A BASINGSTOKE man has self-published a soldier-spy adventure as his first book.

Born in Tenby in South Wales, Roger Bensaid went on to serve 24 years in the army around the world, before moving into the oil and gas industry.

He now writes and paints but still takes the odd mission as a compliance consultant, which involves travelling to conflict zones such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Nigeria and the Middle East.

Spymaster Adagio, which is available printed on demand from authorsonline.co.uk, concerns a unique device which could open the NATO battle computer to the KGB. Its story moves from South Africa to Moscow, London and Central America – and back again.       

Mr Bensaid, who now lives between the Fairfields area of town and France with his wife, commented: “I had a story I wanted to write and I had an opportunity to start the book several years ago when I had time on my hands. I also wanted to improve my written English. 

“I wrote part two of the book when I was in the army and, in the last few years, wrote part one and three to complete the book.

“I wanted to record my impressions in a small way of some of the locations where I served and, whilst the characters are fictional, they reflect my respect for some of the people I served with.”

When the book was finished last year, he approached Authors Online. The selected cover design features a painting by Mr Bensaid, who is a member of Basingstoke Art Club.

Mr Bensaid explained: “The strategy I decided on was get the first book out and, with the second book finished, go to a publisher having some proof of sales from the first.

“I am 30,000 words into the sequel. I have set a target to finish it by late autumn this year.

“I have one more client mission to undertake which should be completed by July this year in the UK and after that I am going to say no, and pick up my paintbrush and pen for good.”