Spybrary Spy Podcast

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! Today's episode is helmed by Spybrary contributor, author and music aficionado Andy Onyx, who interviews John Higgs, the author of Love and Let Die - James Bond, The Beatles and The British Psyche.

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Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! Today, we have the exceptional Merle Nygate joining us to dive deep into her latest espionage novel, Honour Among Spies, the highly anticipated sequel to The Righteous Spy. Tune in as host Shane Whaley commends Merle's expertise in writing riveting action scenes and her knack for adding delicious touches of realism with food scenes that flesh out the characters and setting.

Merle takes us behind the scenes, sharing how her boxing lessons inform her authentic fight sequences and discussing her approach to crafting stories that blend ethical dilemmas with gritty espionage tactics. We'll also explore her unique concept of "vinyl tradecraft" and the influence of real-life events and conspiracy theories on her writing.

As the conversation unfolds, we'll touch on the personal journeys of characters like Petra and Eli, who grapple with complex moral choices and the taxing demands of spy life. Discover how Merle's multifaceted career as a novelist, screenwriter, and lecturer shapes her craft, and hear about her dreams of adapting her gripping tales for television.

And don't worry, there's a glimpse into what might be next for the series, including the possibility of a third book! So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fascinating discussion on Spybrary, where spy fiction aficionados come together to celebrate the best in espionage literature.

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In this episode, your host, Shane Whaley, is joined by special guests Charlie Higson and Mark Ashby to discuss the updated and revised paperback edition of On His Majesty's Secret Service.

Charlie Higson, author of the latest James Bond novel On His Majesty's Secret Service shares his unique perspective on modernizing the iconic agent. Higson discusses his journey into writing a James Bond novel for the 60th anniversary of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," offering insights into updating the character for contemporary readers while staying true to Ian Fleming's legacy. From Bond's motivations to his characterization, discover the fascinating evolution of the world's most famous spy with Higson's fresh take.

Joined by fellow Bond aficionado Mark Ashby, the conversation delves into attending Bond premieres and the impact of Higson's young Bond series. Uncover Higson's intricate plans for Bond's backstory, from leaving Eton to entering the Secret Service during World War II, providing a new lens on the beloved character's formative years.

Explore the captivating dynamics of political extremism, historical ties, and societal stability as discussed by our insightful guests. From threats to the British monarchy to the challenges of creating contemporary villains, Higson's narrative intrigues with its deep-rooted exploration of espionage and intrigue.

Join Shane, Charlie, and Mark as they unravel the secrets behind On His Majesty's Secret Service, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the mind of a modern Bond author and the ever-evolving world of espionage literature. Tune in for a thrilling discussion that combines historical context, character evolution, and the enduring allure of the iconic James Bond.

Order! Order! Welcome to Episode 239 of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! I'm your host, Shane and today Whaley goes to Westminster. But don't worry; I'm not running for office! I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a tea break with Gordon Henderson MP. I am a politics nerd so it was a delight for me to combine both of my passions, espionage and politics. Gordon isn't just a sitting member of Parliament for Sittingbourne and Sheppey in Kent—he's also a passionate writer of spy fiction. We'll dive into his experiences and inspirations, including his admiration for Len Deighton and his creation of a very relatable, working-class spy named Steven Statton.

Join us as Gordon Henderson MP shares insights into his writing process, offers advice for aspiring authors, and Shane cheekily asks him about the latest spy scandals in Parliament. Plus, you'll hear his thoughts on his favorite spy novels, films, and music that fuels his creativity. So, grab a cup of tea and settle in for an engaging conversation in the heart of the Palace of Westminster. All this and more, coming up on Spybrary! Steven Statton - a very working-class spy, is a thrill-a-minute story of intrigue and betrayal at the heart of Britain’s most secretive intelligence agency. Although set mainly in London, the story sees Steven Statton travel the world in an effort to counter an Iranian plot to use the Mafia to destabilise Britain by flooding its streets with heroin. However, Statton’s task is made harder when he is betrayed by somebody working in the British Secret Service. Matters come to a head in a lockup garage in London’s East End, where Statton has a violent confrontation with two Mafia hitmen, and with his own boss.

