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The Last Flight from Moscow
The USA Today Bestseller!
In the shadowy underbelly of Cold War Moscow, Mae Pierce, once a formidable OSS agent, has found herself once again thrust into a perilous mission that could spell redemption—or ruin.
Tasked with posing as a model at the American Exhibition, Mae is haunted by the ghosts of her past and the weight of a life she thought she had left behind. As she navigates the treacherous waters of deceit, betrayal, and the ruthless Russian Mafia, Mae realizes that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.
In a game where trust is a luxury and survival is paramount, can one broken agent rise from the ashes to confront the Cold War's most hidden secrets?
Prepare for a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of a life once lived in the shadows.
In the shadowy underbelly of Cold War Moscow, Mae Pierce, once a formidable OSS agent, has found herself once again thrust into a perilous mission that could spell redemption—or ruin.
Tasked with posing as a model at the American Exhibition, Mae is haunted by the ghosts of her past and the weight of a life she thought she had left behind. As she navigates the treacherous waters of deceit, betrayal, and the ruthless Russian Mafia, Mae realizes that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.
In a game where trust is a luxury and survival is paramount, can one broken agent rise from the ashes to confront the Cold War's most hidden secrets?
Prepare for a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the haunting echoes of a life once lived in the shadows.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Andie Newton
11 books256 followersAndie Newton is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. Her work has been published in multiple languages and has topped e-book bestseller charts around the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University and a master’s in teaching. When she’s not writing gritty war stories about women, you can usually find her trail running in the desert and stopping to pet every dog that crosses her path. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 13, 2026
A solid Cold War tale with a difference.
Mae Pierce is an ex OSS agent who’d been in Vienna when the Red Army liberated the city. At the time she was a prisoner of a German Officer, Kommandant Wolff. She’d been tortured and more when rescued. How she remained behind in Vienna is mixed up with drinking too much vodka, gambling and a silky black Japanese dressing gown.
Her old partner Sutton Maxfield talks her into going undercover on a trade exhibition in Moscow looking for an unknown spy who’s to assassinate Krushchov. Unfortunately it seems Mae’s being thrust into the mix as a trade fair model at the exhibition. Mae’s not pleased as the men from the CIA feel the spy looking for couldn’t possible be a woman. They leave her out of the loop. They see Mae as a “has been”. Except Mae is anything but. Sure she has her demons and her loyalties.
In the meantime she’s acquired a wide eyed innocent type trainee who needs mentoring by one of the best. Mae seems to imbue every situation with her own personal brand of chaos, particularly when the chips are down.
Gripping, slightly exotic and downright addictive. I loved it.
A Harper Collins UK ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Mae Pierce is an ex OSS agent who’d been in Vienna when the Red Army liberated the city. At the time she was a prisoner of a German Officer, Kommandant Wolff. She’d been tortured and more when rescued. How she remained behind in Vienna is mixed up with drinking too much vodka, gambling and a silky black Japanese dressing gown.
Her old partner Sutton Maxfield talks her into going undercover on a trade exhibition in Moscow looking for an unknown spy who’s to assassinate Krushchov. Unfortunately it seems Mae’s being thrust into the mix as a trade fair model at the exhibition. Mae’s not pleased as the men from the CIA feel the spy looking for couldn’t possible be a woman. They leave her out of the loop. They see Mae as a “has been”. Except Mae is anything but. Sure she has her demons and her loyalties.
In the meantime she’s acquired a wide eyed innocent type trainee who needs mentoring by one of the best. Mae seems to imbue every situation with her own personal brand of chaos, particularly when the chips are down.
Gripping, slightly exotic and downright addictive. I loved it.
A Harper Collins UK ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
April 29, 2026
Another ARC read 🥰
This is my sort of history/post WW2/Cold War read, there’s enough mystery, history, a bit of glamour and spies that it’s just super easy and fun to read.
The characters were believe able, the setting fascinating (USSR) and it was fun trying to work out who to trust and who not too.
Overall I really enjoyed it getting through it in two days - I will definitely be picking up more of Andie’s books.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and of course Andie Newton for the opportunity to read this ARC!
This is my sort of history/post WW2/Cold War read, there’s enough mystery, history, a bit of glamour and spies that it’s just super easy and fun to read.
The characters were believe able, the setting fascinating (USSR) and it was fun trying to work out who to trust and who not too.
Overall I really enjoyed it getting through it in two days - I will definitely be picking up more of Andie’s books.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and of course Andie Newton for the opportunity to read this ARC!
April 30, 2026
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: May 7, 2026
Set in Cold War era Moscow, this spy thriller/suspense novel was a page turner! Mae is a former WWII OSS agent down on her luck due to some gambling debts with the mob, when she’s called in for a mission to Soviet Russia to help thwart an assassination attempt on Khrushchev at the American Exhibition in 1959. This was a page turner so I got through it in one day. It did a good job world building the aura of Soviet Moscow but also felt relatively low stakes—I was never stressed about what was going to happen, I just wanted to figure out the puzzle!
Set in Cold War era Moscow, this spy thriller/suspense novel was a page turner! Mae is a former WWII OSS agent down on her luck due to some gambling debts with the mob, when she’s called in for a mission to Soviet Russia to help thwart an assassination attempt on Khrushchev at the American Exhibition in 1959. This was a page turner so I got through it in one day. It did a good job world building the aura of Soviet Moscow but also felt relatively low stakes—I was never stressed about what was going to happen, I just wanted to figure out the puzzle!
