From former Pentagon official and award-winning historical novelist Suzanne Parry comes The Communist’s Secret — a haunting WWII novel of betrayal, bravery, and second chances. In 1941, Katya Karavayeva, a devoted Communist, has broken the most important rule in Soviet society: Never say anything that can be used against you. Before she comes to terms with the consequences of her actions, Nazi Germany invades and the Soviet Union mobilizes. Katya joins the volunteer militia and is sent toward the onrushing Germans to build defensive earthworks. In a few short weeks, the militia is under attack. Katya escapes with another volunteer and they spend harrowing weeks on the run. Eventually, she lands in a town under Nazi occupation. There, Katya finds a place and a purpose and learns to fight a different kind of war, repaying German brutality with a harsh justice of her own. By turns desperate, courageous, and conflicted, she battles the Nazis and her inner demons while dreaming of redemption and reunion with her family. For fans of Kate Quinn and Mark Sullivan, The Communist’s Secret is a sharp, cinematic story of one woman’s wartime journey—a woman who makes mistakes but also seeks to make things right. It is the second book of The Leningrad Trilogy, a saga set in Soviet Russia during World War II and the post-war era. “. . . Parry richly develops her characters and crafts a compelling tale of second chances that will captivate readers . . . Her keen eye for detail, and her clear ability to infuse real-life history into her story, demonstrates her commitment and discipline when it comes to historical fiction.” —Kirkus Reviews “Replete with thought-provoking moments of realization, survival tactics that go beyond physical confrontation or hiding, and engrossing past and present contrasts, The Communist’s Secret . . . will garner lively discussions among those versed in World War II fiction, who will appreciate how Parry has crafted a story about freedom, democracy, communism, and the forces that influence everything.” —D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review “An impeccably researched and gripping story of life under occupation, The Communist’s Secret will keep you turning the pages and asking questions about betrayal and forgiveness long after it is finished . . . a great book, poignant and moving.” —Deborah Swift, author of The Lifeline and The Shadow Network “A vivid, suspenseful historical novel of bravery in the face of war. Suzanne Parry delivers a captivating saga of a woman surviving against all odds.” —Sasha Vasilyuk, journalist and author of Your Presence Is Mandatory “With rich historical detail and an unflinching eye for the moral dilemmas of war, Suzanne Parry delivers a gripping tale of courage and betrayal. Parry brings the past to life with a rare authenticity, immersing readers in the chaos of a collapsing front line and the harsh choices forced upon those caught between two ruthless powers. The Communist’s Secret is a haunting, fast-paced novel that explores the horrors of war and the weight of ideology, sacrifice, and what it means to fight for a future that may never come.” —Sepehr Haddad, author of A Hundred Sweet Promises and The Harmless Necessary Cat “At times brutal, in other moments poignant, this historical novel starkly reveals a side of the second World War era that is too often overlooked: Russia, behind the Iron Curtain, and the millions who followed or resisted the regime. A gorgeous denouement.” —Julia Park Tracey, author of Silence and The Bereaved Praise for Lost Souls of Leningrad “With the Russian attack on Ukraine fresh in the imagination of readers, the wartime horrors of the siege and the emotional toll on the victims ring true. Parry has transformed her impressive research into a vigorous story of how love vanquishes despair.” — Library Journal “Set in 1941 Leningrad, this tension-filled, well-crafted WWII historical novel tells the harrowing story of Sofya Karavayeva, a widowed violinist, and Yelena, her spirited, young granddaughter. . . . Through masterfully created characters and vivid dialogue, this powerful, inspiring saga brings to the forefront the overwhelming challenges of the daily life of those ‘lost in Leningrad’ during one of the most treacherous periods in Russian history. . . . Lost Souls of Leningrad is a thought-provoking, disturbing, and compassionate portrayal of war’s impact and how the lives of ordinary people are forever changed.” —Historical Novels Review “This is historical fiction that feels ripped from today’s headlines . . . an engaging portrayal of love and survival in wartime.” —Debra Dean, best-selling author of New York Times Editor’s Choice The Madonnas of Leningrad “. . . amazing, heart-grabbing, and stunning . . .” — Readers Favorite , 5-star review Suzanne Parry is a former arms control negotiator turned historical novelist. She studied Russian in Moscow and