REVIEWS: SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS -THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF ERAST FANDORIN Book : Special Assignments - The Further Adventures of Erast Fandorin Boris Akunin Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £12.99 If you’re unfamiliar with the exploits of Erast Petrovich Fandorin, then imagine a cross between the ingenuity of Sherlock Holmes, the mind games of Derren Brown and the fighting skills and charm of James Bond. Special Assignments is the fifth Fandorin title to be translated into English and comprises two stories set three years apart. The first, The Jack of Spades, takes place in 1886 and finds the Russian detective crossing swords with a con artist, who always leaves a playing card at the scene of his crimes. The two men attempt to outwit each other, using elaborate disguises and intricate plans, in a tale played mainly for laughs. The Decorator, which follows, is a much darker story, as a series of gruesome murders leads Fandorin to believe that Jack the Ripper has relocated to Moscow. Akunin brilliantly ratchets up the tension, particularly when we see the action through the unhinged killer’s eyes and Fandorin’s gradual unravelling of the clues will keep you enthralled Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ Gripping. You won’t be able to put it down >> Read More FQ Magazine available now thoughout the country in all good independent newsagents including Tesco, WHSmith and Sainsbury's for just £3.25!