Welcome to the second episode of Section F - our Spy Movie track on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favorite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into the movie adaptation of Len Deighton's Funeral in Berlin, starring Michael Caine as the iconic Harry Palmer. Unlike the suave and debonair James Bond, Harry Palmer brings a gritty, realistic edge to the spy genre, challenging traditional spy representations with his working class cunning and street smarts. Spybrary's Section F dissects Palmer's intricate world of divided loyalties set against the vivid backdrop of 1960s Berlin. It discusses the film's complex plot, the innovative use of the Technoscope filming technique, and the nuanced portrayal of characters who navigate the murky waters of Cold War espionage. Join us as we explore how "Funeral in Berlin" not only captured the essence of its era but also set new standards in spy filmmaking. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Harry Palmer series, this episode delivers deep insights and lively discussions. Meet Your Section F - Spy Film Hosts. Jonathan Melville Michael Huie Eric Newsom Steve Lichtman Producer: Shane Whaley

Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club presented by Spybrary. In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's Thunderball as if they are in the year of publication.

They provide fascinating analysis and insight into this iconic book's plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's Thunderball compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or love a good book club style discussion, this episode offers a detailed and engaging look at Thunderball and all its elements. Tune in now to join the conversation!

We discuss the artwork, the plot, the villains, the locations, the femme fatales, the allies, and the glamour. All that and much more on the latest edition of the James Bond Book Club, available on all good podcast apps and at the link in the first comment. Will you join us in 1961?

In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews the former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book In True Face A Woman's Life in the CIA. Join us for a riveting episode with Jonna Mendez, a former CIA operative with an enthralling tale of espionage, covert operations, and the very human aspect of intelligence work.**

Spybrarys' Adam Brookes dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage with the remarkable Jonna Mendez, who shares her extraordinary experiences from a reputable career in the CIA. Prepare to be captivated as Mendez recounts real-life scenes straight from a spy thriller – from enduring hostile interrogation and utilizing disguise artistry to operational challenges in Moscow and the intricate realm of intelligence gathering. In this episode, you'll discover:

The seemingly impossible. How a renowned burglar turned into an invaluable asset within a CIA office.

Surviving the darkness. Mendez reveals her harrowing experience during a hostile interrogation training course and the mental fortitude it took to overcome her claustrophobia.

The art of disguise. Dive into the secretive world of masks and how the CIA uses Hollywood-inspired techniques to outmaneuver surveillance teams.

Embracing technology. As the world grows more complex, Mendez addresses the efficacy of masks against facial recognition and the internet's role in modern espionage.

Escape Through Visualization: Mendez describes her mental escape during a CIA training exercise and how this skill became her personal superpower.

Infrared Intelligence: Learn how Jonna Mendez managed to develop crucial film in a clandestine hotel room operation.

The Babushka Strategy: A daring operation involving disguise and deception on the streets of Moscow.

The Legacy of Secrecy: Mendez reflects on the impact of leading a covert life on personal relationships and the struggle to transition back to normalcy post-CIA.

The spy behind the smile. Mendez opens up about the human dimension of spying, from the emotional toll of secrecy to the reliance on personal connections.

In this episode of the Spybrary podcast, the hosts discuss the book 'Four Shots in the Night' by Henry Hemming. Four Shots In the Night tells the story of the 1986 murder of a British spy inside the IRA and the subsequent investigation that took place 30 years later. It explores the role of Martin McGuinness and British intelligence in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The hosts also discuss the historical context of the conflict and the process of getting Sinn Fein involved in the political process as well as the Kenova report. The book is praised for its extensive research and the new insights it provides into the intelligence operations during that time.

Four Shots in the Night is the story of a political murder: the killing of an IRA member turned British informant. 

