One lie put the nation at risk. Another might save it.

'I wanted more' DAVID GILMAN

Harry Bristow: policeman, father, chauffeur, fraud.

In 1988 Harry made one mistake: he took a bribe, letting a man he knew as Igor into Britain - and he's regretted it ever since. So when he recognises Igor many years later as his newly-elected MP, he knows he has to come clean. But the MP recognises him too - and Harry fears what he might do next.

Peter Robinson, MP: salesman, politician, bachelor, spy.

It was easy to get into Britain in 1988 as an illegal, working deep undercover, but the break-up of the Soviet Union cut Robinson off from his homeland. He's inching closer to Britain's levers of power - but now the one man who knows his secret has reappeared. With no way to contact Moscow, he must act fast to preserve his position and reap its rewards - at any cost.

Manon Tyler, CIA analyst, has just boarded a plane to London - with a report on Russian illegals to read.

'Intriguing and very cleverly-plotted' ALEX GERLIS

'The Devil's Bargain races along at breakneck speed. Packed with insider information, this is not one to miss' M. W. CRAVEN

PRAISE FOR STELLA RIMINGTON:

'Damn good' Daily Telegraph

'A must-read for fans of contemporary spy fiction' Publishers Weekly

'This is something rare: the spy novel that prizes authenticity over fabrication, that is true to the character and spirit of intelligence work' Mail on Sunday