Book: Story told in two timelines, both really grabbing. Loved that it touches the end of second world war and the cold war. It was very interesting trying to discover the relation between the two perspectives.

Audio: Great narration. Clear differences in the characters making it easy to follow whenever the perspective changed.

I was happy to have the opportunity to listen to this audio book.
I am a huge historical fiction fan, but I tend to not take interest in a story from history if the same despicable events continue to present day. The today of Russia is not much different that from these two timelines.
However, I don't want my personal preferences to sway my thoughts on the book and narration.
The narration is very good.
The story line was a bit above average for me.
While I do like strong women, I am always surprised when an author chooses to make a highly intelligent person act in ways to contradict the original description of the character for no apparent reason but to fit a story line.
I will say without spoilers, I think the ending was very satisfactory and a bit of a pleasant surprise.

“One truth outweighs the whole world”

A SHADOW IN MOSCOW by Katherine Reay is an enthralling historical fiction novel that weaves a gripping tale of espionage, courage, and sacrifice. Set against the backdrop of the last days of World War II and the intense Cold War era, Reay's storytelling takes readers on a riveting journey through dual timelines.

The author's meticulous research shines through in this novel, as she expertly crafts a narrative filled with intricate details and an impressive array of memorable characters.
The depth of historical accuracy adds a layer of authenticity to the story, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the era.

Drawing inspiration from real-life events, A SHADOW IN MOSCOW explores the lives of two female spies, highlighting their unwavering bravery. Reay's attention to detail is commendable, providing readers with a captivating look into life behind the Iron Curtain. Although full of dialogue, it brings us a full sense of place during that era. This book is fast-paced in nature, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The consistent pacing maintains the tension throughout, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

The narration, skillfully performed by Saskia Maarleveld and Lisa Flanagan, enhances the overall experience. Recognizing Saskia's voice from previous audiobooks such as THE ADDRESS and THE SECRETS WE KEPT, her talent shines through once again. The presence of two talented narrators brings the characters to life, making the dialogue-rich storytelling even more engaging.

I have enjoyed this book, especially because I have a personal connection to the Solidarnosc revolution, since I was born in Poland and I’ve lived in Gdansk during those days. The chilling recounting of the Katyn massacre, a tragic event in Polish history, further brings this book close to my heart. This may or may not have affected my listening experience 😉

Katherine Reay's storytelling prowess shines through as she delivers a thrilling narrative that is both educational and emotionally resonant.

Thanks to @netgalley and @harpermusebooks for this #ALC in exchange for an honest review.

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay is a captivating historical fiction novel set in the Cold War. A dual timeline and alternating points of view follow Ingrid Bauer and Anya Kadinova as they navigate the complexities of espionage.

Ingrid, who lost her family in World War Two, marries Leonid Kadinova, a Soviet embassy worker in Moscow. After noticing suspicious behavior, Ingrid questions her husband's approval of the oppressive nature of the Soviet Union. When the couple has a child, Ingrid becomes increasingly concerned about her daughter's future and her husband's potential involvement with the KGB. Inspired by her parents' pursuit of making the world a better place, Ingrid decides to follow in their footsteps.

Meanwhile, Anya, Ingrid's daughter, attends Georgetown University in the United States. Anya returns to Moscow after experiencing the freedom and abundance of the West. When her friend is killed by the KGB, Anya takes a brave step and contacts the CIA, getting involved in espionage.

This story skillfully weaves together the struggles and triumphs of both women, shedding light on their challenges and sacrifices. Against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, the author explores themes of truth, freedom, and family bonds.

It's the rich historical detail that shows Reay's storytelling prowess, capturing the atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and resilience in Vienna and Moscow. Though the plot starts slow, it picks up momentum, delivering unexpected twists and keeping readers interested.

There's something deeply relatable about Ingrid and Anya, especially Anya's perspective, which grapples with the cost of knowledge and sacrifice. Shadow in Moscow takes you into a world of espionage, sacrifice, and truth pursuits in a thought-provoking and emotional novel.