April 22, 2026
This was such a fun, twisty ride—think Cold War espionage with just the right amount of glam and humor.
Set in 1959, the story follows Mae, a former wartime operative who’s pulled back into the spy world by her old friend Sutton. She reluctantly takes the job (thanks to some unfortunate mob-related debt) and is paired with Elaine, a very green CIA recruit she has to train. Their cover as trade show models (pardon me, i mean guides. iykyk) in Russia adds a unique, slightly chaotic layer that makes the whole mission even more entertaining.
The beginning takes a minute to build, but once it gets going, it really takes off. The suspense is constant—everyone feels suspicious, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story pivots. I loved not knowing who to trust.
One of my favorite elements was how immersive the setting felt. The small details—like bartering for hair dye, coveted blue jeans, and even books—really grounded the story in 1959 Russia and made the world feel tangible and lived-in.
Mae and Elaine’s dynamic is a standout, and the all-female spy energy adds a fresh, empowering edge. It honestly gave me “historical fiction meets Miss Congeniality” vibes in the best way. Also… Mae deserves her dressing gown back, and I genuinely hope this isn’t the last we see of her.
Highly recommend if you want:
- Female-led espionage
- Twists that keep you guessing
- Historical fiction with personality and style
I’ll definitely be adding more of Andie Newton’s books to my TBR. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is the slower start—but once it picks up, it’s hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Andie for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1959, the story follows Mae, a former wartime operative who’s pulled back into the spy world by her old friend Sutton. She reluctantly takes the job (thanks to some unfortunate mob-related debt) and is paired with Elaine, a very green CIA recruit she has to train. Their cover as trade show models (pardon me, i mean guides. iykyk) in Russia adds a unique, slightly chaotic layer that makes the whole mission even more entertaining.
The beginning takes a minute to build, but once it gets going, it really takes off. The suspense is constant—everyone feels suspicious, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story pivots. I loved not knowing who to trust.
One of my favorite elements was how immersive the setting felt. The small details—like bartering for hair dye, coveted blue jeans, and even books—really grounded the story in 1959 Russia and made the world feel tangible and lived-in.
Mae and Elaine’s dynamic is a standout, and the all-female spy energy adds a fresh, empowering edge. It honestly gave me “historical fiction meets Miss Congeniality” vibes in the best way. Also… Mae deserves her dressing gown back, and I genuinely hope this isn’t the last we see of her.
Highly recommend if you want:
- Female-led espionage
- Twists that keep you guessing
- Historical fiction with personality and style
I’ll definitely be adding more of Andie Newton’s books to my TBR. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is the slower start—but once it picks up, it’s hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Andie for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2026
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The Last Flight from Moscow by Andie Newton is a Cold War espionage novel with real personal stakes in a geopolitical arena where our characters are throw-away cogs. Ms. Newton is a best-seller author of historical fiction.
Once a formidable OSS agent, Mae Pierce is living in suburban America. Mae has a difficult time transitioning from spy to civilian. She is still haunted by the ghosts of World War II, in debt to the Italian mob, and spends her money on vodka and gambling.
Sutton, Mae’s former OSS partner and now a CIA agent offers her a lifeline, come to the American National Exhibition to showcase the American way of life in Moscow posing as a model. Together with a rookie partner, Mae is supposed to stop the assassination of Khrushchev. But the assignment takes a dangerous, more personal turn.
I have never read any books by the author, but she is now definitely on my "authors to look out for" list. This is not just a Cold War story, but it’s original, sharp, suspenseful, and with a dark sense of humor which is right up my alley.
Mae Pierce, the protagonist of The Last Flight from Moscow by Andie Newton is a fantastic protagonist. She is chaotic, reckless, and independent. She’s coping with her life after the war with a strange belief that she has some sort of super-natural ability to predict numbers, or cards. But her real ability is being able to read people like an open book which makes her a dangerous poker player.
I loved the historical backdrop of the 1959 exhibition. These types of events are rife with agents and spies looking for people who are primed for recruiting. This is where a lot of espionage takes place, not in luxurious places you always wanted to visit.
Nevertheless, this is not a rigid, realistic depiction of tradecraft. It’s a fun, loose and fast paced book that often decides to ignore the Soviets’ known espionage techniques (like bugging hotel rooms).
I loved that the author spent two thirds of the book on one, part of the story, only to completely pivot on the last third to something totally different. This shift in narrative was jarring, but I think it made the book exciting.
The Last Flight from Moscow by Andie Newton is a Cold War espionage novel with real personal stakes in a geopolitical arena where our characters are throw-away cogs. Ms. Newton is a best-seller author of historical fiction.
Once a formidable OSS agent, Mae Pierce is living in suburban America. Mae has a difficult time transitioning from spy to civilian. She is still haunted by the ghosts of World War II, in debt to the Italian mob, and spends her money on vodka and gambling.
Sutton, Mae’s former OSS partner and now a CIA agent offers her a lifeline, come to the American National Exhibition to showcase the American way of life in Moscow posing as a model. Together with a rookie partner, Mae is supposed to stop the assassination of Khrushchev. But the assignment takes a dangerous, more personal turn.
