The thrilling novel of espionage and murder set in the dark heart of Westminster, from the UK's most exciting new spy writer

A Russian defector is found brutally murdered in a London hotel.

Only four people knew he had turned - the four most important and powerful figures in Whitehall.

There's only one conclusion:

A mole has infiltrated the highest levels of the nation's security.

Operating in secret from within Westminster's darkest corners, former spy, Solomon Vine, must uncover the traitor.

Because Britain's future hangs in the balance.

And with it, the fate of the whole world . . .

Praise for Matthew Richardson

'Proof that the spy genre is flourishing in the 21st century . . . [Richardson's] plotting has an old-school, Swiss-clock precision' The Guardian

'Compelling, intense and sharply authentic' James Swallow, bestselling author of Nomad

'A splendid tale of espionage starring an old-fashioned MI6 hero . . . Exciting spy literature' The Times

'A bang-up-to-date thriller told with old-school panache. A great read' Mick Herron, CWA Gold Dagger-winning author of the Slough House Series

The Firm meets House of Cards. The gripping second thriller from the UK's most exciting new spy writer.

About the Author
Matthew Richardson studied English at Durham University and Merton College, Oxford. After a brief spell as a freelance journalist, he began working as a researcher and speechwriter in Westminster, and has also written speeches for senior figures in the private sector. He is the author of My Name is Nobody and The Insider.

Reviews
Praise for Matthew Richardson * - *
Proof that the spy genre is flourishing in the 21st century . . . [Richardson's] plotting has an old-school, Swiss-clock precision * The Guardian *
Compelling, intense and sharply authentic -- James Swallow, bestselling author of Nomad * - *
A bang-up-to-date thriller told with old-school panache. A great read. -- Mick Herron, CWA Gold Dagger-winning author of Dead Lions * - *
A splendid tale of espionage starring an old-fashioned MI6 hero . . . exciting spy literature * The Times *
Combines immaculate Cold War tradecraft with modern tech savvy as our maverick hero comes up against a le Carre-esque establishment while trying to find a mole * Sunday Times Crime Club *
Supremely confident . . . told with panache and a taste for spy craft that mark it as outstanding * Daily Mail *
Authentic, mysterious, fraught with deception, betrayal, and uncertain allegiances, it captures perfectly the foggy world of spies -- Jason Matthews, author of Red Sparrow * - *
Calls to mind early le Carre -- Gregg Hurwitz, bestselling author of Orphan X * - *
Truly authentic and frighteningly so . . . a remarkable thriller * Shot Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9780718183431
Author Matthew Richardson
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 245g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 21mm