The Burning Lake    by Brent Ghelfi Order:  USA  Can Poisoned Pen, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, Softcover, CD     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth A prominent journalist is found murdered near the radioactive village of Metlino. But Katarina Mironova, known as Kato, is not the first journalist to be killed in Putin's war on the free press. Russian agent Alexi Volkovoy is not about to let her death go unavenged. Volk travels from Moscow to Mayak where, in 1958, a nuclear processing plant exploded. His quest to find Kato's killer takes him also to Las Vegas. She had played a big part in his life at one time and he would not let the story that cost her life be untold. Russian, American, and French politicians play a part in this exciting and disturbing novel. American contract agent Grayson Stone sneaks into the plot. A gun for hire, he plays a large role. Understanding the effects of nuclear fallout is timely as we read of Japan's desperate efforts to stop a nuclear leak. Tragic to consider. But maybe we should. The Burning Lake is Brent Ghelfi's fourth thriller featuring Volk. Ghelfi was nominated for Best First Novel of 2007 by the International Thriller Writers. His novels have been translated into eight languages and optioned for film. I can guarantee the movies will be well received. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews