The Holy Thief   William Ryan
Historical mystery set in 1936 Moscow where Inspector Korolev tries to track down the serial killer who has tortured and killed a Russian/American nun, a high-ranking thief, and even an NKVD major. Or is it all a rogue NKVD operation about stolen icons? Fairly entertaining and well-enough written, but kind of slim on the history and details of Russian life. Enjoyed it.

The Last Ember   Daniel Levin
Dan Brown type novel about the search for the giant golden Menorah that the emperor Titus took to Rome when he destroyed Jerusalem. Marginally interesting scholarship of Josephus’ writings, but lame villains, and characters in general, and an unconvincing ending. Much better prose than any of Brown’s novels, but kind of a waste of time.