The Russian Doll cover art

The Russian Doll

The most gripping, addictive and unputdownable spy thriller with a shocking twist

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The Russian Doll

By: Marina Palmer
Narrated by: Heather Long
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About this listen

 'Utterly riveting and compulsive reading, packed with suspense and tension' Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'A terrific, twisty-turny thriller' Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Ruth Miller returns a dropped scarf to Elena Shilkov, she is whisked from a dreary shared house to a world of unimagined luxury.

The super-rich Russian wants a new personal assistant and won't take no for an answer.

Ruth gets accommodation, a credit card, and a complete wardrobe makeover.

And she's good at the job; distributing gifts, attending galas, dealing with the high-society movers and shakers fighting for Elena's attention.

Then the sinister truth begins to reveal itself, that nothing is quite what it seems in Elena's dangerous, deceptive world.

Ruth should get away.

But it's already too late.

Black Doves meets McMafia in this thrilling and exciting novel, packed with twists, intrigue, and suspense. Fans of Tess Gerritsen and Mick Herron will love this action-packed read!

Readers LOVE Marina Palmer:
'Brilliant tension sustained throughout. Really sharply observed commentary on today's London too. Loved it!' Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'An addictive read' The Sunday Times

'A twisty page-turning story that pulls you in. Original and exciting with a protagonist who gets under your skin' Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'Fast-paced and clever, with a pleasing blend of political intrigue and romantic suspense as well as a whodunnit, this is perfect entertainment for a winter's evening' Guardian

'This is one of those books you can happily read over two days, like I did, because you can't put it down. There's love, politics and action all in one book' Reader review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

'Best book I've read this year' Simon Conway, author of The Stranger

'I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day . . . Superb!' Mara Timon, author of City of Spies©2021 Marina Palmer Domestic Thrillers Espionage International Mystery & Crime Mystery Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Russia Exciting Fiction Thriller

Critic reviews

What a fantastic book! She has a keen eye for detail and character . . . Best book I've read this year
I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day . . . The novel is perfectly named - each twist removed another layer, laying bare a new threat and leaving me turning the pages even faster . . . Superb!
The Russian Doll gripped me with layer upon dangerous layer
Brilliant and extraordinary. The Russian Doll is a captivating novel that enthrals and surprises throughout. Marina Palmer takes readers into a fascinating world and introduces them to unforgettable, engaging characters. Don't miss this book
A dark, glittering thriller that draws you deep into a shadowy world where no one is who they seem. Intricate, brilliantly written and highly compelling
Elena is a delicious villainess, and the compelling dynamic between plutocrat and protégée makes this an addictive read
A pacy read
Part thriller, part romance, part social commentary, this is a wildly entertaining novel
Fast-paced and clever, with a pleasing blend of political intrigue and romantic suspense as well as a whodunnit, this is perfect entertainment for a winter's evening
A real page-turner
A sharply observed take on the Faustian pact - and contemporary London
A fantastically compelling novel about an ordinary person who is propelled into the seductive world of Russian oligarchs, where nothing and nobody is who they appear to be. Tense, twisty and highly topical, Its skewering of the obscenely rich makes for a sophisticated treat by a dazzling new star of Cold War fiction. (Amanda Craig, author of The Golden Rule)
Russian money of questionable provenance is at the heart of Palmer's novel, with a terrorist strike in London transforming the life of her struggling heroine Ruth. Strong on the topical issue of "Londongrad" (Barry Forshaw)
[A] sharply drawn and very timely thriller
All stars
Most relevant
All of it - incredible highly recommend. Love the characters, full of twists, great ending too.

Gripping, amazing, possibly my new favourite book

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I bought this after reading a rave newspaper review and glad I did. An usual tale, with even more unusual characters (Russian billions & a streetwise main Brit), but it totally works. Intrigue is the main theme… what’s going on? Who can you trust? Why, why, why? Yet, not overly scary or dark… plus, a bit of humour and a cracking pace. Highly recommend!!

Thoroughly enjoyable mystery!!

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I thoroughly enjoyed the story with its twists and turns. The clear sharp voice of the narrator made it easy to follow and difficult to put down.

Total enjoyment

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If the author had just concentrated on the storyline this may have been a good listen. Sadly she chose an endless self indulgent rant about any aspect of British society she has a grudge against. To say this was tedious in the extreme is an understatement according to her the whole state machine is corrupt except for six foot male Adonis’s clearly they are the exception. Of course everyone other than her who went to Cambridge is monied “coke head”:given jobs in the city in fact the city is largely run by East End Barrow Boys and now girls. What it did do was improve my scores on my exercise bike since I pedalled harder with every next puerile rant!!

Conspiracy

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