'A Killing Winter' by Tom Callaghan Is A Superb Blood Soaked Crime Thriller Set In Kyrgyzstan

by Rana Asfour

'Fresh blood is especially vivid against snow'. So begins Tom Callaghan's 'A Killing Winter', the first book of a fast-paced trilogy set in Kyrgyzstan with Inspector Akyl Borubaev of Bishkek Murder Squad as a man uniquely intent on exacting justice on behalf of the murdered victims that seem to be stacking up at an incredible pace courtesy of a sadistic serial killer on the loose.

When the inspector arrives at the brutal murder scene of a young woman, all evidence hints at a killer on the hunt for more prey. But when the young woman's father turns out to be a leading government minister, the pressure is on Borubaev to solve the case not only quickly but also quietly, by any means possible. Until more bodies are found and the rules of the game change yet again.

A recent widower, Borubaev descends into Kyrgyzsan's capital city Bishkek's brutal underworld, a place where no-one and nothing is as it seems, where everyone is playing for the highest stakes, and where violence is the only solution.

This is a fast-paced gripping read with seldom a moment allowed for the reader to catch breath. With gory bits galore, this ought to have come with a warning for the faint-hearted - Think Tarantino if this were a film. However, the writing is masterful and it's quite refreshing to find a crime thriller that does away with sentimentality and gets on with the business of delivering a hard-hitting thrilling story instead. There's a genius twist at the end which maybe (just maybe) if you pay really really (I mean seriously) close attention you might be able to figure out!

The sequel 'A Spring Betrayal' is already out in hardback and BookFabulous has it on good authority that the author is busy at work writing the third and final instalment of this Kyrgyz trilogy.

About the Author:

​Born in the North of England, Tom Callaghan was educated at the University of York and Vassar College, New York. After graduating, Tom joined Saatchi & Saatchi, working for several years in London, New York and Philadelphia as a Creative Group Head, before joining the newly-formed M&C Saatchi. After living in Singapore where he pursued interests outside advertising, he moved to Dubai, where he worked as Creative Director for one of the region’s leading boutique agencies. An inveterate traveller, he divides his time between London, Prague, Dubai and Bishkek. Check out his website HERE.