This powerful story told in dual timelines is one that everyone should read. The two main characters were fully developed and I saw their lives unfold through the many phases of their lives.
Ingrid is from Vienna where her parents and her love worked for the British MI 6. At the end of WWII when they were seized and killed by the Nazis, Ingrid decided to join MI6 to provide the Allies with info to defeat the Nazis. WhenAdam (also MI6) asks her to marry and move to England she declines and moves to Moscow . She marries Leo, a Soviet and continues to inform MI6 of intel as Leo moves up in the KGB through the 1980s.
Anya grew up in Moscow and attends Georgetown university through theForeign Student Initiative. Her 4 years in the US opened her eyes to the many differences between this country and her homeland. However, to avoid defection, the KGB has weekly meetings to assure her loyalty and her return to Russia. A CIA recruiter meets with her to recruit her as an agent in Moscow when she goes home. After graduation, she leaves Scott ( her lover) and the US and resumes Soviet life.
The author described the oppression and control in The USSR during the Cold War, the restrictions imposed on its citizens and the absolute rule of the KGB. Her writing was descriptive and the story was engaging. It took me a while to catch onto the link between the 2 women, but I loved the twist.
The ending was emotional and the perfect finale to the story.
I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley and Harper Muse. The opinions expressed are entirely my own

Magnificent! A Shadow in Moscow captured my attention from the first page to the last, even though I was initially a bit put off by the two time frames: the 1940s and the 1980s. Surely, I thought, the author could have come up with something more current than the 1980s. But the story lines and the two female protagonists were both so perfectly developed that I quickly stopped resisting my immersion into their lives. The novel concerns two women, years apart, fighting secretly to destroy the corrupt power of the Soviet Union. Katherine Reay provides exquisite detail regarding the daily lives of both Ingrid and Anya, allowing the reader to feel the suffocating weight of the Soviet state as it demanded total control over its citizens. The author’s exhaustive research into the times covered never overshadows the story, but the reader/listener can’t help but finish the book better informed and in awe of the bravery certain individuals were able to muster. How sad that the book came out in 2023, at a time when the “liberated” Russian people have once again given up self-determination in favor of vicious totalitarian control. I listened to the audio version of this wonderful book, and while the narration was excellent, I was saddened by small mispronunciations that are easily avoided. In Russian, a woman’s head scarf is, indeed, pronounced BaBUSHka, but the word for grandmother is accented/stressed on the first syllable, just as it is in English. But I guess we all cannot be polyglots like the admirable heroines of A Shadow in Moscow.

Top "semi-intellectual" Book Club Pick for 2023!

Blew my mind. SO well written. Part spy novel, part drama, part soul-search. I loved everything about this novel and I stayed up late each night to finish it!

Mostly the story is about Anya, the daughter of a top Soviet official. She is sent to the US to study abroad as part of a cultural exchange, and there she falls in love with an American. However, as a good communist, she returns to her family and takes a well-placed job in Moscow. I really enjoyed reading about life in the 1980s (I am old enough to remember all of this).

The other perspective is told by Ingrid, an Austrian who moved to Moscow after WWII. She has secrets to keep hidden. Her life is traced from the 1940s onward.

While this is fiction, the author took care to weave in several real-life spies and officials to make this seem like a story that really could have happened.

Overall it is well worth reading and I look forward to other books by this author in the future.

I received an ARC of this book as a reviewer for NetGalley. #sponsored

Even though this was a historical fiction novel, I learned something about this time frame of the Cold War. I was fascinated by these two women living secret lives and the connection to the war efforts. The detail into the languages and dialects was especially interesting and I found myself researching many of the topics brought up in this novel. I appreciate all of the author’s research and attention to detail in this book! The amount of information is endless! I would love to see this one on the screen!

3.5 stars
A spy-centric historical fiction, A Shadow in Moscow takes readers from occupied Austria in the 1940s to Moscow in the 1960s and 1980s. At its core, this novel is about a mother, Ingrid, and a daughter, Anya, and their lives behind the Iron Curtain.

First, I appreciated that this novel focuses on two women living in the Soviet Union sharing the narrative and that we see the Cold War through their eyes, rather than Western male espionage eyes. Second, I liked that the romance across continents was subtle. To me, the real relationship that stood out in this novel was between Anya and Ingrid. The ending was very satisfying and felt full circle and realistic.

My rating sits at a 3.5 stars because there were a few moments where I lost momentum with the narrative because I felt a few parts to be a bit repetitious or too slow. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story so much BUT I don't think I would re-read it.


Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

#AShadowinMoscow #NetGalley

Publication Date 13/06/23
Goodreads Review 21/06/23

I had not read many, if any, books set largely in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Katherine Reay's A Shadow in Moscow is an enthralling tale of two female spies working within Moscow. Ingrid's story spans from 1944 into 1985, Anya's from 1980 into 1985 with a brief glimpse into her life in 2023 in the epilogue. Their exploits and sacrifices are amazing and echo those of real-life MI6 and CIA spies. As much as I learned about Soviet culture, I was also reminded of both positive and negative aspects of our American culture, aspects that may be masked at times by more current cultural issues. A Shadow in Moscow is not only a fascinating read, but is also quite thought-provoking. I give it five stars without hesitation.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Katherine Reay writes such good historical fiction. If you are interested in MI6, James Bond, WWII topics you will enjoy this novel. Highly recommend for any historical fiction reader. Katherine Reay really does her research and knows her stuff, her writing is beautiful and really creates a story that you devour.

This book is amazing! A Shadow in Moscow is a look into Russian history, post WWII, that I haven’t encountered often. CIA, Mi6, KGB, spies and traitors fill this book with non-stop action. I didn’t want to put the book down. Also, I’m inspired by so many historical facts, that I’ve given myself research homework to look-up and learn more about them.

A Shadow in Moscow was another gripping piece of historical fiction and my first from author Katherine Reay. It was well written and researched and the Cold War intrigue was intense and interesting.

In Vienna, during WW II, Ingrid's parents are brutally murdered in front of her eyes for spying on the Nazi regime. Years later, bereft and alone, she agrees to a hasty marriage with a gentle Soviet embassy worker and follows him home to Moscow. But nothing deep within the Soviet Union's totalitarian regime is what it seems. Upon her daughter's birth, Ingrid risks everything and reaches out in hope to the one country she understands and trusts - Britain, the country of her mother's birth - and starts passing along intelligence to MI6.

In 1980s Washington, DC, 1980 Anya Kadinova is part of Russia's Foreign Studies Initiative. She finishes her degree at Georgetown University and boards her flight home to Moscow, leaving behind the man she loves and a country she's grown to respect. Back in Moscos, Anya soon questions an increasingly oppressive and paranoid Soviet regime at the height of the Cold War. When the KGB murders her best friend, Anya picks sides and contacts the CIA.

I always love dual timelines and alternating points of view, and this story was no exception. Ingrid's past tragedies help to strengthen her resolve as she works, unnoticed, right under the eyes of the KGB. And Anya's growth from university student to a fiercely intelligent young woman will make you smile. I did enjoy Ingrid's timeline a bit more. Her past and her future are tied so closely together, and every step requires a quick wit and steady nerves. The last third of the book had me gripping the book tightly through every twist and turn.

I would probably round this up to 4.5 and highly recommend it to any historical fiction lover.

I absolutely loved this book about two female spies. I would have to say that Russia's involvement in WWII and the Cold War are not exactly topics that are covered in depth in history in schools today, and so I learned so much from this book. I absolutely adored Katherine Reay's characters and how the story blends together. I don't want to say much more or I will give it away. Definitely a book to read if you are a lover of history or mystery.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Beginning with her 2013 debut novel Dear Mr. Knightley, author Katherine Reay’s work was firmly planted in the Austenesque community for some time. She showcased her love for and knowledge of Jane Austen’s characters with several winsome titles which delighted many. In recent years I noted that she began branching out into other areas of storytelling with much continued success. Her latest novel, A Shadow in Moscow held an intriguing premise, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it for a sponsored blog tour.

It has been the better part of a decade since I’ve read a Reay title and in that time she has thoroughly honed her craft. As such, my experience with A Shadow in Moscow felt very fresh and was very different from my time with Dear Mr. Knightley. While there are a few minor references to Austen in the novel, this is a Cold War spy novel, through and through. Told with dual timelines, readers are taken into the secret and complex lives of two female spies as they navigate the intricacies of life under the gaze of the KGB. Ingrid and Anya love the land in which they live, but want more for the people of Russia than the oppression under which they are living. As cogs in an elaborate machine working to make the world a better place, these strong women make similar decisions while living in separate generations. Eventually their storylines begin to merge, but in general the plot alternates between the narratives of the two women to delicious effect.

