The Nord Stream Conspiracy: The Inside Story of the Explosions That Shook the World

by Bojan Pancevski, Michael Golab (Narrator)

A riveting exposé of the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines, the largest act of sabotage in modern history, told through unprecedented access and deep investigative reporting—part geopolitical thriller, part true-crime detective story, part gritty war chronicle

In September 2022, Scandinavian seismologists detected what seemed to be an undersea earthquake near the Danish island of Bornholm. Instead, several powerful explosions had destroyed Nord Stream, the $20 billion pipeline system that transported cheap Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The mysterious blasts shifted global geopolitics, disrupted European economies, and triggered a manhunt that strained relations within the NATO alliance.

Drawing on years of firsthand reporting, award-winning Wall Street Journal correspondent Bojan Pancevski presents the definitive, behind-the-scenes account of this audacious operation. Authorized at the highest levels of Ukraine’s leadership, the mission was ostensibly unofficial and conducted with the utmost secrecy. Pancevski secured exclusive access to the German investigators and their political overseers as well as the Ukrainian agents who executed the attack—a team of intelligence officers, military personnel, and civilian divers. The saboteurs operated on a shoestring budget, using a small rented yacht with a seven-member crew to conduct the strike at great risk in extremely turbulent waters.

The Nord Stream Conspiracy addresses the two leading theories about who was responsible, Russia or the US, and explains how these narratives developed, including the popular US theory involving the CIA, which knew about the plot. This gripping account exposes the human stories and moral complexities behind one of the most remarkable geopolitical mysteries of our time, one that redefined modern warfare.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Audiobook, Russia, War, Crime

10 pages, Audiobook

First published June 16, 2026

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars 🌟🌟🌟

Title & Author: The Nord Stream Conspiracy by Bojan Pancevski
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Page count/format: In hardback, 320. In EBook via Kobo, 521
Release Date: Jun 16, 2026
For those who: want James Bond to be way more complicated
First sentence I highlighted out of pure syntactical surprise: "They failed to find fitting frogmen."

-
Thank you very much to the publisher, who provided me this ARC, which I read using the Kobo app.

I nit-pick the ones I like.

This is a tricky little book to review. And by little, I very much mean the opposite. Weighing in at a hearty 521 pages in e-book format, The Nord Stream Conspiracy requires dedication out of a reader. In part, one needs to keep a running tally of the characters involved - many of which are referred to by a nickname à la John Le Carré - and their various motives, upbringings, points of view, etc. It's also required, I think, for the reader to come at this with an ability to tolerate under-explication.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Nord Stream is a set of off-shore natural gas pipelines which run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. In late September of 2022, leaks were detected in these pipes in international waters off of the coast of Denmark. The subsequent multi-national investigation(s) determined that sabotage had caused the damage: namely, powerful explosive charges set off 80 meters below the surface. And this amongst the full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine, Ukraine's counter-offensive, and the corresponding ripples in international relationships world wide. The German investigation into the incident is ongoing, and in September 2025 identified seven prime suspects -among them, a Ukrainian diver living in Poland.

I had never heard of the Nord Stream incident. (I maintain plausible deniability, since I was studying for the bar in the summer of 2022 and was unaware of anything besides my own ability to remember the rules of diversity jurisdiction in federal cases. If we were to be less charitable, I am an American. We are not known for our international savoir faire). Back to the under-explication, issue, then: I fear that others like me who had no idea what they were getting into would feel lost within this book.

Repeatedly, I would be pulled in by the more cinematic parts, propelled by the sense of political intrigue, then would have to stop short to revisit the glossary - who the hell is Santa Claus again?? - or do my own googling. What is the difference between the HUR and the SBU, again? Wait, they can just get civilians to do these things? I know President Zelenskyy as a general figure, and I know about the Cossacks but what is the actual thematic role of either here?

