Antonia is a writer, critic and podcaster. Her novels include The Winter Isles and The Tyrant’s Shadow. Antonia reviews historical fiction for The Times. Her upcoming book, Stalin’s Apostles, is a ground-breaking account of the Cambridge Five spy ring. Antonia podcasts at History Book Buffs, and is available to speak or host at bookish events.

The Community Offers

  • Find me on X @tonisenior, or on insta and tiktok as History Book Buffs
  • Available to host bookish events, fact and fiction.
  • Talks or panels or podcasts on the Cambridge Five and Intelligence History

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Monthly historical fiction reviews in The Times for more than ten years.

STALIN’s APOSTLES

STALIN’S APOSTLES is a radical new look at the way five people allowed their obsession with Communist ideology to overshadow any sense of morality or decency – or loyalty to their country. Why did these gilded charming men, blessed with brains, and beauty and opportunities, choose to betray their country?

Month

April, 2025

‘Shocking. Gripping. Unputdownable. You thought you knew the Cambridge Five? Think again!
Their level of treachery beggars belief, yet the British establishment’s incompetence and cover-up is equally unbelievable.’
DAMIEN LEWIS, author of THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

‘Meticulously researched, this is a fascinating analysis.’
NIGEL WESTauthor of A MATTER OF TRUST: MI5, 1945-72

‘Beautifully written and utterly compelling, Stalin’s Apostles is a brilliant reassessment of the Cambridge Five whose naive faith in communism is tellingly juxtaposed with the brutal reality of Stalin’s rule. Their betrayals had serious consequences for the West, as Senior makes clear, yet they lived out their days in Soviet exile with few regrets. A cautionary tale by a rising star of non-fiction.’

SAUL DAVID, author of TUNISGRAD

‘Understanding why the Cambridge spies really betrayed their country has eluded historians for decades. Senior’s new book is impressive in its scope of ground-breaking research and depth of historical context to unpack the motivations of these enigmatic men. A powerful narrative.’
DR HELEN FRY, author of THE WHITE LADY

A brilliant book. Deep research and dazzling writing make Stalin’s Apostles an appallingly entertaining read. A definitive work on one of the 20th century’s most treacherous conspiracies.

TIM WEINER, author of LEGACY OF ASHES and THE MISSION

‘Antonia Senior has done that rare thing, written an account of the Cambridge Five with an historian’s fidelity to fact and a novelist’s eye for character. Her meticulous research and elegant writing bring to life the story of class-conscious Englishmen whose youthful embrace of Communism led to the twentieth century’s most audacious spy network. It’s a spellbinding tale of espionage, friendship, and betrayal. Brilliant. ‘
PAUL VIDICH, author of AN HONOURABLE MAN

Reviews of History Book Buffs podcast and YouTube

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Joyful and thought-provoking

From Apple podcasts.

Brilliant show

from Apple podcasts.

Great Podcast!