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Nadia Tesla #4
The Treachery of Russian Nesting Dolls
Nadia Tesla will do anything to get the job done. That includes posing as a window girl in De Wallen, Amsterdam’s notorious red-light district, to solve a murder. For this case, Nadia’s employer isn’t just a client. He’s Simmy Simeonovich, one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, with whom she shares a palpable chemistry. Or so she thinks. The murder victim wasn’t a typical sex worker, either. She possessed an electric appeal that attracted people from all walks of life, including the most powerful. As Nadia investigates, she begins to realize that not everything may be as it seems, including Simmy’s motive for hiring her in the first place. The stakes for Nadia – and the world – are much higher. In her first stand-alone case as a private investigator, Nadia Tesla uncovers the clues along murky waterways from Amsterdam to Bruges and on to London in her quest for truth, life and love.
- GenresMystery
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2017
32 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Orest Stelmach
13 books183 followersOrest Stelmach is the Kindle#1 bestselling author of six novels. His Nadia Tesla Series has been optioned for film development and translated into numerous foreign languages. He's a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Orest lives in Weatogue, Connecticut, with his wife and rescue cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 4, 2019
I wanted to like this book, 4th in the Nadia Tesla series, more than I did. It starts with the classic career-woman-raised Catholic-posing-as-prostitute cliché--much less interesting than the prior three books in the trilogy.
There are segments of information dumps.
Without Nadia's cousin, Adam Tesla, involved the plot and characters were less compelling than the three prior books in the series.
There are segments of information dumps.
Without Nadia's cousin, Adam Tesla, involved the plot and characters were less compelling than the three prior books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2018
Brilliant. Seamlessly weaves together an intimate, irresistible murder mystery with layers upon layers of Russian and global politics. Nesting Dolls indeed. Really timely too, given all that’s going on with Russia.
December 21, 2018
No fair. No fair. No fair. I have been a faithful reader of the Nadia Tesla series and this book feels like a slap in the face.
I did check the spoiler warning box, so if you don't want to know the awful trick Orest Stelmach plays on his readers, go no further.
This whole fourth book in the series was a poorly plotted, elaborately drawn out way to kill off the man Nadia has been falling in love with, and on almost the last page.
And like a slow motion car crash, you can see it coming. That's what makes it worse.
I am disillusioned.
I did check the spoiler warning box, so if you don't want to know the awful trick Orest Stelmach plays on his readers, go no further.
This whole fourth book in the series was a poorly plotted, elaborately drawn out way to kill off the man Nadia has been falling in love with, and on almost the last page.
And like a slow motion car crash, you can see it coming. That's what makes it worse.
I am disillusioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
I truly enjoyed all three prior books in the Nadia Tesla series so I was excited to listen to this one. But it honestly left me feeling blah.
The start of the book was fast paced and sucked you in to the story really quickly... but then it just keeps going and getting stranger and more unbelievable. Especially when the author brings in the "president of Russia" at the end.
I'm not sure I'll listen to the next book - if there is one.
The start of the book was fast paced and sucked you in to the story really quickly... but then it just keeps going and getting stranger and more unbelievable. Especially when the author brings in the "president of Russia" at the end.
I'm not sure I'll listen to the next book - if there is one.
January 8, 2018
Melodramatic ending
From the beginning it was questionable believable. I did enjoy the accurate descriptive mentions of areas of Europe in which I. familiar
From the beginning it was questionable believable. I did enjoy the accurate descriptive mentions of areas of Europe in which I. familiar
June 10, 2018
It was with a lot of excitement and anticipation that i bought an ebook of The Treachery of Russian Nesting Dolls. In fact, it's the first ebook i'd ever bought. I am a big fan of the Nadia Tesla series and have read the first 4 books on the trot. However, this time around, Orest Stelmach disappoints.
