M. Ageyev, a pen name shrouded in mystery, is most famously associated with the intriguing work Novel with Cocaine. This piece is a remarkable illustration of the Russian literary tradition and has stirred considerable debate regarding its authorship. Initially published in 1934 within the Parisian émigré publication, Numbers, it captures the essence of a tumultuous period in Russian history through its vivid narrative and complex characters.

There has been considerable speculation that the true identity behind M. Ageyev is Mark Lazarevich Levi. However, this attribution has not been without controversy. At one point, the novel was suspected to be the work of another renowned Russian author, Vladimir Nabokov, under a pseudonym. This theory was later refuted, adding another layer to the mystery surrounding the book's origins. Despite the conjectures, Levi's life itself remains a topic of fascination and enigma. After returning to the U.S.S.R. in 1942, he lived out his remaining days in Yerevan, passing away in 1973.