I have never read any books by the author, but she is now definitely on my "authors to look out for" list. This is not just a Cold War story, but it’s original, sharp, suspenseful, and with a dark sense of humor which is right up my alley.
Mae Pierce, the protagonist of The Last Flight from Moscow by Andie Newton is a fantastic protagonist. She is chaotic, reckless, and independent. She’s coping with her life after the war with a strange belief that she has some sort of super-natural ability to predict numbers, or cards. But her real ability is being able to read people like an open book which makes her a dangerous poker player.
I loved the historical backdrop of the 1959 exhibition. These types of events are rife with agents and spies looking for people who are primed for recruiting. This is where a lot of espionage takes place, not in luxurious places you always wanted to visit.
Nevertheless, this is not a rigid, realistic depiction of tradecraft. It’s a fun, loose and fast paced book that often decides to ignore the Soviets’ known espionage techniques (like bugging hotel rooms).
I loved that the author spent two thirds of the book on one, part of the story, only to completely pivot on the last third to something totally different. This shift in narrative was jarring, but I think it made the book exciting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Moscow, 1959. The American National Exhibition. Kitchen debates and dioramas of the suburban dream. Mae Pierce is there, ostensibly as a model, actually as a relic of the OSS. She carries the weight of past failures into a city that breathes suspicion. The mission is redemption, or perhaps just a final, desperate act of relevance. Newton places a broken woman in a landscape of high-stakes artifice, where the Russian Mafia provides a jagged edge to the usual Cold War posturing.
The prose moves. It lacks friction. It is a trait of this author, a certain velocity that keeps the pages turning even when the terrain feels oddly familiar. Mae is the anchor. She is not a polished super-spy; she is fractured, navigating her own history as much as the Soviet streets. The supporting cast fills their slots with precision. They serve the plot, though the shadows they cast sometimes feel like ones we have stepped in before.
There is a resonance here with our current era of performative diplomacy and hidden agendas. The book examines the cost of truth in a culture built on curated appearances. It is observational, sharp in its depiction of the disconnect between the shiny American surface and the grim Soviet reality. It avoids the typical sentimentality of the genre. It stays lean. It stays cynical enough to feel honest.
The storytelling is functional and effective. Newton chooses pace over deep atmospheric indulgence. It works, though a bit more breathing room for the Moscow gloom might have added weight. The familiarity of the narrative beats is the only real hurdle. If you have spent enough time in this genre, you might see the corners before you turn them. Yet, the execution remains professional, devoid of the usual fluff that plagues historical thrillers.
It is a solid, intellectual exercise in tension. It reminds us that we are often just actors in someone else’s exhibition. It is worth the time for the rhythm alone. It is a reminder that survival is often just a matter of who tells the better lie.
The prose moves. It lacks friction. It is a trait of this author, a certain velocity that keeps the pages turning even when the terrain feels oddly familiar. Mae is the anchor. She is not a polished super-spy; she is fractured, navigating her own history as much as the Soviet streets. The supporting cast fills their slots with precision. They serve the plot, though the shadows they cast sometimes feel like ones we have stepped in before.
There is a resonance here with our current era of performative diplomacy and hidden agendas. The book examines the cost of truth in a culture built on curated appearances. It is observational, sharp in its depiction of the disconnect between the shiny American surface and the grim Soviet reality. It avoids the typical sentimentality of the genre. It stays lean. It stays cynical enough to feel honest.
The storytelling is functional and effective. Newton chooses pace over deep atmospheric indulgence. It works, though a bit more breathing room for the Moscow gloom might have added weight. The familiarity of the narrative beats is the only real hurdle. If you have spent enough time in this genre, you might see the corners before you turn them. Yet, the execution remains professional, devoid of the usual fluff that plagues historical thrillers.
It is a solid, intellectual exercise in tension. It reminds us that we are often just actors in someone else’s exhibition. It is worth the time for the rhythm alone. It is a reminder that survival is often just a matter of who tells the better lie.
May 26, 2026
This witty Post WWII/Cold War book is an intriguing and gripping nod to a female agent who is deemed a wash-up but is anything but the label her superior male cohorts believe her to be.
1959: The middle of the Cold War - Mae Pierce was once a highly trained OSS agent in WWII. Post-war, civilian life is not as radiant as it seems when Mae is still haunted by her previous war work and when she is being chased by the Italian mob. In dire financial trouble, Mae cannot pass up this financial opportunity even if she wanted. As she is pulled back into spy work by her former partner and friend, Sutton, she takes a rookie CIA agent under her wing on a mission in Moscow. Their assignment is to stop the assassination of Khrushchev under the guise of American trade show models at the American National Exhibition. Re-entering the fold after a period of dormancy in espionage often means a level of recklessness, but Mae is as sharp as ever. The walls have ears, the phones are bugged, the two agents cannot trust anyone, and they are running out of time to stop the assassination attempt.
This gripping novel, dressed in humor, is a brief glimpse into the life of an agent battling her past in a city brimming with suspicion. I always had the feeling that the author dropped us into the middle of a conversation leaving the readers backpedaling to catch up, but when we start to see Mae's true character emerge, readers are easily swept away into the plot. There was a great juxtaposition of solemnity to comedy as the gravity of Mae's past was covered in absurdity. This dramatic whiplash was well-executed and made Mae's character seem realistic.