While the plot is okay, it is a massive departure from the story line in the first 3 books. Nadia Tesla is in charge of investigating a murder - that's what the book is all about. Literally, it is a sleaze-fest, punctuated with grammatical errors. But not even a better editor would have saved the book. What is missing in the story? Life, for starters. Nadia is so disconnected from the events in the previous books that I often wondered if it even belonged to the same series.
And to cap it all, the ending is too dramatic. Sorry Orest, for the bad review, but you had promised a lot, with the previous books in the series. While the other books were adventures, this one is merely an afternoon nap. Why the 3 stars? Because I love Nadia Tesla.
While the plot is okay, it is a massive departure from the story line in the first 3 books. Nadia Tesla is in charge of investigating a murder - that's what the book is all about. Literally, it is a sleaze-fest, punctuated with grammatical errors. But not even a better editor would have saved the book. What is missing in the story? Life, for starters. Nadia is so disconnected from the events in the previous books that I often wondered if it even belonged to the same series.
And to cap it all, the ending is too dramatic. Sorry Orest, for the bad review, but you had promised a lot, with the previous books in the series. While the other books were adventures, this one is merely an afternoon nap. Why the 3 stars? Because I love Nadia Tesla.
March 5, 2018
The beginning was certainly interesting! Nadia Tesla, an Ukrainian-American private investigator (?), poses as a prostitute in Amsterdam's red light district in order to track down the killer of a young Russian woman. This is the 4th in a series but it also works well as a standalone. The book is extremely fast-paced; everything seemed to happen really fast, so there weren't any noticeable lags in the plot. The ending was crazy, definitely on the unbelievable and melodramatic side; however, it was extremely entertaining. Reflecting on this book, I keep coming back to the fact that the writing wasn't stellar, and there was nothing about the characters or the plot that made this book a standout thriller for me. In short, it was an enjoyable, light, fast-paced read, but I don't think I'll be able to remember much about it a few months from now.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2018
This is the first book I've read from Orest Stelmach, and I'm pretty impressed. This is a well written story, with great characters and story development. The story unfolds smoothly, with lots of intrigue, mystery, action, drama and even romance will make it hard to put this read down. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. (Reader review copy)
February 19, 2018
This is an edgy murder mystery, set in modern Holland and Belgium. The murder victim is the twenty-something daughter of Russian immigrants and is working as a prostitute in Amsterdam's red light district (where prostitution is legal). Nadia Tesla is a Ukrainian investigator whose biggest client is a Russian oligarch, Simeon Simeonovich (a.k.a. Simmy) . She also happens to have a crush on him. Simmy asks Nadia to investigate the brutal murder because her mother is one of Simmy's old friends. Nadia goes undercover as a "window prostitute" in the red light district and gets a clue that leads her to Bruges, a historical city in Belgium. From there the story takes off on a race to find the killer. There's a spectacular and exciting conclusion to the hunt for the killer. However, the most shocking event is after that and includes an appearance by the Russian president.
There's plenty of political rhetoric in the story about modern day Russia and the views of Russian immigrants who have left the country. The Dutch hate the Russians and give them a hard time. Nadia is Ukrainian and wears her ethnicity on her sleeve.
This is the 4th book in a series featuring Nadia and Simmy and this is the only one I've read up to now. I think this one can be read as a standalone, although some things may be more meaningful to a reader if they have the Nadia?Simmy backstory from previous books in the series. The relationship between Nadia and Simmy has apparently developed over earlier books and it is as much part of the story as is the murder mystery. There's a bittersweet ending in this book which affects their relationship, although the groundwork is laid for the series to continue.
Nadia is the most interesting character in the book and her story makes reading the book worthwhile. She's a smart cookie and willing to do the tough stuff to get the job done. The undercover work as a window prostitute is a good example of that. I found the book to be reminiscent of the Ava Lee series by Ian Hamilton and the Aimee Leduc series by Cara Black.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy.
There's plenty of political rhetoric in the story about modern day Russia and the views of Russian immigrants who have left the country. The Dutch hate the Russians and give them a hard time. Nadia is Ukrainian and wears her ethnicity on her sleeve.
