The violence is more implied than stated. When it is realised, the violence is uncompromising and unapologetic, but never excessive. One of Smith's talents lies with his ability to be absolute, honest, and raw. He is never grandiose, overwrought, or declamatory. Smith's ability ensures that Child 44 maintains a feeling of utter believability throughout. This is undoubtedly one reason why Ridley Scott has already bought the film rights, and is working on adapting this intrigue-filled novel for the big screen.

In Child 44 Smith paints a bleak, frank picture of life in communist Russia. So real, so frighteningly vivid are the images of this time and place it would be easy for you to believe that Smith is himself a survivor of that era. In truth, this 28-year-old Englishman is probably only just old enough to remember what the cold war was like at full chill. That doesn't stop him from writing a complex and deeply layered novel that is startling and chilling in equal measure.

Unlike many crime novels Child 44 has a flavour of true literature about it, penetrating and richly textured, with none of the glossed over plot holes or depthless superfluous characters that other such novels in this genre can suffer from. Nor does it weigh itself down with overdone or obvious political commentary. Smith's writing is always austere and elegant - the literary equivalent of simple, clean lines and great open spaces.

Child 44 is stark in more ways than one. Every word seems perfectly placed, meticulously considered for it's brevity and weight, and yet you never feel overawed or confounded. Each thought, motion, action, and phrase is chosen as would be an ornament in a minimalist's living room.

This novel is the first of three (according to Smith), the second of which he is currently working on. Let's hope he finishes it soon, for he surely has a winner on his hands. Child 44 was released in the UK and Europe in March, and will be released in the US on April 29th.