Red Mistress

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Blackwell

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

In the wake of the Russian Revolution, a determined young woman breaks with her past to become a spy in 1920s Paris, where shadowy intrigues and a dangerous romance put her loyalty to the test.

In the spring of 1914, Nadia Shulkina, the daughter of Russian aristocrats, looks toward a bright future. She has no premonitions of war, let alone the revolution that is about to destroy her comfortable world.

Her once-noble family is stripped of every possession, and more terrible losses soon follow. To save what's left of her family and future, Nadia marries a zealous Bolshevik in an act of calculated reinvention.

It won't be her last.

When she agrees to work undercover for the Soviets in 1920s Paris, Nadia is drawn into a beautiful yet treacherous world of secrets and deceit. Beset by conflicting loyalties and tested by a forbidden love affair, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that ends with a shocking murder. What chances will she take to determine her own fate?

©2020 Elizabeth Blackwell (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Intestesring historical novel

The book starts strong and makes you feel like you can live through the terrible times associated with World War I in Russia. I would say the second half of the book is a little less intense, and perhaps the author tried to do too much, but it was still interesting. I think it could’ve been two books and that would’ve left more room for intrigue

Couldn’t put down

I don’t write reviews very often but this book had me engaged from the start. I laughed I cried and loved the ending. I also felt I learned some history. The narrator was FABULOUS!!!! Definitely worth the credit.

Wonderful

The story kept my attention the whole way through. The description of the bolshevik revolution was very interesting. Just fascinating. The narration was superb. Didn't take me out of the story at all, which can be a problem on occasion. Perfect tone.

Enjoyable Historical Fiction

Engaging story. Well written. Missing a little bit of character development, but otherwise a good story and well narrated.

Gripping

The Red Mistress begins her tale with a gripping revelation and relentlessly marches forward to reveal a life of full of twists and turns. Excellent escape, page turning tension, voiced by a superb narrator.

One of the best books I’ve listened to all year

Wow. I learned so much about the 1917 Russian revolution and its effect on the so called common people This is a great book for our little young adult social justice warriors protesting their plight as American citizens Socialism/communist seems a great system IF you are on top of the heap. If you aren’t you are hungry jobless penniless and you watch you loved ones diminish before your very eyes . Talk about a caste system. Even Americans poorest people don’t live like most of the people ;after the ‘’freedom”of the revolution The author captured the essence of life under communism if you are just a regular citizen or almost royalty. I enjoyed every aspect of this book and will read of her books

Love the Protagonist

It was nice to have a Russian woman who has a range of emotions. WWII books are my genre, and although WWII is a small part of the story, many WWII books about Russian women are stereotypical with their toughness, rudeness, and emotionless. The women in this book are, as in real life, interesting with many layers. I find it interesting to learn how the Soviets came into WWII. Although it isn’t the book's focus, it is the pinnacle that makes the ending possible. Great ending. I would have given it 5 stars, but I find it confusing at times as to who’s talking because the narrator doesn’t even attempt a male voice. She is an excellent narrator who has a pleasant voice otherwise.

Russian History

I enjoyed the story. I love historical novels and it has been a long while since I read one about the Russian revolution. Strong main character and satisfying ending.

Great Read start to finish

Engaging storyline, likable characters and an interesting piece of history. It wasn’t how I expected it to finish but I loved the ride

Comments from a reader

This is a fun great spy novel. I loved how the author brought to life the story set during the Russian revolution. If you're interested in reading a good spy and romance novel then this book is for you.