A Shadow in Moscow

by Katherine Reay

A betrayal at the highest level risks the lives of two courageous female spies: MI6's best Soviet spy and the CIA's newest Moscow recruit. As the KGB closes in, a compromise must be struck if either woman hopes to survive.

Vienna, 1954

After losing everyone she loves in the final days of World War II, Ingrid Bauer agrees to a hasty marriage with a gentle Soviet embassy worker and follows him home to Moscow. But nothing deep within the Soviet Union's totalitarian regime is what it seems, including her new husband, whom Ingrid suspects works for the KGB. Upon her daughter's birth, Ingrid risks everything and reaches out in hope to the one country she understands and trusts--Britain, the country of her mother's birth--and starts passing along intelligence to MI6, navigating a world of secrets and lies, light and shadow.

Washington, DC, 1980

Part of the Foreign Studies Initiative, Anya Kadinova finishes her degree at Georgetown University and boards her flight home to Moscow, leaving behind the man she loves and a country she's grown to respect. Though raised by dedicated and loyal Soviet parents, Anya soon questions an increasingly oppressive and paranoid Soviet regime at the height of the Cold War. When the KGB murders her bestfriend, Anya picks sides and contacts the CIA. Working in a military research lab, Anya passes along Soviet military plans and schematics in an effort to end the 1980s arms race.

Alternating points of view keep readers on their toes as the past catches up to the present when an unprecedented act of treachery in 1985 threatens all undercover agents operating within the Soviet Union, and both Ingrid and Anya find themselves in a race for their lives against time and the KGB.


The exciting story of two brave female spies in Cold War Moscow
Perfect for fans of Our Woman in Moscow and Code Name H�l�ne

Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Russia, Historical, Mystery, Espionage

Audiobook

First published June 13, 2023

About the author

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one full length non-fiction work. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her writing has appeared in publications such as Criminal Reads, The Daily Beast, Redbook, and USA Today, among others. She holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University. She lives with her husband and too many dogs in Montana.

You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com or on Facebook: KatherineReayBooks, Twitter: @katherine_reay or Instagram: @katherinereay.

Reviews

[Katherine Reay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, it's me... The author.

I figured, as I once-upon-a-time sent my books out with little warm reviews, I'll do the same with this one, but with a twist... I'll share a little about why it's means so much to me.

These women -- these spies-- captured my imagination and my heart. Their voices quickly became distinct and their troubles, perspectives, limitations, and strengths, quickly became real. In so many ways, the times and dynamics of the First and Second Cold War eras feel far away -- and yet never so close as they do now.

Ingrid and Anya took me on an extraordinary journey when writing this story. I hope you enjoy it too!

[Canadian Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been drawn to these Eastern European reads on a quest to assuage my own curiosity. This is one of Russia and its devastatingly brutal culture. This culture that centres on the state, collectively. Individuality and its freedoms have no place in this land.

A story told in dual timelines. Inga, an Austrian, marries and relocates to Moscow, 1955; Anya, a student, has had the opportunity to go abroad and is now back in Moscow working for the state, 1980.

Dual identities developed to survive in a communist regime. To serve only the state. A country known for its violence as a solution to nonconformists. No democracy; no freedoms. To live there is to either accept the defeat of reality or rise up and risk your life.

A compelling story of intrigue, betrayals, loyalties and espionage. The west vs the east. CIA. KGB. Strong female characters who hid in their own shadows for fear of being caught for their own treachery. As much as this is fiction, I believe there is much truth within these pages.

5⭐️

PSA- Yesterday, Alexei Navalny, a courageous opponent of Putin’s, passed away in the Arctic Circle jail in Russsia. He fought for democracy and freedoms and challenged Putin and the current regime. If you haven’t watched his documentary, I highly recommend. May his fight & hope live on for a better Russia.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A spy-centric historical fiction, A Shadow in Moscow takes readers from occupied Austria in the 1940s to Moscow in the 1960s and 1980s. At its core, this novel is about a mother, Ingrid, and a daughter, Anya, and their lives behind the Iron Curtain.

