THE KREMLIN WATCHER

by Will Perry ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1978

Spies in Poland plus murder in Manhattan; if you don't expect these two halves to link up elegantly--or at all--you'll have a reasonably painless diversion to breeze through. The tenuous connection between the two plots is Leo Farel, an independent genius Manhattan Kremlinologist who is trying to figure out what the Russians will do now that the Poles are enjoying a worker's rebellion--will the Soviets invade or ignore? Farel is furious because the President is rejecting his analyses in favor of info from the CIA network (described in grimy Poland scenes). He's also annoyed by teen daughter Virgie, who demands that he help her black basketball-player buddy, who has been accused of murdering his English teacher (""To ask a highly experienced international analyst like myself to devote time to a simple murder case is like asking Einstein to add up a grocery bill""). However, Farel does solve the murder, revealing the maiden teacher's vivid sex life and blackmailing career, and he's vindicated when his Kremlinology (fairly interestingly detailed) is proved correct. Some silly dialogue, some superfluous characters--but fast, easy, and, except for that cop-out non-ending, neat.

Pub Date: March 1, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dodd, Mead

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1978

Categories: FICTION