'A sequel that is every bit as thrilling, and chillingly real, as his debut . . . This will probably be the spy thriller of the year.' - The Australian

THE FRENCHMAN RETURNS

Alec de Payns, espionage operative of the Y Division of the DGSE, France's famed foreign intelligence service, is tasked with tracking down an agent of influence sending highly classified material against the Kremlin to embassies all over Europe.

A deadly conspiracy is aligning the West against Russia. But who is behind it? And to what end?

The clues lead to a secret meeting of businessmen, terrorists and mercenaries on a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, which de Payns must infiltrate. What he discovers sets off a Europe-wide manhunt in a desperate scramble to prevent an international catastrophe.

Former DGSE spy Jack Beaumont's Dark Arena is a chillingly plausible sequel delivering all the taut plotting, superb action and authentic spycraft that made The Frenchman a critically acclaimed bestseller.

'If it wasn't for my background, I would have said that this was fiction, but knowing what I know, Dark Arena is as real and as deeply disturbing as a world I once knew.' - Ant Middleton, former UK Special Forces

'A rollicking good read. Espionage skills abound in each fast-paced chapter. Lovers of spy novels are in for a treat - another exciting glimpse into contemporary yet fictional intelligence work.' - Paul Symon AO, former Director-General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service

'An extraordinary story.' - Richard Fidler, Conversations

'A sophisticated espionage tale from an author who knows whereof he speaks.' - Kirkus Reviews

'French spy turned author Jack Beaumont provides a gripping sequel to his debut, The Frenchman. Containing amazing authenticity and an elaborate plot, Dark Arena is an exceptional and highly addictive piece of spy fiction.' - Canberra Daily

'Dark Arena is the first bona fide top flight thriller of the year. Jack Beaumont secured his place in the pantheon of espionage page turners with his first book, The Frenchman. With Dark Arena he cements that place.' - Sydney Arts Guide

'Jack Beaumont provides an outstanding follow up to his epic debut with Dark Arena. Once again featuring his ultra-authentic take on spies and international espionage, Dark Arena has a captivating and realistic plot that takes his excellent and complex characters into the heart of a recent history. Intense, addictive, and so damn intricate, Dark Arena was an exceptional read from a rising star in the spy thriller game.' - The Unseen Library

'This thriller blends current real world politics and fictional international espionage . . . If you like a good spy story, immerse yourself in this.' - Law Institute Journal

'With Dark Arena, Jack Beaumont delivers a story nourished by years spent in the arcana of intelligence. This thriller, at the crossroads of clandestine operations and intimate fractures, is anchored in a disturbing reality, almost palpable.' - Le Suricate Literature

'In the world of French thrillers, another name stands out this Autumn: Jack Beaumont.' - Pleine Vie