Our Woman in Moscow - twin sisters caught up in Cold War espionage.

In 1952, twin sisters Iris Digby and Ruth Macallister have not spoken in 12 years. Ruth is working at a modeling agency in New York City. She is visited by Sumner Fox of the FBI who is asking about the whereabout of Iris and if she’s heard from her sister. Ruth finally admits that she has recently received correspondence from Iris, who is living in Moscow, indicating that she needs her help.

The story takes us back to 1940, when Iris meets and marries Sasha Digby, a U.S. diplomat with communist beliefs. She discovers he is a spy for the Russians. In 1948, the couple and their children defect to the Soviet Union. By 1952, the KGB believes that one of their agents has betrayed them and the diabolically evil Lyudmilla Ivanova is charged with uncovering the mole. Acting as a married couple, Ruth and Sumner head to Moscow to rescue Iris. Let the action begin.

Beatriz Williams’ latest historical fiction is a bit different from her other novels as it a spy thriller. Our Woman in Moscow was inspired by the Cambridge Five, the notorious British espionage ring and several of its members appear in the book. It’s an ambitious effort that works well most of the time. There is so much going on with the time periods going back and forth that it can get a bit overwhelming. But as we’ve come to expect from Williams, there are strong female characters to root for and overall, the writing is excellent. Plus, we get a welcome appearance from members of the omnipresent Schuyler family (no worries if this your first Williams book, no prior knowledge of the family is needed although the more of her books you read, you’ll get to know the family.)

If you’re looking for a book to transport you to another time and place and fully engage you, look no further.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction / Spy Thriller.

Publication Date: June 1, 2021.

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