Set in 1971, The Z Affair follows the story of Philip Trent, an ex-soldier turned government agent, working for an organization known as the ‘Outfit’, tasked with rooting out insurrection against the United Kingdom. In a time of anarchy and unrest, stirred up by unseen forces, Trent returns from West Berlin with crucial information about a plot targeting the U.K. Assigned to uncover the instigators of the conspiracy, Trent embarks on a perilous mission, aided by his lady friend and courtesan, Camille. Their quest takes them from the streets of London and Birmingham to the allure of Paris and the mystery of a secluded island off the Welsh coast. As Trent becomes entangled in the intricate web of deceit threatening to destroy the United Kingdom, his efforts to thwart the plot come at a great personal cost. Thrust into a whirlwind of violence, intrigue, romance, and treachery, Trent must navigate the murky waters of espionage while unravelling the threads of the conspiracy. The story reaches its climax in a fierce battle in the English Shires and a daring assassination attempt, testing Trent’s resolve and the strength of his allegiances. While set half a century ago, The Z Affair, a gripping spy thriller infused with romance, explores themes that resonate with modern audiences, making it a timeless and thought-provoking read.
C.K. Brown has had a varied career including music and finance. During this time, he has written songs, poetry, short stories, and newspaper articles. This is his first novel and was mainly written in lockdown. Recently retired, Chris then completed this novel. It is a spy thriller with romance underpinning the story, set in 1971, but with some modern themes. Chris lives in South Staffordshire with his wife, Carole.