I've always been a big fan of Cold War spine levels and was really intrigued by the premise here. Unfortunately I found the delivery somewhat flat and the characters, who should have jumped off the page given the subject matter, did as well. I just didn't develop any connection to the characters, which made the tension and paranoia of the Russian spy environment less intense and engaging than I hoped it would be.. This one was not a good fit for me stylistically.

Incidentally, I also struggled with the incorporation of the Publisher's logo into the text every several screen flips on my kindle... I have reviewed hundreds upon hundreds of books through Netgalley and never seen this happen before. I was already struggling to stay connected to the story, and having things break up with the graphic did not help.

Two women, one in the 1950s and one in the mid-1980s risk their lives to spy for their countries and give Soviet secrets to MI6 and the CIA. This story had tension, a high-stake plot, and strong women. It was fascinating.

#AShadowinMoscow #NetGalle

A story set during the cold war. It is told in dual time periods. The story is about two female spies both living in Moscow Russia. The KGB are always watching and with cameras and bugs, they miss very little.
This book captured my attention from the beginning and the intense situations had my stomach in knots. I connected with both Ingrid and Anya. Katherine Reay is good at writing details, this was well researched.
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In “A Shadow in Moscow,” author Katherine Reay gives readers a double-plotted story featuring two women living as prominent Soviet citizens while secretly providing vital intelligence to Western powers. Billed as “A Novel of the Cold War,” and promoted as “women’s fiction” and “historical fiction,” it excels in depicting how intrusive and repressive the Soviet government was towards its people. However, I found the first half of the novel somewhat slow, that it sometimes got bogged down in characters’ inner thoughts and feelings, and that certain aspects weren't believable.

Each plot centers on a particular character: Anya, a young Muscovite who attends Georgetown University (GU) during the late 1970s/early 1980s through the Soviet government’s Foreign Studies Initiative and then returns to Moscow to work in a military lab; and Ingrid, a young woman living in Vienna at the end of WWII who meets and marries a Russian soldier during the USSR’s occupation and returns with him to live in Moscow. Each character, for various reasons, comes to doubt the efficacy of Soviet communism. Each finds her way to English/American Intelligence and begins providing information vital to the West’s Cold War efforts.

Author Katherine Reay is at her best when depicting what it must have been like to live in Soviet society where everyone—even, or especially, the “higher-ups”—are watched 24 hours a day, by government agents, by surveillance technology, and by neighbors and co-workers. Her portrayal of life under such an intrusive, repressive regime serves to remind us how precious our freedoms are.

I enjoyed the second half of the novel more than I did the first which, in certain instances, I found not credible. For example, the novel begins with young GU student Anya attending a weekly meeting with her KGB “minder” at the Soviet embassy. She lives on campus with a roommate and pursues a liberal arts course of study. She has just returned from spring break with her American boyfriend in Fort Lauderdale. She talks and thinks and lives very much like a typical American college student. I had trouble buying all of that.

While I could believe the Soviets might allow one of its citizens to attend GU back in the late 70s, I couldn’t see them giving her such free reign. At the very least, I would have thought she’d be required to live with a Russian family assigned to the embassy and that the KGB would have executed tighter control and surveillance. And I had major problems believing that someone who was raised, indeed thrived, under the Soviet system, could so easily become “Americanized.”

I also thought the first half included too little about the two main characters’ espionage and too much about their inner thoughts and feelings, which centered mostly on their significant others, their families, and their pasts. And I would have liked to have seen more about Cold War events, US-Soviet relations, and Washington itself during Anya’s time at Georgetown.

But as the novel progressed, things picked up. Historical/Cold War events were treated and integrated into the plot. The characters began spying in earnest and showing their mettle. The stakes became higher. Surprises occurred. The pace quickened. Tension levels doubled and redoubled. “A Shadow in Moscow” became truly absorbing.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an electronic ARC. The foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.

This was my first book by Katherine Reay and I will most certainly be enjoying more! I’ve read a fair amount of historical fiction - and Christian-published historical fiction at that - and I feel confident saying that this is one of the best. It boasts good writing, strong characters, and historical elements to strengthen the context along with vibrant fictionalized components that enrich the overall story.

