The Moscow Defector by A.W. Hammond

The Berlin Blockade has begun and Soviet aggression threatens to ignite a new conflict. Auguste Duchene finds himself part of a Cold War that is on the brink of turning hot. Working for the Allies in the besieged city to lure Soviet spies to defect, he’s made an enemy of the Russians who are drawing a net tight around him. Meanwhile, his estranged wife, Sabine, also finds herself under threat in Moscow. With her belief in the communist cause increasingly challenged, her past actions come back to haunt her as Stalin’s agents wield absolute power to expose her.

With its compelling portrayal of a paranoia-ridden Moscow and blockaded Berlin, The Moscow Defector sees Duchene and Sabine, torn apart by opposing ideologies, risk their lives to try to save one another. Evocative, gripping and full of twists, this taut thriller asks if lovers can reunite against an all-powerful regime.

September, 1948. The Iron Curtain has descended. Behind it is the woman he loves.

About the Author: A.W. Hammond was born in South Africa and emigrated to Australia as a child. He has a nomination for the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime Novel. He works at RMIT University and lives in Melbourne with his wife and daughters.

29 Jul 2025
 

The Moscow Defector by A.W. Hammond ISBN 9781760689872