If you are a lover of Cold War espionage, this suspenseful book will appeal to you. If you enjoy Katherine Reay's Cold War novels, this book should be added to your TBR.
Many thanks to Harper Collins, the author, and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.
1959: The middle of the Cold War - Mae Pierce was once a highly trained OSS agent in WWII. Post-war, civilian life is not as radiant as it seems when Mae is still haunted by her previous war work and when she is being chased by the Italian mob. In dire financial trouble, Mae cannot pass up this financial opportunity even if she wanted. As she is pulled back into spy work by her former partner and friend, Sutton, she takes a rookie CIA agent under her wing on a mission in Moscow. Their assignment is to stop the assassination of Khrushchev under the guise of American trade show models at the American National Exhibition. Re-entering the fold after a period of dormancy in espionage often means a level of recklessness, but Mae is as sharp as ever. The walls have ears, the phones are bugged, the two agents cannot trust anyone, and they are running out of time to stop the assassination attempt.
This gripping novel, dressed in humor, is a brief glimpse into the life of an agent battling her past in a city brimming with suspicion. I always had the feeling that the author dropped us into the middle of a conversation leaving the readers backpedaling to catch up, but when we start to see Mae's true character emerge, readers are easily swept away into the plot. There was a great juxtaposition of solemnity to comedy as the gravity of Mae's past was covered in absurdity. This dramatic whiplash was well-executed and made Mae's character seem realistic.
If you are a lover of Cold War espionage, this suspenseful book will appeal to you. If you enjoy Katherine Reay's Cold War novels, this book should be added to your TBR.
Many thanks to Harper Collins, the author, and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely LOVED this story! Honestly, the jacket copy barely scratches the surface of what’s inside. Yes, it’s a Cold War suspense story, but it’s also sharp, funny, completely original, and oozing with 1950s charm and atmosphere.
Mae is a wildly entertaining main character. She’s complicated, a little chaotic, and endlessly clever (her dialogue had me in stitches). She’s down on her luck more than once, and her gambling habits don’t always do her any favors, but that’s part of what makes her so compelling. She’s scrappy, a little reckless, and the kind of woman who can land herself in trouble and then somehow claw her way back out of it with sheer grit and nerve. Watching her pull herself together and step up to complete the mission she was clearly born to do was incredibly satisfying.
Her voice is distinct, and the dialogue throughout the book is fantastic. Really fantastic. It’s quick, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, yet it never undercuts the real tension of the story. Watching Mae train newbie Elaine to become a spy in Moscow adds a whole extra layer of charm and humor. But Mrs. Dietz as a nosy neighbor, and those women at the exhibition... I will not say any more, except hold on to your hat!
And the romance? Perfectly pitched. Mae and Hayden Quaid have that delicious push-pull energy where you can feel the attraction and the irritation at the same time. Every scene between them has sparks. Every scene.
This is one of those rare books that feels fresh from the first page to the last. I tore through it, but simultaneously wished it would never end. I just wanted to spend more time with these characters. I have been thinking about these characters for hours now since I finished the book. I would love a sequel. This wasn’t just a good book; it was absolutely spectacular.
Andie Newton ALWAYS delivers.
Mae is a wildly entertaining main character. She’s complicated, a little chaotic, and endlessly clever (her dialogue had me in stitches). She’s down on her luck more than once, and her gambling habits don’t always do her any favors, but that’s part of what makes her so compelling. She’s scrappy, a little reckless, and the kind of woman who can land herself in trouble and then somehow claw her way back out of it with sheer grit and nerve. Watching her pull herself together and step up to complete the mission she was clearly born to do was incredibly satisfying.
Her voice is distinct, and the dialogue throughout the book is fantastic. Really fantastic. It’s quick, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny, yet it never undercuts the real tension of the story. Watching Mae train newbie Elaine to become a spy in Moscow adds a whole extra layer of charm and humor. But Mrs. Dietz as a nosy neighbor, and those women at the exhibition... I will not say any more, except hold on to your hat!
And the romance? Perfectly pitched. Mae and Hayden Quaid have that delicious push-pull energy where you can feel the attraction and the irritation at the same time. Every scene between them has sparks. Every scene.
This is one of those rare books that feels fresh from the first page to the last. I tore through it, but simultaneously wished it would never end. I just wanted to spend more time with these characters. I have been thinking about these characters for hours now since I finished the book. I would love a sequel. This wasn’t just a good book; it was absolutely spectacular.
Andie Newton ALWAYS delivers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC of The Last Flight from Moscow by Andie Newton.
This story follows seemingly washed up ex agent Mae who's life had spiralled into debt and depression following a bad experience as part of her work as a spy during WW2 on behalf of the Americans. Her life takes a pivot when she's asked to come back into the field for one last ride by her friend and former partner Sutton. Her task? Take a green new agent under her wing in soviet Russia.
