• A thrilling spy novel inspired by the 2001 Russian storming of Chechen terrorists at a Moscow theatre

Here in his first novel, Paul Ritchie tells of a biochemical researcher, based at a major university on Long Island near New York City, who stumbles on a completely colourless and odourless gas that can induce instant sleep when sprayed over large geographic areas.

Immediately every intelligence agency is after the formula and its inventor, ready to go to extremes to be the first to grab both prizes. The professor and his secret become the hunted prey. Loosely inspired by the 2002 Russian storming of the Chechen terrorists holding the audience hostage in a Moscow theater, Deadly Sleep quickly becomes a suspenseful spy story with a surprise ending.