I was initially intrigued by the setting and timeframe of Soviet Russia during the Cold War era as it is one I have not read much historical fiction on. Reading this book spurred me on to be immensely grateful for the incredible freedoms I am blessed with as an American in this time.

Reay did an incredible job of building the two main characters, giving them each a unique voice and perspective. The control, mind games, and oppression of the Soviet was so well portrayed. Along with the power of sacrifice and risk for what you believe in and ultimately love; I FELT it as the reader.

The story carried me along, moved at a good pace, and concluded with a satisfying and hopeful ending. I enjoyed a few curves and surprised that were weaved in, and the thread of romance. Though the romantic relationships are not the chief focus of the story, they helped to add depth and feeling to the characters and fullness to the story.

Content: No language. A couple kisses & married sex vaguely alluded to, no description.

Thank you to HarperMuse and NetGalley for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was stunning! A novel of the Cold War, told through the interwoven stories of a mother and daughter. This book was riveting!

I love the repetition of the phrase "Duc in altum," which is "put out into the deep," and was a phrase that Ingrid teaches her daughter. She teaches her, within the stifling framework of Cold War Russia, to press into life, to do the hard things, and to do what is right. Because of the significance of this phrase throughout the book, I was also delighted when I actually saw the cover to realize that the theme of water was carried into the artwork.

I stay away from thrillers as a rule, but this one was just my speed. It was suspenseful and exciting!

I received a complimentary #earc from #netgalley but all enthusiastic opinions are entirely my own.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advance reader copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

A Shadow in Moscow is a story told in dual timelines by Ingrid and Anya, two women living in the Soviet Union, shortly after WWII and at the height of the Cold War in the 80s, respectively. Ultimately, I felt that this book was paced extremely well, kept me interested, and kept me invested in the lives of our characters. It made me feel nervous, anxious, excited, and hopeful which, I think is what makes a great read.

Female spies in Soviet Russia? This book sounds like a dream! Told in two parallel storylines in the 1950s and 1980s, I struggled to be engrossed in this story despite the fascinating storyline. I wasn't truly interested until about 40% of the way in, and by then, the jumping back and forth between characters felt somewhat abrupt. I did love the deep historical insight into Russia in the 50s and 80s as well as the thought put into Ingrid and Anya's perspectives and why they chose to turn on their countries. I just struggled with the pacing specifically of this novel.

This is a great, dual timeline story involving two female spies in cold war era Soviet Union. Unlike a lot of dual timeline stories, this one flowed well - the breaks in their stories felt natural and not just for some unnecessary suspense that ultimately goes nowhere. A few of the "surprises" in the story were fairly easily figured out based on the dates and details, but that didn't distract from the plot and again, felt natural and not forced. I'd highly recommend this book to just about anyone, but those with an interest in cold war era politics and spy "games" will probably be particularly enthralled by the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*** I was very fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions in this review are completely my own. ***



The only way to start my review is to say, "WOW!" For so much of this book, I felt right there in the scenes. Katherine does a phenomenal job of describing the scene and giving you details that make you feel you're right there- in the middle of everything with the characters. The details she included with the undercover work and spy maneuvers just made the story leap off the pages!! I felt the suspense the characters felt and the tension, too. This story was incredible. Her research was impeccable and brought the story she created to life.

Ingrid is a dynamic character. Her story engrossed me from the very beginning. Her storyline started off with secrets and pretty much stayed that way throughout the whole book. In fact, she doesn't understand for years why her father is dragged from their family home and beaten. She learns later her mother was pushed down stairs and died in the same attack. She had no idea the truth of what her parents were doing, nor who they were. Once the truth is revealed to her, her life is forever changed.

Her parents' legacy comes into play once Ingrid is married and about to have her daughter. A hasty marriage doesn't live out as she thought it would and she decides she wants better for her daughter. This involves secrets, spying, sharing political information against the Soviet Union. The very government her husband is devoted to. Years of dinner parties and being the perfect hostess give her access to conversations she would later relay to the British. Over the years, she becomes legendary. So much so, in fact, that only people know who she is.

