The Russian doll: Ruth vs a Russian oligarch

I'd not heard of the author before I picked up The Russian doll at my local library. Marina Palmer is the pseudonym that British writer, Imogen Robertson, uses for her solo outings. Robertson has a degree in German and Russian and is a former film, television and radio director. She has co-written novels with a former Labour Deputy Leader, a screenwriter, and with Wilbur Smith. Awesome!

I'll read anything that hints at corruption, spy shenanigans, or all-round dodgy stuff! The Russian angle of the book had me intrigued as well.

The Russian doll | Published November 2021 | Read February 2024

The story opens with 23-year-old Ruth Miller inadvertently saving the lives of wealthy Russian, Elena Shilkov and her two daughters after Ruth intercepts a grenade in a café during a terrorist attack. That act leads to a job for Ruth as Elena's personal assistant. Ruth is transported from an ordinary life in an administration job in a dodgy part of London to a luxurious Kensington mansion with a big fat salary and expensive wardrobe to match. Her job is to manage Elena's philanthropic work, distributing gifts, organising galas and dealing with the power brokers in industry and politics who receive rewards from the Shilkovs in return for favours. Ruth turns out to be good at her job, and soon becomes a trusted member of the Shilkov inner circle.

Ruth has had a tough life and her street smarts and remarkable memory come in handy in her new role. Elena sees something in Ruth of her younger self, so she takes Ruth on as a protégé, teaching her how to navigate her new environment and deal with corruption in both industry and the British establishment. Soon Ruth is drawn into the murky world that the Shilkovs inhabit, unable to free herself from the family. She becomes surrounded by unexplained disappearances, extortion, and murder. Added into that grimy mix is the attention of British intelligence services who try to recruit her into spying for them.

The Russian doll is immensely captivating. It's clever and fast-paced, with a believable and multilayered story, just as the title suggests. The characterisation is on point, and this is the main strength of the novel. Elena is delicious as the cold, Russian businesswoman and Ruth is fun, smart, and a total bad ass. I loved the burgeoning friendship between the two women, their witty dialogue, and the juxtaposition of the trust and mistrust that peppered their relationship.

I found myself completely lost in the glamour of Ruth's new world and the murky dealings that financed it. Ruth is damaged but intelligent and brave and I loved the way she cleverly manipulated her situation to achieve the outcome she wanted. I powered through to the end as I couldn't wait to see how things ended up. Highly recommended!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