Moscow Underground: ‘A gripping thriller’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

by Catherine Merridale

Moscow, 1934.

Moscow's glittering new subway is under construction at last. The first line will run through the centre of the city, cutting deep through Moscow soil. But futures cannot be created without digging up the past. Though Russia's leaders want to build a glorious Soviet capital, what holds them in a fatal grip is old mud and bones.

Anton Belkin is an Investigator at the Procuracy, a sensitive job at a dangerous moment on the road to the Show Trials. He is also someone who needs to keep his head down. His artist father was once the darling of the revolutionary avant-garde, a painter whose work could inspire devotion and great sacrifice. But now his dreams are out of place, too loud and red in Stalin's world of sterile rules and rubber stamps.

Anton is dragged into a murder case. A prominent archaeologist, working alongside the subway dig, has been killed in a deserted mansion. Though Anton doesn't want the job, his former lover, Vika, who is now a powerful member of the secret police, browbeats him into paying a visit to the site with her. Against his better judgement he is drawn to follow though, embarking on investigations that will almost certainly get him killed.

Deep underground, he finds a priceless secret that could genuinely unlock the future but links him to a vicious internecine fight for power in the young Soviet state. In the process, he is forced to reconsider the history he shares with Vika and the bonds that bind them both.

Moscow Underground is a sweeping novel of life, death and politics in the quicksand world of Stalin's tyranny.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Russia, Historical

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Catherine Anne Merridale, FBA (born 12 October 1959) is a British writer and historian with a special interest in Russian history. Merridale was Professor of Contemporary History at Queen Mary, University of London from 2004 to 2014. She has been a senior research fellow at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, since her retirement from full-time academia in 2014. Having retired from her academic career, Merridale became a freelance writer in 2014. She has also contributed to BBC Radio.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moscow, 1934 – a place of poverty, hunger and fear. The regime is ripping down the old and building magnificent new structures to show off their power and status. Part of this is the new Moscow Underground, currently a series of half-excavated tunnels. As they dig, teams of archaeologists are assessing anything they uncover. But when one of these archaeologists is found murdered, Anton Belkin is unofficially tasked with investigating. A boy has been arrested for the murder, but it looks like he's being made a scapegoat. Belkin's investigation will soon bring him into conflict with the feared secret police, the OGPU.

Belkin is reluctantly drawn into the investigation by a woman who was once his lover, during the civil war between the Whites and Reds after the Revolution. While I wouldn’t describe the book as dual timeline, there are chapters that take us back to that time, and Merridale shows the carnage and confusion of the war, especially in what is now Ukraine where Belkin was stationed as a medic. I felt some prior knowledge of this period was needed if the reader wanted to fully understand the historical references, though it’s really Belkin’s personal story that is important in these sections – his awakening to the use of propaganda to hide unpalatable truths, and his realisation that Vika, the woman he has fallen for, seems to be an agent of one of the secret government agencies that were springing up in the aftermath of the Revolution.

Back in the present of the 1930s, we get a picture of how the ideals of the Revolution have already been corrupted. The people are still poor and hungry, and the secret police have their tentacles everywhere, so that any expression of discontent with the regime can be dangerous, if not fatal. The OGPU, a forerunner of the KGB, are officially in charge of the investigation into the archaeologist’s death, and as Belkin’s investigations begin to suggest that corruption and cover-up are part of the story, he knows he risks putting himself in danger. Meantime his father, once a famed revolutionary artist but now disillusioned, is also coming under scrutiny from the regime.

While all of this is interesting, I felt the book was weighted too heavily in favour of the historical setting and detail at the expense of the plot, which frequently gets sidelined for quite lengthy periods. The same is true of the characterisation – the characters don't get the space to fully emerge from the background, especially in the early sections. I found myself wishing Merridale had written either a factual book or a different kind of fiction – perhaps focused on a family or group rather than on a crime. As a thriller, I found it too slow and all the history makes it very hard work to keep track of the plot.

And yet, I don’t want to be unfairly negative. There is much to admire in the book. It's well written, and the historical aspects feel entirely authentic, which is hardly surprising given that Merridale is a historian specialising in this period. I'm sure it will work well for people who are interested in knowing what life was like under Stalin in the 1930s and who don’t mind a slower pace. It's Merridale's debut in fiction and, despite my reservations, is certainly promising enough that I'll look out for more from her in the future, hoping that she finds a better balance next time between historical scene-setting and plot.

NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, 4th Estate via NetGalley.

www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moscow, 1934. In the run up to the Workers' First of May celebrations, Moscow is remaking itself to fit Stalin's vision, including the construction of an extensive metro system designed to put the West to shame.

Anton Belkin is an Investigator at the Procuracy, walking a fine line between upholding Soviet law and straying into sensitive political matters that might bring him unwelcome attention in these dangerous times. But Anton is reluctantly dragged into the murky power games of others when his former lover, Vika, a prominent member of the secret police, forces him to become involved in a murder investigation which is likely to get him killed.

