1905 proved to be a turbulent year in Russia. The January march of strikers and their families on the Winter Palace led by Father Gapon resulted in the death of 500 people. The Tsar's uncle, Grand Duke Serge, was killed by a bomb which led him to dismiss the chief of police. The candidate recommended to him as a replacement is Ratchkowski, a former member of the secret police. Ratchkowski has a reputation as a master manipulator who will go to virtually any lengths to arrest anarchists and revolutionaries. The Tsar hesitates as Ratchkowski had once investigated the Tsarina's relationship with one of her priests but relents when she gives her blessing. He sets about his task with expert ruthlessness.
—garykmcd