This is my third read by this author and I think it’s my favorite so far. Told in dual POV and alternating timelines, this story follows two women, Ingrid and Anya, deeply entrenched in Moscow and working as spies for MI6 and the CIA respectively. I found the audio performance to be extraordinarily well done by Saskia Maarleveld and Lisa Flanagan. Both the male and female voices worked out beautifully and I would definitely listen to these narrators again in the future. On to the book review...

While these two women are complimentary foils for each other, their backgrounds are differing, and I enjoyed both timelines and characters immensely. Ingrid was raised in Austria by parents who acted as spies, which got them killed, and though she has a great love for her country, she came to the Soviet Union when she married and reluctantly adopted her new husband’s customs and restrictions. When her daughter is born, Ingrid is compelled to make the world a better place for her future.

In contrast, Anya was raised in the Soviet Union but received special dispensation to study in America and was overwhelmed by all the choices that Americans have the privilege of making for themselves every day from what to eat for lunch to the variety of sweaters available to purchase. When she returns to the Soviet Union, leaving the boy she fell in love with behind, her experiences and the loss of a loved one require her to take action for change in her country.

Ingrid is more practical and methodical in her approach, the perfect social hostess for a rising KGB agent, while Anya is young and brash while working in a military research lab, ready to make changes and frustrated by the way her hands are tied. Though as they both embark upon their careers as spies, there is some frustration with the slow approaches they must take to be safe and able to pass on information without being caught.

There is tension and suspenseful moments in each timeline as both women take calculated risks to find the hope of a better future. Recommended to historical readers interested in espionage and/or the Cold War.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for a copy provided for an honest review.

Wow! There is so much going on in this story! Spies, intrigue, all kinds of WWII and Cold War stuff I had no idea about, or didn’t really understand because I was too young. I was fascinated and horrified by some of the lengths that the KGB went to because they were scared little rabbits who couldn’t withstand any scrutiny themselves. I found both Ingrid and Anya to be compelling heroines, strong women who stood up for right when their whole world was going left. There are heart pounding escapes, soul crushing moments, flashbacks that filled my eyes with tears of rage and injustice. And yet through it all, these women and others that support them are willing to sacrifice everything for justice and the greater good. There is a strong faith element that tied the timelines together and it’s clear what motivates our heroines and how that resonates when the connection between them is revealed. The audiobook was so well done, with spot on accents and unique voices for important characters. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was not obligated to provide a positive review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an audio-arc in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.

I loved this book! It follows two Russian women in separate POVs through all kinds of drama and intrigue, Russian corruption, American spy secrecy. And of course, there's romance. The writing is gorgeous, quotable, and emotional. Reay wrote so beautifully of the identity struggle, struggling to love Russia as home and yet hating the corruption and politics, and the pain of keeping secrets. I was totally floored by the ending! I didn't see it coming and it was so well done.

Absolutely loved this book! Had me hanging on the edge of my seat for the most part..
It's 1954, and Ingrid Bauer has just lost everyone that she loves. She is devastated. In walks a young Soviet Embassy worker who seems to fall in love with her immediately. He asks her to marry him and come back to the Soviet Union. She hastily agrees...but is it the right decision?
She starts to notice little things as time goes on, and realizes that her marriage may not be what she thought. But, she gets pregnant and has a little girl, and that seems to change everything for them both. But Ingrid realizes right then that she wants to make the world a better place for her young daughter Anya.
Ingrid continues to be the quiet, shy, submissive wife that her husband's lifestyle demands, but at the same time decides that she needs to take action...and reaches out to someone in British Intelligence...and starts to work for them!
Fast forward a few years and Anya is ready to go to college. Ingrid pushes for her to go to America to the Foreign Studies School, where she will get a taste of freedom, as well as a great education...but at what cost? She falls in love with an American, but the relationship cannot be sustained. She must break it off and let him go.
She returns to Moscow and her family...but is not loving how her parents are such devoted Soviets. She is also devastated when her best friend Demetri is murdered.
She decides that she is going to reach out to the CIA and begins to filter information to them.
The story goes back and forth between the two viewpoints...Ingrid and Anya...and the info that you learn is amazing! And scary!!
Made me laugh, made me cry, made me happy to be an American, and also helped me to realize how hard things had to have been for the people living in Russia at that time! Very eye opening.
Wonderful read!
4 1/2 stars for me!

