A Bomb Under the Coat

The most interesting novels about Stalin’s special forces—SMERSH. After the liberation of Stavropol region from the fascists, in the area of Abrau-Dyurso there remained a band of Abwehr agents and Hitler’s accomplices. Saboteurs began hunting senior officers of the Red Army and seizing valuables from the population. The task of eliminating the leftovers was assigned to SMERSH officers Vasily Boyko and Aleksei Zykov. The operatives track the bandits: they comb the area, go up into the mountains, and eliminate sniper nests. At the last moment it becomes clear that the hunt for the command staff and the looting of peaceful civilians was only a cover. In reality, the gang has another mission—one that could turn the course of the entire war.

“Death to the spies!” (SMERSH) was the short and merciless name of a special NKVD unit subordinate to I. Stalin. Created during the war years, it consisted of battle-tested, honest, and fearless officers of the Red Army. SMERSH was feared by everyone—both fascist agents preparing sabotage within our combat formations, and Hitler’s accomplices operating deep in the Soviet rear. The enemy knew: once Stalin’s special forces were on his trail, a fair and swift court would be unavoidable.

The SMERSH—Stalin’s Special Forces novels always offer an exciting, dynamic plot and new historical knowledge. This is action written in a simple and understandable language. The total circulation of A. Tamonikov’s books is over 10 million copies! A. Tamonikov’s novels are about real men, for whom the concepts of valor, honor, and duty aren’t empty words. (V. Kolychev)