Anya is given the rare opportunity to leave Moscow and study in the U.S. for a few years. There, she's exposed to an entirely different way of life. One that has hope, options, freedom. She can't unknow what she now knows once she comes back to Moscow. Suddenly, the differences between the U.S. and Russia are all she sees. Anya makes a firm choice of where her loyalty lies when she's informed the Dmitri is dead. While everyone says he was mugged and killed, Anya fears something is off. Shortly after, she notifies a man she met through a college professor in the U.S. and begins to spy for them.

This story was so action packed. No chapter was without a purpose in driving the story along. My only complaint was that it felt the first half of the book unfolded in a slow pace. Lots was happening, but it felt like it was taking awhile to get it going. For example, Ingrid doesn't even get married until 80+ pages in. Based on the book summary, that was what catapults her into spying, so I expected it to happen sooner than it did. Dmitri's death (the catapult for Anya's spying) doesn't happen until pages 139. I wasn't expecting these key events to happen so late in the story.

However, once the ball got rolling you were rolling. You were glued. You wanted to see how each operation would go. Would Anya get caught? Would Ingrid? Seeing everything come to a head and unfold from there was intense and I couldn't wait to see how the book would end.

Thank you, Katherine Reay, for another amazing book. You captivated me with the story you wrote. I was torn between wanting to know what would happen next to not wanting the story to end.

Fascinating! Katherine Reay has done it again! Take a look into the mind and life of Ingrid, a spy for Britain. whose husband works for the KGB during the Cold War. Watching her parents be taken by the Nazis near the end of World War II, is the end of the protected live Ingrid knew in Austria. After she marries a Russian and moves to Moscow, she begins working for MI6 to make a better world for her daughter. This demur housewife stays invisible for years and keeps Britain and her allies informed on what the Soviets are planning. Until.....

A Shadow in Moscow, by Katherine Reay, earned a 5-star rating. I don't often do that, but Reay puts the reader into the thoughts, fears, and hopes of those living a secret life.

An intriguing story of two remarkable women who risk their lives for the cause of freedom. This dual timeline is truly well researched, with a building suspense that had me holding my breath towards the end.
"One word of truth outweighs the whole world."
The author gives a front row seat to what life may have been like for many behind the Iron Curtain, after WW2 and during the escalating Cold War, up until the late 1980's. It brought back memories of news events in a way that made me feel their pain and remember why people would risk their lives for liberty. It is a good reminder for us who have enjoyed a free country to be thankful and value our freedoms, and honor those who sacrificed for us.
It took awhile for me to get into the story, but as it progressed and the two timelines intertwined, with a plot reveal later on, it became an engrossing read. Redemption and sacrifice for others is an important theme. There's a hint of clean romance, and some mentions of violence.
Recommend to readers who enjoy stories of intrigue, and history, with a brush of romance. 4.5 stars

A Shadow in Moscow; this story was really difficult and often overwhelming at times. More than cheering on the characters the reader will be left with a lot of introspective questions as to the human nature and how they manipulate power for their beliefs.

Spy books are thrilling, but it’s also kind of terrifying to think people are out there doing things like that. I’m thankful not to live in Russia during this time! It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. Both POVs were good, and I enjoyed seeing everything come together. I appreciated the themes of love and sacrifice, and while there was heartbreak, it was hope filled too.

