goodreads
Meet Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic ex-KGB agent and tramp 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 councilors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals.
But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, 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.
Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.
Welcome today as I have an exciting review of Russian Roulette by Keith Nixon. Be sure to also check out Ginger Book Geek who shares her review today.
✮ My Review ✮
This book is quite simply fantastic! The chapters are so short and snappy they make your head spin. I could imagine this being made into an 80s action film, having Arnie (My hero) as Konstantin. (I am well aware he is Austrian but Red Heat anyone?!)
The writing style by Mr Nixon is dark, gritty but so much fun. With each chapter being told by a different character, you knew straight away whose voice you had. For instance and my favourite, Konstantin, the Russian, speaking in broken English, his chapters the sentences are short and to the point, broken into his speech. Fidelity, her chapters suit her personality, fast and crazy, a lot of hyperactiveness but also a very strong-willed woman, not to rely on any man and someone I adored.
This book is all kinds of fantastical craziness, and living in Dover, I loved seeing the sights, as it is set in Margate and the surrounding areas and knowing (for a change) the scenery around the characters. I am just dying to get my hands on the next book or just any book by Mr Nixon.
This book has everything I love in a story and again 80s action film, there is no preamble. There is a point to every chapter, you have the badass action, the best character names, I mean Fat Gary, Fidelity anyone, it is dark and gritty but with a comical relief. I would love to see this be made on the big screen for sure!!
I really do not know what else to say apart from Russian Roulette truly is a fantastic and an entertaining ride, I can not get enough of Konstantin or Fidelity and I was gutted when I had read the last page. It got me giddy with excitement to see how the next flawed plan would follow through, and what troubles the characters would get into.
I do not know how I have never heard of Mr Nixon before, but now that I have I have already got more of his books. I love the world he has created and the characters that come with it. He got me sitting there, with my head spinning, soaking up every word, enjoying every scene and every fight. I mean why would anyone want to fight Konstantin beats me.
Until next time xxx
If you don’t believe me, check out some of what has been said on tour
A Knights Reads says
I thought when I started, this would be a simple crime/gangster style thriller but the more I read, the more layers Nixon developed and this became a complex tapestry of threads that woven themselves into the picture that is Russian Roulette.
Mark Wilson books says
Keith’s irreverent, engaging writing style is perfectly paced for a novella featuring this character. Nixon’s sentence structure- short blasts of thoughts and deed- lend an urgency to the action and his story barrels along with not a whiff of fluff as a result.
On the Shelf Reviews says
Russian Roulette is afast paced and fascinating crime novel, focusing on the underbelly of society. It is also told in a unique way, through interlocking short stories and short chapters that will have you flying through those pages.
Jennifer – Tar Heel Reader says
Russian Roulette is dark, edgy, in-your-face and filled with nonstop action. The characters will make your head spin with their unique, messed-up, unsettled lives.
Overall, I found Russian Roulette to be brash and bold, fast-paced, chilling, and sharply witty!
Audio Killed the Bookmark says
Had anyone told me I enjoy a story about a burly Russian and a dominatrix I would’ve told them they were crazy, and I would’ve been wrong! This book really caught me by surprise it was an engaging and captivating read with characters I truly adored! Recommend!
Donna’s Book Blog says
I loved the flow for this one, it was very well written and I loved the punchy style of the chapters. The characters are very well developed and their interaction was great. It really made the story and the main character, Konstantin is excellent.
Check out an interview with Baker’s Not So Secret Blog and an excerpt from Sylv.net
Thank you so much to Sarah at BOTBS Publicity for the tour invite and the author for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Sarah Hardy says
Thanks so much for the wonderful review Zoé and for being part of the blog tour. x
Zoe says
Thanks Sarah and thank you for having me x
Jenchaos says
I think I’ll get this from the library.
Zoé says
Such a fab read I loved it