This is the 4th book in a series featuring Nadia and Simmy and this is the only one I've read up to now. I think this one can be read as a standalone, although some things may be more meaningful to a reader if they have the Nadia?Simmy backstory from previous books in the series. The relationship between Nadia and Simmy has apparently developed over earlier books and it is as much part of the story as is the murder mystery. There's a bittersweet ending in this book which affects their relationship, although the groundwork is laid for the series to continue.
Nadia is the most interesting character in the book and her story makes reading the book worthwhile. She's a smart cookie and willing to do the tough stuff to get the job done. The undercover work as a window prostitute is a good example of that. I found the book to be reminiscent of the Ava Lee series by Ian Hamilton and the Aimee Leduc series by Cara Black.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy.
January 18, 2018
I received this ARC of The Treachery of Russian Nesting Dolls in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first book I read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. I have not only gotten the first book from KU (with audio!!), but have recommended the books to a friend. I thought the characters and locations were fantastic. The descriptions of the Russian and Ukrainian characters rang very true to me as I have spent quite a bit of time in that region in the past.
My main regret is that I had not read the earlier books in the series before reading this one. As it is the fourth in the series there were things I felt I was missing in terms of some relationships, etc. The lead character of Nadia Tesla is great, and I am really excited to read the other books now. I am glad I got this as an ARC because I might not have been introduced to Nadia and her world until much later.
This was the first book I read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. I have not only gotten the first book from KU (with audio!!), but have recommended the books to a friend. I thought the characters and locations were fantastic. The descriptions of the Russian and Ukrainian characters rang very true to me as I have spent quite a bit of time in that region in the past.
My main regret is that I had not read the earlier books in the series before reading this one. As it is the fourth in the series there were things I felt I was missing in terms of some relationships, etc. The lead character of Nadia Tesla is great, and I am really excited to read the other books now. I am glad I got this as an ARC because I might not have been introduced to Nadia and her world until much later.
January 18, 2018
Wow! Great murder mystery/thriller set on the streets of Amsterdam and Bruges! Well-written, fast paced and fascinating characters. The heroine/investigator is sassy and resourceful as she searches for the murderer of a young Russian girl who moonlights in the windows of Amsterdam's famed Red Light District. Constant tension and red herrings galore as American financial analyst and all-around brillant sleuth Nadia, hired by a Russian emigre billionaire, digs deeper into the young dead woman's circle and finds herself in ever-increasing danger. My first book by this author, but I have now purchased the three previous novels to read more about Nadia and her dangerous globe-trotting.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Footnote: I was unable to share my thoughts with readers on Amazon because my submitted review just went into the digital Bermuda triangle.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Footnote: I was unable to share my thoughts with readers on Amazon because my submitted review just went into the digital Bermuda triangle.
May 27, 2018
The Treachery of Russian Nesting Dolls (Nadia Tesla #4) is the second of Orest Stelmach's books that I have read; the first being The Boy from Reactor 4 (Nadia Tesla #1). Both books were good reads, and I really liked this one, which was hard to put down. This fast-paced book transports us to Amsterdam and Bruges with Nadia Tesla as she tries to get to the bottom of a particularly gruesome murder she has been hired to solve by a friend. In her pursuit of the murderer, she is determined, strong and seemingly fearless, hiding her secret vulnerability. The mystery was complex, and the ending of this book was both unexpected and intriguing.
Although this is the fourth book in the Nadia Tesla series, it can definitely stand on its own and doesn't leave the reader feeling like they have missed something. I definitely recommend it and hope to see a fifth book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
Although this is the fourth book in the Nadia Tesla series, it can definitely stand on its own and doesn't leave the reader feeling like they have missed something. I definitely recommend it and hope to see a fifth book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
February 14, 2018
When a young Russian sex trade worker is murdered, Ukrainian-American forensic financial analyst, Nadia Tesla takes on the case in the Russian community of Amsterdam. Whatever it takes to get the job done, she’ll do it...even if it means becoming a registered sex trade worker in De Wallen.