The search for justice for this one man's death—his body found in broad daylight, with tape over his eyes, an undisguised hit—would deliver more than the truth. It exposed his status as an informant and led to protests, campaigns, far-reaching changes to British law, a historic ruling from a senior judicial body, a ground-breaking police investigation, and bitter condemnation from a US Congressional commission. And there have been persistent rumors that one of the country’s most senior politicians, the Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness, might have been personally involved in this particular murder.

Relying on archival research, interviews, and the findings of a new complete police investigation, Four Shots in the Night tells a riveting story not just of this murder but of his role in the decades-long conflict that defined him--the Troubles. And the questions it tackles are even larger: how did the Troubles really come to an end? Was it a feat of diplomatic negotiation, as we've been told--or did spies play the decisive role? And how far can, or should, a spy go, for the good of his country? Four Shots in the Night is a page-turner that will make you think.

In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane Whaley interviews Michael Frost Beckner, the writer of the movie Spy Game. They discuss Michael's Spy Game book series including a new novella called Kaleidoscope and how it fits into his Spy Game trilogy. They also talk about the complexity of the characters in Michael's Spy Game books and the inspiration behind them. Michael shares his thoughts on the spy genre and the attraction it holds for him.

Welcome to another riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast. I'm your host, Shane Whaley, and today we dive into the thrilling world of spy fiction with our special guest, Tom Fletcher, the former UK ambassador and advisor to three UK Prime Ministers turned espionage thriller writer. Tom Fletcher's new book, "The Assassin," is creating waves and it's not just because of its gripping scenes; it's a novel that hits the zeitgeist with its daring exploration of climate change and the moral quandaries it poses for future generations.

In this episode, we'll uncover the inspiration behind "The Assassin," a sequel that can stand alone yet continues the intriguing tale from "The Ambassador." We'll tackle everything from Tom's firsthand experiences in the heart of governmental intelligence to the ethical crossroads his protagonist, Ambassador Ed Barnes, faces.

Tom gives us a glimpse into his writing process and why he's attracted praise from the likes of Frederick Forsyth and Andy McNabb for his authenticity and style.

Get ready to embark on a literary journey that blends authenticity with heart-stopping thrills as we discuss the roles spies and diplomats play in shaping our world, both in fiction and reality, with Tom Fletcher—an author whose work is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

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In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx and Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only as if they are in the year of publication. They provide fascinating analysis and insight into this iconic book's plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or just love a good book club style discussion, this episode offers a detailed and engaging look at For Your Eyes Only and all its elements. Tune in now to join the conversation!

Join us as we discuss the latest Ian Fleming James Bond book of short stories For Your Eyes Only. We discuss the artwork, the plot, the villains, the locations, the femme fatales, the allies, and the glamour. All that and much more on the latest edition of the James Bond Book Club, available on all good podcast apps and at the link in the first comment. Will you join us in 1960?

Join Spybrary Spy Book Podcast host Shane Whaley, author Paul Vidich and Spybrarian David Craggs as we unpack Paul Vidich's latest spy thriller 'Beirut Station: Two Lives of a Spy.' Beirut Station is a novel pulsating with emotional depth and geopolitical intrigue.

  Set amidst the 2006 Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in Beirut, Lebanon, the story follows the precarious journey of a Lebanese-American protagonist entangled with the UN, CIA, and Mossad in a mission to eliminate a terrorist threat. Special guest Paul Vidich returns for a third appearance on Spybrary , offering listeners a rare glimpse into his creative process and the inspiration drawn from historical events and legendary spies like Kim Philby.  This episode brims with lively discussions on Vidich's adept portrayal of Annalise a robust female spy lead character who navigates the moral complexities of her clandestine world. We discuss the seamless blending of fact and fiction and Paul Vidich's layered approach to character development. Beirut Station reminding us once again that heroes and villains in spy novels, much like in real life, occupy grey areas of morality. Join us for this enthralling conversation and then connect with your fellow espionage aficionados in our online community to share your thoughts on Paul Vidich's Beirut Station.

