Law of Blood
February 1880. St Petersburg.
A heavy snowstorm descends on the city. The body of a man is found on the frozen Neva, a knife wound in his side.
The victim is connected to a group of revolutionary terrorists known as the People’s Will.
To magistrate Pavel Pavlovich Virginsky, it looks like an execution. But just as he begins his investigation, it is taken out of his hands by the Tsar’s secret police, the notorious Third Section.
Perhaps unwisely, Virginsky decides to carry on his own unofficial enquiry. Only to discover that there are those who will do anything to stop him.
As Virginsky tries to see through the confusing swirl of plots and counter-plots, the terrorists strike at the heart of the Russian empire, and a bomb blast rocks the Winter Palace itself.
For now, the Tsar survives. But when will the terrorists make their next move? And are there elements within the security forces – even within the Tsar’s own family – who are helping them?
One man, Count Loris-Melikov, is determined to find the answers. He recruits Virginsky on a secret mission, putting in play a ruthless strategy.
What the critics say
“With its sombre backdrop, Law of Blood often reminds the reader of a Nordic noir thriller. But what makes R.N. Morris’ novella stand out is its exploration of the political, rather than simply the procedural. Through the narrative, the reader catches a glimpse into the suspicion-filled world that was the 19th century Russian state, and it is this extra detail that gives Law of Blood an edge above the average crime thriller.”
Hannah Ross, Aspects of History
“A gripping thriller that subtly draws the reader into the turbulent world of Nineteen Century Russia.” Alan Bardos, author of The Dardanelles Conspiracy.
“Once more, RN Morris crafts an evocative take on Tsarist Russia in this, the first of a new series… a real gem.” John Kennedy, author of The Blood Promise.