First, I appreciated that this novel focuses on two women living in the Soviet Union sharing the narrative and that we see the Cold War through their eyes, rather than Western male espionage eyes. Second, I liked that the romance across continents was subtle. To me, the real relationship that stood out in this novel was between Anya and Ingrid. The ending was very satisfying and felt full circle and realistic.

My rating sits at a 3.5 stars because there were a few moments where I lost momentum with the narrative because I felt a few parts to be a bit repetitious or too slow. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story so much BUT I don't think I would re-read it.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

#AShadowinMoscow #NetGalley

Publication Date 13/06/23
Goodreads Review 21/06/23

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not just another spy story!

It’s also:

✔️ an intelligent read set in the thick of the Cold War.

✔️a detailed look at life behind the Iron Curtain.

✔️ a focus on two women and their sacrifice, courage, resilience and determination in their fight for freedom.

✔️a dual timeline spanning 1944 - 1985 and from Washington, DC to Vienna to Moscow

✔️a well-paced, extremely interesting story about drama, tension, romance, secrets and the history of Cold War Moscow

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

I just can’t imagine living a life where I could trust no one - not even my husband! This book really had me placing value on my friendships.

As much as I love this author’s books and writing style, I truly felt that I’d been thrown in the deep end with this book. It took quite a few chapters before I could even get a sense of what was going on. I finally figured out that it was a love story across the Iron Curtain! So, take it from someone who reads lots of dual timelines and lots of historical fiction - this book will make you work for it! I loved accessing the dictionary on my Kindle and increasing my vocabulary as much as I loved reaching for Google in almost every chapter. I love learning as I read and this book was a delight. Although secrets are forefront in both timelines and the plot is compelling in each one, I enjoyed Ingrid’s timeline because I liked her character a bit better.

I enjoyed this story and can’t wait for Reay’s next Cold War novel to be published in March 2024.

Congratulations on a fantastic cover - so mysterious!

I was gifted this copy by Harper Muse and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing her family towards the end of World War Two, Ingrid Bauer marries Leonid Kadinova, he works for the soviet embassy and they move to Moscow. It doesn’t take long for Ingrid to start questioning what her husband does at work and he’s changed since their whirlwind courtship in Vienna. Ingrid discovers no one asks too many questions in the Soviet Union, people are taken in for questioning and are never seen again.

When the couple finally have a child, Ingrid doesn’t feel like such a failure, and she worries about the world her daughter is going to grow up in and if her husband is working for the KGB? Ingrid’s mother was English, her parents wanted to make the world a better place and Ingrid decides to follow in their brave footsteps.

Anya Kadinova attends Georgetown University, in Washington, DC as part of the Foreign Studies Initiative, her time in the United States has been eye opening, she can’t believe the freedom people have, what they can buy, and no empty shelves in the grocery store. The hardest thing Anya has to do, is leave Scott O'Neill, tell him they have no future together and return to Moscow. Anya’s being watched in America, I did wonder if she would try to disappear and seek asylum? Her parents live in Moscow, I guess she’s worried about them and has no choice but to catch the plane home.

The Cold War has started and the arms race, when her childhood friend Dimitri is killed by the KGB, Anya has had enough, and she contacts the CIA. She smuggles top secret Soviet military plans and information out of radar and technology research facility where she works. At a time, when almost every phone line is tapped, secret cameras are hidden everywhere, and she's searched at the end of each shift. Anya has to become extremely careful, hold her nerve, be inventive, tell no one and including her parents.

The Dual timeline story is told from the two main characters points of view, Ingrid and Anya, and from 1944 to 1985. You read about life in Vienna towards the end of World War Two, in Moscow and Washington, DC. At first I found the narrative a little confusing and slow, and the author picks up the pace.

I received a copy of A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay from Edelweiss and HarperCollins Focus in exchange for an honest review. A well written and fascinating story about the Cold War, the rivalry between the Soviet Union and America and their allies, the space race and psychological warfare, espionage, spying, secrets, lies, the KGB and the CIA. Women were underestimated, especially in the Soviet Union, they made perfect spies and five stars from me. If you like historical fiction stories full of tension, drama, strong female characters, this novel would be a must read and so is the authors previous book, The London House.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay was a gripping and suspenseful duel time line book about two strong female heroes that chose to spy on the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era. Katherine Reay’s research for A Shadow in Moscow was impeccable. A Shadow in Moscow was written with attention to detail and circumstances. It was well plotted and the characters were well thought out. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and Lisa Flanagan. Their performances were great.

