Introduction

Journey into the heart of 20th Century Russia in this fun and funny historical mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright and Helena Dixon.

1918 Moscow

Will following her heart mean losing her head? It could mean losing her job.

Fiona Figg trails her nemesis Fredrick Fredricks to Moscow. But when she arrives at the grand Metropol Hotel, the bounder has vanished.

After Fiona doesn’t show up for work at the War Office, Kitty Lane raises a red flag and tracks her to Russia. Seeking haven at the British Embassy, Kitty and Fiona become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Bolshevik government.

But the plot turns deadly when Fiona goes undercover as a governess in the household of Iron Viktor, the Bolsheviks’ Head of Secret Police. And when Viktor turns up dead in his study, Fiona finds herself wanted for murder and on the lam.

Can Fiona and Kitty find the real killer and escape the Kremlin before it’s too late? Or will this dangerous game of Russian roulette be their last?

What readers are saying about Kelly Oliver:

'A fun, mix of whodunnit and thriller!' T. A. Williams

'Fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek spy romp. Enjoy the ride!' Frances Evesham

'Will keep you turning the pages and laughing all the way!' Dianne Freeman ** 'The perfect wartime spy; Fiona Figg is smart, sneaky, and full of surprises... A fun whodunit that will keep you turning the pages!' **Cathi Stoler

'A cross between an Agatha Christie and a Sherlock Holmes sleuthing story. Just brilliant!' NetGalley Reviewer

'Simply delightful. Fiona Figg — with her tools, wigs, and disguises — is a sleuth you can't help but root for.' S.K. Golden

'This historical mystery delivers twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one!' Muddy Rose Reviews

'I love Fiona Figg!' Margaret Mizushima

'Couldn't put it down.' Amazon Reviewer

'A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue.' Debra Goldstein

'I am hooked on these amazing characters.' Amazon Reviewer A fun diversion with an entertaining female lead. Kirkus Reviews 'Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal will gobble up this series! Highly recommend.' L.A. Chandlar

'Diabolical plot twists, interesting red herrings, colorful characters, make this a good whodunit.' NetGalley Reviewer

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

Kitty’s Prologue
27 February 1918, 10 a.m.
Kitty Lane reached across the table for the letter she’d found on Aunt Fiona’s nightstand. She uncrumpled it and reread the last line:
Fiona, ma chérie,… join me at Metropol Hotel, Suite 315. I offer you only the world.
What an arrogant arse. Snorting, she dropped the letter next to the gun she’d found in the nightstand. Aunt Fiona’s little pearl-handled number that she always bragged she’d got off the famous French spy, Mata Hari. Kitty resisted the urge to kick something. It wasn’t her place, after all. She glanced around. In Aunt Fiona’s kitchen, everything was as immaculate as pent-up passion. No red, or proper pink, not forest-green or even lime. Instead, pale colors, washed out and muted. From the scrubbed enameled stove and the dust-free paraffin lamps to the pale-pink ceiling and mint-green wallpaper, the cramped space exuded repression. Too bad Aunt Fiona had suddenly decided to follow her heart. Never a good idea. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. The ambassador's plot in the novel is based on a real plot to assassinate Vladimir Lenin. Were you surprised to learn that the British and American governments tried to kill the Bolshevik leader? Who do you think was the mole? How might history have changed if they'd been successful?

2. Countess Brasova is based on the real person. She was one of the only members of the royal family to escape execution. What do you think of her character in the novel? What do you know about the Romanov family?

3. What did you learn about the complicated history of Russia from reading this novel?

4. The novel begins with the Bolsheviks signing a treaty and surrendering to Germany in WW1. How might world politics have changed if Russia had stayed the course and continued to fight with the allies?

5. The Women's Battalion of Death actually existed. What did you think of their leader, Maria Bochkareva as she was portrayed in the novel? 6. Are you team Archie or team Fredricks? Why?

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