I listened to this book on audio and enjoyed both narrators. There aren't many women's historical fiction based in Russia and since all stories are important, I think this was long overdue. I really enjoyed this audiobook.

This books is told in alternating POVs and timelines, the story of two brave women who become spies during the Cold War.

Shadow in Moscow is told from two points of view on the Cold War from two spies from two generations.

Inga is the Austrian born, Russian wed daughter of a British citizen. She is a top secret mole in Moscow whose husband is a rising star in Russian politics. As he climbs the ladder, she has increasing access to the thinking of leadership, and uses that information to inform MI6 and Britain's allies about how to approach and negotiate with the Kremlin. Her spying is strategic.

Anya was raised in Russia, but exposed to the west with a cultural-exchange college education at Georgetown. On her return she exposes military secrets from her job in the Russian defense industry to the CIA. She is a thrill seeking tactical spy.

The contrast and interweaving of these two women's lives was interesting and well evolved. The ending of the story was less predictable than I anticipated. I was intrigued by the setting in the apartments and offices of the Cold War Soviet Union.

The dual narraator audiobook performance was very well done.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What an amazing book! You need to read this book!
What would you do to make the world a better place? What would you be willing to sacrifice? If you enjoy historical fiction, mother/daughter relationships and/or mysteries this book is for you.
The historical basis for this book was World War II in Vienna, the cold war in Russia and ending in the current time. The majority of the book takes place in Moscow, the details of this history were new to me.
The author does an interesting job of making some of the characters well known and others not so much. What you learn about each character is on a “need to know basis”. This adds intrigue to a book that was hard for me to put down.

I hadn’t read anything by Katherine Reay since her early women’s fiction and romances. I had missed her last novel, The London House, but having read A Shadow in Moscow, it is now on the top of my to-read pile!

I was able to listen to the audiobook version of A Shadow in Moscow, thanks to NetGalley, in exchange for a review. I took a chance on this when I saw Saskia Maarleveld was among the narrators, and I am so glad I did! I was captivated by this story of women spies during the Cold War. It was a terrific listen. So involving, emotional, and well-researched. There were perhaps a few too many coincidences to be entirely realistic, but it was altogether a great story which I listened to compulsively for three days.

I highly recommend this to any fans of well-written, women-centered historical fiction.

Thank you to Katherine Reay, Harper Muse, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:
Vienna, 1954
Ingrid:
After losing everyone she loves in the final days of World War II, Ingrid Bauer 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, including her new husband, whom Ingrid suspects works for the KGB. 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, navigating a world of secrets and lies, light and shadow.

Washington, DC, 1980
Anya:
Part of the Foreign Studies Initiative, Anya Kadinova 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. Though raised by dedicated and loyal Soviet parents, Anya soon questions an increasingly oppressive and paranoid Soviet regime at the height of the Cold War. When the KGB murders her bestfriend, Anya picks sides and contacts the CIA. Working in a military research lab, Anya passes along Soviet military plans and schematics in an effort to end the 1980s arms race.

I could feel the amount of research and time the author has put in. The book is written in alternating point of views and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I love books based on wars, the role of women in those wars because women have always been underestimate and in many places we still are.
Even we as children fail to understand our mothers outside that specific role.
When I requested the ARC I had no idea what I was getting into but it surpassed my expectations.

If you love books based wars and the role of women in those wars, then this book is definitely for you.

This was an interesting historical fiction book that covered the time during the Cold War. It was also a dual timeline story which I enjoy a lot. You will get a very informative look at life behind the Iron Curtain. The two primary characters, Ingrid and Anya, are truly amazing women who put their own lives in danger to fight for freedom. The amount of research the author did is incredible. It was a little slow for me to become invested in the story, but I eventually did get hooked. The ending had me shaking my head and not believing the connections I had missed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

This was an amazing story which kept my attention and interest . I don’t usually listen to audiobooks unless I go on a road trip but this book was fascinating despite not being son a road trip . It follows two different women at different time periods. Lies, spies , intrigue, suspense , murder , theft , the CIA , MI6, and the KGB all make their appearance in this book . The book has many twists and turns with danger in every chapter .
The narrator was incredible ! I love that she had different voices for different characters.
The only small issue I had is that because the book went back and forth between the two characters it sometimes took a couple of minutes to figure out which character and time period we were in.
There were quite a few twists and turns that shocked me . This was a wonderful read which made me want to study more about both time periods and to read more from
This author .

