‘Murder in Moscow’ is a brilliant historical whodunit, with top-notch characters, fast-paced and packed full of action! This is the fifth book in the ‘Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mysteries’ but it can be read as a stand-alone very easily. The author provides all the salient points and I feel a new reader would pick up the narrative with no problems. I do recommend reading the whole series as it is great historical cosy crime.

It will come as no surprise due to the title that Fiona Figg has landed herself in Moscow, after following the German spy Frederick Fredericks there. But she is on personal business rather than spy business! She is following her heart but when she arrives there he is nowhere to be seen. Random point here as a big fan of ‘A Gentlemen in Moscow’ I loved that the Metropol Hotel was featured. Kitty lies to the War Office and says that Fiona is trailing Fredericks and hot-foots it to help her out and boy does Fiona need it, especially when she lands on the Cheka’s (secret police) radar…

I loved that this outing was a dual POV telling with both Fiona and Kitty having their own chapters. I always wondered what Kitty was getting up to in the background and now we know - basically being an awesome spy and saving people’s butts! Hopefully, this will continue into the rest of the series. It's a great cast of characters and they still have their secrets and readers don't know where they stand with them. Is Fredericks really a German agent and is Archie, Fiona’s beau a double agent?!

This was a fun read and I loved all the Russian history, politics and characters. But then I studied Russian history at uni so I am a bit biased. The author managed to tease out the high-level aspects that would affect the story but they still managed to pack it full of authentic and relatable details. I would say that there wasn't really an overreaching mystery like in the other books and the majority of the story was the gang trying to get out of scrapes but it was still an entertaining read!

Let me know if you pick this one up!

I really enjoyed Murder In Moscow by Kelly Oliver. This is book 5 in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery series and they just keep getting better.
I loved that this book had more action and thrills. Fiona found herself in more precarious spots than previous books and it added to the nervous anticipation while reading the book. I also enjoyed the new element of adding in chapters called “Kitty’s Interlude” where you get Kitty’s perspective.
The ending left me wanting more and I was shocked to discover that I had reached the end of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I need to find out what happens with Fiona’s love triangle and where Fiona finds herself next.

I have posted this review on Amazon, Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6341950307

And Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4wJBtOLy6b/?igsh=ZzVwbDJtbjhvdG45

This was an enjoyable read in an era in history I don't see much of. I love anything Romanov and this had just enough to keep me going. The femme fatales as spies was exactly what the month of March needed. The FMC chose the right choice for a lover in the end and I was glad when his secret wasn't told to the Cheka.

What I didn't like was some of the names of the characters. It seemed like the author ran out of ideas, gratefully though she at least made the niece to the FMC witty and smart, contrasting to the ditzy costumes she wears when she spies.

Murder in Moscow by Kelly Oliver

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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?

My Opinion

I am trying to read more historical fiction, and this is the second book I have read in the series. From what I have read this is a great series and relatively easy to get lost in. Fiona has a habit of getting into trouble and this book is no exception - this book is mostly told from Fiona's perspective but we do get to see a bit from the perspective of Kitty.

For me, this was a great cosy mystery and this series is really helping me in my quest to enjoy more historical fiction. At less than 250 pages, I read this book in a few short hours - I started it and whilst I only wanted to read a few chapters I didn't actually manage to put the book down until I had read over 30%.

Rating 4/5

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, for a book tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery. These are historical cosy mysteries set in the early 20th century. In each book, Fiona and Kitty travel to a different location with their cute little dog, Poppy. This time, the murder and mayhem takes place in Moscow.

I've read most of the previous books in this series, and as a fan of historical cosy mysteries, I always enjoy them. Fiona and Kitty are always such fun characters to read about, and just as I expected, this was a lighthearted, entertaining read. It was humorous, easy to read in one sitting, and I also found it interesting in a historical and political context.

Although this is part of a series, I think it could be enjoyed as a standalone too. If you enjoy historical mysteries or cosy mysteries with a touch of humour, I would recommend this, or any of the previous books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Posing as a governess for the chief of the Russian secret police in 1918 Moscow, Fiona is accused of murder. Can she and Kitty discover the real culprit and escape the Kremlin alive?

