Murder in Petrograd — now available · Personalized inscriptions on request

Snow-covered embankment of Saint Petersburg at dusk, lit by gas lamps
Asya Pereltsvaig · Author of Historical Fiction

Petrograd, 1916.
A city at war.
A murder in waiting.

Murder in Petrograd re-imagines the web of forces surrounding Rasputin’s murder — a gripping saga of obsession, politics, loyalty, love and fate. Order a signed, personally inscribed copy.

Where History Meets Story

Scholarship and storytelling,
with cinematic scope.

Asya Pereltsvaig writes historical fiction set in the turbulent years of late Imperial and revolutionary Russia — blending archival research, immersive period detail and vivid narrative reconstruction.

Her debut novel, Murder in Petrograd, is out now. Next comes the Detective Rosen Mysteries, exploring crime and political instability in early 20th-century Saint Petersburg.

The Novel

Murder in Petrograd

Murder in Petrograd cover
Hardback

Murder in Petrograd

Historical fiction · Rasputin's murder

Petrograd, 1916. As Russia is swept up in the maelstrom of war, Oswald Rayner, a bookish Oxford graduate, is sent by British Intelligence to Petrograd.

Read more
Murder in Petrograd cover
Paperback

Murder in Petrograd

Historical fiction · Rasputin's murder

Petrograd, 1916. As Russia is swept up in the maelstrom of war, Oswald Rayner, a bookish Oxford graduate, is sent by British Intelligence to Petrograd.

Read more
Book Trailer

Enter the world of Murder in Petrograd

Portrait of author Asya Pereltsvaig
Meet the Author

Asya Pereltsvaig

"Is it ever morally right to take the life of a human being? That is the question history keeps asking us."

Asya Pereltsvaig is a native of Saint Petersburg, Russia. After earning a BA in English and History and a doctorate in Linguistics and teaching at Cornell and Stanford, she turned to doing what she loves most: teaching Russian history in lifelong education and writing historical fiction.

Her debut novel, centered on the assassination of Rasputin, is a sweeping saga of murder, love and fate. When she is not writing, Asya is an intrepid traveler, avid reader and dedicated ballroom dancer.

  • Petersburger Born and raised in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
  • Scholar BA in English and History and a doctorate in Linguistics.
  • Teacher Taught at Cornell and Stanford; now teaches Russian history.
  • Novelist Author of Murder in Petrograd and the Detective Rosen Mysteries
Services

Inscriptions, consulting & talks

Beyond the books, Asya offers personalized signed copies, writing-related consulting and talks on Russian history and historical fiction.

Signed & Inscribed Books
Gifts · collectors · readers

Signed & Inscribed Books

Order direct and receive a copy signed and personally inscribed by Asya — for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.

Writing Consulting
Writers · editors · producers

Writing Consulting

Historical research and accuracy checks, manuscript feedback, and expert guidance on Russian history, language and culture.

Talks & Lectures
Book clubs · libraries · lifelong learning

Talks & Lectures

Engaging talks on Russian history, Rasputin, Imperial Saint Petersburg and the craft of turning archival research into fiction.

Shop the Books

Hardback or paperback

Order direct for secure checkout. Every copy can be signed and personally inscribed — just tell Asya who it’s for.

Murder in Petrograd by Asya Pereltsvaig — book cover
Hardback

Murder in Petrograd

$39.99

Murder in Petrograd by Asya Pereltsvaig — book cover
Paperback

Murder in Petrograd

$25.99

News & Events

From the writing desk

Saturday, October 24 · 7pm Lecture & Book Signing

“The Murder of Rasputin”

At the Institute for the Study of Western Civilization. The lecture will also be available online and as a recording.

Information & registration
Saturday, November 7 · 2–3pm Meet-and-Greet

“Murder in Petrograd” with Asya Pereltsvaig

Meet Asya at Peninsula Books in Daly City for an afternoon conversation and signing.

Event details
Coming soon In progress

Detective Rosen Mysteries

A new historical mystery series exploring crime, social tension and political instability in early 20th-century Saint Petersburg.

Join the newsletter
The Letter

Be first to meet Detective Rosen.

New releases, events, talks and stories from the archives — sent only when there’s something worth sharing.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Yes. Every book ordered through this website can be signed and personally inscribed. After ordering, use the contact form to tell Asya who the book is for and any message you would like included.

Set in Petrograd in 1916, it follows Oswald Rayner, a British Intelligence officer sent to curb Rasputin’s influence — and eliminate him if needed. It re-imagines the web of forces behind Rasputin’s murder in a saga of politics, loyalty, love and fate.

The story is identical. The hardback is a collectible edition, ideal as a gift; the paperback is lighter and more affordable for reading on the go.

Yes. Asya is working on the Detective Rosen Mysteries, a historical mystery series set in early 20th-century Saint Petersburg. Her earlier popular science books may also be added here. Join the newsletter to hear first.

Writing-related consulting, including historical research and accuracy for fiction, manuscript feedback, and guidance on Russian history, language and culture for writers and projects.

Yes. Asya teaches Russian history in lifelong education and is available for author talks, book clubs, lectures and festival appearances. See News & Events or get in touch.

Books ship within the United States. For international orders or bulk orders for book clubs and classes, please use the contact form.

Get in Touch

Write to
Asya.

Inscription requests, consulting enquiries, talks, interviews or book club visits — send a note and Asya will be in touch.