The Saundra Gray Affair

A Novel of Politics

By: Daniel Yager

Narrated by: Daniel Yager, Geoff McIntyre, Jeff McGuiness, Claudia Gorham, Joseph Yager, Milla Yager

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.

©2025 Daniel Yager (P)2025 Daniel Yager

Critic reviews

“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

A terrific political thrill ride

I literally drove circles around my office listening to the end of this book - I couldn't stop. A reimagining of the famous Chandra Levy case, this novel is this a great combination of Washington intrigue, political science lesson (in a good way), and a mystery. No spoilers, but the way it weaves together the themes of how things get done in Washington, the daily grind of working on Capitol Hill, the political reporting business, campaign strategy, along with a can't put down mystery is just perfect. I loved the audio being read in the voices of the main characters, it really immersed me in the story. I can't recommend it more highly.