The Ban Affair follows on from The Z Affair, which introduced a down-to-earth government agent from Smethwick who finds himself drawn into the world of espionage.
Set in 1972, the latest novel begins closer to home before taking its main character to Budapest, Hong Kong, London and Paris as he becomes embroiled in a plot which could potentially trigger a world war.
The author, Chris Brown, who lives near Kinver and grew up in the area, said using familiar Black Country locations provided a contrast with the more exotic settings and extraordinary events later in the story.
This is CK Brown’s second book (Image: Supplied)
Mr Brown said: “The idea was that the character is just down to earth, a Black Country lad from Smethwick, who then gets drawn into these more fantastical things.
“It’s the difference between a sort of low-key background in this area and then these more exotic locations and more fantastical plots.”
The character begins the sequel working as a private detective after falling out with his superiors in the first novel, but is soon pulled back into the world of intelligence and sent to Budapest.
The author began writing his first book during lockdown after a career in finance, before completing it following his retirement.
His inspiration comes from classic spy fiction, including Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels as well as the more grounded espionage stories associated with John le Carré and Len Deighton.
However, his own protagonist has been described as something of a “Black Country Bond”, coming from an ordinary working-class background in the industrial West Midlands rather than the more glamorous world traditionally associated with fictional spies.
His new book, The Ban Affair is set in many areas across The Black Country (Image: Supplied)
The 1970s setting also brings an element of nostalgia.
The Ban Affair has recently been released and is available in hardback, paperback and Kindle formats through booksellers including Amazon, while an audiobook is also planned before Christmas.
And the adventures might not end there, with the author saying a third instalment could follow if the new book proves successful.
