October 1895 A new novel about the adventures of a young St. Petersburg police official, Rodion Vanzarov, and his friend, the brilliant forensic expert Apollo Lebedev. The heart of a true knight, without fear or reproach, can only tremble under the onslaught of beauty. Iron logic powerlessly gives in to the magic of women's charms, and irrefutable facts fade into the background. During the investigations, the young detective Rodion Vanzarov more than once became confused. This fact is excusable for the young man, since the first beauty contest in Russia became the arena for new crimes. A mysterious maniac is killing the beautiful contestants one by one. The incredible method of murder, contrary to all logic, suggests modern vampires. But the gullibility with which beautiful victims went to execution significantly narrows the circle of suspects. The authorities gave Vanzarov only three days to search for the criminal. During this difficult period, the hero is not abandoned by his faithful friend, the brilliant criminologist Apollo Lebedev. Who is unfamiliar with failures on the personal front! Where this noisy and reckless giant appears in the constant cloud of Nicaraguan tobacco, the most beautiful women lose their heads, and the most incredible evidence comes together in a coherent logical picture. In the new novel “The Scent of Blood,” Anton Chizh offers readers not only an exciting detective puzzle, but also unique information about the beauty secrets of St. Petersburg beauties of the 19th century. At all times, women were ready to make any sacrifices in order to preserve and maintain a good appearance. Modern readers can only be amazed at the tricks they went to and rejoice at the fact that the cosmetology industry has come a long way since then.