Boris Akunin

Boris Akunin is the pen name of Grigory Shalvovich Chkhartishvili, a Russian writer of Georgian and Jewish origin. He is best known for his historical detective novels featuring the character Erast Fandorin. Akunin's works have gained significant popularity in Russia and have been translated into multiple languages.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Winter Queen

    Set in late 19th-century Russia, this gripping detective novel follows the young and inexperienced Erast Fandorin, a clerk in the Moscow police department, as he becomes embroiled in a mysterious case involving a series of suicides. As Fandorin delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of political intrigue, secret societies, and personal vendettas. With his sharp intellect and keen sense of justice, Fandorin navigates the treacherous waters of Russian society, facing danger and deception at every turn, ultimately revealing a shocking conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of the nation.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Турецкий гамбит

    Приключения Эраста Фандорина

    Set against the backdrop of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, this historical detective novel follows the clever and resourceful Erast Fandorin as he navigates a web of espionage, political intrigue, and deception. Tasked with uncovering a mole within the Russian military ranks, Fandorin's investigation leads him through a series of thrilling encounters and unexpected twists. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he must rely on his wit and intuition to outsmart adversaries and prevent a catastrophic betrayal that could alter the course of the war. The narrative is rich with historical detail, offering a vivid portrayal of the era while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot.

  3. 3. Кладбищенские истории

    Истории о мертвых и живых

    Set against the eerie backdrop of a cemetery, this collection of tales weaves together the supernatural and the mundane, exploring the thin veil between life and death. Each story delves into the lives of those who find themselves inexplicably drawn to the graveyard, uncovering secrets and confronting their deepest fears. With a blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of the macabre, the narratives reveal the hidden connections between the living and the dead, challenging the characters to face the unknown with courage and curiosity.

  4. 4. Шпионский роман

    Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution, this gripping narrative follows the intricate web of espionage, political intrigue, and personal vendettas. The story delves into the life of a seasoned spy navigating a world where allegiances are constantly shifting, and trust is a rare commodity. As the protagonist grapples with moral dilemmas and the ever-present threat of betrayal, the novel paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of transformation, where every decision could alter the course of history.

  5. 5. Нефритовые четки

    Рассказы о сыщике Эрасте Фандорине

    Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this collection of detective stories follows the brilliant and enigmatic investigator as he navigates a world of intrigue and mystery. Each tale is intricately woven, showcasing the detective's sharp intellect and keen observation skills as he unravels complex cases involving murder, deception, and hidden motives. The stories are rich with historical detail, providing a vivid backdrop that enhances the suspense and drama, while exploring themes of justice, morality, and the human condition.

  6. 6. Любовница смерти

    Приключения Эраста Фандорина в начале XX века

    Set in the vibrant and mysterious world of late 19th-century Russia, this gripping novel follows the adventures of a young woman named Masha Mironova, who becomes entangled in a secret society obsessed with death. As she navigates the shadowy underworld of St. Petersburg, Masha is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger, encountering a series of enigmatic characters, each with their own dark secrets. Her journey is one of self-discovery and survival, as she grapples with the allure of the macabre and the quest for truth amidst the chaos of a society on the brink of change.

  7. 7. Алмазная колесница

    Восток и Запад

    Set in the late 19th century, this gripping historical detective novel intertwines two narratives that span across continents, blending elements of mystery, espionage, and cultural exploration. The story follows the astute and enigmatic detective as he navigates the intricate world of Russian and Japanese societies, uncovering secrets and confronting adversaries. With a backdrop of political intrigue and personal vendettas, the narrative delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the clash of civilizations, all while maintaining a suspenseful and engaging pace that keeps readers enthralled until the very end.

  8. 8. Любовник смерти

    Приключения Эраста Фандорина в начале века

    Set in the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of late 19th-century Moscow, the narrative follows the young and cunning orphan, Senka, who becomes embroiled in the city's criminal underworld. As he navigates the dangerous streets, Senka encounters a mysterious figure known as "Death's Lover," whose enigmatic presence and dark allure captivate him. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and intrigue, as Senka is drawn deeper into a web of secrets and deception, ultimately leading him to confront the shadows of his own past and the true nature of his desires.

  9. 9. Статский советник

    Приключения Эраста Фандорина

    Set in late 19th-century Russia, this gripping historical detective novel follows the astute and unyielding detective Erast Fandorin as he navigates a complex web of political intrigue and deception. Tasked with unraveling the mystery behind a high-profile assassination, Fandorin finds himself entangled in a dangerous game involving revolutionary conspirators and corrupt officials. As he delves deeper into the case, he must use his sharp intellect and keen instincts to uncover the truth, all while confronting the moral ambiguities of justice and loyalty in a rapidly changing society.

