In Search of the Romanovs is a riveting and impeccably researched account of Russia’s last imperial family, the Romanovs, and the gripping truth behind their tragic fate. Blending history with the intrigue of true crime, this book delivers a fast-paced and deeply engaging narrative that will appeal to both history enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its dynamic storytelling. Sarandinaki writes with the precision of a historian but the flair of a novelist, making even the most complex political and historical details feel approachable. The book doesn’t just recount well-documented events; it reconstructs them with vivid, cinematic descriptions that transport the reader into the palaces, prisons, and final moments of the Romanovs. The pacing is taut, creating a sense of urgency as the mystery surrounding their deaths unfolds, as well as unraveling the subsequent events

What sets this book apart is the author’s personal connection to the events. As a member of a family with ties to the Romanov’s story, he infuses the narrative with a memoir-like intimacy. This perspective adds emotional depth, giving readers a glimpse into how history echoes across generations. The result is not only an exploration of the Romanov’s fate but also a reflection on the enduring impact of their legacy.

The research behind this book is nothing short of extraordinary. Drawing from a wealth of sources, the author meticulously pieces together the truth behind the myths. The true crime angle adds an investigative quality, making the book feel like a historical detective story, one filled with conspiracies, misdirection, and revelations that challenge long-held assumptions.

For those who love history but fear dense academic texts, this book is an absolute delight. It is equal parts informative and entertaining, seamlessly blending historical scholarship with narrative suspense. Whether you’re a Romanov aficionado or new to their tragic saga, this is a must-read that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

I’ am one who tends to gravitate towards books about the Romanovs those who were part of their world. The book by Peter Sarandinaki explores this time in history from a unique perspective as he shares through means in his book. The idea is engaging and brings a new to me way of viewing the Romanovs death.

We probably don't "need" more books about the Romanovs. Murdered over a hundred years ago, it feels almost as long since we learned the full details of their fate. No, Anastasia didn't survive. Yes, they were all killed at once, their bodies doused in acid or burned. What's interesting here is that the author focuses on an unrelated family and their growing obsession to discover exactly what happened to the tsar and his murdered family.

I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I'm one of those history nerds with a Romanov obsession. I've read far more about the family and their grisly end than anyone should. In Search of the Romanovs is a gripping addition to the canon.

In Search of the Romanovs by Peter Sarandinaki is a captivating historical journey that delves into one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century—the fate of Russia’s imperial family. Sarandinaki presents a thorough and well-researched investigation into the lives, deaths, and potential survivors of the Romanov family, focusing on both the known and the unknown aspects of their story. The author takes readers through a range of theories, from the well-documented execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in 1918 to the various claims of surviving Romanovs that have surfaced over the years.

Sarandinaki’s writing is detailed and insightful, offering a clear and accessible overview of the historical events surrounding the Romanovs. He effectively balances historical facts with the intrigue of the search for the family’s lost members, keeping the narrative both informative and engaging. The inclusion of DNA evidence, eyewitness accounts, and forensic analysis adds an extra layer of depth to the investigation.

While the book is fascinating, it occasionally gets bogged down in the minutiae of some of the theories, which may feel repetitive for some readers. However, for those with a strong interest in the Romanovs, In Search of the Romanovs is an enriching and thought-provoking read that sheds new light on an old mystery.

The Romanov dynasty and the disappearance/mystery of Anastasia is my "Roman Empire" of interests. So, this book was definitely right up my alley! I've read quite a few different books both non-fiction and fiction on the Bolshevik Revolution and the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II, and every time I manage to learn something new.

In Search of the Romanovs seamlessly blends history with true-crime forensic investigations, which I found very intriguing. I'm not well-versed in forensics at all, but I watch and listen to a fair amount of true-crime and am always fascinated by how much information people are able to gain from the littlest of things. I also appreciated that while the author clearly has some familial pride in the home country of Russia, he isn't totally blind to it's problems and ways it could and could have improved.