I'm not attempting to give the author a ding for my general ignorance of post-Soviet governance. But I felt that the narrative suffered by spending time on intricacies without first establishing the larger context. Mr. Pancevski is a decorated journalist in the international politics space; I have no doubt that those awards are deserved. The Nord Stream Conspiracy is obviously deeply-reported and extraordinarily well-sourced. At times I felt the promised shivers of geopolitical intrigue. However, I felt there was a missed opportunity. I would have happily traded meticulosity in each and every action taken in the conspiracy for a clearer explanation of the Ukrainian/Russian political norms and the major players involved.

I enjoyed this. But readers with a better grasp on the subject matter prior to ever picking up the book will enjoy it more than I did. Readers who have the capacity to do some additional research and catch themselves up on the generalities will also do well. And if you've ever wondered about who, exactly, would be willing to propel themselves ~250 under water to blow up a gas pipe and who might send those people that far down, pick this one up.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering the author of this book was a legitimate part of selling a lie that the Russians were responsible, it is genuinely surprising how little self introspection is made on the matter, and how confidently the author proceeds to assert the history of Russia and Ukraine and why Russia invaded the country with little to no mention of their reasoning other than 'tyranny'. James Bakers "not one inch" promise is essentially scrubbed from this lopsided accounting of history.

Russia were unequivocally in the wrong to invade, but the total lack of critical thinking considering this journalist was active in duping the public into a false narrative for this very story is galling at a minimum, and outright asinine at most.

Fortunately, it is fairly well written, and the characters and stories are interesting, it's just a shame that I don't know how believable it is due to Bojan's lack of credibility.

[Jasmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

a real life spy thrilled! impecably written, narrated, researched.

[Valentin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine beeindruckende journalistische Leistung. Nur einige ukrainische Protagonisten hätte man sicher über mehr als ihre Trinkfestigkeit und ihren „Kosakengeist“ charakterisieren können. Sei‘s drum: Eben ein Agententhriller der alten Schule, nur wahr.

[Matt Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a spy thriller. As it mentions in the book, this was a story that came out in dribs and drabs over years, so I didn't really realise how it had ended. Really well written and researched, and I like how objectively it is written. It is certainly not a moral preaching one way or the other

[Filip Olšovský · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most comprehensive and rewarding books I have ever read. It has it all: a broader context, suspense, exclusive access to interviewees, and dozens, if not hundreds, of shocking and new facts. A delight to read from every angle – journalistic, non-fiction and purely narrative.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otrolig.

[Josh Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild story, well written, with just enough context to flesh out understanding without becoming a history novel. 4.5

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting. My first 5-star book this year. Could not put it down. Meticulously researched, it excels in bringing the characters to life with empathy and respect. And there is a trace of humour running throughout which is very much appreciated. A veritable tour de force.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auf den ersten 200 Seiten verdichtet Pancevski eine dreijährige Recherche und viele Gespräche auf beiden Seiten zu einem spannenden Agententhriller, den das wahre Leben erzählt. Hinten raus, wenn es um die Reaktionen und auch die Winkel der Strafverfolgung geht, zerfasert die Erzählung etwas. Was hängen bleibt: Wie viel Diplomatie im Schatten getätigt wird, wie ein Sabotageakt den Lauf der europäischen Geschichte ändert, und welchen Einschlag diese hätte nehmen können, wäre die Urheberschaft früher bekannt geworden.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Nord Stream Conspiracy is a reporter’s look at an act of sabotage with far reaching impact across Europe. The writing is clipped as if it were a long series in a newspaper. It was interesting enough but it did feel a bit dry in the narrative. Thank you to #netgalley and #henryholtandco for the opportunity to preview this book.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for an advance copy of this book on real-life events dealing with war, politics, sabotage, and even old-fashioned dogged police investigations, about an event that was daring in its actions, confounded those who should know better, an event that will go down in special operations history, accomplished by a group of patriotic amateurs.

The Russian and Ukraine Conflict has pointed out many modern problems in the world today. What does a govenment allow before they actually have to do something. American policy seems surprisingly Russian, which comes as no surprise with America's current administration. Most of Europe seems supportive of the Ukraine. Except when it comes to money. Germany while pledging support was also paying billions to Russia for natural gas. As a country on the move, Germany had a need, that Russia was more than willing to fill. And also to many made them a legitimate target. When the Nord Stream Pipeline suddenly blew-up, in a few spots the suspect list was pretty long, with a lot of powerful players. The United States, who wanted to sell gas to Germany, Russia as a false flag operation. Germany to get out of the deal. Some eyes looked at Ukraine, but an operation like that was judged too big, too expensive, and out of the countries reach. Out of the country maybe. However for a few talented insiders, a group of patriotic amateurs and whole lot of luck, sometime things can go right. The Nord Stream Conspiracy: The Inside Story of the Explosions That Shook the World by investigative journalist Bojan Pancevski is look at the incident, the people who might have been involved, the real world investigation, and what happened after, about an act so brazen that special operations people will be studying it for years.

Germany needed energy, and Russia was willing to supply it. All Germany had to do was keep quiet about certain actions that Russia was doing in Europe, invading neighbors, taking care of dissidents, even targeted assassinations. And pay billions of dollars a year to fund Russia's efforts to destabilize Europe. Germany was more than happy, making the United States mad for being cut out of selling America's gas, Poland annoyed at helping Russia. And the Ukraine for helping to fund an invasion of their territory, while saying how Germany was against it. This detente on gas lasted until the pipelines were dealt a catastrophic failure, due to bomb being accurately placed in a way to make them expensive and timely to fix. This operation was thought of as too big, needing to much people, training, specialized equipment, and lots of money. Some thought America, with proof offered of American ships near the site. Some thought Russia, again with ships near the pipeline. German investigators began to slowly probe, to ask questions, received reluctant help from allies, and came up with their own answers. All shared with the author, who lays out the evidence like an Agatha Christie novel.

One can see where some people might have a problem with this book. There are a lot of codenames. The General, the Colonel, Cousteau, The Soldier. Some might find this odd, I find this the best way to keep these people both out of trouble, or using British libel laws to sue. The book is written like a Tom Clancy book with a political understanding of the world, not a Reagan view of the world. The book moves almost from the first page, showing a world that few of us understand, though we live in it, with a view that is almost depressing in how cynical, corrupt and chaotic it is. The writing is really good, and in some spots funny. Pancevski meets with members of the Ukraine forces who might have been involved in the bombing, with a pen from the German investigators. The constant luck that the team had, and the bad luck that got them identified. The fact that the whole world is saved on data streams, and yet it still takes humans to get to the heart of the matter.

A fantastic book, both intriguing, depressing, and enlightening. A view of the Ukraine conflict much different than what we see, or what we are being told. A book that constantly amazed me, sadden me, and made me mad. One that I won't easily forget.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was there some sort of massive conspiracy to memory-hole the Nord Stream sabotage? When I grabbed The Nord Stream Conspiracy by Bojan Pancevski, my first thought was...what Nord Stream explosion? Turns out it was a big one.

It turns out, around the beginning of the war in Ukraine, some people decided to blow up the one of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines which runs from Russia to Germany. There was a lot of finger pointing, but no resolution as to who did it and why. Pancevski says he has the true story, and I believe him!

The book is a mostly entertaining but overstuffed narrative. I will not fault the author for lack of access. In fact, I might fault him for having so much he doesn't know when to pull back and stay on task. I might be too hard on the book. Pancevski comes with the goods, and shines a light on some very entertaining characters. However, most of them are referred to by various nicknames usually tied to their job or leadership position. You get to the point where you just want the author to focus on what is happening rather than who everyone is. One person, who helps with the explosives, gets his own pseudonym, but only shows up again in the narrative in quick two references. It's choices like this that make the story seem hectic rather than propulsive.

However, as I said, I feel like I am maybe being too hard on the book. I finished it relatively quickly, but felt I could have been done much sooner and would have been more satisfied. I'd say that if this looks like fun to you, definitely pick it up. It's not bad by any measure. I'm just left feeling that it could have been much better with some different storytelling choices.

