The thriller is set in Oxford and explores a potential Russian spy ring in the city.

Tod Productions, makers of Apple TV+’s Criminal Record, has optioned the rights for Charles Beaumont’s espionage thriller, A Spy Alone.

A former MI6 operative, Beaumont worked undercover war zones, on diplomatic missions and in international business, across two decades and four continents. A Spy Alone is his debut novel.

The story is set in Oxford two years ago, and explores a possible secret Russian spy ring in the city of dreaming spires. The book was published in November 2023 and has sold more than 55,000 copies to date across all formats. A sequel is due for publication in early 2025.

Tod Productions is an independent production company run by drama producer Elaine Collins, and is the exclusive co-production partner to STV Studios.

Collins said: “We’re thrilled to pick up A SPY ALONE, the first in a new returnable franchise. Charles’ novel is a brilliant combination of old-school spy craft and contemporary politics. We were really drawn to the novel’s fresh approach to the spy genre – where our hero tussles with the new rules for intelligence in a post ideological world. Most of all, it’s a cracking thriller with a smart political message.”

Beaumont added: “I am excited and delighted to be working with Elaine and her team at Tod Productions. Every author dreams of seeing their work on screen, but to be working with someone with Elaine’s considerable track record of successes is a real privilege. I feel that my book is in the best possible hands.”