I was hooked from the start with this story. It is set in a part of history I know less about particularly from the American perspective and the pov of a spy definitely gave it an interesting angle. We are brought into.the belly of soviet Russia in the midst of the post war troubles and the world building really supports this. There are perhaps a few too many characters developed and I think the book could have been just as good with one or two less however it helped with the whodunit aspects. The pacing was good and I really felt the two acts of the book well. The twists and conclusions were well done and I really enjoyed the camaraderie between the girls in various groupings. One major.gripe is the lack of dialect. This is a common issue with books as they tend to be generic British or generic American written and to really get the atmosphere and the characters you need to write with the accents and dialects of the people you are portraying and this was not done well unfortunately. This didn't distract too much from my enjoyment but I felt it needed highlighting..it has lost half a star on bookmory/my insta ratings as a result.
Overall, a very enjoyable book, I felt invested in the plot and characters and was surprised by some of the reveals throughout. The girls being the focus was done very well which isn't easy to do and the story was different from others I've read. I'll definitely check out others by this author.
This story follows seemingly washed up ex agent Mae who's life had spiralled into debt and depression following a bad experience as part of her work as a spy during WW2 on behalf of the Americans. Her life takes a pivot when she's asked to come back into the field for one last ride by her friend and former partner Sutton. Her task? Take a green new agent under her wing in soviet Russia.
I was hooked from the start with this story. It is set in a part of history I know less about particularly from the American perspective and the pov of a spy definitely gave it an interesting angle. We are brought into.the belly of soviet Russia in the midst of the post war troubles and the world building really supports this. There are perhaps a few too many characters developed and I think the book could have been just as good with one or two less however it helped with the whodunit aspects. The pacing was good and I really felt the two acts of the book well. The twists and conclusions were well done and I really enjoyed the camaraderie between the girls in various groupings. One major.gripe is the lack of dialect. This is a common issue with books as they tend to be generic British or generic American written and to really get the atmosphere and the characters you need to write with the accents and dialects of the people you are portraying and this was not done well unfortunately. This didn't distract too much from my enjoyment but I felt it needed highlighting..it has lost half a star on bookmory/my insta ratings as a result.
Overall, a very enjoyable book, I felt invested in the plot and characters and was surprised by some of the reveals throughout. The girls being the focus was done very well which isn't easy to do and the story was different from others I've read. I'll definitely check out others by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1959. Mae Pierce was once a wartime OSS agent, her friend Sutton Maxwell contacts her and wants her to go to Moscow. To pose as a model at the American Exhibition, with new CIA recruit Elaine Holiday and she accepts the job. Mae has got herself in trouble with the mob, a gambling debt and she needs money to pay them back and some breathing space.
The walls are thin at Hotel Leningrad, she’s sure the phones are bugged, the ladies are escorted to and from the premises on a bus and with chaperones and she doesn’t know who she can trust and what side they are on?
Mae has jumped from the frying pan into the fire, the narrative is based around the setting up of the exhibition and leading up to the opening, where over four hundred American companies and their new products are going to be on display, kitchen gadgets, convenience foods, and blue jeans.
Nikita Khrushchev is the new leader, he wants to modernize the nation, the space race is on and America is worried about the Cold War. Anything can be bought or bartered for, not just luxuries and people can disappear! Mae finds herself having to save one of the models from the Russian mafia and underbelly, it’s a risky game and a big gamble.
I received a copy of The Last Flight from Moscow from NetGalley and Once More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. I have read other books by Andie Newton, I’m sorry but this one fell short for me and not my favourite. The main character wasn’t what I was expecting, anyone who had been an agent in World War Two would have problems and a dysfunctional life, and I felt like I was reading a comedy and not a fast pace and page turning historical thriller.
Three stars, I won’t be giving up on Ms Newton and I’m still a fan. Please read The Last Flight from Moscow yourself and makeup your own mind about Mae.
The walls are thin at Hotel Leningrad, she’s sure the phones are bugged, the ladies are escorted to and from the premises on a bus and with chaperones and she doesn’t know who she can trust and what side they are on?
Mae has jumped from the frying pan into the fire, the narrative is based around the setting up of the exhibition and leading up to the opening, where over four hundred American companies and their new products are going to be on display, kitchen gadgets, convenience foods, and blue jeans.
Nikita Khrushchev is the new leader, he wants to modernize the nation, the space race is on and America is worried about the Cold War. Anything can be bought or bartered for, not just luxuries and people can disappear! Mae finds herself having to save one of the models from the Russian mafia and underbelly, it’s a risky game and a big gamble.
I received a copy of The Last Flight from Moscow from NetGalley and Once More Chapter in exchange for an honest review. I have read other books by Andie Newton, I’m sorry but this one fell short for me and not my favourite. The main character wasn’t what I was expecting, anyone who had been an agent in World War Two would have problems and a dysfunctional life, and I felt like I was reading a comedy and not a fast pace and page turning historical thriller.
Three stars, I won’t be giving up on Ms Newton and I’m still a fan. Please read The Last Flight from Moscow yourself and makeup your own mind about Mae.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mae has been out of the spy game for fourteen years when her good friend and old partner comes calling. Teach the newbie (Elaine) everything you know while on her first mission and you'll get a nice pay packet at the end. As much as she wants to turn down the offer, Mae could certainly do with the money so agrees to the job.
Thinking it would be an easy way to make money she doesn't take it too seriously at the start, as the job initially seems like the women are just there to look pretty while the men do all the hard work in finding the person trying to assassinate the leader.