A stunning new espionage novel by a master of the genre, Beirut Station follows a young female CIA officer whose mission to assassinate a high-level, Hezbollah terrorist reveals a dark truth that puts her life at risk.

Lebanon, 2006.

The Israel-Hezbollah war is tearing Beirut apart: bombs are raining down, residents are scrambling to evacuate, and the country is on the brink of chaos.

In the midst of this turmoil, the CIA and Mossad are targeting a reclusive Hezbollah terrorist, Najib Qassem. Najib is believed to be planning the assassination of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is coming to Beirut in ten days to broker a cease-fire. The spy agencies are running out of time to eliminate the threat.

They turn to a young Lebanese-American CIA agent. Analise comes up with the perfect plan: she has befriended Qassem's grandson as his English tutor, and will use this friendship to locate the terrorist and take him out. As the plan is put into action, though, Analise begins to suspect that Mossad has a motive of its own: exploiting the war’s chaos to eliminate a generation of Lebanese political leaders.

She alerts the agency but their response is for her to drop it. Analise is now the target and there is no one she can trust: not the CIA, not Mossad, and not the Lebanese government. And the one person she might have to trust—a reporter for the New York Times—might not be who he says he is…

A tightly-wound international thriller, Beirut Station is Paul Vidich's best novel to date.

Today, we are thrilled to present a very special 90-minute episode titled "Ian Fleming: The Complete Man" with the esteemed novelist and Iatest Ian Fleming biographer Nicholas Shakespeare. For this interview, Spybrary host and founder Shane Whaley recruited James Bond and Ian Fleming scholars Ajay Chowdhury and Jeremy Duns, to dive deep into the life and works of the legendary creator of James Bond, Mr. Ian Fleming with biographer Nicholas Shakespeare. With unrivaled access to the Fleming family, archives, and a trove of new material, Shakespeare presents a new, nuanced portrait of Ian Fleming's life. So place your devices on do not disturb and enjoy this in depth interview with Ian Fleming biographer Nicholas Shakespeare. Support us on Patreon  Join the free Spybrary Community

Special guest Mark Edlitz, author of "James Bond After Fleming," joins James Bond aficionados Bill Kanas, Brian McKaig, and guest host Matt Raubenheimer on the Spybrary Spy Podcast to dissect the evolution of 007 in print. Together, they unravel the challenges, strategies, and approaches of various continuation 007 authors in the ever-thrilling James Bond literary saga.

🎧 Listen now to uncover fascinating insights into the world Ian Fleming created and how it has been skillfully perpetuated through the pens of talented continuation authors!

Today, we are talking all about the world of James Bond after Fleming on Episode 229 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast "The Continuation 007 Novels." Join us as we decode the world of Bond novels post-Ian Fleming with an elite panel of James Bond Continuation 007 novels fans: Matt Raubenheimer in the hosts chair, Mark Edlitz author of James Bond After Fleming, Brian McKaig, and Bill Kanas.

Today, we'll explore the varying directives given to continuation authors, the challenge of maintaining a consistent Bond universe, and the particular styles of authors like Kinglsey Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, Anthony Horowitz.

Dive into the complexity and charm of the Gardner era with Brian McKaig's insights, learn why Bill Kanas cherishes these stories, and follow Matt Raubenheimer's unique path through the Bond series. Mark Edlitz brings his guide to Bond literature, offering starting points for new and veteran readers alike.

The mission begins now.

