The Domino Game by Greg Wilson

Part 1
The new Russia has a whole new breed of bureauocrat, or crime boss. What's the difference. The new Mafiya works both sides of the street. Prostitution and the board room. Laundered money buying stock and eventual ownership, particularly in companies providing services and products to the US military-industrial complex. And the best way to do that is to buy influence from a former Ambassador now lobbyist.

Nikolai Aven is Russian FSB, a cop. An unusual cop. One with honor. He and his partner Vari are investigating one of the new oligarchs is Marat Ivankov. Former army who made it out with a knack for hustling, killing, investing, and buying influence. Billionaire. In their investigation, the stumble across a video that shows Ivankov doing his best arm twisting of some current Politburo members. Having the video is a problem. No way to know who to tell given Ivankov's reach. Vari suggests talking with Jack Hartman, CIA station chief.

Hartman is a bit of an expert on Russian crime bosses. Realizes the tapes could be an important link to Russian influence peddling in the US. Tells his contacts in Langley that Aven and his family need to be given assylum . . . now. Promises Aven to get them out the next night. But Langley says no.

Hartman decides to go it alone, but Aven is yanked from his apartment and tried for treason, sentenced for 20 years in the gulags.

Part 2
Aven spends 9 years in prison. How he escapes is a book in itself. Needless to say, Aven manages to thrive and his story in prison is outlined in a detailed expansive tatoo on his chest. To those who know how to read the images, Aven beat many, killed a few. Made a friend who became his benefactor in his escape.

Once out, he ventures back to Moscow and Vari, tries to find out what happened to his wife and daughter. With Vari's help, he manages to get passage to New York.

And once in NY, his fate takes him closer to Hartman and answers to what happened that night 9 years ago.

Part 3.
Confrontation in upstate NY. Aven v. Hartman. And the beginnings of redemption and the potential for payback, in the US and in Moscow.

As with most books about Russia, this one, too, is a big expansive tale. Rich in geographic detail, and informative in just how these most ruthless of Russians are prying their way into our affairs to spread influence and get rich. A bad combination. Forget the cold war and military conflict. These old smart Russians are better suited to win in the board room, not the battlefield. Reads like a good bet to be one of those excellent 6-part thrillers making the rounds these days. Part LeCarre, part Ludlum. All centered around that most unlikely of Russians. A cop with a conscious. If I gave out stars, this would get 5/5.

available August 29, 2016

East Coast Don