Mae and Elaine, while working with the other women at the exhibition, uncover bits and pieces and it's not long before Mae figures out the men are looking at the wrong person, and of course at first they won't listen - they think they have the correct person.
Mae somehow manages to persuade someone that matters that she is right and they are wrong and a plan is made to stop the assassination attempt.
From that moment Mae and Elaine's lives change and nothing will be the same again.
This was my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, NetGalley and Andie Newton for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
Thinking it would be an easy way to make money she doesn't take it too seriously at the start, as the job initially seems like the women are just there to look pretty while the men do all the hard work in finding the person trying to assassinate the leader.
Mae and Elaine, while working with the other women at the exhibition, uncover bits and pieces and it's not long before Mae figures out the men are looking at the wrong person, and of course at first they won't listen - they think they have the correct person.
Mae somehow manages to persuade someone that matters that she is right and they are wrong and a plan is made to stop the assassination attempt.
From that moment Mae and Elaine's lives change and nothing will be the same again.
This was my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, NetGalley and Andie Newton for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Flight from Moscow is an absolute heart-pounder. Andie Newton has crafted a high-stakes thriller that feels so authentic, you can practically feel the chilly, paranoid atmosphere of 1950s Soviet Russia seeping through the pages.
The story follows Mae, a former OSS agent who is pulled back into the shadows for one last dangerous mission. I loved the unique setup of her posing as a model at the American Exhibition in Moscow—it’s such a clever, glamorous cover for such a gritty, life-or-death job. Mae is a fantastic protagonist; she’s tough and capable, but her struggle with the ghosts of her past gives the book a layer of emotional depth that you don't always find in spy novels.
The pacing is relentless, and the tension between Mae and the people she has to trust (or pretend to trust) is electric. Newton’s writing is incredibly cinematic, making the stakes feel personal and the risks feel terrifyingly real. It’s a multi-layered tale of courage and sacrifice that kept me guessing until the very end.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a sharp edge and a lot of heart, this is a must-read. Easily one of my favorite books of the year!
The story follows Mae, a former OSS agent who is pulled back into the shadows for one last dangerous mission. I loved the unique setup of her posing as a model at the American Exhibition in Moscow—it’s such a clever, glamorous cover for such a gritty, life-or-death job. Mae is a fantastic protagonist; she’s tough and capable, but her struggle with the ghosts of her past gives the book a layer of emotional depth that you don't always find in spy novels.
The pacing is relentless, and the tension between Mae and the people she has to trust (or pretend to trust) is electric. Newton’s writing is incredibly cinematic, making the stakes feel personal and the risks feel terrifyingly real. It’s a multi-layered tale of courage and sacrifice that kept me guessing until the very end.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a sharp edge and a lot of heart, this is a must-read. Easily one of my favorite books of the year!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of The Last Flight from Moscow from NetGally for a review.
I admit, I picked this up when I saw it was historical fiction set during the early stages of the Cold War. Having lived in Russia for a couple of years, I enjoy reading novels set there.
In The Last Flight from Moscow, we see a group of women, sent over to Moscow to be part of an exhibition. A couple are with the CIA and are there to help stop an assassination attempt on Khrushchev during the exhibition. We see the firm grip communism had on reality as what life was really like is written into the story. Carefully choreographed where attendees can go, and what they see, along with scripted words from Russians that hype how wonderful the Soviet Union is, while begging for American jeans, or other Western products.
The story itself is enjoyable and an easy read, keeping you entertained throughout. Good characters with their flaws that they are forced to confront and overcome. I appreciated that modern language and profanity was not interlaced into their speaking, keeping it more authentic to the time period.
A book I would recommend.
I admit, I picked this up when I saw it was historical fiction set during the early stages of the Cold War. Having lived in Russia for a couple of years, I enjoy reading novels set there.
In The Last Flight from Moscow, we see a group of women, sent over to Moscow to be part of an exhibition. A couple are with the CIA and are there to help stop an assassination attempt on Khrushchev during the exhibition. We see the firm grip communism had on reality as what life was really like is written into the story. Carefully choreographed where attendees can go, and what they see, along with scripted words from Russians that hype how wonderful the Soviet Union is, while begging for American jeans, or other Western products.
The story itself is enjoyable and an easy read, keeping you entertained throughout. Good characters with their flaws that they are forced to confront and overcome. I appreciated that modern language and profanity was not interlaced into their speaking, keeping it more authentic to the time period.
A book I would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the shadow underbelly of Cold War Moscow, Mae Pierce, once a formidable OSS agent, has found herself once again thrust into a perilous mission that could spell redemption - or ruin. Tasked as posing as a model at the American Exhibition, Mae is haunted by the ghosts of her past and the weight of a life she had left behind. As she navigates the treacherous waters of deceit, betrayal and the ruthless Russian Mafia, Mae realises that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.
Moscow, 1959: This is a Cold War suspense story. Mae's life had plunged into depression and debt due to a bad experience. She had been a spy during WWII. Now she's been asked to be a new agent mentor.
I quite enjoyed this story. The pace is steady, it's well-written with well-developed characters. It catches the atmosphere of 1950s Soviet Russia. Mae is a strong and likeable character, and the story is told from her perspective.