Ingrid had grown up in Vienna, Austria with two loving parents who chose to shield her from all the dangers that lurked around them. Her parents, unbeknownst to Ingrid, had been involved with the resistance movement. Ingrid arrived home one day to find the Gestapo at her parent’s home. She witnessed her mother’s death as a Gestapo struck her mother’s head. Her father was transported to a camp. Ingrid found herself alone and in danger. She had to disappear. Luckily, her father had forged new identity papers for her just recently. They stated that her country of origin was The Soviet Union. Ingrid was soon recruited by the British to spy for them. Then Ingrid met a young man from The Soviet Union and they were soon married. As Ingrid’s husband became more and more ambitious, he rose up in the ranks of the KGB. The higher Ingrid’s husband rose in the ranks of the KGB, the more their marriage suffered. It wasn’t long before Ingrid fell out of love with her husband. Ingrid was the perfect spy, though. She was quiet and unassuming. Ingrid learned when to be quiet and take things in and when to assert herself. Life in the Soviet Union during the Cold War era was dangerous. Homes were bugged, phone conversations were recorded, people were followed and you never knew who was listening to what you were saying. The consequences for any of these actions were dire.

Anya, Ingrid’s daughter, had been born in The Soviet Union. Upon graduating from High School, Anya was accepted into The Foreign Student Initiative program. Anya had chosen to pursue her studies in the United States at The George Washington University. She was a very good student and decided to study engineering and literature. Anya had met a young man named Scott and they had fallen in love. During her last year at George Washington University, Scott wanted Anya to remain in the United States but Anya knew that she had to return to her homeland and her family. Before she left, Anya was recruited by the CIA. Anya returned to the Soviet Union as a spy for the CIA.

A Shadow in Moscow was a fast paced book about spies, espionage, secrets, choices, dangers, romance and mother/daughter relationships. I can’t fathom what it must have been like to have lived in The Soviet Union during those times. Unfortunately, things have not changed a lot there. I was unaware of the many strong and brave female spies that were recruited during that time to serve both the United States and Great Britain. They certainly were remarkable women. I enjoyed reading A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay and recommend it to those that enjoy well researched historical fiction.

Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Dem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a novel, A wonderful story of two female spies opening in Moscow. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. A clever Cold War story that had me hooked from page one. I read this one on kindle but I will have to purchase a hard copy for my real life bookshelf.

[Melissa Tagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOA. I loooooved this book! I've been a Katherine Reay fan since her debut novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, and probably would've called that one my longstanding favorite of hers...but now A Shadow in Moscow might just top the list. Both time periods in this novel were completely enthralling and I was both intrigued and emotionally invested all the way through. I loved it so much that after reading the ARC I immediately pre-ordered a hard copy...and I've no doubt I'll reread it as soon as it arrives. A true masterpiece!

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book slowly pulled me in and then did not let go. Two seemingly separate stories are told: One around Ingrid, a woman who lost everyone dear to her in the last days of WWII and the other around Anya, a young woman who grew up in Moscow only to get her college education in the States. I love the London House for the way it's dual timelines wove into a seemless story, and A Shadow in Moscow stunned me at the 60% mark when I saw the connection. This is a spy novel set in the dark days of the Cold War. It's a race to see who can survive, and with men like Aldrich Ames in the story, you know not everyone can. But it's a story of love, of sacrifice, of looking for truth and beauty in dark places. It's a book filled with the search for goodness and hope in points you can't expect to find it, and with the subtlest overlay of James Bond. I highly recommend it.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay 1980’s. Height of Cold War Russia. 2 female spy’s fight for their lives as they defy Russia And end the arms race. The book is action packed and exciting as it alternates between Anya and Ingrid as they fight for their lives against Cold War Russia. It is important to note Ingrid actually started her fight in 1954

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay

Synopsis /

A betrayal at the highest level risks the lives of two courageous female spies: MI6's best Soviet spy and the CIA's newest Moscow recruit. As the KGB closes in, a compromise must be struck if either woman hopes to survive.

