The Prime Minister's Affair

Based on true events, The Paris Spy is a thrilling historical thriller about a blackmail plot hidden in the shadows of 1920s London. Frenchie, a former spy, is forced to travel to Paris to buy his former lover's silence, but when he hears the other side of the story, he is faced with a difficult decision that could change the course of history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Based on the true events of a scandalous blackmail plot hidden in the shadows of 1920s London, this gripping and immersive historical thriller from the author of Witchfinder takes readers on a thrilling journey through the murky world of espionage and political intrigue. The story follows Frenchie, a former soldier turned private investigator, who is hired by Ramsay MacDonald, Britain's first Labour Prime Minister, to investigate a blackmail plot against him. As Frenchie delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of political corruption and deception that threatens to bring down the entire government. With the help of his loyal assistant, Mabel, Frenchie must navigate through a treacherous landscape of double crosses and hidden agendas, using his skills as a spy to uncover the truth and protect his client from harm. The novel is a masterclass in storytelling, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and historical detail to create a truly engaging and immersive experience for readers. Author Simon Williams has a talent for creating complex and compelling characters, and his portrayal of Frenchie is particularly noteworthy. He is a flawed and relatable protagonist, whose moral compass is constantly tested as he confronts the darker aspects of his profession. The historical setting of 1920s London adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, with the rise of socialism, the Great Depression, and the beginning of World War II providing a backdrop for the political machinations that take place. The novel also explores the themes of power, corruption, and the lengths that people will go to in order to maintain their grip on it. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of historical thrillers and anyone interested in the fascinating and complex world of espionage. It is a gripping and immersive story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Based on the true events of a scandalous blackmail plot hidden in the shadows of 1920s London, this gripping and immersive historical thriller from the author of Witchfinder takes readers on a thrilling journey through the murky world of espionage and political intrigue. The story follows Frenchie, a former soldier turned private investigator, who is hired by Ramsay MacDonald, Britain's first Labour Prime Minister, to investigate a blackmail plot against him. As Frenchie delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of political corruption and deception that threatens to bring down the entire government. With the help of his loyal assistant, Mabel, Frenchie must navigate through a treacherous landscape of double crosses and hidden agendas, using his skills as a spy to uncover the truth and protect his client from harm. The novel is a masterclass in storytelling, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and historical detail to create a truly engaging and immersive experience for readers. Author Simon Williams has a talent for creating complex and compelling characters, and his portrayal of Frenchie is particularly noteworthy. He is a flawed and relatable protagonist, whose moral compass is constantly tested as he confronts the darker aspects of his profession. The historical setting of 1920s London adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, with the rise of socialism, the Great Depression, and the beginning of World War II providing a backdrop for the political machinations that take place. The novel also explores the themes of power, corruption, and the lengths that people will go to in order to maintain their grip on it. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of historical thrillers and anyone interested in the fascinating and complex world of espionage. It is a gripping and immersive story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

London, 1929. Very much not a land fit for heroes. Frenchie knows his occasional work for MI5 serves only the ruling classes. But he needs to feed his children. Scruples died in the trenches. When Ramsay MacDonald, Britain's first Labour Prime Minister, is blackmailed by a former lover, Frenchie must go to Paris to buy her silence. It is clear there are many people who would see MacDonald fall - the Conservatives, their friends in the press, even some of his own colleagues. But his own secret service? When Frenchie hears the other side of the story, everything changes.

If le Carre needs a successor, Williams has all the equipment for the role. TIMES Literary Supplement Books of the Year. Spy tradecraft of the old school, with no computers, fast cars or mobile phones, but not a whit less exciting for that. Highly recommended as both a spy story and a piece of social and political history. Shots Magazine.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529368307