In order to find the murderer of the young Russian woman who worked in the space before her, Nadia must transform and become just like her to lure in the killer and trap them. The Russian community of Amsterdam does not do well with the local police, and being Russian herself, Nadia can likely get further.
From Amsterdam, to Bruges, to London this story will keep you moving and on the edge of your seat as a murder is solved, along with the mystery that Matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls) hold in understanding men and the meaning of life.
In order to find the murderer of the young Russian woman who worked in the space before her, Nadia must transform and become just like her to lure in the killer and trap them. The Russian community of Amsterdam does not do well with the local police, and being Russian herself, Nadia can likely get further.
From Amsterdam, to Bruges, to London this story will keep you moving and on the edge of your seat as a murder is solved, along with the mystery that Matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls) hold in understanding men and the meaning of life.
February 26, 2018
I do hate coming to a series late—this is the fourth��but it sounded too intriguing to pass up. It starts with a bang in the red-light district of Amsterdam, and the most unusual foot chase you’ll ever read.
The main character is intriguing, which is more than I can say for the plot, which did not invest me at all. The mystery-solving had its bright spots, but then the writer ruined it by not giving me a chance to solve the case; the clue that did it was not given to the audience till after. Not fun.
Second off, I didn’t like the roller coaster ending, mostly because I didn’t see the point of it. Maybe there was something in the previous books that led to that big moment, but it doesn’t seem likely. The author has an agenda we’re not privy to, other than his obvious hatred for the latest Russian baddie in power.
2.5 pushed to 3/5
The main character is intriguing, which is more than I can say for the plot, which did not invest me at all. The mystery-solving had its bright spots, but then the writer ruined it by not giving me a chance to solve the case; the clue that did it was not given to the audience till after. Not fun.
Second off, I didn’t like the roller coaster ending, mostly because I didn’t see the point of it. Maybe there was something in the previous books that led to that big moment, but it doesn’t seem likely. The author has an agenda we’re not privy to, other than his obvious hatred for the latest Russian baddie in power.
2.5 pushed to 3/5
May 23, 2018
I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. Wow! Another great story in the Nadia Tesla series. Nadia Tesla, private investigator, has been hired to solve a murder of a window prostitute in Amsterdam. Couldn’t put it down. The action and suspense never quits. There is a dysfunctional family, espionage, and danger. This is a well-written crime thriller/mystery with a great plot and good character development with an unusual and surprising ending. I found the name of the Russian leader, Putler interesting. Could this be a play on names, for instance Putin/Hitler? This book is well worth the read as are all of the books written by Orest Stelmach. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 6, 2020
This was a very interesting book. I had not realized I read another Nadia Tesla Book #5 The Altar Girl. This year in fact. Which I frankly liked better then this book. However, I have to say my interest was held completely for it was such a bizarre scenario. It still showed her determination and gut instinct. Took place in Amsterdam where I will be going next month to see Windmills and Tulips on a long ship. That was why I chose the kindle book. I did learn some fascinating things about the country. Nadia is Russian/American so I also learned some more about her as well. But, even though I could not figure out "whodunnit" I was happy at the near end but my emotion soon changed. I thought perhaps a brighter side might come with the next book, but I had not realized this was Nadia Tesla #4 and I had already read the next book #5.
January 18, 2018
I don't give a lot of 5-star reviews. But this book. I'm honestly having trouble forming coherent thoughts to write this review. This book absolutely blew my mind. It's an intense murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end set against the backdrop of Amsterdam. I absolutely couldn't put it down. The characters are fascinating and complex, the plot is engrossing, and the writing is wonderful. To put it simply, I absolutely loved it.
With that said, I have not read the other books in the series (though I'm definitely planning to soon), and so I was missing the history between Simmy and Nadia. However, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
With that said, I have not read the other books in the series (though I'm definitely planning to soon), and so I was missing the history between Simmy and Nadia. However, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 20, 2018
Interesting main character!