Katherine Reay’s research and dedication to the subject matter of Soviet history and spycraft is deep and meticulous throughout A Shadow in Moscow. The level of expertise she exhibited in her writing was truly impressive, and the education she most certainly received while preparing for this work can be respected at the highest levels. While I am no Russian historian or specialist in the world of espionage, the level of realism that Reay captured was astounding. Immersive and seemingly accurate, A Shadow in Moscow also features extremely well-drawn characters, a compelling plot and satisfying conclusion. The adult material that must be addressed when dealing with this time period and culture is handled carefully, yet difficult scenes and topics are not avoided. Reay’s writing is skillful enough to convey heartbreaking tragedy and mature themes without gratuitous detail. I not only appreciated her discretion, but also her willingness to address the dark underbelly of the world in which her characters inhabited.

The only slight “hiccup” I had in reading A Shadow in Moscow came through the alternating timeline. As the focus alternated between the characters of Ingrid and Anya, this aided in keeping my attention for the most part. However, there were a few times wherein their similar struggles as spies in the Russian culture were similar enough that I occasionally lost track of which plot points had occurred with which character. This was not a huge problem, and does not detract from my hearty endorsement of the book.

I came to read A Shadow in Moscow because of the delightful Katherine Reay, but also due to the premise of the novel. The expectations of an intriguing, exciting and satisfying story were well met. I loved the occasional references to authors such as Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy and Harper Lee, which have made me want to pull out my copies of works like Anna Karenina all over again.

Tidbits of philosophy were also woven throughout the narrative, and one thought in particular has truly resonated with me. Many of the characters in A Shadow in Moscow were dealing with immense oppression. Ingrid does her best to rise above her situation not by escaping it, but by changing her attitude towards it. This alters her “internal landscape”, and through that adjustment she is able to face even the harshest trials. She carries a human dignity which she endeavors to share with the world. Like Ingrid, Anya also holds admirable ideals when she says in chapter fourteen, “I wanted to do everything I could to make the world a better place, one that honored the dignity of humans and allowed each and every person to thrive.” (p. 176) That is the essence of A Shadow in Moscow in a nutshell. It is certainly a Cold War spy novel, but it also conveys a message of resilience and hope to humanity in search of Light. Author Katherine Reay has crafted a fine work and should be congratulated for her achievement.

I was blown away by this powerful historical account of two female spies at the height of the Cold War. A dual timeline romantic suspense that truly had me engrossed from start to finish.
I found myself rereading to take in so many of the quotes, thoughts, and reflections. I was immensely proud to be an American and gained a better insight into some of the communistic ideologies that blinded so many.
Both women, Ingrid and Anya, found their line in the sand moment and made the decision to fight for humanity and freedom. The risks they both took are not even fathomable and yet, Katherine Reay provides a beautiful tribute to how spies might have pulled it off.
There are twists and turns all along the way that will keep you turning the pages, holding your breath, and wiping tears from your eyes. There is some romance, but more so, different looks at deep, genuine, sacrificial love.
I had the amazing privilege of both reading the book as well as listening to the audiobook. This brought even more depth to the characters with accents and personalities.
I received complimentary copies from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay is both chilling and spellbinding and is just the book that will keep you reading late into the night. I was first introduced to this author's work when I picked up The London House. I instantly fell in love with her writing and her story of courageous women within Britain’s SOE during World War II. Her writing captured my attention then, but her latest novel; A Shadow in Moscow, absolutely blew me away! My heart, thrilled with each secret mission, stopped when the KGB came too close to their target and broke with each heart-wrenching moment.

It's the beginning days of the Cold War, and Ingrid Bauer has lost everyone she has ever loved. When she meets Leo in Vienna, her heart yearns with the possibility life with him might hold. When he suggests returning to his homeland of Russia, she goes with him. As the years go by, secrets alienate the couple, and when they welcome a child into the world, ingrid longs for a better life for her daughter. She soon begins to risk everything as she pases along intelligence to MI6, becoming their greatest asset behind the Iron curtain.

1980, Anya Kadinova has spent four years in the United States studying at Georgetown as part of the Foreign Studies Initiative. Never far from the eyes of the KGB, Anya, despite her best efforts, begins to love the people and country she was taught to hate. When she returns home, life is never the same. After the death of her best friend, Anya agrees to spy for the CIA, passing along Soviet military plans in hopes of ending the arms race. Both Anya and Ingrid find their lives in jeopardy when a mole is discovered and the names of undercover agents are leaked. Will the two be able to escape the ruthless clutches of the KGB?

