The Crimson Child
Spring 1880. St Petersburg.
While on an outing with his family in a leafy park, a retired general encounters a mysterious child dressed in red.
The child leads him to a secluded spot. And a violent death.
The shocking crime, committed in broad daylight against a respected member of the establishment, draws the attention of the powers that be, who put pressure on magistrate Pavel Pavlovich Virginsky to solve the case quickly.
But with no witnesses, apart from a drunken fantasist who may or may not have seen the murderer making their escape, Virginsky faces one of the most challenging and bizarre cases of his career.
Then an unexpected confession brings a sudden breakthrough. Or does it? For Virginsky, it’s all a little too convenient.As he closes in on the murderer, Virginsky uncovers a dark history in which the crimes of the past give rise to further crimes.
And the desire for revenge culminates in a devastating tragedy.
What the critics say
“A tense and atmospheric new thriller from a master of historical fiction.”
Steven Veerapen, author of The Abbey Close.
“R N Morris brings us another case for pre-Revolutionary St Petersburg magistrate Pavel Pavlovich Virginsky. The Crimson Child grips from the opening and its grasp on the reader only tightens as the strange and baffling case proceeds.”
Peter Tonkin, author of Shadow of Treason.
“The characterisation is incisive; every character distinct and unique. St Petersburg is organically woven into the plot. The writing is precise and unintrusive, allowing the plot to unfold on its own.”
Bookmarked Reviews.
“This is as good as historical crime fiction gets. Grounded in its period, subtle, complex and moving… A brilliant read.”
BattleCat Press Reviews.