Published 7th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #AndieNewton for my ARC of #TheLastFlightFromMoscow in exchange for an honest review.
Moscow, 1959: This is a Cold War suspense story. Mae's life had plunged into depression and debt due to a bad experience. She had been a spy during WWII. Now she's been asked to be a new agent mentor.
I quite enjoyed this story. The pace is steady, it's well-written with well-developed characters. It catches the atmosphere of 1950s Soviet Russia. Mae is a strong and likeable character, and the story is told from her perspective.
Published 7th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #AndieNewton for my ARC of #TheLastFlightFromMoscow in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
There’s nothing like a good spy thriller to pique my interest and this one is a beauty! Set mostly in Moscow in 1959, this story is packed with interesting twists and unexpected red herrings. Add to that the contrast between western nations of the time, places where the latest machines to make life easier were the norm, and Communist Moscow, where Orwell’s 1984 seems to play out in real life. I loved the Russian fascination with blue jeans and books and the use of an exhibition to highlight the differences between the USA and the USSR. While the central theme revolves around an assassination plot, it is the sub-plots that kept me guessing. Who was spying on who and for whom? Mae is a formidable character ably supported by newly minted CIA agent Elaine, whom she’s been asked to train while at the same time sniffing out the assassin. This story is refreshing and different to anything I’ve read recently and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for allowing me to review this book. It was a different era for me, set during the Cold War in Moscow. Mae is sent with Elaine to find out who is a double agent informing the Russians of British secrets. The story has many twists and turns as Mae teaches Elaine how to be Special Agent. Mae has many years experience in Vienna during the 2nd World War, which did not go well for her. This gives her nightmares as she remembers the tortures she endured. She has a unique skill to see through the stories given by the people they encounter in Moscow and picking up on discrepancies. . Elaine has an excellent memory for detail. They develop a good working relationship.
The story was gripping and unexpected at times. I found it a real page turner. If you enjoy historical fiction and thrillers you will enjoy this book.
The story was gripping and unexpected at times. I found it a real page turner. If you enjoy historical fiction and thrillers you will enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a frustrating novel! It’s so unimaginable - a couple of females calling themselves spies - are sent to Moscow playing the part of Exhibition Models to prevent an assassination.
To me, this novel is very tongue-in cheek, but I couldn’t work out whether it was to be a humorous story, or whether the main character, an aging spy called Mae, was just totally out of touch with reality. Mae undertook the operation to get out of debt, but also to mentor a new special agent, Elaine. Lots of little capers, close shaves and travels into the Russian Mafias den.
This novel just wasn’t for me - Mae’s behaviour was a poor attempt to draw in the reader.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins One More Chapter for a copy of this ARC for review
To me, this novel is very tongue-in cheek, but I couldn’t work out whether it was to be a humorous story, or whether the main character, an aging spy called Mae, was just totally out of touch with reality. Mae undertook the operation to get out of debt, but also to mentor a new special agent, Elaine. Lots of little capers, close shaves and travels into the Russian Mafias den.
This novel just wasn’t for me - Mae’s behaviour was a poor attempt to draw in the reader.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins One More Chapter for a copy of this ARC for review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first of Andie Newton's books I have read, requested because I love a cold war spy thriller especially with a strong female lead. I was also really intrigued by the setting of the American Exhibition in Moscow, an historical event new to me. But I will definitely be seeking out some of her backlist titles. Mae is a very satisfying heroine - flawed, damaged, loyal, courageous and with plenty of sass, the setting evocative and atmospheric whether surburban New York or cold war Moscow and the many supporting characters well drawn. The plot was suitably twisty and high stakes with a hint of cynical humour from Mae's POV to add light to the shade. Very enjoyable - recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a gripping novel that took you behind the iron curtain during the Cold War. Two women are part of a cia investigation into an assassination plot on Khrushchev in 1959.during an American exhibition in Moscow. The characters are really well developed such that you can picture them easily. The plot is good although seems slightly unrealistic. One character goes back to USA thinking mission is accomplished only to find her partner has been left behind. She then makes her way back to Moscow. Given the political situation this did not seem probable. However, this did not spoil what was an enjoyable read.
May 10, 2026
Mae Pierce, ex-OSS agent, is down on her luck and owes a lot of money to the wrong people. So a job offer from an old friend and colleague, now a CIA agent, comes at just the right time. On the surface, Mae and her inexperienced partner, Elaine, are being sent to Moscow to be guides at The American Exhibition. In reality, their job is to find a spy. Mae and Elaine develop a very strong partnership, based around Mae’s experience in WWII and Elaine’s eye for detail.
A fast paced, thrilling adventure with intriguing characters set in interesting times.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins (One More Chapter) for an ARC for my honest review.
A fast paced, thrilling adventure with intriguing characters set in interesting times.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins (One More Chapter) for an ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed reading about this time in history. I didn't know anything about the American National Exhibition in Moscow during the Cold War, which allowed Russions to experience American culture. I was fascinated by the early days of the CIA and its connection to the OSS and the stories of the female spies in both WWII and the Cold War. I enjoyed the overall pacing of this story, but felt a few aspects were a little far-fetched.
Thank you the NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you the NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Flight from Moscow
By: Andie Newton
Pub Date: May 7, 2026
Publisher: One More Chapter
A Cold War story, which captivated me.