Yes the main character, Nadia was interesting and irreverent but wasn’t allowed to go far enough in character development. I think the author assumed I had read the previous novels, which I had not. The ending was contrived and didn’t belong with this story. It added more tragedy for Nadia’s life but the author decided we should only find out about that at the end of the story, too late and somewhat irrelevant. Other characters where not flushed out enough to care about them. The Nesting Dolls didn’t tie in to the main narrative of the murder which just didn’t make sense since the title eluded to that being an intricate part. There were two stories here and neither one gave you an aha moment.
Yes the main character, Nadia was interesting and irreverent but wasn’t allowed to go far enough in character development. I think the author assumed I had read the previous novels, which I had not. The ending was contrived and didn’t belong with this story. It added more tragedy for Nadia’s life but the author decided we should only find out about that at the end of the story, too late and somewhat irrelevant. Other characters where not flushed out enough to care about them. The Nesting Dolls didn’t tie in to the main narrative of the murder which just didn’t make sense since the title eluded to that being an intricate part. There were two stories here and neither one gave you an aha moment.
August 11, 2018
A quick mystery story of a murder in Amsterdam and a search for the killer including prostitution, family secrets and Russian oligarchs. A bit gruesome at times, so consider that if you plan to read over food.
This was the first in this series that I've read but it doesn't seem to need the background of the previous stories.
I received this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first in this series that I've read but it doesn't seem to need the background of the previous stories.
I received this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2018
A Russian window prostitute is murdered at Amsterdam's Red Light District. Private investigator Nadia Tesla gets assigned to find the killer. The search leads from Amsterdam to Bruges and back. This is a well crafted story, fast paced and excellent in writing, with an unexpected ending. It grabbed me from page one and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
May 15, 2020
As a standalone mystery, this would be fine. As part of a series, it did not work at all. I was hoping that the fourth Nadia Tesla book would resolve the ending of the third one. No mention of Adam/Bobby. Nothing to address Victor's sudden reappearance and anticipated rise to power. This felt less like a part of a series and more like some sort of tangential story. Also, what was that ending?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2018
Good book that I enjoyed reading. This is the first book by Orest Stelmach that I've read. You will need to read the other books in the series to get a feel for the characters. I voluntarily received this book to review for my honest opinion.
January 30, 2018
Deliciously complex
Once again author Stelmach proves his virtuoso as a writer, weaving history, politics, and gender dynamics harmoniously with intrigue, murder, and romance. The 4th book in the series, this one takes a new direction, but Stelmach remains my new favorite author.
Once again author Stelmach proves his virtuoso as a writer, weaving history, politics, and gender dynamics harmoniously with intrigue, murder, and romance. The 4th book in the series, this one takes a new direction, but Stelmach remains my new favorite author.
May 14, 2024
disappointing final book for a series
I was disappointed in the change of writing style/perspective the story is being told in and how the subject changes from Adam and the formula to Nadia's love life. Leaves so many unanswered questions and story lines.
I was disappointed in the change of writing style/perspective the story is being told in and how the subject changes from Adam and the formula to Nadia's love life. Leaves so many unanswered questions and story lines.
December 25, 2017
Wow!
Mr. Stelmach blew me away!! You will get the shock of your life at the end of this book! Happy reading!
Mr. Stelmach blew me away!! You will get the shock of your life at the end of this book! Happy reading!
January 19, 2018
Mr. Stelmach's Nadia Tesla series got a new direction with this book.
Nothing deep here, just a fun series to read and at $5.00 or less per a very good deal (only on Amazon).
Nothing deep here, just a fun series to read and at $5.00 or less per a very good deal (only on Amazon).
May 11, 2018
Great fun. Smart.
July 30, 2018
I loved this book so much it made me mad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2020
I loved this series - except the, in my opinion, unsatisfying ending. I'm totally bummed that there isn't a book 5!!!
July 10, 2022
orest stelmach has done it again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews