This is the first Erast Fandorin Mystery that I've read, although not the first Akunin. The person who loaned it to me said, "It's so Russian" and I agree with that assessment wholeheartedly. Interesting look at 1880s Russia and well written. This is actually two short stories, the first I really enjoyed, the second was more of a serial killer tracking story - and while I was curious about the mystery, even judicious skimming didn't keep me from reading things and thinking, "ick."