A Spring Betrayal is the second in what I presume is planned as a series, but although I have not read the first I very quickly picked up on what had gone on before so this works as a standalone volume. Kyrgyzstan is a rather unusual setting for a police procedural, but it is clearly an area of the world with which the author is very familiar.

Inspector Akyl Borubaev is quickly involved in a gruesome case in which the decomposing bodies of seven young children have been discovered. His travels take him and his, is she/isn't she girlfriend, Saltanat, between Krgyzstan and Uzbekistan as they seek out the truth in a mystery which extends to the higher echelons of society. Naturally, Borubaev has his own issues - he would hardly qualify as a fictional detective if he didn't! - he is mourning and conflicted over his dead wife and has clearly had drinking issues. Added to that the level of corruption he has to deal with is legion. At the end the author entreats us not to be put off visiting Krgyzstan, but frankly after this it won't be high on my bucket list!

It's not a very long story and I read through it very quickly, as its one of those books where once you have started you really want to keep going - the short chapters urge you on too. It's quite a violent and fast moving tale. However, I doubt I will be able to relate much of the plot in a month or two's time. I would struggle to give a thorough synopsis now, just two days later! That's not to take anything away from it though, as it is the sort of book that's perfect for an airport or a holiday read. I was sufficiently entertained that I would be happy to read any others in the series which come my way.