Vienna, 1954

After losing everyone she loves in the final days of World War II, Ingrid Bauer agrees to a hasty marriage with a gentle Soviet embassy worker and follows him home to Moscow. But nothing deep within the Soviet Union's totalitarian regime is what it seems, including her new husband, whom Ingrid suspects works for the KGB. Upon her daughter's birth, Ingrid risks everything and reaches out in hope to the one country she understands and trusts--Britain, the country of her mother's birth--and starts passing along intelligence to MI6, navigating a world of secrets and lies, light and shadow.

Washington, DC, 1980

Part of the Foreign Studies Initiative, Anya Kadinova finishes her degree at Georgetown University and boards her flight home to Moscow, leaving behind the man she loves and a country she's grown to respect. Though raised by dedicated and loyal Soviet parents, Anya soon questions an increasingly oppressive and paranoid Soviet regime at the height of the Cold War. When the KGB murders her best friend, Anya picks sides and contacts the CIA. Working in a military research lab, Anya passes along Soviet military plans and schematics in an effort to end the 1980s arms race.


My Thoughts /

If an author is going to take the time to write an Author's Note or Acknowledgement at the end of their novel, I'm going to take the time to read it. At the end of A Shadow in Moscow, Reay explains a little of how this story came about. This is a mixture of nonfiction and (historical) fiction and Reay writes where the story veers away from fact into fiction, which characters were not 'real' and where she veered off with a little poetic licence. I love reading nonfiction literature and I love reading historical fiction - even better when some of the fiction is based on true events. Add in the Cold War element, spies and espionage, the KGB, MI6, and the CIA and, well, I'm going to read it.

A Shadow in Moscow is a dual timeline story spanning from the end of WWII (1944) through to 1985 and tells the story of two women: Ingrid Bauer (who was remembered as MI6's best Soviet spy) and Anya Kadinova (the CIA's newest recruit in Moscow).

Vienna, 1954 and Ingrid Bauer marries Soviet embassy worker, Leonid Kadinova and the couple relocate to Moscow. Over time, Ingrid's husband became more and more ambitious, and, as he moved higher up through the ranks of the KGB, Ingrid realised that he no longer resembled the man she had married all those years ago. No longer 'in love' with her husband, and hiding secrets from her past, Ingrid knew that living in the Soviet Union was dangerous for her. Homes and phone lines were bugged, conversations were recorded, and you could never be sure if officers from the KGB had you followed. No longer content to heed to the party line, Ingrid comes to a defining moment in her life and chooses to take a stand against the Soviet regime.

Washington DC, 1980 and Anya Kadinova is currently attending Georgetown University through a program run by the Soviet Union's Foreign Studies Initiative. Her time in the U.S. is almost over whereupon she is to return to Moscow and work in a military research laboratory, so she can put what she's learned over the past four years to good use. But if four years of 'freedom' in the U.S. has taught Anya anything, it's that she's not looking forward to going back to Moscow and the restrictive Soviet regime.

Alternating back and forth between timelines Reay gives the reader a glimpse into what life was like for those living behind the iron curtain, and how subjects were selected and groomed to become intelligence agents or spies. It was quite a fascinating process. Apart from the main characters, there are a cast of wonderful supporting characters - from family members to MI6/CIA handlers. Reay's writing beautifully captures Ingrid and Anya's emotions, motivations, and their courage in deciding to take a stand against oppression. This was a compelling read which will leave you reflecting on the courage of these two women who, against the odds, took a stand to fight for a better life.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book (audiobook, actually) because of the publisher’s description and the narrators (Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorite narrators.). Unfortunately, I found it fairly boring until about halfway through. Then the pace of the story picked up.