This is a fast-moving, plot-heavy book with a lot of moving parts. Fiona gets into one scrape after another. The book feels more like a spy thriller than a mystery. I enjoyed the quirky cast of characters. While the book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

What a fun addition to this series! Fiona is at it again Trailing Frederick Fredericks to Moscow in 1918

Unfortunately it is Fiona who ends up needing rescue! With a full cast of characters and delightful dialogue, this story goes quickly as you turn the pages. Cannot wait for more!

Moscow 1918. The early days of Soviet rule and the city is rife with intrigue, politics and desperate people trying to survive. Aristocrats and the new regime deal, clash and in some cases murder. Then come two unlikely spies, Fiona Figg, with her unholy attachment to disguises, and Kitty Lane, who will not be parted from her adorable dog. A madcap adventure, mayhem and murder ensue. Will Fiona and Kitty be able to solve the case and escape Russia before it is too late?

Fiona and Kitty are a fun bunch and good for some laughs. I also love the spirit of both women. Fiona is determined to live life on her own terms and not let society strictures stop her. That undaunted spirit gets her into plenty of trouble but, with Kitty's bit more down-to-earth personality, it also gets her out of it (well most of the time) and the job done.

Murder, a bit of romance, adventure and laughs. What more could you ask for? While you can understand what is going on without reading the books before it will paint a more full picture of the loves and circumstances of these two.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me a free ARC in exchange of an honest review. Murder in Moscow is actually the latest of a series called Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mysteries. Both Fiona and Kitty are British spies where their work leads them to different countries and this time it’s in Russia. It’s set during World War II and before the Romanov family was assassinated.

Fiona was lured to Russia under a romantic pretence by the ever so mysterious Frederick Fredericks and somehow gotten herself into jail. Kitty is there to rescue her and also working on one of their missions. Honestly, the murder part isn’t really a huge part of the book and I would say it’s more relevant during the second half.

Actually, this is my first book from the author and I have never read any of the books in the series but it was easy to understand the characters and their relationships. The writing was okay and overall it was a nice simple read. However, if you’re looking for an actual mystery book then this book isn’t it.

'Journey into the heart of 20th Century Russia in this fun and funny historical mystery, 1918 Moscow' and what a fun book this is. I read it in one sitting and I loved every minute of it. Fiona Figg never fails to amuse me and I love Kelly Oliver's writing and how she transforms and transports us to this place and time.

Fast paced, filled with fun and excitement, this is an historical fiction that will take you on a journey and have your mind spinning through all the twists and turns. The characters never fail and this book has done it again. A great read, entertaining, fun and enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Fiona and Kitty are up to their necks in intrigue again. While I'd never call Kelly Oliver's series cozy mysteries they are more entertaining than a hard core spy thriller could ever be. Set in the early 1930s, Fiona uses her ability to blend in and play any part necessary to get the information she needs to save the day. Plus she has Kitty to watch her back and keep her from harm. I take every chance I get to follow Fiona's exploits. They provide a welcome break from the heavier titles I've been reading.

This book is a twist of Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, Victoria Thompson and Jacqueline Winspear all rolled in one. The characters are wonderful especially Fig. She is quirky, sneaky, and spunky. The author keeps your attention by all the twists and turns.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb! I recommend that you read this for yourself if you are a fan of the "cozy mystery" genre.

I've read the earlier books in the "Fiona Figg" series, and always enjoyed them; this one was no exception. Fiona Figg (still bemoaning the loss of her hair from an earlier novel!) returns, this time in Moscow of all places! Tasked with a genuine assignment (thanks to Kitty!) after following the entertainingly-named Frederick Fredericks, Fiona gets to flex her spy muscles properly, as well as taking every opportunity to dress up in character - a fun aspect of the books.

The novel features the usual crew, together with a cast of new supporting characters. Kitty's character is given more of a focus than usual, and little Poppy is along for the ride too. As usual, there is a tongue-in-cheek feel to the novel.