  10. 10. Sister Pelagia And The White Bulldog

    A Mystery

    Set in the late 19th century, this intriguing mystery unfolds in a small Russian town where Sister Pelagia, a sharp-witted and unconventional nun, is tasked with solving the puzzling case of a series of attacks on rare white bulldogs. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Pelagia navigates a web of secrets, deceit, and unexpected alliances, revealing the complexities of human nature and the societal norms of the time. Her journey is marked by wit, intelligence, and a touch of humor, as she challenges the boundaries of her role in the pursuit of justice.

  11. 11. The Death Of Achilles

    A Fandorin Mystery

    Set in the late 19th century, this gripping historical mystery follows the astute detective Erast Fandorin as he returns to Moscow after a long absence, only to find himself embroiled in a complex investigation surrounding the mysterious death of a celebrated war hero. As Fandorin delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of political intrigue, deception, and betrayal, revealing a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of power. With his characteristic wit and resourcefulness, Fandorin navigates a world of danger and duplicity, determined to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic demise.

  12. 12. The Turkish Gambit

    Set against the backdrop of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, this historical detective novel follows the cunning and resourceful Erast Fandorin as he navigates a web of espionage, deceit, and political intrigue. Tasked with uncovering a traitor within the Russian military ranks, Fandorin must employ his sharp wit and keen observation skills to unravel a complex conspiracy that threatens to tip the balance of power in the conflict. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters a cast of vivid characters, each with their own secrets and motives, leading to a thrilling and unexpected climax.

  13. 13. Murder On The Leviathan

    Set in the late 19th century, this gripping mystery unfolds aboard the luxurious steamship Leviathan as it sails from Southampton to Calcutta. A diverse group of passengers, each with their own secrets and motives, find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation led by the astute French detective Gustave Gauche. As the ship traverses the high seas, Gauche must unravel a complex web of deceit and intrigue to uncover the identity of a cunning killer, all while navigating the intricate social dynamics and hidden agendas of those on board. The story masterfully blends historical detail with suspense, keeping readers on edge until the final revelation.

  14. 14. Смерть Ахиллеса

    Приключения Эраста Фандорина в 1882 году

    In this gripping historical detective novel set in late 19th-century Russia, the renowned detective Erast Fandorin returns to Moscow after a long absence, only to find himself embroiled in a complex murder investigation. The victim, a celebrated war hero, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, prompting Fandorin to unravel a web of political intrigue, deception, and betrayal. As he delves deeper, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motives, leading to a suspenseful and unexpected conclusion that challenges his deductive skills and moral compass.

  15. 15. Левиафан

    Декоратор

    Set in the late 19th century, this gripping detective novel unfolds aboard the luxurious steamship "Leviathan," where a gruesome murder has taken place. As the ship sails from France to India, a diverse group of passengers becomes embroiled in the investigation led by the astute and enigmatic detective Erast Fandorin. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for unraveling complex puzzles, Fandorin navigates through a web of secrets, deceit, and hidden motives, all while maintaining an air of suspense and intrigue. The narrative masterfully blends historical elements with a classic whodunit, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.

  16. 16. Яма

    Set in the late 19th century, this gripping novel unfolds in the bustling city of St. Petersburg, where a series of mysterious events intertwine the lives of a diverse cast of characters. The narrative delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of morality, justice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As the plot thickens, the characters find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue, deception, and unexpected alliances, leading to a dramatic climax that challenges their perceptions of truth and honor. Through its rich historical backdrop and intricate storytelling, the book offers a profound reflection on the societal and personal dilemmas of its time.

  17. 17. разрушение и воскрешение империи. ленинско сталинская эпоха. 1917 1953

    ленинско-сталинская эпоха. 1917–1953

    Книга представляет собой обобщённый исторический анализ СССР в 1917–1953 гг., показывающий, как революция и последующая ленинско-сталинская политика разрушили прежние имперские структуры и одновременно создали новую централизованную власть. Автор прослеживает ключевые этапы — гражданскую войну, «военный коммунизм», НЭП, индустриализацию, коллективизацию, массовые репрессии и Великую Отечественную войну — и объясняет, как методы террора, культа личности и насильственной модернизации привели к гибели миллионов и к формированию «воскресшей» империи с тоталитарным аппаратом. Книга сочетает документальные факты, аналитические обобщения и оценку политических и социально-культурных последствий эпохи.

