A Bag Full of Stones

A. Molotkov’s "A Bag Full of Stones" is a haunting blend of crime, mystery, and human emotion, set in the rainy streets of Portland, Oregon. As an immigrant writer, Molotkov infuses this literary thriller with raw authenticity, exploring life’s fragility and personal struggles. The story grips you from the start and doesn’t let go.

The novel follows a chilling mystery: a homeless man, Stan Michalski, shows Detectives Brenda Smith and Dmitry Volkov a photo of a body that vanishes without a trace. This puzzle unravels into the hunt for a serial killer, "The Corrector." The narrative shifts between the detectives, the killer, and the spirits of victims like Maharani Kapoor and Naseem Nazari, whose lingering souls watch their murderer, unable to leave until justice is served. The title reflects the weight of guilt, loss, and human complexity.

Brenda is a standout—a detective wrestling with her job’s emotional toll and personal lies, like hiding her career from her girlfriend, Mary. Dmitry, a Russian immigrant, balances family pressures and debt, his bond with his wife Rita and brother Boris adding depth. The Corrector is both monstrous and tragic, caring for his dying mother while justifying his hateful acts. The victims’ spirits, especially Naseem’s regrets over his relationship with Yasmin, hit hard, blending the supernatural with raw emotion.

Molotkov’s writing is vivid and poetic, capturing Portland’s dreary beauty—its rivers and rain-soaked streets—while keeping the thriller’s pace taut. Each chapter shifts perspectives, making the story feel alive and layered. The language swings from lyrical, like Maharani’s bones drifting in the ocean, to gritty in The Corrector’s dark moments, balancing investigation with personal drama.

This book is a page-turner that digs deep into human nature. Molotkov’s immigrant lens makes the characters’ struggles—love, loss, identity—feel real and urgent. It’s not just a mystery; it’s a mirror to our flaws and hopes. If you want a story that thrills and moves you, this is a must-read.