Meet Your Spybrary James Bond After Fleming Panelists Guest Host - Matt Raubenheimer Mark Edlitz - author of James Bond After Fleming Bill Kanas Brian McKaig Producer: Shane Whaley

The video version of James Bond After Fleming is coming soon! In this episode you will also learn:

• Bill Kanas’s suggested order of John Gardner to Raymond Benson novels and contextual novelization reading
• Brian McKaig's preference for starting with "Colonel Sun" followed by Gardner’s and then Benson’s works
• Addressing cherry pickers’ potential entry points into the Bond novel series

Spybrary is more than a podcast. Did you know we host a community of almost 4000 spy book fans? Join the Spybrary Community and dive into some of these conversations:

Welcome to the first episode of Section F - our Spy Movie track on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favorite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into the classic film 'The Third Man,' discussing its plot, rewatchability, and notable moments. The music and cinematography of the film are also explored. Meet Your Section F - Spy Film Hosts. Jonathan Melville Michael Huie Eric Newsom Steve Lichtman Producer: Shane Whaley The question of whether 'The Third Man' can be considered a spy movie is debated, with the moral ambiguity and themes of betrayal being highlighted. The influence of real-life spy Kim Philby on the story is examined, and the charm and complexity of the character Harry Lime are discussed. The iconic Ferris wheel scene and its cinematography are analyzed. The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their pitches for why someone should watch 'The Third Man.' In this episode, the hosts discuss Carroll Reed's trilogy of films, including Odd Man Out, The Fallen Idol, and The Third Man. They highlight the unique elements of The Third Man, such as the untranslated German dialogue and the suspenseful scene with the child pointing at the murderer. The hosts also recommend other films for fans of The Third Man, such as The Spy in Black, Berlin Express, and Cornered. They mention books like The Prague Coup and Night Falls on the City that provide further immersion into the post-war Vienna setting. Lastly, they suggest a double feature of Casablanca and The Third Man as bookends to the themes discussed. What do you think about the Third Man? Come and share your take in our Spybrary Community!

In this episode of the Spybrary spy book podcast we talk about our best spy books. Host Shane Whaley invites guest Jeff Circle, author, veteran, avid spy novel reader and the head honcho behind The Writers Dossier to embark on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain. As part of the Dead Drop 5 series, Jeff Circle shares his top five best spy thriller books that he would take with him to East Berlin. From classic spy thrillers to lesser-known gems, Mark's's picks promise to keep any thriller enthusiast on the edge of their seat. Join the Spybrary Community today

In this episode of the Spybrary spy book podcast we talk about our best spy books. Host Shane Whaley invites guest Dr Mark Pack, author, avid spy novel reader and President of the UK's Liberal Democrats to embark on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain. As part of the Dead Drop 5 series, Mark Pack shares his top five best spy books that he would take with him to East Berlin. From classic spy thrillers to lesser-known gems, Mark's's picks promise to keep any spy thriller enthusiast on the edge of their seat. Join your fellow spy book enthusiasts at Spybrary Online Download our ranking of the top 125 spy authors today!

Host Adam Brookes is joined by Stuart Reid, executive editor at Foreign Affairs and author of The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination. They delve into the fascinating and shocking story of Patrice Lumumba, the Congo crisis of 1960, and the CIA's role in Lumumba's assassination.

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In this episode of the Spybrary spy book podcast we talk about our best spy books, host Shane Whaley invites guest Martin Paul to embark on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain. As part of the Dead Drop 5 series, Martin shares his top five best spy books that he would take with him to East Berlin. From classic spy thrillers to lesser-known gems, Martin's picks promise to keep any spy thriller enthusiast on the edge of their seat.

David Clark interviews former MI6 officer and debut author Charles Beaumont, whose novel A Spy Alone has just been published in the UK. (Available on Kindle elsewhere.) A QUICK HEADS UP. A Spybrary first, due to Charles Beaumont's work for the Intelligence Services, our technical division has digitally altered his voice to protect his identity. Spybrary's David Clark and Charles Beaumont discuss the themes of the book, including Russian interference in the UK's political affairs, the complexities of modern espionage, and the influence of spy fiction on real-world intelligence operations. Charles shares his literary influences, the portrayal of characters in his book, and the challenges of writing spy fiction in the post-Cold War era. Charles also reveals which spy movies and spy TV series he rates best!