Overall, an interesting take on a period in time that has fascinated many people for many years and I would recommend this to anyone interested in the Romanovs or the end of Imperial Russia in general.

As someone fascinated by Romanov history, I was eager to dive into In Search of the Romanovs. While I did enjoy the author’s detailed exploration of the events leading up to the 1917 revolution, I found myself a bit disappointed overall. The book didn’t uncover much new information, which left me wanting more when it came to digging into the mysteries surrounding this historical dynasty. That said, the topic remains endlessly intriguing, and I don’t regret reading it. It’s a decent overview for those new to the subject but might fall short for seasoned history buffs.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.

So informative! I never knew this stuff.

I've always been faistnicated by the Romanovs thinks in part to the movie Anastasia. Imagine my surprise when I learned that that's not what happened. But this book tells the story of two families the Romanovs and the family that tried first to same them and then were determined to find out what become of them.

An interesting book- part history, part family memoir- about one man and his family's connection to the last imperial family of Russia. I especially liked the story of his family's escape from Russia. Books about the Revolution typically focus on the Romanovs, but we see a family with no royal blood, in fear of their lives, attempting to flee. Will be interesting to anyone who is interested in the Russian Revolution, without needing much background or context.

In Search of the Romanovs is a compelling nonfiction exploration of one of history’s most enduring mysteries—the fate of Russia’s last royal family. Combining historical analysis with cutting-edge forensic science, Sarandinaki embarks on a personal journey to uncover the truth behind the murder of Tsar Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra, and their children.

Sarandinaki skillfully weaves together historical records, scientific investigation, and his own family’s involvement in the search for the Romanovs’ remains. The book’s detailed account of the use of DNA technology to identify the remains offers new insights into a century-old mystery.

In Search of the Romanovs is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, royal intrigue, and the intersection of personal and historical quests. Sarandinaki’s dedication to uncovering the truth makes this book a standout in historical nonfiction.

Peter Sarandinaki turns his family’s personal history into an intriguing story spanning decades, continents, and scientific discoveries.

In this non-fiction account, Peter tells the story of his grandmother Anna’s childhood among the Russian nobility, then flight from the Bolsheviks.

Along the way, she met military men who had been among the first to investigate the deaths of the Romanovs. She spoke of a box containing a finger and a bit of cloth—relics from a time and a society that was lost forever.

But Peter weaves his family history together with observations about the Russian revolution, the effects of the Cold War, his own career as a naval officer, and the advancements of DNA technology to identify human remains.

Peter, as an American who speaks fluent Russian, played a unique and pivotal role in the search for the Romanovs.

This book was interesting; I appreciated his insights and the unique connection between his family and the Romanovs.

Check out this book if you’re fascinated by the Romanovs, Russian history, or the science of DNA.

Thanks to @netgalley and @univnebpressfor the eARC

I didn't know much about the Romanovs, I will admit; however, after reading this book I feel like not only did I go into a really well crafted story, but also learned a lot about such a prominent family. This book was a captivating and meticulously crafted historical detective story that blends personal family history with the broader narrative of one of the most tragic and enigmatic episodes in Russian history—the murder of the Romanov family.

Sarandinaki's writing is both engaging and informative, as he skillfully weaves together the disparate threads of historical records, forensic science, and family diaries. The book is particularly compelling in its exploration of how modern science, particularly DNA analysis, has helped to finally piece together the puzzle of what happened to the Romanovs.

"In Search of the Romanovs" is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, the Romanov family, or historical mysteries in general.

Thank you to NetGalley and Potomac Books for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a truly fascinating book. I have, over the years, read quite a bit about the family and had a fairly good frame of reference for the back story prior to reading . . . but this book had tons of valuable information, quite a bit of it information I had never seen. A compelling and tragic story, a page turner that was also very informative (and, in my opinion, important, as well). I was quite impressed and look forward to Mr. Sarandinaki's future work. 5 Stars !!

I really enjoyed this book, which had the potential to be dry and boring, but was anything but that. I had heard a little about the Romanov's but wasn't very familiar, prior to requesting this book. The way the author paces the book, and intersperses research with his family stories, kept the pace flowing and retained my interest. A fascinating but lesser known part of history.