The author uses the dual POV technique, which bounced back and forth and back and forth between Ingrid (1940s through 1980s) and Anya (1980s). I’ve grown tired of this technique but others won’t mind. The story focuses on the Cold War, with most of the action taking place in Moscow over the years. Ingrid was born in Vienna, Austria and marries a Russian, and moves to Moscow with him in the 1950s. Anya is Russian, the daughter of prominent parents and is selected to attend Georgetown University in the US, after which she returns to the USSR, in 1980. There’s a lot of interesting information included in the book, in terms of what life was life in the USSR over those years, and how the party higher-ups had it so much better than ordinary people. Both of these women, for their own reasons, become spies, one for the British and one for the Americans, endangering their own lives and the lives of those they love.

I guessed one of the plot surprises but not the other one!

As stated above, Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorite narrators, and she and Lisa Flanagan did a great job with all the voices and accents. It wasn’t their fault that I was bored until about halfway through the story.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book and enjoyed the narrators very much. A story of a girl studying at Georgetown in the 1980's and returns to Russia when she graduates. After the death of her good friend by the KGB, Anya looks more into what he was telling her and goes to the United States Embassy to begin working for them. In 1960's Russia, Ingrid overhears her husband and men he works with in discussions. Because Ingrid's mother was British, and Ingrid was originally born in Poland, she contacts the British Embassy to begin work for MI6. Little does the family know, both mother and daughter are working as spies against their husband and father. It was a great story of how spying runs in the family, and how it could turn in the end.

The parts I didn't like were it was a little slow in the beginning but picked up about halfway through. I also found that listening was a little difficult as there were a lot of different characters, which was at times difficult to follow. I did enjoy also that it took place primarily during the Cold War era. Not many books are written during this time period. I also enjoyed that it centered on two Russian women who turn into spies.

Thank you Netgalley, Harper Muse and Katherine Reay for this advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[johnny ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

while “a shadow in moscow” has a very interesting premise, great details of popular russian dishes, and decent anglicized russian it ultimately was a novel that consisted mainly of dialogue. anya and ingrid have potential to be more than they are, but that is never realized in this novel. the endless dialogue makes this difficult to get through. while the dialogue is wonderfully written, it is overwhelming. maybe it’s because i’m russian, but there was a huge lack of russian culture and customs besides vodka and food. i expected more.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…this book. Katherine Reay is such a talented writer, and she never disappoints. My favorite book of hers I think will always be The London House, but this story was so, so good. There was so much rich history in this story, and I loved reading both timelines through Anya and Ingrid’s POVs. Also, I adored Scott—how he never gave up and never stopped loving no matter how many times he was pushed away or how long he had to wait. Such a beautiful love story between him and Anya! The writing was beautiful and mesmerizing while telling a captivating story of bravery, sacrifice, and love.

Highly recommend this book!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of A Shadow in Moscow. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨

Thank you #partners @uplitreads @harpermusebooks for my gifted copies

𝗔 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘄
𝗕𝘆 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘆
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟲/𝟭𝟯/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯



📖 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: 1950s Vienna - end of WWII: Following the death of her family, Ingrid marries a Soviet Embassy worker who secretly works for the KGB. But after the birth of her daughter, Ingrid has some secrets of her own... What do you do when you're married to the enemy and what he stands for is the antithesis of what YOU stand for?

1980s US - Cold War: Anya is participating in the Foreign Studies Initiative at Georgetown. She loves her time in D.C., makes friends, and falls in love with an American man. So when it's time to go back to Moscow, Anya does so with a new perspective, and realizes how oppressive the Soviet Union really is. When the KGB kills her best friend, Anya decides to work as a spy, doing what she can to help end the 1980s arms race.

💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: First of all... there's a reason this is currently sitting at 4.6 on Amazon and 4.5 on Goodreads. A Shadow in Moscow is a gorgeous, dual timeline, double POV, historical fiction novel about two badass women living decades apart but with some parallels.

Both women are strong, courageous, and inspirational. And while I loved the way the author wove these two seperate but connected stories, Anya's story resonated with me more. Her story was such a stark reminder of what it means to be free, and the things we take for granted. The part that I keep thinking about is the cost of knowledge. The knowledge that she obtains while in DC came with such great cost, and really impacted her future. I really appreciate that the author took this angle.

This was a beautifully-written historical fiction novel with a little bit of everything: war, spies, family, danger, high stakes, and love. Just a fantastic book from start to finish. The audiobook is phenomenally narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and Lisa Flanagan! Highly recommend! ❤️

Now please excuse me while I go read @katherinereay 's entire backlist 😁

📌 This one is out now!

