Secret City: the books that inspired the major TV series by two of Australia's top journalists

The novels that flushed out on Chinese spies, American disorder, and the deadly dance of Australian politics, long before there was fake news. Tie-in to the six-part Foxtel political thriller based on THE MARMALADE FILES and THE MANDARIN CODE

Two books in one:

THE MARMALADE FILES

When seasoned newshound Harry Dunkley is slipped a compromising photograph one frosty Canberra dawn, he knows he's onto something big. In pursuit of the scoop, Dunkley must negotiate the deadly corridors of power where the minority Toohey Government hangs by a thread -- its stricken Foreign Minister on life support, her heart maintained by a single drive: revenge. And all about rabid Opposition senators, union thugs and simpering TV anchors ready to pounce.

From the teahouses of Beijing to the beaches of Bali, from the marbled halls of Washington to the basements of the bureaucracy, Dunkley's quest takes him ever closer to the truth -- and ever deeper into a lethal political game.

THE MANDARIN CODE

A body pulled from the murky waters of Lake Burley Griffin links Canberra, Beijing and Washington in a titanic struggle where war is just a mouse click away.

Veteran reporter Harry Dunkley is chasing the scoop of his career, hunting for his best friend's killer. Delving into a cyber world where there are no secrets, he stumbles into the purview of the mandarins who wield real power -- and who'll stop at nothing to retain it.

‘Political insiders Steve Lewis and Chris Uhlmann bring biting wit and behind-the-headlines insight to this sharply observed novel … House of Cards, Canberra style' Sunday Canberra Times