(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by Henry Holt and NetGalley.)

[Kandace · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2022, seismologists in Scandinavia detected what they thought to be an undersea earthquake near Bornhold, an island in Denmark. As it was later revealed, this was not an earthquake but a set of bombs destroying the Nord Stream pipeline. This pipeline was worth $20billion and transported Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. These explosions burst the pipeline, but also set off a series of events in global geopolitics, the European economy, and caused tensions within the NATO alliance due to a manhunt. Wall Street Journal correspondent Bojan Pancevski details the lead up to the explosions, the explosion, and what subsequently followed. Pancevski includes interviews and accounts from German investigators, their political overseers, and the Ukrainian team (which included intelligence offices, military personnel, and civilian divers) behind the explosions. This account addresses the two main theories regarding who was behind the attack and how these theories came to the world stage.


Pancevski gives us a very detailed, informative account for what happened with the Nord Stream Conspiracy. Personally, this was fairly eye-opening. For something that shook the world, I never once heard about it. It makes you wonder if it was something those involved tried to cover up and keep from the media. The fact that so many Ukrainian civilians were involved in the overall efforts to defend Ukraine the Russia-Ukraine war and did not get their recognition is quite sad.
This is definitely an informative read and opens your eyes to how something can shake up the entire geopolitical world. 4/5 stars.

[Chris Aylott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I certainly picked the right time to read this. There have been big developments in Nord Stream case in the days since I finished this book, and I would not have understood them without what I read here.

This reads like a spy thriller, because it is. Pancevski has a unique perspective that normally only fictional authors get, which is that he has had long-time relationships with people on both sides of the story and somehow managed the delicate dance of learning what they were doing without interfering in their actions. That is top-notch reporting in any situation, never mind as one as sensitive as this one.

The book highlights the bravery and resourcefulness of the Ukrainian people, who managed to improvise an effective defense against the Russian invasion despite the fact the government leadership was completely unprepared. The Nord Stream bombing represents a high point in this effort, as a small team of highly-trained civilians and military officers pulled off one of the most daring sabotage operations in military history.

At the same time, Pancevski gives equal attention to the German police. I'm firmly on the "the Ukrainians are heroes" side of the argument, but you have to respect the police's determination that a crime has been committed, and that they will investigate and collect the evidence needed for a conviction. And they do, doing traditional police work one step at a time, relentlessly solving the case despite a number of obstacles thrown in your path. I admired their work even as I rooted for their suspects to escape.

A fantastic book that sheds light on a dark and very complicated world.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE NORD STREAM CONSPIRACY

This is my type of book. A ragtag group of highly skilled patriotic citizens sent on a dangerous and almost impossible mission. In the midst of the Russian/Ukranian war, an explosion occurred in the Nord Stream Pipeline on September 26, 2022. Written by Wall Street Journal correspondent Bojan Pancevski, he examines the events from mainly two perspectives: The Ukrainian Startup Group and the German Investigators.

The Nord Stream Pipeline supplies Russian gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. It has long been controversial within Europe, opposed by several countries who also provide gas through land based pipelines. There is a lot of geopolitical background in this book, with terrific explanations on the various perspectives and reactions to the explosion. Political maneuvering and scheming adds excitement and intrigue throughout the whole tale. Although written through a political perspective, it is well researched and informative.

Who did it and how was it done? Will they be caught and punished? Or honored as heroes? And of course, were the US and Russian involved? Tons of speculation and blame here. It’s not a book you can rush through, it takes attention to detail with many coded names and involved countries, and plots all happening simultaneously. But it’s worth the effort if you like a good real life geopolitical thriller.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bojan Pancevski, and Henry Holt & Company for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Nicola Waters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviews of this book have variants of ‘like a thriller’. Whether it’s a good read depends entirely on whether that works for you. The writer obviously has impressive sourcing, and it ought to be a gripping read- but I just found it relentlessly annoying, in large part due to the writing style. Instead the prose of a serious journalist covering an important story, it’s this infantile style that one newspaper reviewer remarked seems designed to get Hollywood’s attention. And there are silly nicknames used throughout, even when there’s obviously no need- for example, if you want to know who the Germans arrested, it takes approximately 10 seconds on google. The name is public! I don’t doubt it’d take little effort to find most of the other names.
There’s no pretence at objectivity - anything non-heroic is brushed aside with well, the Russians are worse. Which is of course true in general, but I’d expect better of a journalist.
Apparently the writer originally covered the same events for his newspaper, the WSJ- I would imagine that’s a better option than this book, if only because WSJ editors would have been involved.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading like a “who done it,” this nonfiction book is the true story of a rogue act of sabotage that curtailed Europe’s reliance on Russian oil.

