TEHRAN- A Persian translation of Russian writer Sergei Sergeevich Lebedev’s book “Untraceable” has recently been published by Markaz Publications in Tehran.

The book has been translated into Persian by Saeid Moqaddam.

In Lebedev's gripping novel "Untraceable," the chilling events of 2018 serve as a backdrop for a tale that intertwines personal tragedy with global intrigue. The story begins with a former Russian secret agent and his daughter, who are found poisoned on a park bench in Britain, victims of a lethal neurotoxin. This shocking incident not only captivates the public but also raises unsettling questions about the origins and development of such deadly substances.

At the heart of the narrative is Professor Kalitin, a brilliant yet morally conflicted chemist driven by an obsession to create an undetectable and untraceable poison with no antidote. His journey into darkness begins with the accidental death of his wife, the first casualty of his dangerous ambition. Consumed by guilt, Kalitin grapples with the consequences of his Faustian pact, which has resulted in the deaths of countless test subjects during his experiments.

After defecting from the Soviet Union, Kalitin seeks a quiet life in the West, but his past catches up with him. Two Russian agents are dispatched to eliminate him, setting off a chain of events that intertwines his fate with the machinations of international espionage. As the plot unfolds, Lebedev masterfully blends elements of thriller and historical fiction, creating a narrative rich in tension and moral complexity.

The novel delves into the darker aspects of scientific advancement, exploring the ethical responsibilities of those who create weapons for oppressive regimes. Lebedev's prose is both beautiful and haunting, as he examines the historical trajectories of evil—from Nazi experiments to Stalinist plots and the brutal Chechen Wars—highlighting how scientists have often been complicit in supplying tyrants with instruments of destruction.

"Untraceable" is not just a fast-paced thriller; it is a profound meditation on the nature of evil and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Through Kalitin’s story, Lebedev invites readers to reflect on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in positions of power and the devastating impact of their choices on humanity. 

Sergei Sergeevich Lebedev (born June 17, 1981) is a Russian émigré writer residing in Berlin, influenced by John le Carré. He writes in both Russian and English. 

Born in Moscow to geologists, he participated in geological expeditions in northern Russia and Central Asia from 1995 to 2002. From 2000 to 2014, he served as Deputy Editor of the pedagogical newspaper Pervoe Sentiabria. 

His notable works include "Oblivion" (2016), "The Year of the Comet" (2017), "The Goose Fritz" (2019), "Untraceable" (2021), "The Lady of the Mine" (2025), and "A Present Past: Titan and Other Chronicles" (2023).

SAB/