Follow me on Instagram for more bookish content: @allthebooksalltheways

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited...i just read this book last year when it first came out and absolutely loved it. I just listened to it again because it was my book club pick for May. The ladies and I all agree it's a book to be read in all schools.

Beautiful prose, and wonderfully written. This book carried me back and forth from World War II at the end of the war into Moscow during the cold war with the Soviet Union.. The transitions from the time lines were seamless and I turned the pages effortlessly until the very end. In fact, I had a book hangover for days. I have picked A Shadow In Moscow as my next book club pick. If you are looking for a historical book about the cold war, spies, espionage and romance, then this book is for you.
This book is probably one of the best books I have read this year. I truly enjoyed it.
*I was given a copy of this book by Harper Muse and this is my honest opinion.

I also listened to the audio version and the two narrators nailed it!! Great job by the author and narrators. They brought the cold war story to life.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching the Bruce Boxleitner/Kate Jackson spy show Scarecrow & Mrs. King which pitted the dashing spy (code name Scarecrow) and his common sense civilian sidekick (a divorced mom of two) against KGB operatives who seemed to be lurking around every corner. Ahhh the 1980s and the height of the more modern-day Cold War. Given my love for (aka slight obsession with) that TV show and growing up in the 1980s, I have a soft spot in my heart for stories that take place against this backdrop. So, needless to say, when A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay came across my book radar, I knew I had to read it.

The author seamlessly takes us back and forth between the early days of the Cold War, just after World War 2, and then to the arms race of the 1980s, both eras full of tangible tension, heart-in-your-throat intrigue, and a dash of romance. Through the engrossing narratives of Ingrid Bauer in the 1940s and Anya Kadinova in the 1980s, readers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the espionage that not only kept MI6 and the CIA a step ahead of the KGB but also took a stand against the Soviet Regime and even saved lives. For each woman there is a defining moment where they decide they are no longer content to toe the party line and choose to fight back against their oppressive government – at great personal risk. Reay beautifully captures their motivations, their emotions, their passionate quests for freedom and peace, and most importantly their courage.

I was fascinated by the cast of characters that helped tell their story, from other agents to handlers to friends and family. Besides Ingrid and Anya, I especially loved Dolores, Dimitri, Scott, Reginald, and Adam. I have a feeling you’ll love them once you meet them too. Some of the people you’ll encounter on these pages are actual historic figures – and if you know your Cold War history you may know how some of the story will play out. But I can guarantee you won’t be able to predict everything.

Bottom Line: A Shadow in Moscow by Katherine Reay immerses the reader in the heart-in-your-throat, always-sweep-for-bugs world of Cold War espionage. But even more than that, it is a compelling character study of two women who have loved deeply, lost much, and decided to do their part to fight for hope. It will leave you reflecting on those throughout history who have dared to reflect Light in the darkness, who have counted the cost of doing the hard thing because it’s the right thing, and who, in so doing, have found the kind of freedom that no one can take away. The ending absolutely undid me, and the epilogue absolutely delighted me. The perfect book club read with much to discuss!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book but unfortunately it did not deliver what I was expecting.
I do praise the concept and the writing, but the execution did not work for me.
In the beginning I thought that I was reading a romance.
For a spy novel, this one was not that thrilling, in my opinion.
The development was very slow.
I liked the timeline and the dual POV, but the storyline failed to captivate me.

The author’s notes were very interesting.

e-book (Kobo): 349 pages, 108k words

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more compelling than I expected, well-researched, a fascinating story.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

And one of my favorite authors continues being my favorite author. I’m always scared when new books come out that they have written.
🕵️‍♀️
This story followed the timeline of two different female Russian spies in a dual timeline in Russia. I loved the parallel look at the female characters. Both had flaws and strengths that played huge parts.
🕵️‍♀️
And of course I didn’t see the ending coming (even though I should have). Made me want to turn around and start chapter one again. But I did buy the printed copy for my collection. Would be a great summer read.
🕵️
And of course the epilogue at the end is a must read. So much research done and so much history to be learned.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I haven't read very many historical fictions that take place during the Cold War, especially ones centred around Moscow, so this was a refreshing change. Although both narrators delivered a sublime performance, the narrator for Anya's perspective is one of my favorites so her performance in particular made listening to the book super engaging.