Monday, September 23, 2023, at 2:03 am, an explosion underground in the Baltic Sea blew out one of four massive conduits that make up the Nord Stream pipeline. The event had massive repercussions, disrupting European economies and triggering a massive manhunt that strained alliances within NATO.

The author was given exclusive access to information from key players - the saboteurs, high level intelligence personnel and investigators. The mission was ostensibly unofficial but was authorized at the highest levels of the Ukrainian government. The act itself was done on a shoestring budget and the telling is fascinating as are the theories that arose after the event of who was responsible - Russia or the US.

This is a gripping story filled with moral complexities. It reads like a thriller and delivers a solid punch about rationales that enter into world events. Highly recommend.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for granting me access to this ARC.

[Nuno · Rating 5 out of 5]

História dos homens e mulher ucranianos que planearam e executaram o maior e mais consequente acto de sabotagem da História moderna. Quando os gasodutos Nordstream explodiram a 80 metros de profundidade a 26 de Setembro de 2022, eles conseguiram alterar o cálculo e direcção geopolítica de toda a Europa.

O livro é fascinante e lê-se tal e qual um filme de espionagem - só que é verdade. Conhecemos os meandros dos serviços secretos militares ucranianos com os seus masterminds, o Coronel e o General, e os aventureiros mergulhadores civis que foram recrutados para o trabalho, Iceman, Freya, Smiley e Cousteau, apoiados pelo Soldado, o Skipper e o Capitão. É a narração dum feito de bravura física, operando por baixo dum mar Báltico negro e agitado, de intrepidez e de planeamento improvisado com recursos escassos.

Bojan Pancevski, correspondente principal do Wall Street Journal na Europa, apoiou-se no seu acesso privilegiado a membros de altíssimo nível do Governo e serviços de inteligência ucranianos, americanos, alemães e outros.

Conhecemos também a competente e persistente equipa de investigação da polícia alemã que deslindou o caso e identificou e perseguiu os mergulhadores e o modo sistemático e rigoroso como o fez. Pancevski traça um paralelismo entre estes investigadores e os executantes do plano: sem tomar partidos nem fazer juízos, demonstra a perspectiva, só aparentemente irreconciliável, dos dois lados que agiram no cumprimento do dever à pátria.

Quanto aos valentes ucranianos, Pancevski deixa a interrogação para a qual não tenho resposta: será tudo permitido na defesa da sobrevivência da Pátria, incluindo causar dano a outros?

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chief European political correspondent for the WSJ, Pulitzer prize finalist Bojan Pancevski sets the stage for a compelling read in his reporting of the 2022 explosions of the Nord Streams in The Nord Stream Conspiracy. It reads like a thriller. First, never heard of the Nord Streams which were constructed in 2010 and 2016 between Russia and Germany in the Baltic Sea. However, the United States was strongly opposed because it gave too much reliance on Russia's energy and Putin's ability to coerce. Angela Merkel was Chancellor of Germany during this process. She was a study in low key pragmatism. This is a fascinating story of the players, the diving team and the geopolitical ramifications evident between the lines. It would seem clear why this wasn't at the top of the news cycle in the US; back in 2010 Obama was hunting Bin Laden and during 2016 we were dealing with Trump.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written nonfiction about the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. It reads as a geopolitical thriller yet it’s about real people in harrowing times. The book is well researched with the author interviewing many of the main players in this high stakes drama. In fact, the real story line is about the actual people who planned, participated and funded this effort. The book starts as a recap of sorts about the Russia/Ukraine war, then moves into the planning, recruiting, training, and participation in the pipeline event. A good deal of the book then spends time describing the aftermath in terms of legal assessments, politics and individuals. It’s fascinating while the characters are both fearsome and fearless. A very interesting book.

