Rating: 
Summary: an interesting forensic foray
Review: this book lays out some of the findings, theories, and arguments presented regarding the true fate of the Romanovs. Which grand duchess is missing? Where is Alexei? Could anyone have lived? A good starting point for those interested in deducing for themselves which set of remains belongs to which family member...
Rating:
Summary: The Final Chapter?
Review: This excellent book does a great job of recounting the story of the demise of the Romanovs, as well as the tale of how their remains were discovered. Additionally, the book gives much information about various pretenders to the Romanov throne, as well as the imposters who claimed to be the lost children of the Czar in the years following the executions.While I did throughly enjoy this book, I felt that some loose ends were not tied up. While the author did conclusively prove (to me, at least) that Alexis and Anastasia were executed with the rest of their family and that all of the people who claimed to be them in later years were imposters, absolutely no discussion or conjecture is made concerning their final whereabouts. This is very important as their remains were the only two not recovered from the graves. Even though I did have this one issue with the book, I did thoroughly enjoy the read, and felt that it is a great introduction to the sad saga of the end of the Romanov dynasty.
Rating: 
Summary: The Romanovs: The Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie
Review: This is a wonderful edition to any Romanov/Russian History/Grand Duchess Anastasia/Anna Anderson Libary. This book scientificly proves that Anna Anderson was NOT Her Imperial Highness, The Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaievna, but more of the simple, mentally deranged, and wanton Polish peasant, Franziska Shankowvska. It speaks of Tzar Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tzaritsa Alexandra Feodroevna (Princess Alix of Hesse), Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria (Marie, Mashka),and Anastasia Nikolaievna, and Tsarevich Aleksey and of course Anna Anderson/Franziska Shankowvska. It speaks of the many men and women who claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia and Tsarevich Alexei and the other, less over publisized Grand Duchesses (Olga, Tatiana and Maria.)
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Summary: THE TRUTH IS FINALLY OUT THERE
Review: This is one of my favorite non-fiction books, told with considerable style and excitement as it bounces back and forth between events in 1918, the 1980's and the present. Massie knows his subject, but more than that, he is a skilled writer. Perhaps the book's true significance is that it finally puts an end to the 20th century debate about Anna Andersen, the "imposter" who claimed to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Massie covers the hilariously beaurocratic court case involving the ownership of Andersen's diseased small intestines (!) as well as the definitive DNA tests which proved her to be a mentally ill Polish factory worker, not a Romanov (she couldn't even SPEAK Russian!). And as for the idiots (my term) who STILL refuse to believe that Andersen was Anastasia, Massie offers one of the most balanced statements ever made about this intriqing mystery. Although Anna Andersen was not Anastasia, Massie says, her life nonetheless WAS extraordinary and she lent color to the 20th Century. All around, a great mystery written by a classy guy.
Rating:
Summary: Current-day investigation of a mystery of yesterday.
Review: This was truly a great book, an excellent resource for anyone who's always been interested by the story of Nicholas, Alexandra, and their family, but has always wanted to know the final chapter of the mystery. Beginning with the discovery of the Romanov remains, Massie traces the diplomatic, scientific, and political paths that are taken in the course of learning more about the immediate aftermath of the death of the Russian Imperial family.
Highlighted is the genetic testing undergone by the remains, as well as good explanations of the proceedures; the political negotiations in a post-Soviet Russia to ensure correct identification of the bones; and the power play between Romanov family members, members of the investigating teams, and the political leaders. As well, insight is gained on the court cases of pretenders.
For anyone interested in the period surrounding the Russian Revolution, this work provides a modern-day postscript to the historical questions of that period. Highly recommended.
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