Art meets real life in novels of former CIA spy

When Jason Matthews retired after more than three decades as a CIA operative, writing fiction provided a form of therapy.

Living in Los Angeles, Matthews channeled his energy into the 2013 novel Red Sparrow. It became a best-seller, resulting in a reported seven-figure movie deal.

Five years on from his retirement, Matthews is back this week with a sequel, Palace of Treason, which is set in Russia.