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nordstrom

For someone going out of their way to try to be informed on the Ukrainian war, I was utterly in the dark on what was otherwise a very strong case made out in this book. I suppose it is no wonder that it hasn't been widely publicized here in Germany or anywhere else. The author did an outstanding job given that I was fully sceptical going into it thinking he might be a crank, but he proves almost beyond a reasonable doubt on the details of the pipeline sabotage. He also cracked open some of my own assumptions on the major players - although not wavering in the belief that Russia will eventually be defeated in this conflict.

[David Tice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story brought down by a weird writing style that I had first assumed was a translation; it reads like a bad actor impersonating a Russian. Hard to believe this guy is a key writer for the WSJ. The last third of the book was a real slog. I give 5 stars for the story of the Ukrainian operation, 3 stars for the story of the German investigation, and 3 for writing style. Oh, and he seems convinced Zelenskyy is to blame for every bad thing in Ukraine while throwing in some kind words about Putin-loving, anti-EU former president Poroshenko - not exactly objective reporting going on here.

[Gay Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ A very interesting book authored by a journalist that follows the act of sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline and the far reaching consequences of that event as well as the pursuing investigation by German police. A difficult read due to the details included and number of characters and that often bogged me down. The glossary of players at end was helpful. Enjoyed that it was such a current topic that is on-going and the dynamic of all the countries involved.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy to read.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and goodreads i won this book in a giveaway. This is an interesting work of investigative journalism that reads more like a geopolitical thriller. It's very researched since it follows the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. It does feel overwhelming at times because of the vast amount of people, agencies. It highlights the complicated political realities and competing interests involved. It's an interesting read, but not necessarily my cup of tea which is why i gave it 3 stars.

[Jarkko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is destined to become a classic in its field. As a text, it is not flawless, containing unnecessary repetition of ornamental details. The unique sabotage — along with its human and political consequences—has been meticulously investigated in a manner only an experienced and well-connected journalist could achieve. The story is not over and it may never reach a final conclusion. However, this book holds the makings of multiple films; it could even become a source for academic research in ethics of war, politics or police work.

[pierre bovington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Hitchens, a favourite journalist, hated this book.
I enjoyed reading this one and briefly explain why.
Ukraine, along with Israel remain the only western democracies engaged in an existential threat conflict.
I don’t think we understand what this is.
In WW2 Britain threw the kitchen sink at the invading forces, survived and then prevailed, with the help of USSR and USA.
Bojan has written a great story, but llike many books that followed the Second World War, art tends to get in the way of fact.
Suits me.

[Larry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not an easy book to read. Very awkward nicknames for all the players and strongly worded points of view that unaccountably shifts from time to. Time. Sentence structure is limited in scope making the story a series of short machine gun like descriptions. repetitiveness adds to the feeling that a word count was a factor in its creation. Assuming that English is not the authors first language, would explain all this, but a polished editor was sorely needed. An interesting story about a major news event kept me through to the end but overall I needed to push to finish.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before this book, I had never heard of of the Nord Stream pipeline. What was thought to be an underwater earthquake, ended up being the sabotage of a natural gas pipeline. This was a deep dive into the explosion and consequences felt around the globe. From the United States, Germany, Ukraine and Russia, this deep dive was very comprehensive And interestingly educational. The code names were a bit confusing at times, but overall this was a very enjoyable work of nonfiction.

[Barrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a high-stakes investigative nonfiction book that sits at the intersection of journalism, geopolitics, and true-crime-style storytelling. It focuses on one of the most politically sensitive infrastructure attacks in recent memory—the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions—and tries to reconstruct what happened, how, and why. It was a very interesting read!