Tim Shipman, the chief political commentator at the Sunday Times, conducts a captivating interview with author David McCloskey on the Spybrary podcast. McCloskey's debut novel, Damascus Station, garnered much excitement among spy thriller readers. Shipman explores how his second book, "Moscow X," measures up. The interview delves into the complexities of modern espionage, as well as themes of betrayal, love, loyalty, and vengeance in the shadow war between the West and Moscow.

Discover the thrilling world of espionage in Moscow X the gripping second novel by David McCloskey. Set in present-day Russia, this fast-paced spy thriller follows the CIA's Artemis Proctor as she masterminds a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Russian intelligence. With a plot centered around a covert operation to destabilize Putin's regime, Moscow X delves into the complex world of money, power, and betrayal. Prepare for a heart-pounding yet realistic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat or as in my case, late for work, yes it is that good!

The second novel from the author of Damascus Station (‘One of the best spy thrillers in years’ The Times)

A daring CIA operation threatens chaos in the Kremlin. But can Langley trust the Russian at its center?

CIA operatives Sia and Max enter Russia to recruit Vladimir Putin’s moneyman. Sia works for a London firm that conceals the wealth of the super-rich. Max’s family business in Mexico – a CIA front since the 1960s – is a farm that breeds high-end racehorses. They pose as a couple, and their targets are Vadim, Putin’s private banker, and his wife Anna, who is both a banker and an intelligence officer herself…

Praise for Damascus Station:

‘Simply marvellous storytelling…a stand-out thriller and essential reading for fans of the genre’ – Financial Times

‘The best spy novel I have ever read’ – General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA

On this episode, Bruce Dravis sends us a quick brush pass review of David McCloskey's Second Novel - Moscow X! Was it a hit or miss for Bruce? Listen in to find out! What do you think of Moscow X? Come and share in our community for spy book enthusiasts - Spybrary.  All Welcome

In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Liza Mundy, author of "Code Girls" and "The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women and the CIA". Mundy discusses the often overlooked contributions of women to the CIA, highlighting the challenges they faced due to gender biases. She shares stories of women who played crucial roles in intelligence gathering and analysis, including Lisa Harper, the first female division chief at the CIA. Mundy also explores the moral dilemmas faced by women in the CIA post 9/11 and the lessons learned from their experiences. It's time you came in from the cold. Join our Spybrary Readers Community today!

Welcome to Spybrary, the podcast for spy book enthusiasts! In today's episode, we are diving into the world of WW2 spy books with author Alex Gerlis.

In this episode of Spybrary we talked about the inspiration behind each book in Alex Gerlis most recent Wolf Pack series. From the events of Pearl Harbor to the Allied bombing of the Ruhr, to the butcher of Lyon, and even to German football, Alex's novels delve into significant historical events yet still offer readers a thrilling World War Two spy thriller. Alex's thorough research and commitment to historical accuracy make his novels a must-read for anyone interested in this era.

Got a question for Alex? He is a member of our Spybrary Online Community and is always open to answering readers questions.

Alex Gerlis was a BBC journalist for nearly thirty years and is the author of eleven Second World War spy books, these espionage books are all published by Canelo.

His first four novels are in the acclaimed Spy Masters series, including the best-selling The Best of Our Spies.  Prince of Spies was published in March 2020 and was followed by three more in the Prince series. His latest series is the Wolf Pack novels, with Agent in Berlin the first of which was published in November 2021

Welcome to Spybrary, a podcast for spy book enthusiasts. In episode 215, I had the pleasure of hosting special guest Oliver Webb Carter, a historian and the founder of Aspects of History, a magazine, podcast, and website dedicated to history and historical fiction. Dead Drop 5 is our espionage version of Desert Island Discs, except in our case, the guest is asked which five favourite spy novels he/she wants stashed in a dead drop during an undercover mission behind the Iron Curtain. Join fellow Spy Book Enthusiasts in our Spybrary Online Community 

