The Saundra Gray Affair

A Novel of Politics

“What a terrific, page-turning, enlightening book! It’s well-plotted and well-written, suspenseful until the very end, and revealing about politics and the human heart. Highly recommended.”

—James Fallows, former White House speechwriter and New York Times–bestselling author of Our Towns

When a Capitol Hill intern mysteriously disappears, a congressman finds himself in a media firestorm in the midst of a heated primary race.

Congressman J.D. Clay had the makings of a presidential contender—an Iowa Democrat, war hero, and one-hit-wonder songwriter who made Washington work by listening to all sides and finding common ground.

But then Saundra Gray, an attractive young intern in his office, disappeared.

As accusations of an affair and even involvement in her disappearance explode around him, Clay's world—along with that of his loyal chief adviser, Wally North—is turned upside down.

In a saga spanning more than two decades and continuing long after Saundra’s killer is found, journalist Isaiah Stone untangles a winding web of sex, secrets, and lies at the highest levels of government.

In the spirit of classic novels like Primary Colors and All the King’s Men and inspired by the true story of the still-unsolved Chandra Levy case, The Saundra Gray Affair is more than a murder mystery. It’s a powerful commentary on power, politics, and the brilliance and flaws of both our laws and our leaders.

$28.00
ISBN: 979-8-89138-538-2
Imprint: RealClear Publishing
SKU: 18-1381-01
Categories:RealClear Publishing

“What a terrific, page-turning, enlightening book! It’s well-plotted and well-written, suspenseful until the very end, and revealing about politics and the human heart. Highly recommended.”

—James Fallows, former White House speechwriter and New York Times–bestselling author of Our Towns

“Captivating! Dan Yager has worked in DC politics for more than fifty years, and The Saundra Gray Affair brings the pitfalls, pressures, and drama of that world vividly to life. Much more than a murder mystery, this book is a rare and brilliantly plotted window into the messy realities of life in Washington.”

—Steve Gunderson, former congressman (R-WI, 1981–1997)

“An intriguing reflection on the moral dilemmas that can beset politicians and those in their orbit, including close aides and the fourth estate. The Saundra Gray Affair draws you into politics in the nation’s capital and small-town America, hot issues of the late twentieth century, party polarization, and the policy wrangling of centrists. It is also a really good read, with fun plot twists and surprises, and a nostalgic romp through sixties culture of sex and rock ’n’ roll.”

—Wilma B. Liebman, former Democratic member and chairman, National Labor Relations Board (1997–2011)

“Dan Yager is a fifty-year veteran of the Washington policy world, and it all shows in this riveting debut novel. Those who remember Gary Condit and Chandra Levy will be taken back in time to that period, and those who didn’t experience it will understand what it was like.”

—Tevi Troy, former senior White House aide and author of The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry

“Dan Yager’s debut novel is a page-turner! Combining elements of a political thriller with a whodunit story, The Saundra Gray Affair will keep you on the edge of your seat. His story contains illuminating insights into how decisions get made and how congressional offices deal with constituents and the often prying media.”

—John Faso, former congressman (R-NY, 2017–2019)

Daniel Yager

Political novelist and former D.C. lawyer

Daniel Yager is a fifty-year veteran of the Washington, DC, legislative arena and the former chief executive officer of HR Policy Association (HRPA). Before that, he served as minority counsel to the House Education and Labor Committee. He has authored several books on labor relations. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and received his JD, cum laude, from the University of Santa Clara School of Law in 1975.

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