... of review quotes so far.
“A Vengeful Longing confirms what RN Morris’ previous novel, A Gentle Axe, suggested – that here is major talent in the increasingly overcrowded historical crime field. On the evidence here, Morris is writing novels that rival the very best in the genre in terms of atmosphere, plausible historical detail and exemplary plotting.” Barry Forshaw, amazon.com
"right from the start we are hooked by his storytelling panache… the pungently vivid recreation of pre-Soviet Russia is painted with a master's touch". Barry Forshaw, The Express
“Morris’s descriptions of the horrors of insanitary slum dwellings in St Petersburg are extraordinarily vivid, but the most striking feature of the novel is the way in which Porfiry’s sophisticated understanding of human nature compensates for the limited investigatory tools at his disposal.” Joan Smith, The Sunday Times
“… a book that satisfies on more than one level — as a story of investigation and also as a historical novel crammed with sharply individualised characters. Morris has clearly done his research, and he also has an unusual ability to enter imaginatively into another time and place. The novel is well written too, and constantly nudges against the genre envelope of crime fiction.” Andrew Taylor, The Spectator
“Morris's St Petersburg comes alive in intense imagery…” Carola Groom, The Financial Times
“… we get not only a narrative full of surprises, but a vivid picture of squalor and poverty a century and a half ago.” Gerald Kaufman, The Scotsman
“a dark masterpiece” Anne Brooke, Writewords.
“This is an excellent, very enjoyable, historical crime mystery which captures both the feel and atmosphere of 19th century Russia as a decaying Kafka-esque empire waiting for a revolution.” Norman Price, Euro Crime
“Throughout the book Morris demonstrates a facility for handling characterisation and atmospherics that would shame many ‘literary’ writers and his ability to create and sustain a complex and compelling plot is the equal of any other writer currently at work in the genre.” Adam Colclough, Shots Magazine
“… for all the homage, it’s important to emphasise that these novels really do work well in their own right. As history they transport the reader back to the St. Petersburg of the 1860’s, as crime they’re intriguing and intelligent and, last but definitely not least, as entertainment, they’re grrrrrrrreat!” Lizzy’s Literary Life
“This novel keeps you questioning and guessing until the end... Morris's brilliant writing will have you on the spot in St Petersburg in 1868 in your head and trying to control emotions that Porfiry Petrovich will not let get in the way of his investigation.” It’s a Crime…or a Mystery.
“He uses atmosphere to remarkable effect, and there is nothing overindulgent or surplus. There are layers in this novel that come back to haunt you… [a] vivid and satisfying read about power, suffering, bitterness and revenge.” Emily Gale, Vulpes Libris
