A gripping story of life behind the iron curtain.
Two women, Soviet spies.
How do their lives intertwine?
I love a good spy novel, and this one is SO good!
Set in the Cold War, it brought it to life for me in a new way.
Katherine Reay is an excellent write of historical fiction. Her attention to details really make this story shine.
Ingrid. The early days, back at the end of WWII. She finds herself in difficult circumstances, and does what she must.
And then there's Anya. A young Russian woman in the 70s. She has the opportunity to go to the US for college, but then has to return to her homeland to work for the government.
Both of these find their opportunities to stand up for what they believe in.
This story is action packed and full of danger.
I loved it, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves mystery, spies, or international intrigue.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Well it took me a couple days to digest my feelings and come to terms with them. A Shadow in Moscow was a whole entire journey through the distant past and the more recent past that covered a LOT of ground.

Having read some of Reay’s earlier work, I don’t think I adequately prepared my brain for the jump into historical fiction. This is still a genre I love, so I did enjoy the story. The beginning of the book was compelling and I really appreciated the pacing of the plot there. The middle of the book lagged for me. I got bogged down in the details. I can see where that might lend to the hopelessness felt by the characters, eventually thrusting them towards the last third of the book— which picked back up. I found the ending of the book binge-worthy and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.

Without giving too much away, the surprise relationship in the story was deeply moving. It was probably my favorite aspect of the work as a whole.

I didn’t know very much about the Cold War going into this, but I do feel like I learned a great deal in reading. I appreciate the obviously rigorous research that was put in.

This book registers a 0 on the FOTMS scale, and is a great read for fans of Kristin Hannah. I thought that while reading many times. I think I’ll go back now and read The London House also by Katherine Reay.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

I'm usually not much of a fan of dual timeline stories, but I really enjoyed this one and didn't find it terribly difficult to stay engaged with since I was equally enjoying both stories. I loved the plots and found them very well-thought-out. I liked the subtlety of the younger character's faith journey as well. What I didn't like, and what made this book lose a star, was the ending. I'm not sure I've ever hated an ending more than I hated this one. I don't want to give too much of a spoiler, but one of the characters makes what would be a beautiful sacrifice if it was necessary, but I was completely unconvinced that it was necessary! There seemed to be a really obvious other way for it to go that would have been so much better. I love this author and will always read her books, but this one just left me so sad and so frustrated because I don't think it needed to happen that way.

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

Wonderfully written book! I was hooked by this book and the story just flowed so naturally. Katherine Reay did an amazing job putting this together and tying the stories together in a perfect way.

Thank you Netgalley for a digital copy to review!

Dual timeline stories are always fun. You get two stories in one but they are also connected to each other. This story is about 2 female spies. One starts in 1954, with Ingrid who is a MI6 spy in Moscow who is trying to make the world better for her daughter but with her husband being part of the KGB she has to be extra careful. The other is in the 1980s with Anya, who spent time in the USA but has since returned to Moscow. After the death of her friend, her eyes are opened to the truth of the KGB and she gets involve with CIA. Watch as both these women tackle the KGB and try not to get caught.

This was a very good book! It is also a tough book will all it entails. I really liked how brave these women were and how they risked everything for those they loved/what they though was right. I also liked how the 50s timeline caught up to the 80s timeline. The ending was heartbreaking but very good. Overall great story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Content: 1 h word, murder

I've been a Katherine Reay fan for several years! I lov d her early books, and I'm really enjoying her new step into historical fiction. Her characters are engaging. I loved the dual perspective. I had tears at the end of this book. Very well done! Now I'll just try to wait patiently for her next book release!

s the final days of War World II come closing in, Ingrid Bauer is faced with the most tragic of losses. As she begins to settle into a new life, she hastily marries a Soviet embassy worker, Leo, who she ultimately expects to be KGB. Ingrid moves through her new life, but things change when her daughter is born. Ingrid has a new level of hope and believes that she can make a change with the help of her mother’s birth country, Britain. Jumping to 1980, Anya finds her time in the US wrapping up as part of the Foreign Studies Initiative. As she heads back to an unfamiliar world, Anya begins to question her life in the Soviet Union and when her best friend is murdered, this gives her the push to do something about it. Working in the military research lab, she has the perfect opportunity to pass along military plans and schematics. As both Anya and Ingrid fight for what they believe is right, they face an uncertainty that could result in death at any moment.

