The Russian Doll

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

By: Marina Palmer

Narrated by: Heather Long

'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

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

Exactly what I needed!

love the story, loved the narrator, loved everything about this book! I really wanted a book that showed what's going on behind the scenes with business moguls and I got it!

Wow. A definite must-read

First book I've read from MP. Hope to read more !
You won't be disappointed

Good thriller

Interesting twists and characters. Some holes in plot but overall - entertaining. I liked the London setting within a Russian world - different.