Havana Bay (novel)

Havana Bay is a crime thriller novel written by Martin Cruz Smith, published in 1999. It is the third book in the Arkady Renko series, following Gorky Park and Polar Star. The novel sees Russian investigator Arkady Renko traveling to Havana, Cuba, to identify the body of a former Russian colleague found washed ashore.

The plot revolves around Renko's investigation into the apparent murder, which quickly becomes entangled with Cuban politics, international intrigue, and personal vendettas. He navigates a complex web of characters, including Cuban police officers, black marketeers, American tourists, and individuals connected to the Russian mafia. The investigation is complicated by the political climate and restrictions imposed by the Cuban government, as well as Renko's own personal struggles and moral compass.

Havana Bay explores themes of corruption, political oppression, the clash of cultures, and the search for justice in a morally ambiguous world. The novel is noted for its vivid portrayal of Havana and its people, as well as its suspenseful plot and complex characters. The setting of post-Soviet Cuba, struggling with economic hardship and political uncertainty, serves as a crucial backdrop to the unfolding mystery.

The novel received generally positive reviews, praised for its atmosphere, character development, and compelling plot. While some critics found certain elements of the plot to be somewhat implausible, the overall consensus was that Havana Bay is a well-written and engaging thriller that offers a unique perspective on Cuban society and the challenges of investigating crime in a politically charged environment.