Recommended for lovers of "cosy mystery" and spy novels, who enjoy a touch of humour too.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Love will make you do strange things. Going to Russia in the time of strife following Fredricks, Fiona feels like might be job ending. The story will keep you guessing on what will happen next. There is a little different aspect to the story this time as there is a little more danger for Fiona. Fiona can get in some scraps without really trying.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Publisher and am leaving a review by my own choice.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kelly Oliver for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in Moscow coming out March 19, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love this series! Fiona is a strong character who gets into dangerous situations. I thought she and Kitty had some conflicts, but they were there for each other when it mattered. The men also got into some trouble and needed saving. I love the time period and the spy drama. I’m glad some things were resolved from the book before this one. I’m excited to read future books in this series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical spy novels!

Favorite Quotes:

She flashed her broken smile again... She smelled like stale onions and weasel.

Even after I’d scrubbed with the perfumed soap, I still smelled the lingering scent of fear.

I looked like a prudish spinster destined to spend the rest of her life reading about romance instead of actually experiencing it.

When she spoke, she sounded like a honeybee buzzing, soft and melodious.

I thought of one of my grandmother’s sayings: Old enough to know better and young enough not to care. I was neither.

My Review:

This installment of the popular series gave me new respect for the clever Kitty Lane, she is quite resourceful as well as agile. The engaging storylines were active, lushly detailed, unpredictable, and populated with a wide assortment of complex characters and occasional lashings of humorous observations. Ms. Oliver’s devious scheming is far too smart for me. The little pea in my brain was unable to put the various clues together to arrive at any semblance of the end result.

This series is Light hearted and intriguing with plenty of action, humour and a of course romance. Kitty has more of role in this book with her knowing more Russian than Fiona. The usual fun and shenanigan's follow. The history follows real life events again which is always fascinating. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Brilliant gripping storyline with someone fab characters can't wait to read more, loved the setting and was drawn in from the start

Flicks of humor, danger and suspense zip through this entertaining historical tale as Aunt Fiona Figg and Kittie Lane, along with Poppy-poo, strike again, this time in Moscow. The setting time frame involves the time Russia pulled out of the war (WWI). The murder of the Cheka chief turns things up a notch and the protagonists must scurry.

There are several true-to-life characters personified within this tale with others such as Archie and Frederick Fredericks garnered along side them and whom we meet again here from the first and second books in this Fiona Figg and Kittie Lane mystery series.

Murder in Moscow has been an enjoyable read that ended with a satisfactory smile upon my face. Although this novel can thrive as a stand alone work, anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes-like detecting will most likely like this third-in-a-series saga and wish they'd also read the previous offerings just as cleverly orchestrated by authoress Kelly Oliver.

Three cheers and a 4-Star rating from me.

~Eunice C. Reviwer/Blogger~

March 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

"Murder in Moscow" by Kelly Oliver takes readers on a thrilling journey through the tumultuous streets of 20th-century Russia, blending historical intrigue with laugh-out-loud humor. Set against the backdrop of 1918 Moscow, the novel follows Fiona Figg as she embarks on a mission to track down her nemesis, Fredrick Fredricks, only to find herself entangled in a dangerous game of espionage and murder.

Oliver's storytelling is both captivating and entertaining, weaving together elements of mystery, romance, and political intrigue with skillful precision. The characters, particularly Fiona and her sidekick Kitty Lane, are charming and relatable, adding depth and humor to the narrative. As Fiona goes undercover as a governess in the household of Iron Viktor, the tension escalates, leading to a gripping climax that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

What sets "Murder in Moscow" apart is its unique blend of humor and suspense, making it a refreshing addition to the historical mystery genre. Oliver's vivid descriptions bring the streets of Moscow to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the era. From the grand Metropol Hotel to the shadowy corners of the Kremlin, the setting serves as a rich and atmospheric backdrop for Fiona's daring escapades.

Overall, "Murder in Moscow" is a delightful romp through history, filled with wit, charm, and unexpected twists. Kelly Oliver has crafted a compelling mystery that will appeal to fans of Verity Bright and Helena Dixon alike. With its blend of humor, romance, and intrigue, this book earns a solid four stars and is sure to keep readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.