Hotel Melikov

Payne follows Citizen Orlov with a superb sequel that continues the humorous exploits of fishmonger Orlov, who’s thrust into the center of an unnamed Central European country’s political turmoil. By the end of the previous installment, Orlov had accidentally participated in the assassination of his nation’s king, but still wound up the minister of security. Now, eager to return to his previous life, Orlov seeks to resign from his post. He’s unable to do so, however, before the crown prince is installed as the country’s new monarch and Orlov is forced to join his fellow government officials in a post-coronation procession. During the parade, the king’s convoy is attacked by rebels, forcing him to retreat to a remote convent at the top of Mt. Zhotrykaw. There, Orlov’s allies in the government recruit him to spy on the rebels—which he learns include the convent’s nuns, who want his help to bring down the new king. As Orlov stumbles into increasingly absurd binds, Payne raises the stakes by reintroducing one of his bumbling hero’s oldest foes. Once again, the colorful comedic antics are complemented by shrewd plotting. It’s another hugely enjoyable espionage satire from Payne. (May)