

The Scarlet Papers is a gripping spy novel by acclaimed author Matthew Richardson. A Cold War thriller praised as the best espionage novel of the year, it follows historian Max Archer as he uncovers explosive secrets. Perfect for fans of intelligent, fast-paced thrillers.
Historian Max Archer is invited to a clandestine meeting with legendary Cold War spymaster, Scarlet King. Her offer to share the explosive secrets born of over half a century at the heart of global espionage would be life-changing. But Max has little reason to trust a woman whose name is a byword for deceit and ruthlessness. Soon he is on the wrong side of the law and on the run. As the net closes tighter around him he must somehow discover the truth. Because it's not just his life on the line - but also the fate of the Western world . . .
Matthew Richardson studied English at Durham University and Merton College, Oxford. After a brief spell as a freelance journalist, he began working as a researcher and speechwriter in Westminster, and has also written speeches for senior figures in the private sector. He is the author of My Name is Nobody and The Insider.