I haven’t read many historical fiction books on the Cold War era, so this was a nice change. This book was everything I wanted in a historical fiction. The back and forth between Anya and Ingrid was timed so perfectly. As you read this book, you truly felt the rush along with them both. There were certain elements of love in both story lines, which brought in a new level of hope for survival. This was the first book I have read by Katherine Reay, but I will absolutely go back to read, The London House.

Thank you @katherinereay and @uplitreads for the advanced copy for my honest review. This is out today so there is zero waiting to get your hands on this 5-cat read!

On the Cat Scale:
😺😺😺😺😺

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay

This novel stars two female narrators, Ingrid and Anya, who become spies in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. I really loved reading a historical fiction set a bit more "recent" in the timeline - it opened my eyes to a time period I'm less educated on. Seeing Russia through Anya's eyes gives it greater dimensionality, as opposed to the common tropes and stereotypes of Soviet Russia that are prevalent in media. I would definitely take more of this background and perspective, but of course you can only fit so much into one book.

After reading the book blurb, I was slightly underwhelmed by the climactic point of betrayal in the book. I was emotionally invested in the characters and cared for their sake that someone was leaking spy names back to the Soviet Union, but much around that scene (and the reveal of the mole) lacked intensity and buildup. I suppose if you know who Aldrich Ames is, that will help, but I didn't and would have loved a little more writing to build that tension.

If you love stories about relationships, women, and especially how women channel the power they have to make an impact, you'll enjoy this read!

Thanks to Harper Muse, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay is a novel set in the Cold War. This novel is multi-layered with fascinating characters and intriguing details about this time in history. Ms Reay is masterful at writing well-researched historical fiction, and this novel is no exception. I think readers that enjoy historical fiction will love this book. Such an interesting read! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay

I am not typically a historical fiction fan, but something about this premise hooked me. I love a good female spy! The characters, the dual timelines, the backdrop of the Cold War - they all worked together to make this a great read. In a nuanced exploration of loyalty, motivations, and love, Reay weaves a fascinating story of courage and intrigue. The story came together beautifully in the end.

I listened to the audio, and loved the narration. I have a harder time keeping characters straight in audio, and if you're the same way, I would suggest jotting down some notes. But the narrators - Saskia Maarleveld, Lisa Flanagan - were phenomenal and made each character unique.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #HarperMuse. I received a complimentary copy of this book (#AShadowinMoscow by Katherine Reay). Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was so good. This follows the lives of two Russian spies during the Cold War. There were so many pieces of these two women’s lives that intertwined seamlessly into one story of heartbreak, desperation, and what measures one may take in order to protect those they love.
This was my first Reay novel, and will not be my last.

Highly recommend if you like historical fiction stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Within the intricate web of historical fiction centered on the KGB, spies, & Russia, this novel truly stands out. It captured my attention from the very start. The ingenious use of dual timelines & alternating perspectives, courtesy of Anya & Ingrid, ensnared me in their world of espionage & danger.

Refreshingly, the story diverges from the common WWII backdrop that I tend to always gravitate to, adding a unique dimension to the genre. The novel's riveting plot kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering how the thrilling twists would unfold. The emotional depth of the narrative tugged at my heartstrings, even bringing tears to my eyes as I reached the conclusion.

The portrayal of the strong mother-daughter bond was a moving aspect that left a lasting impression. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating tale, filled with intrigue, suspense, & the intricate world of spies. A must-read for any historical fiction enthusiast, this book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the secrets of the KGB & Russia.

An intriguing story of two women whose lives are inextricably woven together throughout life on multiple planes. The story is a dual-timeline of Ingrid - Vienna 1954 and Anya - Moscow 1980 who both for their very personal reasons become spies during The Cold War. The dual timelines collide towards the end of the book with a heart-rending loss and love restored. It is a story of love, sacrifice, fear, passion, hate, deceit, hopelessness, forgiveness, and freedom.

Based on a true story that is filled with details of The Cold War era and one of America's espionage betrayals. Reay weaves a beautiful and suspenseful story with in-depth research. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you @NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. #AShadowinMoscow #NetGalley #KatherineReay #ColdWar #historicalfiction #womeninhistory #Espionage

Twisty and turns and full of lovable characters, A Shadow in Moscow is another win for Katherine Reay! Written in her usual fast-paced style, it follows powerful women through some incredible feats! She just doesn’t ever miss!!