Riveted to my seat, Reay's characters are deep and compelling, evoking emotions on every page; binding one to their experiences, and telling a story you won't soon forget. Even after finishing this book, I am still left captivated by this Cold War story of these two women, each seeking a better life, a better world and a better tomorrow, reminding the reader of the simplest, most innate desires ever human longs for.
In the Shadow of Moscow is meaningful and eye-opening. Although a work of fiction, Katherine Reay fascinates readers with her unflinching portrait of the Soviet Union as seen through the eyes of her characters, depicting true and powerful themes that don't just make this an entertaining read, but in my opinion, the best kind of book.

This is my first novel by Katherine Reay and it will not be my last. As a fan of historical fiction, I was initially intrigued when I saw A Shadow in Moscow announced. I read a lot of WWII fiction, but haven’t found a lot of fiction that takes place during the Cold War. This was so eye opening and definitely a page turner of a read.
I loved the two storylines, each following a female spy in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and their reasons for risking everything to go against the government and world they were trapped in. There were some great twists, some I had hoped would happen, and just so many edge-of-my-seat and heart pounding moments; I did not want to stop reading.
I loved the questions this book had me asking. The sacrifices it highlights. The way humanity is represented. It was definitely a standout for me in this genre and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I read a mix of both the audiobook and physical copy of this novel (listening to the entire audiobook, the performance was so well done). I recommend both formats. The narrators were excellent with their emotions and accents, making it easy to differentiate who and what. I found it easy to listen to and follow along. Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and Uplit read tours for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay is a totally gripping,rivetingly and suspenseful duel time line book. It is about two strong female heroes that chose to spy on the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era. It is a relatively fast paced book about spies, espionage, secrets, choices, danger, romance and family relationships.

The characters are complex and are not stereotypical. This is my first book by Katherine Reay. The characters are rich and deep. Ms. Reay’s writing wings you off to a place of intrigue that keeps you reading and wanting more. The story is very well thought out. The book gives you an interesting view into the Soviet Union during that time period. I was unaware that there were many brave female spies who served both the United States and Great Britain against the USSR. The author’s research was extensive and was very well written.

This may have been my first book by Katherine Reay but it definitely won’t be my last. I highly recommend this book. I would like to thank Ms. Reay, Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a unique historical fiction set during the Cold War. It features dual timelines with Ingrid's story starting in Vienna in 1954 and Anya's in 1980 as she goes to school in the US as part of the Russian Foreign Studies Initiative. Eventually, the two timelines get closer together creating not just historical fiction, but also a spy thriller.

It's a bit confusing at times, and I got the feeling that was intentional. The confusion heightened my ability to relate to both main characters and feel their urgency and concern. I loved that Katherine Reay webt even deeper into following female spies than in London House. The women are so strong, and it was fascinating to follow and feel immersed in their world. There are amazing twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat.

I was born when the Cold War was still ongoing but never really understood it as a child. I was so fascinated to learn more by reading this well-researched and well-crafted historical fiction. I already want to re-read it to catch small details I missed the first time. I recommend against reading the synopsis first to avoid any spoilers. Instead, just jump in to read it now since it published on Tuesday. I loved that this is a story of hope for a dreamed of future.

Thank you to Uplit Reads, the author, and Harper Muse for the finished copy and to LibroFM for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up

Absolutely loved this book. So good! Loved the different storylines and all that happened. So eye opening about the Cold War era in Russia. If you like historical fiction definitely recommend.

Content: mentions of genocide and suspense
Romance: closed door between married couple

Two different women, two different time periods; what is the connection? Anya and Ingrid both want the world to be a better place as they set about spying in Russia. This novel gives a fascinating view of the spy operation during the Cold War. Such dedication these organizations had. Very enlightening. Recommended.

True to all Ruth Ware books, this one takes you on a slippery sliding thrilling ride. This one seemed a bit different from her other ones that I've read. A little bit more thriller and less gothic, but it was still a fantastic read! I loved trying to figure out who was behind it all and I did at one point take a guess at it and was correct, but there was still so much more to discover that I really enjoyed it.
Side note if bad language offends you, this may not be your cup of tea.

In A Shadow in Moscow, Reay leads the reader through an incredible journey through Vienna, Russia, and United States in a story of espionage from World War II through the Cold War. I didn’t know much about this time in Russian history before reading the novel and was completely captivated by the story and well-researched details. As in her previous novels, Reay weaves in a love of literature that flows through her characters. I highly recommend A Shadow in Moscow to readers who enjoy historical fiction, strong female protagonists, or stories set in Russia.