The Siberian Dilemma, 9

Martin Cruz Smith: in the beginning there was "Gorky Park," a very good accomplishment, and then it was all downhill, with the exception of "Tokyo Station". His latest novel, "The Siberian dilemma," is yet another weak effort, with the usual trite anti-Putin barbs and a totally confusing take on the dodgy oligarchs who run (with, for, or despite Putin?) the region's enormous resources. I understand that it is impossible, and even undesirable, to write a crime novel without placing the story in its socio-political context, but, like a comedian, Cruz Smith is happy to castigate without proof (and I mean even simply in the context of the fiction he's writing). And then: journalist Tatiana disappears for weeks and her editor is not worried, "she'll return when she is ready." Unlike any editor I have met in my career as a journalist, if for no other reason than expenses pile up and have to be justified. Renko, too, disappears for weeks and the police don't launch an investigation? One of the oligarchs disappears--one of the richest men in Russia--and no one bothers to look for him? Please, dear author, there is a limit to the "willing suspension of disbelief." So, two stars, but simply because I was feeling generous.