A Classified Affair

A marriage built on secrecy unravels when a British MI6 agent and “mole-hunter” disappears, leaving his estranged wife to wonder if he has vanished behind the Iron Curtain in pursuit of a traitor, or if he is the wanted man himself.

London, 1979. Even as Alice puts her key in the lock of her front door, she is certain she is being watched—but whether by British intelligence, foreign agents, or someone closer to home she cannot say. Her husband, an MI6 agent, has been missing for weeks, but has her infidelity driven him away—or something more sinister? Long tasked with investigating the infamous spy ring known as the Cambridge Five—and rooting out its upper-crust members such as the “Third Man,” Kim Philby, who passed information to the Soviet Union and defected when exposed—Alice’s husband is still lost when Prime Minister Thatcher publicly reveals the long-rumored “Fourth Man,” Sir Anthony Blunt. Now, there’s talk of a “Fifth Man” at large, prompting Alice to wonder if her husband is hunting this elusive master spy, or himself being hunted. How well does she really know her husband, or he her?

As Alice desperately calls on old friends and enemies alike in search of some clue, she reexamines the early years of their marriage, parsing through romantic entanglements and her complicated position as both insider and outsider within a cosseted world of power. The deeper she probes, the more perilous Alice's situation becomes as she is pulled into a dark web of surveillance, deceit, and clandestine dealmaking, where everyone, even she, is suspect.

Psychological, atmospheric and gripping, A Classified Affair explores the emotional toll of a marriage built on lies and a nation reckoning with waning global relevance. Told from the point of view of a spymasterʼs adulterous wife, A Classified Affair casts a brilliant and original light on the sexual politics of the Cold War and gives a stunning portrait of a woman readers of espionage fiction have only glimpsed.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs