Autumn, 1986.

In the wake of glasnost and perestroika, the Soviet Union struggles to maintain control over a fractured empire. Numerous republics clamor for independence, with dissident groups emboldened by Moscow’s new, liberal policies.

In Canada, in the heart of Toronto’s Latvian diaspora, Gustavs Ziediņš has never been one for émigré politics. But when a leading activist dies under mysterious circumstances, Gustavs finds himself reluctantly drawn into the ranks of an underground resistance network, entering an unforgiving world of conspiracy, deception and deadly intrigue.

Unraveling the dark secrets of his community forces Gustavs to question the motives of cynical detectives, beguiling Soviet defectors, and cunning agents provocateurs. As the body count continues to rise, the answers Gustavs seeks may yet lie across the ocean in the bleak, Soviet fog of Eastern Europe. In order to uncover the traitor in their midst, Gustavs will be forced to risk his life in the occupied capital of Riga, a city long forgotten in the sinister shadow of the Iron Curtain.

Matejs Kalns was raised in the Latvian community of Toronto, Canada. He holds degrees in History from the University of Ottawa, and Human Security & Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University. He has worked in the fields of education and human rights for over ten years.

www.matejskalns.com