“Havana Harbor” by Martin Cruz Smith

The author of “Gorky Park” brings back the Russian investigator Arkady Renko. This time he is in Havana trying to figure out the death of his friend (and worst enemy) – another Russian that worked for the Russian government in Cuba.

Renko is, like always, dogged, suicidal and not too smart. The author conveys very well the strange environment of Castro’s Cuba with unexpected, or perhaps just surprising to Renko, twists and turns.

The book is somewhat depressing in vividly describing an environment without hope or a way out. It is a good read and though not as easy to read as some other detective stories it is informative and, at times, gripping.

All in all I highly recommend this book.