Lawyer Mitch Galichin finds himself a fugitive after he blows the whistle on a human trafficking ring operated by the vory-v-zakone in Leningrad. His life in peril, Mitch navigates the landscapes of Eastern Canada, drawing readers into the vivid places and intriguing characters he encounters along the way.

The story oscillates between the Canadian backdrop and the stark contrasts of Siberia, where Mitch’s young daughter, Anja, and his ex-wife reside. Adding to the complexity, Mitch’s father, Sergei, endures the harsh realities of a Siberian labour camp. In this narrative, appearances are deceiving, and the truth is layered.

Haunted by the ghosts of his past, Mitch perceives threats at every turn. As time progresses, his fear gradually diminishes, giving way to a struggle to reclaim his true identity. Complicating matters, a new romance emerges, bringing with it the haunting realities of human trafficking. Faced with this dilemma, Mitch grapples with the choice to intervene or turn away.

This novel transcends the grim realities of human trafficking, balancing the gravity with moments of levity. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union’s disintegration, it delivers a potent social message woven into a compelling storyline. While it follows Josie Mounsey’s previous novel, The Weak Against the Strong, this gripping narrative stands on its own as a suspenseful and emotionally charged drama.