The story alternated between two women living in 1980's Russia during the cold war - Ingrid and Anya. Ingrid works as a spy for MI6 while Anya is recruited by the CIA. I absolutely loved both characters and the spy elements of their stories. The author did a wonderful job in capturing the essence of Russia during that time - the fear, the control, the paranoia.

This easily could've been a 5 star read except for the pacing of the plot. The middle of the book stalled for me at numerous times. It also got a bit muddled with the large number of secondary characters. I kept getting confused who was who.

However, the last part of the book more than made up for the middle part. I was blindsided by the ending and not expecting it at all! The two perspectives intersected brilliantly.

A gracious thank you to #NetGalley for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

“True choice is hard won. It resides in faith and must be cultivated over time.”

Another amazing, brilliantly written historical fiction by Katherine Reay! A Shadow in Moscow is a testament to the brave often underestimated female spies who risked everything to bring down a brutal Soviet regime. From the start, I was drawn in to the dual timeline narrative. Both characters’ stories were so compelling. I loved the romance, suspense, intrigue, and history. It kept me up late reading into the night because I had to know what happened next!

Ingrid Bauer grew up in Austria during the 1920’s and 30’s and tragically lost all her family during the war. Needing to leave the country as WWII is winding down, she hastily marries a Russian and moves to Moscow, trading one totalitarian regime for another. Disaffected by her new country and wanting a better life for her child, she offers to work with MI-6 despite the fact that her husband works for the KGB.

In the 1980’s, Anya Kadinova is one of the lucky few to study abroad in the United States and is shocked yet enamored by the freedom and choices. Returning to Russia after graduating, she’s disillusioned by her new life and misses the man she fell in love with in America. She was once offered the opportunity to work for the CIA and turned them down, but after the brutal murder of her friend, she begins a dangerous spy mission obtaining secrets from the military research lab she works for.

Both Ingrid and Anya were amazing! I admired their courage, strength, and sacrifice. I loved the way Ingrid obtained her information. Like her mother before her, she used her position as hostess for her husband’s dinner parties to glean secrets. Her ability to appear docile and nonthreatening allowed those around her to underestimate her abilities and intelligence. The cat and mouse game she plays kept me on the edge of my seat.

Anya is just as admirable! By the 1980’s, the surveillance technology has advanced and every time she tries to smuggle out papers, I held my breath. I loved her relationship with Scott and how he never gave up on her or their love. Her relationship with her parents is complicated, yet so poignant.

The story is rich with history and culture. The suspense kept me on the edge and hurriedly turning the pages. It also tugs on the heartstrings. There’s a scene towards the end which completely brought me to tears. It’s a must read for historical fiction fans and a beautiful tribute to those who gave everything to end the Cold War. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this dual timeline thriller, the stories of Ingrid and Anya are told. In 1954, Ingrid Bauer finds herself married to a Russian man and living in Moscow. She is told to keep her British mother a secret and begins to suspect that her husband is working for the KGB.

In 1982, Anya has graduated from Georgetown and is immediately forced to return to her home in Soviet Russia, where she is expected to be a loyal comrade in the arms race against the United States. Then her best friend is killed, and it may have been by her own government.

The first twenty percent or so of this intriguing spy thriller is a bit of a slow burn, but as suspense builds it becomes more and more captivating. In both timelines, the innermost thoughts of both women indicate love, loss, and the decision to make tough choices. The difficult, dangerous, harrowing life of a spy is well described, and the reader learns what it might have been like to live behind the Iron Curtain.

The ability of the author to delve deep into the innermost thoughts of her characters is admirable.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in U.S. and Russian history.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SHADOW IN MOSCOW

A Shadow in Moscow is a duel timeline story set in the years after WWII and into the Cold War. It features two young women spies.

Ingrid Bauer, born in Vienna to an Austrian father and British mother, loses her parents in WWII. She marries Leo, an ambitious young Russian who is moving up in the USSR political system. They move to Russia, where Ingrid experiences the oppressive Soviet lifestyle.

