The latest book in the internationally bestselling Erast Fandorin Mysteries series

Readers can expect prime Akunin - ingenious, twisty, exotic Daily Mail

Crimea, 1914.

When the Tzar's head of security is assassinated, Fandorin is called to investigate: the killer has been overheard mentioning a "black city" so Fandorin and his trusty companion, Masa, head to Baku, the burgeoning capital of oil.

But as soon as they arrive, they are attacked and Fandorin almost drowns in an oil well. Saved by a stranger who hides him in the labyrinth of Baku's Old City, Fandorin begins to suspect the plot might be part of something larger - and much more dangerous.

With war brewing in the Balkans, and Europe's empires struggling to contain the threat of revolution, Fandorin must try and solve his difficult case yet before time runs out.

An explosive, edge-of-your-seat finale, filled with intrigue, wit and Boris Akunin's unforgettable characters.

What readers are saying about the Erast Fandorin Mysteries:

''Think Tolstoy writing James Bond with the logical rigour of Sherlock Holmes'' Guardian

''There's a dark twist at the end that has me anxious to continue in this series'' Neil on Goodreads (five stars)

''Erast Petrovich Fandorin is a man with lightning-fast reactions, a probing analytical mind and a great arsenal of concealed weaponry'' Daily Telegraph

''These books are a fun, riotous read that you don't want to put down'' Jill on Goodreads (five stars)

''Gloriously tongue-in-cheek but seriously edge-of-your-seat at the same time'' Daily Express