The Red Fox by Anthony Hyde

I love 'faction'. David McCullough and Gore Vidal write some of my favorite books. The red fox would probably not be considered actual faction but it referenced actual historical events enough to spark my intrigue, and filled in the gaps enough to feel like an educational read.
Set in the early 80's and revolving around the declining Communist Russia, The Red Fox follows Robert Thorne, a journalist/novelist with an extensive background in Russia. Thorne finds himself entwined in a mystery unfolding when he comes to aid May Brightman, his former fiance and lifelong friend.

As the plot thickens we learn about May's father and his ties to the early communists of Russia. Naturally, the mystery boils down to money, as all except 'The DaVinci Code' must. We are drawn to believe that May is of famous descent and perhaps she is. We have all heard of Anastasia but this book finally got me to read up about her. Did you remember the theories of her 'disappearance'? Perhaps she had escaped the executions of the royal family? Recent studies would seem to say no, but in the early 80's it was widely accepted.

The story walked a fine line of fluffy and smart. I was drawn in enough to read the novel in a week but at the same time there were very few moments that I thought to myself, 'Oh for stupid'.

I won't actively seek another Hyde novel but if it falls in my lap I will give it a gander.