A Shadow of Moscow by Katherine Reay has a synopsis of a Cold War Spy Novel. I enjoy a good spy novel, especially during World War II. However, Reay’s novel does have those elements of a Russian spy with hints of the Nazi Regime that started during World War II. Actually the novel does have a timeline of 1944 with the Nazi’s in it. Some issues with the writing are a lot of telling, not showing. I feel like I was being told a lot of information in information dumps throughout the first 50 percent of the novel. There was a little bit of movement sprinkled in between, but nothing really that important to the idea of the plot. Ingrid, as a character, was really flat. She seemed to have no personality and just moved through the directions and a little bit of discussion. Anya, on the other hand, may be a little more developed, but she seems a little boring too. Both characters are worried about their heritage, but I do not sense a sense of urgency in both characters. If I had the KGB coming after me for something that mother had done in the past, I believe I would be a little more scared. Anya did not have that feeling. Since this a split-time story, I wanted to read more like a story. Overall, A Shadow of Moscow by Katherine Reay did not really capture my attention. With the synopsis, it could have been an interesting story, but I felt like Reay did not deliver what she promised.

I received a complimentary copy of The Shadow of Moscow by Katherine Reay from Harper Muse Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This was an amazing read! Truly most spy novels are male centered and women are nothing more than set pieces. This was different and as equally as immersive and engaging as a traditional spy novel.

This book was quite a departure from what I've read of Ms. Reay's previous novels, which were all light and life, even with difficult challenges. By virtue of being set in Moscow during the Cold War, this book was automatically darker. But that's not all bad. The book artfully and poignantly weaves the stories of two women who live double lives as spies. The emotional and relational impact of the realities of living under Soviet Communism yet giving information to the western free world was plain and sometimes painful to read. But I simply couldn't put it down. I have loved Russia and studied the impact of Communism for years. I could picture so many Moscow places in the book from when I visited several years ago. The sheer genius of the two women was remarkable. The strong drive to stay alive and yet the heavy burden of the emptiness of Communist philosophy and way of life warred within each woman. So many details, hints, and feints will compel the reader through the book to solve the mystery. But the ending will take the reader's breath away. No spoilers here, though. If you like intrigue, you will love this book.

I received this as a free eARC from NetGalley and the publisher. But this review was voluntary, and my opinions are my own.

Riveting, even heart-breaking, to the last moment. Catch a glimpse into the world of Soviet Europe and the network of spies that worked to pass information in and out of the regime. Reay’s suspense writing just gets better and better. It wasn’t until midway through the book that I even started guessing at the ended, and when I got there, I still had surprising waiting for me!

I received a copy for review via NetGalley and am giving my honest opinions in this review.

This book slowly pulled me in and then did not let go. Two seemingly separate stories are told: One around Ingrid, a woman who lost everyone dear to her in the last days of WWII and the other around Anya, a young woman who grew up in Moscow only to get her college education in the States. I love the London House for the way it's dual timelines wove into a seemless story, and A Shadow in Moscow stunned me at the 60% mark when I saw the connection. This is a spy novel set in the dark days of the Cold War. It's a race to see who can survive, and with men like Aldrich Ames in the story, you know not everyone can. But it's a story of love, of sacrifice, of looking for truth and beauty in dark places. It's a book filled with the search for goodness and hope in points you can't expect to find it, and with the subtlest overlay of James Bond. I highly recommend it.

What a fascinating story!
This dual time story takes readers on an educational ride through Vienna, 1954 and US/Soviet Union 1980. It’s an intense story, filled with details about the Cold War that helps readers understand what went on during those times.
Ingrid lives with her parents in Vienna. Her life isn’t terrible, but she senses her parents are keeping secrets from her. What she discovers sets her on an unexpected course and will change her life completely.
Anya’s time in America is drawing to a close, finishing her degree at Georgetown as an exchange student from Russia. Having tasted another life outside the Iron Curtain, Anya is faced with questions that one cannot answer. And when she returns to Russia, she’s faced with life-altering decisions.
The connection between these two characters isn’t obvious at first, which makes the story that much more interesting.
Descriptions are fascinating, immersing the reader into historical Vienna and Moscow. Readers can easily connect to the individual characters, though I found Anya’s immaturity to be frustrating at times. However, there wasn’t anything in this story that didn’t make sense, and Anya’s immaturity would play a pivotal role in the entire novel.
It’s a heavy read, but really fascinating. For readers who want to know more about the Cold War, this is an ideal read. For those who love a great dual time story with the connection not easily guessed, pick up this book!
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.