  18. 19. история российского государства. царь освободитель и царь миротворец. лекарство для империи

    царь освободитель и царь миротворец. лекарство для империи

    Книга — сжатый историко‑аналитический очерк о попытках российских монархов одновременно модернизировать и удерживать империю: от образа «царя‑освободителя», проводившего реформы ради обновления, до «царя‑миротворца», стремившегося сохранить порядок и целостность любой ценой. Автор исследует мотивы, методы и последствия реформ (включая освобождение крестьян, военные и внешнеполитические решения), обращая внимание на противоречие между стремлением к модернизации и институциональными пределами самодержавия, из‑за чего благие намерения часто имели неожиданные и двоякие результаты. Текст сочетает живое повествование и критический разбор, объясняя, как те исторические решения определяли дальнейшую судьбу российского государства.

  19. 20. Евразийская империя. История Российского Государства. Эпоха цариц

    История Российского Государства. Эпоха цариц

    Очерк охватывает XVIII век в России, когда страной правили женщины, и показывает, как императрицы — от Екатерины I и Анны до Елизаветы и Екатерины II — через дворцовые интриги, просветительские проекты и внешнеполитическую экспансию формировали облик империи. Автор сочетает живой нарратив и глубокий исторический анализ, раскрывая противоречия эпохи: столкновение европейских идей с местными традициями, личные амбиции властных фамилий и институциональное становление государства, что в сумме объясняет превращение России в мощную евразийскую державу.

  20. 21. Между Европой и Азией. История российского государства. Семнадцатый век.

    История российского государства. Семнадцатый век

    A lively, narrative account of seventeenth‑century Russia that traces how the Romanov dynasty consolidated power after the Time of Troubles, navigated wars and diplomacy with Poland, Sweden and the Ottoman world, expanded into Siberia, and wrestled with deep social and religious upheavals—most notably the church reforms of Patriarch Nikon and the ensuing Raskol and popular rebellions such as Stepan Razin’s uprising—while balancing competing European influences and older Eurasian traditions to shape the emerging modern Russian state.

  21. 22. между азией и европой. история российского государства. от ивана Iii до бориса годунова

    История российского государства. От Ивана III до Бориса Годунова

    A lively, accessible narrative tracing the formation and consolidation of the Russian state from Ivan III to Boris Godunov, examining how rulers, wars, diplomacy and the Orthodox Church forged central authority while navigating competing Asian and European influences; the book emphasizes personalities, key state-building decisions, and the geopolitical and cultural tensions that shaped Muscovy’s transformation into a major power and set the stage for the crisis at the turn of the 17th century.

  22. 23. Первая сверхдержава. История Российского Государства

    История Российского Государства

    Популярно-научная и литературно выстроенная хроника становления российского государства: от зарождений древнерусской власти и ключевых княжеских и царских фигур до формирования имперских институтов и международного могущества. Книга сочетает фактические исследования, живые портреты правителей и анализ политических, экономических и культурных факторов, объясняя, как внутренние преобразования и внешние столкновения привели к превращению России в одну из ведущих держав мира.

  23. 24. Азиатская европеизация. История Российского Государства. Царь Петр Алексеевич

    Исследование показывает Петра I как ключевую фигуру радикальной трансформации России: через военные, административные и культурные реформы он стремился «европеизовать» страну, при этом сохраняя автократические, часто «азиатские» методы власти. Автор анализирует становление имперского аппарата, создание флота и армии, бюрократию и новые социальные практики, не скрывая цены перемен — репрессий, мобилизации и человеческих жертв — и демонстрирует, как петровские преобразования заложили противоречивые основы современной российской государственности.

  24. 25. История Российского Государства. Ордынский период

    Ордынский период

    Книга представляет подробный и живой рассказ о времени монгольской Орды в истории русских земель — о завоеваниях, системе ярма и налогов, взаимодействии ханской власти с местными княжествами и о том, как под влиянием Орды формировалось централизованное Московское государство. Автор сочетает исторические факты с яркими биографиями ключевых фигур, разбивает стереотипы о «рабстве» и показывает сложность взаимовлияния культур, политических институтов и военных практик в XIII–XV веках. В тексте много документальной информации, анализа причин и последствий ордынского владычества, а также рассказов о повседневной жизни и стратегии выживания русских правителей, что делает книгу и научно значимой, и доступной широкому кругу читателей.

  25. 26. История Российского государства. От истоков до монгольского нашествия.

    От истоков до монгольского нашествия

    A lively, evidence-based narrative that follows the emergence of the early Russian state from tribal roots and Varangian contacts through the consolidation of Kievan Rus, examining key rulers, the adoption of Christianity, the development of law, trade and social structure, and the cultural and economic forces at work; it shows how internal rivalries, feudal fragmentation and persistent pressure from steppe nomads weakened central authority and prepared the ground for the disruptive Mongol invasion of the 13th century, combining accessible interpretation of sources with vivid scenes and myth-busting commentary.