SET TO BE ADAPTED FOR THE SCREEN. Like Michael Connelly's Bosch, John Bailey will risk everything to get to the truth - and expose a deadly enemy

AN OLD WAR HAS A NEW BATTLEGROUND A NEW JOHN BAILEY THRILLER

For decades a former KGB agent who sold secrets to the CIA has flown under the radar in Sydney. Until a young sex worker is found in his hotel room dying from a mysterious poison.

Dmitry Lebedev is desperate to make a deal to stay alive and contacts his former CIA case officer Ronnie Johnson with an offer to expose a traitor inside the Australian government, threatening a key intelligence partnership with the US.

Journalist John Bailey has spent decades risking his life to break news stories. Along the way he's made interesting friends, including Ronnie, who saved his life in Iraq - and Scarlett Merriman, whose night with Lebedev left her in a coma.

When Ronnie is framed for murder, the two old friends must combine forces to outwit their most deadly adversary yet.

PRAISE FOR TIM AYLIFFE

'[A] brilliantly crafted thriller from Ayliffe that fits perfectly in today's worrying world ... Verdict: Get this guy on TV.' Herald Sun

'A breathlessly written book, ripped from today's headlines, this is a cracking read that blurs the line between fact and fiction. More please.' Michael Robotham, author of Lying Beside You

'Sharp, gritty, sophisticated. Ayliffe's criminal world is terrifyingly real.' Candice Fox, author of The Chase

'A cracking yarn told at breakneck speed. I couldn't put it down.' Chris Hammer, author of The Tilt