Mae is our protagonist and she is complicated, clever, gritty, reckless and dynamic character. She loves to gamble and she is out to complete a mission, even with the high stakes and danger involved.
When she trains Elaine to spy in Moscow the dynamics of these two kept my glued to their relationship.
A little romance, lots of interesting and captivating scenes, and multi layered novel.
By: Andie Newton
Pub Date: May 7, 2026
Publisher: One More Chapter
A Cold War story, which captivated me.
Mae is our protagonist and she is complicated, clever, gritty, reckless and dynamic character. She loves to gamble and she is out to complete a mission, even with the high stakes and danger involved.
When she trains Elaine to spy in Moscow the dynamics of these two kept my glued to their relationship.
A little romance, lots of interesting and captivating scenes, and multi layered novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I have read quite a few books by this author, but this may be one of my fave books so far from her. Mae Pierce is quite the American woman. She was part of the OSS team during WWII, but ended her time with torture and left the business of spying behind. Now her old partner needs her to come back and help prevent an escalation between Russia and the USA. Mae manages to be a badass while still escaping trouble on several fronts. Fun to read about a strong and capable woman.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Last Flight from Moscow is set in Moscow 1950's.Mae who is a former spy is drawn back into that life again when she is asked to train new girl Elaine to spy in Moscow .Mae is a great character who likes to gamble and drink vodka but knows if she does she is in trouble as she won't remember anything. I really enjoyed this book ,the female characters were fun, a compelling fast paced gritty story and I loved the ending perfect..It would be great if there was a sequel .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Total page-turner. Andie Newton dazzles again in this thrilling Cold war spy story. It's a pacy, intriguing, well-researched read with one of the best heroines I've read in a while. Mae is flawed but loveable -- smart, witty and wily -- and I would absolutely love to read another story about her in the future.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
May 20, 2026
Wow
This author gets better and better. Couldn't put this read down. She wrote it fast paced and you need to keep up. Wonderful women hero's, this book needs some rewards. I was blown away with the account of the hotel, it came off the page. I felt I was there. I could go on and on, just get it and enjoy the trip you take to Russia.
This author gets better and better. Couldn't put this read down. She wrote it fast paced and you need to keep up. Wonderful women hero's, this book needs some rewards. I was blown away with the account of the hotel, it came off the page. I felt I was there. I could go on and on, just get it and enjoy the trip you take to Russia.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨
Title: The Last Flight from Moscow
Author: Andie Newton
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: May 7, 2026
This was my first time reading Andie Newton and it was a masterclass in historical suspense! If you love fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers featuring brilliant female spies, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR.
Set in 1959 during the icy tension of the Cold War, the story follows Mae Pierce, a world-weary former OSS agent dragged back into the shadows to pay off a dangerous debt. Her mission? Pose as a glamorous fashion model at the American Exhibition in Moscow alongside an inexperienced young trainee, Elaine. Beneath the glittering surface of the exhibition lies a deadly web of shifting alliances, political assassination plots, and the Russian mafia. When Elaine suddenly vanishes, Mae refuses to leave her behind sparking a race against time behind the Iron Curtain.
This book is a total page-turner. I was completely gripped by the paranoia of the era where no one can be trusted and I enjoyed learning more about this specific, fascinating slice of history. Newton masterfully balances heart-pounding espionage and sharp workplace chemistry with raw, heavy character depth, as Mae battles her own demons, severe gambling debts, and WWII trauma.
Atmospheric, highly entertaining, and thrilling, this is historical fiction done right.
Thank you HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Title: The Last Flight from Moscow
Author: Andie Newton
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: May 7, 2026
This was my first time reading Andie Newton and it was a masterclass in historical suspense! If you love fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers featuring brilliant female spies, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR.
Set in 1959 during the icy tension of the Cold War, the story follows Mae Pierce, a world-weary former OSS agent dragged back into the shadows to pay off a dangerous debt. Her mission? Pose as a glamorous fashion model at the American Exhibition in Moscow alongside an inexperienced young trainee, Elaine. Beneath the glittering surface of the exhibition lies a deadly web of shifting alliances, political assassination plots, and the Russian mafia. When Elaine suddenly vanishes, Mae refuses to leave her behind sparking a race against time behind the Iron Curtain.
This book is a total page-turner. I was completely gripped by the paranoia of the era where no one can be trusted and I enjoyed learning more about this specific, fascinating slice of history. Newton masterfully balances heart-pounding espionage and sharp workplace chemistry with raw, heavy character depth, as Mae battles her own demons, severe gambling debts, and WWII trauma.
Atmospheric, highly entertaining, and thrilling, this is historical fiction done right.
Thank you HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
gorgeously well-written historical fiction featuring an interesting main character, Mae Pierce, a former OOS agent, active in Moscow during the Cold War. would recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4⭐️
I enjoyed the historical setting and time period, it was different from what I usually see. The characters did fall a bit flat though, but their story and narration was fairly good overall
I enjoyed the historical setting and time period, it was different from what I usually see. The characters did fall a bit flat though, but their story and narration was fairly good overall
May 8, 2026
Recommended with reservations.
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
Review posted at Tzer Island book blog:
https://www.tzerisland.com/bookblog/2...
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