5/5 stars.

This book is amazing! _Wow_! Definitely one of those I paused reading at times, just to soak in a turn of phrase or ponder a twist/turn/event. Reay obviously did her research (I didn't expect anything less, based on her previous books), and it shows on every page.

The read isn't lighthearted, by any stretch; it's more in line with The London House than Dear Mr. Knightley--but well worth the read. The second half, in particular, stood out to me as the action picked up and the two storylines converged.

The Cold War was (not much) before my time, and I appreciated the book's nuanced, detailed insight into life during that time, both stateside and in Moscow. Whatever one's present-day political leanings, this merits a read for that insight alone. It's a harrowing reminder of what life was like not that long ago, and frankly how it could still be today in certain parts of the world (and more, if some have their way; say it ain't so, and come quickly, Lord Jesus). The equality promised was not equal at all, and we see that clearly on the page here.

Moving and powerful; highly recommended.

I will note, faith plays but a small part in the read, mostly in passing references (though more overtly in the latter third or so). I would have personally enjoyed seeing it more overtly had it been possible.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I always love a book that has strong, female characters and intimate, complicated mother/daughter relationships. This book delivered on all of those fronts! Told from two points of view, a shadow in Moscow is a story of war, espionage, and identity. My only qualm with the book was that the two female POVs had a lot of similarities and many times I found myself getting the two storylines mixed up.

I love Katherine Reay as a writer and a person. Her love of history shines through especially in this novel. Reaching back to Russia in the 40s which was such a perilous time and also brimming with adventurous possibilities. A dual time story sure to keep readers enthralled.

I always look forward to a new book from Katherine Reay, as she is an excellent writer. However I admit I found A Shadow in Moscow to be more challenging - not a quick read, & to be honest not an enjoyable one, either. I know it is important that we inform ourselves on these things, & I do feel for people having to live in these circumstances, but it is not at all pleasant to read about.
The physical danger/lack of privacy/restricted movement is all hard enough, but to not feel safe to even share one’s thoughts...
It would be preferable to read this as an actual book, rather than an e-book, as it is very hard to flick back a few pages to sort out names, dates, etc.
As you may have guessed I wasn’t comfortable reading this book, even though I have read others on the subject (albeit years ago). But it is important that we have some understanding of just what life is like in this part of the world - & very timely right now! - in order to develop empathy for them, & remember to pray for them – as individuals, & as a nation.

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay is a good historical read. The story occurs in 2 timelines ( 1954's Vienna and 1980's Moscow). I really enjoyed both Anya and Ingrid's stories and it is especially timely in light of the current Soviet actions.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Shadow in Moscow is available now!

Ingrid Bauer, MI6’s best Soviet spy, and Anya Kadinova, the CIA’s newest Moscow recruit, are at risk because they’ve been betrayed at the highest level. When the KGB closes in, they rely on a compromise made in a race against time to ensure each survives.

I just can’t imagine living a life where I could trust no one! The cold war was not a topic I've really delved Into but reading about it was really hard. I was a bit tearful throughout just because of the basic lack of humanity during these times.

Anya goes to the US for four years in 1980 for the Russian education initiative and falls in love with Scott while she's there. Although she's heartbroken when she has to leave him, she knows there is no other way. Her country will not allow for her happiness.
Ingrid marries her his right after her parents are murdered before her eyes. She knows its not love but safety she feels for him but she doesn't think he loves her either. As the years go by, her husband gets more and more involved with the KGB and Ingrid just knows he's in the organization. He is very set on the rules and the fact that she shall hide her true Austrian identity from eberyone. They are always being watched. Ingrid grows tired of the monotony of daily life breaks her and she finds a way to get a note to someone in the FBI and they soon start using her for information. She becomes one of the best spies in her time.

A well written and fascinating story about the Cold War, the rivalry between the Soviet Union and America and their allies, the space race and psychological warfare, espionage, spying, secrets, lies, the KGB and the CIA. Women were underestimated, especially in the Soviet Union, they made perfect spies and five stars from me. If you like historical fiction stories full of tension, drama, strong female characters, this novel would be a must read.