I wanted to read this one, but I am unable to download the book because it is unfortunately archived.

Interesting case. Book kept me reading. Not really new i formation but still interesting. Having it written from a detective POV and as a fiction made it more of a story.

Absolutely loved this. A deep dive into what happened to the Romanvos before during and after their assassination told by an author with ties to the event. This one is compelling and ultimately sad - one wishes the outcome in history was different

I’ve always found the story of the Romanov family intriguing, so I was immediately all in on IN SEARCH OF THE ROMANOVS by Peter Sarandinaki. As a fan of historical true crime explorations, this was right up my alley, and did not disappoint.

The historical aspects of the book are enriched by Sarandinaki’s connection to it through his grandmother, Anna. I was drawn in by her childhood memories of fleeing her home (and eventually Russia) with her family, and the extreme danger they faced.

It’s easy to understand why the author felt compelled to pursue the search for the Romanovs and discover what really happened to the family. Weaving together the historical details and modern forensic science, Sarandinaki details the work that has gone into solving the mystery of what happened to the Romanovs, and brings their story closer to resolution in an engaging way. I look forward to reading more when the final pieces of the puzzle come together.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a very in-depth and researched book about what happened to the Romanovs. It also intertwined the author’s family history as well. The mystery of what happened to the Romanovs has finally been solved.

Thanks to NetGalley and University of Nebraska Press for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 7/1/2024. Practically everyone has heard the tragic story of Russia's final Imperial family, the Romanovs. The lies and the mangled murders and the slapdash burials and the decades-long cover-ups and rumors. That is only half of this book and, while it is a very impressive half, the half that lands best is actually the first part - the story of author Peter Sarandinaki's family and their connection to the murders, culminating in his deep desire to find the truth. You see, in one of those twists of real life being stranger than fiction, his grandmother Anna's grew up as one of the favored landed gentry, daughter to a great military officer who rose to the fight as part of the White Army during the revolution. More to the point, he was close friends with Nikolai Sokolov, the first formal investigator into the deaths of the Imperial family. Sarandinaki grew up listening to stories from his grandmother about her family's fight and flight in those turbulent years. He was especially taken with the stories about the box which Sokolov kept beneath Anna's bunk on the ship which brought them all to the Western hemisphere at last. The box containing precious documents and a scrap of graffitied wallpaper and some buttons and hooks and a finger - evidence of the violent murders at Ipatiev House.

So the book is a clear two parter with the first part being the very personal family history and reasoning behind Sarandinaki's connection to the Romanov murders and the second part being the long, winding road to the historical facts of the revolution, the murders, and the discoveries of the bodies. While quite a bit of the second half was well-known to me (true crime buff and Dr Maples' book is one of my favorite non-fiction reads), there were additional details and a sort of deep passion behind the story that is lacking in a lot of Romanov books. Sarandinaki cares and cares deeply. One could say he is even obsessed with the topic and, at times, I winced in sympathy for his wife as he devoted endless hours and energy toward making the right contacts, pushing the right buttons, going on the trips. But shouldn't we all care about truth? More to the point, you never felt like he was doing this for fame and glory. He honestly seems upset and worried over the idea of the family members never having a sanctified burial and recognition. There is an underlying fear, too, of how we can quickly mess things up if we don't trust science and follow due diligence, how lives can be ruined. The finding of the final two children was utterly new information to me and I found it just as affecting as he did. Just as I found myself sharing his outrage at loud dissenting skeptics denying all of the proof just to be contrary. I hope he continues to push. I also hope that he or another team can finally find two other victims of the revolution, the Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich (the man who never wanted to be an aristocrat!) and his secretary Nicholas Johnson.

Overall, it is a very thickly packed read between dates and names and places but it was a refreshing take with a more personal look at the Romanovs and how truth was pursued over the years. Thank heavens for hard work and dedicated people and scientific diligence.