Volk's Game

Alexei Volkovoy--known to the underworld as Volk--is a hardened veteran of the conflict in Chechnya, a gun-for-hire now living in a lawless Russia, serving two corrupt masters: one is Maxim, a psychotic Azeri mafia kingpin, the other a mystery man known only as "The General." When Volk and his lover, a wild-eyed, white-haired young Russian named Valya, are hired by both men to steal the same lost painting from the Hermitage Museum, Volk must choose which to betray, and what that betrayal will cost him. His decision will lead this honest thief into the dark heart of the new Russian oligarchy, where only cash and violence can open doors.

"Brent Ghelfi writes like Dostoevsky's hooligan great-grandson on speed. Highly recommended."--Lee Child

"State of the art . . . Its characters are colorful, its descriptions of Russia are vivid, and its suspense is palpable. In terms of sheer entertainment, Volk's Game is an impressive debut."--The Washington Post

"Moving at breakneck speed through Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Manhattan, leaving a slippery trail of body parts and exploded vehicles, Ghelfi handles the conventions of his genre like a pro."--Newsday

"The Russia described in Volk's Game is a sad, hopeless place, corruption and poverty are everywhere, no one can be trusted, everyone is capable of betrayal. Volk is a complex character . . . Ghelfi is adept at describing the places and the ambience of the 'new' Russia."--Mystery News

"Thrillmaster Ghelfi's deft and controlled writing viscerally describes the snarling Russian underworld. This blazing tale opens a new series, so expect Volk to join Martin Cruz Smith's Arkady Renko in the top ranks of hyperbolic heroes."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A gritty view of post-Soviet Russia . . . I hope this is just the first of many excursions through Russia guided by Volk."--The Roanoke Times

BRENT GHELFI has served as a clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals, been a partner in a Phoenix-headquartered law firm, and now owns and operates several businesses. He has traveled extensively in Russia, and lives in Phoenix with his wife and two sons. He is currently working on the sequel to Volk's Game.