Anton finds himself fighting for survival as he tries to discover why the body of an academic, who was advising on historical artifacts dug up during the metro construction, has been found bloody and battered in the ruins of a former mansion. Peril lurks at every turn, and Anton is constantly worried about the safety of himself, his friends, and his outspoken artist father - once a darling of the revolution and now perilously out of fashion with Stalin's ideals. What secrets lie deep underground in Moscow's mud, and who would be willing to kill in order to discover them?

In a luscious combination of detailed research, a setting that crackles with an appropriately tense atmosphere of time and place, glorious characterisation, and a fabulous story of love, death, past and future under Stalin's tyranny, Catherine Merridale's Moscow Underground is a triumph.

The story unfurls largely in 1934 as Anton does his best to get to the bottom of a deliciously layered murder mystery about why an unassuming archaeologist has been killed. Punctuating the slow-burn action, Merridale cleverly inserts flashbacks to the backstory of Anton and Vika's relationship during the chaos of war, which gradually explain the bonds that tie them together.

It is very difficult to convey quite how the weaving together of mystery, emotion, and insightful examination of the Soviet psyche of this era comes together to create such a compelling novel. Merridale catches you up in a sweeping historical crime story, wrapped up in oppressive Orwellian chill, with moments of real tenderness, and an unexpected touch of an adventurous Indiana Jones-esque quest for treasure.

Glorious themes echo throughout, wreathed in capricious political ideology, ambition, bureaucracy, corruption, paranoia, orthodoxy, and surveillance. The way Merridale explores Russia's complicated relationship with its past is fascinating, and I loved how she reflects this theme in the relationships of her characters too, particularly when it comes to Anton, Vika, and Anton's father. I adored how this novel pivots on the things that are unsaid - so much relies on the skilful way she has you reading between the lines.

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written novel, totally consumed from start to finish, and here for every brilliant twist and turn. There is scope here for a sequel that I would very much like to read too... more please!

[Martin Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex and compelling thriller of 1930's Russia.

"Moscow Underground" opens in said city, in 1934 - and as part of the Great Plan a new subway is under construction. The first line will run through the centre of the city, but this involves massive amounts of digging and reconstruction, including the removal of large numbers of buried buildings, and will sit uncomfortably close to the Kremlin. When an archaeologist, working with the builders to ensure nothing of great value is lost, is found dead, Anton Belkin, an investigator at the Procuracy is ordered to quickly close the case, and prevent any interruptions to the forthcoming opening of the line. He is further placed under pressure by former lover VIka, who is also a key member of the secret police.

As he investigates more, Belkin uncovers a web of secrecy, conspiracy, and larceny, with key players in the cut-throat world of Stalin's Russia all fighting for power while doing all they can to thwart his investigation. Unwilling to compromise his need for justice, and drawn to the mystery of what lies beneath the streets of Moscow, his life is in constant danger.

The author of "Moscow Underground" is a renowned writer and historian. Her knowledge of Stalin's Russia is impressive, and this is clear in the first half of the book, which is dense and fact-filled, even presented within the context of the story. This makes is hard going in places, with names, places and events introduced at quite a pace, and it's only around half-way through the book that the story really takes off, as Belkin uncovers the scope and depth of the conspiracy. This expertise however, gives the book a wonderfully-realised picture of 1930's Russia - the relentless push of communism, the hypocrisy of those in power, and the almost Nazi-like push to overthrow the west.

Belkin's' back story is woven throughout the book, his own and that of his father, an artist once the darling of the revolution, but whose loudly-voiced views are now out of place in Stalin's world of rules and tyranny. This, especially, brings in to focus the pressure the people of Russia were under during the Stalin years. Belkin's history with Vika is also a heart-breaking one, again illustrating the ways in which Russia's history pulled people apart.

If you stick with it, this is an immensely satisfying story, hopefully just the first in a series. Belkin in another fractured and conflicted character who we really need to see more of.

Heartily recommended.

[Mark taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moscow Underground by Catherine Merridale is an historical mystery thriller novel set in Moscow in 1934, at the time that the Moscow underground was being built.

The novel centres on Anton Belkin, an investigator at the Procuracy, and is given the job of investigating a murder of an historian who is working on recording the historical buildings that are being destroyed during this intensive period of construction.

Moscow Underground is one of those historical mystery novels with the emphasis on the history as the story is packed with enough historical information, that as a reader you feel like you are really immersed in the setting of the novel.

Some readers may find that too much historical information is provided but this is a personal preference for any individual reader.
.
The issue that does arise with Catherine Merridale’s novel is that at times the novel seems more like a history book rather than a novel, while the murder and the subsequent conspiracy that arises from Anton Belkin’s investigation felt a little weak for a mystery novel.

This was even more exposed in the action scenes which while they had the basic outlines of a good action sequence they never quite hit the mark for a mystery thriller.