Thank you to Netgalley for the free download in exchange for an unbiased review.

Do you like spy adventures? Of course you do! Do you like women? The answer better be yes. This is the story of two women spies from different timelines who work to take down Soviet Russia.

You follow one spy from the start of her career as she becomes a legend in the spy world and a young rebellious woman as she starts joining the spy world in the hopes of changing her future.

I started and finished this in 3 days. It made my work more enjoyable and it was fast paced and compelling.

This was an unforgettable read and a big thank you to NetGalley for the privilege of listening to this audio book. Spanning several decades, this is the story of very strong women. Scenes take one from Vienna, to Moscow and Washington, DC.

Beginning in WWII this takes the reader into the Cold War - the era when I grew up. Anya and Olga were (mother and daughter) gave up love to sacrifice for the greater good.

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.

Katherine Reay is a new author to me, but after finishing her latest novel, I look forward to reading more from her backlist. This dual timeline novel tells a story of spycraft during the Cold War era, and of a betrayal that put the lives of two courageous female spies at risk. After losing everyone she loves in the final days of World War II, Ingrid Bauer, the daughter of an Austrian father and a British mother, agrees to a hasty marriage with a gentle Soviet embassy worker, following him home from Vienna to Moscow. But her adopted country and its totalitarian culture leave her cold, and she soon reaches out to former contacts from Vienna and begins passing along information to Britain's MI6.

Some thirty years later, Anya Kadinova, a privileged Soviet citizen taking part in the Foreign Studies program, completes her degree at Georgetown University in Washington DC, and reluctantly leaves her American boyfriend to return to Moscow. She is given a job in Moscow's bureaucracy, where she performs well and gradually establishes herself as a reliable comrade in the Soviet system. But her experiences of freedom in America make it difficult for Anya to accept the constraints of Soviet society.

The characters in this novel are well-drawn and realistic, and their circumstances are portrayed in vivid detail. Historical figures and events are woven into the story: the Hungarian Revolution of 1968, the Solidarity movement in Poland, the flight of Berliners from the Soviet sector of that city, as well as prominent names in Soviet party leadership. The story is a compelling one, filled with twists and tension, and I wanted to believe the main characters were real historical figures too, but the author acknowledged in her Afterward that though the story was broadly based in fact, the Lumen and Scout were fictional, not real spies. Very well done!

Title: A Shadow in Moscow
By: Katherine Reay

Genre:
Women’s/Historical Fiction

Favorite Quote:
“Does the end draw everyone back to the beginning?”

Summary:
1944- Its Post-WWII, where Ingrid Bauer lost her family in Austria. Leo enters her life, quickly asks her to marry him, and they are swept away to Moscow for his promotion. Ingrid notices and observes Leo and becomes curious of his work, one thing leads to another, and Ingrid becomes a spy for the British.

1984- Anya Kadinova is finishing her degree at Georgetown, and offered a chance to stay in the United States or return to her home in Moscow. She begins working in as a researcher in a lab. Her transition back to Moscow is more complicated that she originally thought, since she returns in the middle of the Cold War. After the deep loss of a friend, Anya can no longer tolerate what is happening, and feels the need to take a stand.

Review:
This is an excellently researched, work of historical fiction. The character development of the two main characters are in depth, likeable, and most importantly relatable. The novel started at a little slower pace than I prefer, eventually the plotline pulled me into the novel. I have read several novels with the dual timelines. Authors who can really pull them off, create excellent pieces of fiction, especially when the timelines connect at the end of the novel. A Shadow in Moscow was a little confusing for me, sometimes, I would have to stop and remind myself with characters were which, or which storyline I was in again. For that reason, I am taking a star away. If you love deep, well-researched historical reads, this one is for you. Just don’t expect to read quickly, it will take some time to really dive in! I look forward to reading Katherine Reay’s next novel.

Thank you to Katherine Reay, Harper Muse, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#reluctantreaderreads
#KatherineReay
#Harpermuse
#Ashadowinmoscow
#netgalley
#advancedreadereditions