Anya Kadinova is a Russian student who spends four years in Georgetown University in the Foreign Studies Initiative program in the 1980s. Upon returning to Russia, her loyalties are tested and she is no longer satisfied with the old Russian ways.

This book seems to be a YA, with a light touch of romance. The interactions between the characters help to highlight the differences between the Soviet Union and US. Both women risk a great deal to pursue what they believe is right. It is a light read with just a nice amount of tension to keep it interesting and enjoyable.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Katherine Reay, and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would! Really great story and writing. Clean, engaging historical fiction about a subject that isn't covered often, USSR and the Cold War. Loved it!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘This isn’t your home anymore.’…
‘Then call it my battleground.’”

Since the Cold War has been a long-term interest for me, I’m always excited to find a book dealing with the era. Maybe it’s because my family background has strong roots in Eastern Europe. Or because when I was growing up, my dad took several mission trips to Ukraine, and I eagerly soaked up stories dealing with the effects of post-sovietism and the Orange Revolution. Regardless, I was sold on the story concept alone—and spies?! I never say no to reading about spies.

Everything about this book was so beautifully done. From the breathtaking cover to the heart-wrenching story and characters who will forever live in my heart. And that ending completely & utterly shattered me. What these men and women did for freedom—true freedom not just the illusion of it—is beyond amazing. They deserve to be remembered for the heroes they were. Their bravery is something I can’t begin to fathom.

London House and Dear Mr. Knightley have been my favourite books from Katherine Reay. But this book may just have stolen first place in my heart! 💛😭


*Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into this novel split between the perspectives of the first and second Cold War eras. But when I did, I couldn't put it down.

Reay is a master storyteller, but it's always the family relationships in her books that make me teary-eyed.

I didn't see the ending coming, but I loved each heroine and was in awe of the part she played.

A must-read for lovers of historical fiction.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel of two Soviet women who become spies for the West (CIA and M16). One of the women, Ingrid, is Austrian and experiences the full brutality of the Nazis. After WWII she feels totally out of options and hope, so she marries a quiet man who works at the Soviet embassy in Vienna. They promptly move to Moscow, and she is immediately and continually appalled by the reality of life in the Soviet Union. She is pressured to become the perfect Soviet citizen and wife and at the same time is horrified at the pervasiveness of the State in the personal lives of its citizens. As readers, we experience the unrelenting fear of arrest experienced by everyone as well as the deprivations in all aspects of daily life. Over time Ingrid comes to believe that her husband works for the KGB. When the total lack of freedom in Soviet life becomes overwhelming, Ingrid reaches out to M16 and begins spying on her husband.
The second main character is Anya, the daughter of prominent Soviet citizens. She wins a foreign studies position and spends four years at Georgetown University, where she is exposed to all things American. As a dutiful Soviet, she returns to Moscow after graduation in 1980 (leaving behind her serious boyfriend) and goes to work in a weapons lab. However, after having experienced the US, she sees life in Russia through a different lens. Innocent people suffer and freedoms do not exist. She reaches out to the CIA and begins to leak information related to her job.
Although this could be called a spy story, it is not a traditional spy story at all. It is the tale of two strong women who decide that they are going to do what they can to undermine the repressive, brutal Soviet political system. The two women are very well developed as human characters – they make both wise and unwise decisions. For me, the added benefits were the many well drawn day-to-day pictures of repressed life in the Soviet Union. The writing was good. I raced through this novel.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book before I listened to the audio version, and let me just say that the two narrators nailed it!! Beautifully done.

And now for the story...
Beautiful prose, and wonderfully written. This book carried me back and forth from World War II at the end of the war into Moscow during the Cold War with the Soviet Union.. The transitions from the timelines were seamless, and I turned the pages effortlessly until the very end. In fact, I had a book hangover for days. I have picked a Shadow In Moscow as my next book club pick. If you are looking for a historical book about the Cold War, spies, espionage, and romance, then this book is for you.
This book is probably one of the best books I have read this year. I truly enjoyed it.
*I was given a copy of this book by Harper Muse, and this is my honest opinion.