The strengths and weaknesses of the Moscow Underground, maybe because the writer Catherine Merridale is an historian with specialities in the History of Russia and this period.

So while this novel may not be perfect there are a lot of possibilities for future novels by Catherine Merridale, particularly set in this period and location.

But still give Moscow Underground a read as it really emphasises the historical in the Historical Mystery thriller genre.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical thriller set in Moscow in 1934 welding together the horrific days of Stalinism, the butchery of the Revolution in 1919 and the Legendary library of Sophia, grandmother to Ivan the Terrible, all told by Anton Markovich Belkin, Criminal Investigator at the Procuracy. The author has delved deep into Russian history and there is a lot of historical information included in the book, which I personally found fascinating but it does slow the plot down a little.

Briefly, Vika, Belkin’s former lover and mother of his child, now a Colonel in the Cheka, approaches him with a job, and it need wrapping up quickly. Against his better judgment Belkin agrees to investigate the murder of an archaeologist working alongside the workers, who are building the new underground metro in the city. A man has been arrested but Anton doesn’t believe he is guilty. Treading the potentially fatal dangerous waters around him, he uncovers a plot involving an apparent secret library stored under a medieval church due to be demolished.

Belkin is a gripping character with snippets of his personal life, and that of his artist father and his relationship with Vika, interspersed throughout the book. An enthralling book full of wonderful historical detail and an engaging fictional plot. I enjoyed it, good read.

[Vicuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

is a title which needs attention; it’s complex, multilayered and filled with facts, intricately woven around a dual timeline. That said, it’s worth the investment if you enjoy a story with substance. Set predominantly in the time of Stalin’s Russia, a new underground system is being built in Moscow. As work is underway, an archaeologist living near the excavation is murdered and there’s an investigation led by a reluctant Anton Belkin. He’s an intriguing character; his girlfriend is in the secret police and his father was one of the avant grade elite…but times have changed under a repressive and brutal regime. Throw into this mix links to old Russia and and the tale becomes truly nuanced. I believe Catherine Merridale is an expert on Soviet history and this makes the blend of fact fascinating. At times, it can be a little overwhelming, but stick with it because it’s a clever and deftly woven story which is ultimately very satisfying. Through Anton’s eyes, the conflicts caused by the repressive regime are apparent and make this a thought provoking read. I loved the cover which reflects a number of the dual themes running through the story and I enjoyed Anton as a character. I hope there’s more.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t be fooled by the title - this isn’t cryptic in the least. It is indeed about the construction of the underground rail system, and the history of ancient buildings, artefacts and treasures. Anton sets out to investigate the connection of a young boy accused of a murder but this leads deeper into the politics of the period. A very confusing story unless one is familiar with Moscow’s past role in history and notable events. I found it too immersed into the history, which doubtless the author thoroughly researched, to make it an enthralling read. Not one for me, sadly.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers 4th Estate William Collins for giving me the opportunity to review.

[Bill Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT'S Moscow in 1934 and life under Stalin’s communist tyranny is getting tougher. Work is underway on the glitzy new subway system.
Under the city is a treasure trove of history - palaces, churches, gold, jewels, and something someone will kill for.
Then a prominent archaeologist cataloguing these discoveries is found murdered in a deserted mansion.
Reluctant investigator Anton Belkin is forced to take on the case by ex-lover Vika, now a senior and ambitious secret police officer.
Merridale’s talents as an award-winning writer and Russia expert combine to beam light into the murky depths of Moscow's underworld.

[Eyejaybee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Catherine Merridale’s book Lenin on the Train, which in alternating chapters gave a brief chronicle of the Russian Revolution(s) of 1917 interspersed with an account of the fraught journey back to Russia by Lenin and his coterie of close followers. She is a noted historian of the period, and that was a great work that helped to render a crucial milestone in international history more readily accessible.

Unfortunately, I feel that she has not replicated that success with this novel, set in Moscow in 1934, during a period in which Stalin’s purges were especially virulent. Anton Belkin is an investigator who finds himself assigned to the murder of a leading archaeologist, who had been working almost as a consultant to the teams building the Moscow metro system.

Belkin’s status is unstable anyway, because his father, who had previously been celebrated as a leading Soviet artist, has been making public statements at odd with the government’s agenda. He is also wary of being drawn into an investigation that lies in a disputed jurisdiction. The secret police are also reviewing it and seem already to have a preferred solution. Belkin’s feel that the evidence soes not bear out their interpretation.

Merridale does capture some of the air of suspicion and dread, and I am assuming that her depiction of 1930s Moscow is accurate. However, somehow the story never quite came alive for me, and she never stirred any sense of empathy in me for any of the characters, nor even, indeed, sufficient interest in the resolution of the plot.

[Richard Marzetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moscow. 1930’s. An archaeologist murdered.

What’s not to enjoy… Russia. Lone investigator. Competing powers. And some historical background and myth too.

#russiathriller #crimebooks

[lauren brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I persisted, because I wanted it to improve, to be better. It wasn't.