The leader of the gang, Momus , is perhaps one of Akunin’s most charismatic creations. He is so charming and inventive that you might find yourself rooting for the "villain" just to see how he pulls off his next trick.

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Akunin captures the vibrant, slightly chaotic atmosphere of old Moscow perfectly. The pacing is breakneck, and the focus is on intellectual duels rather than violence. Why You Should Read It