Welcome back to Spybrary, the ultimate podcast for spy books, spy movies, and spy TV series. In today's 'intel' episode, we share more about an upcoming Sandbaggers fan-organized virtual event featuring Roy Marsden (Neil Burnside.) Paul Hodges of the Sandbaggers Facebook community shares 'that The Sandbaggers Facebook Group will be hosting our first global event, named “Sandbagger Two”, to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the initial UK broadcast of The Sandbaggers. It will be a virtual voice+presentation event held via Zoom on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11am EDT, 8am PDT, 4pm BST, etc. for 120 minutes. Besides a robust agenda, I am so excited to share the news that Roy Marsden and Greg Rucka will be the keynote speakers at Sandbagger Two. More information is available at our Facebook Group which can be found by searching Facebook for The Sandbaggers Yorkshire Television 1978-1980. I hope to see you at Sandbagger Two. We asked Paul what fans can expect, what was Roy Marsden's reaction to being invited, and why Paul thinks the spy TV show has maintained such a loyal following after all these years.

Lights, camera, intrigue! Join the Spybrary Spies and Books Podcast panel as we shine a spotlight on "The Deadly Affair." Uncover the hidden gems, character nuances, and unexpected twists in this underrated film adaptation of John le Carre's work based on his debut novel Call for the Dead.  Following our full debriefing of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy we are tackling The Deadly Affair starring James Mason. We are joined by Jeff Quest of the Le Carre Cast, Double O Section's Matthew Bradford, and Spybrary commentator Martin Reynolds. That and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Join the Spybrary Community today!

In today's episode, we are diving into the world of espionage books with an interview featuring a remarkable debut novelist, ex-CIA officer I.S. Berry. Her book, "The Peacock and the Sparrow," has been causing quite a stir in the Spybrary community. Without a doubt, The Peacock and the Sparrow is the best spy novel published in 2023 that I have read.

I.S. Berry, a former CIA officer, brings a unique perspective to the genre. In this gritty and realistic spy thriller set against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Berry explores the complexities of a CIA spy stationed in Bahrain. The story delves into his involvement in the conflict and a passionate romance with an artist. Join the Spybrary Community

Spybrary's Man in Station L (Northern Sector) author Andy Onyx slipped us this brush pass review of the David Callan books penned by James Mitchell.

Welcome back to Spybrary, the ultimate podcast for spy books. In today's episode, we dive into the thrilling world of Callan, the antihero of espionage. Get ready tohear more about this iconic character as we explore the gripping Callan Books. Join our host, Andy Onyx, as he gives is his take on the shadowy world of David Callan, a former soldier with a troubled past and a knack for killing. From his time in prison to his recruitment into the enigmatic Section organization, Callan's story is one of grit, suspense, and moral dilemmas. We'll delve into the mind of author James Mitchell, the creative genius behind Callan, and discover how his vision of a gritty and bored 1970s Britain influenced the series and novels. From the memorable characters like Lonely and Hunter to the intense cat-and-mouse games between spies, there's plenty to dissect. What do you think of the Callan books and the Callan TV series? Come and share your views will fellow spy fans in our free, online community for spy book enthusiasts This is Spybrary, and today we're diving headfirst into the world of Callan, the antihero of espionage! Let's get started.

Check out Tim Shipman's best spy writers, all 125 of them and ranked!

On this episode of Spybrary the Spy Podcast, host Shane Whaley sits down with guest Michael Smith, an intelligence historian and author of The Real Special Relationship: The True Story of How the British and US Secret Services Work Together. Michael Smith delves into the origins of the special relationship between the UK and the US, focusing on their collaboration in code-breaking during World War II and the subsequent intelligence sharing during the Cold War. The book covers key figures, such as Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Kim Philby, and Edward Snowden. Drawing on his personal experience in British military intelligence, Michael Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at the close collaboration and alignment of intelligence that drives decision-making in both nations. The episode delves into various anecdotes and stories, including the recovery of a Soviet jet from a lake in West Berlin. Join Shane Whaley and Michael Smith as they explore the fascinating world of UK and US secret services and their unique relationship. Join the Spybrary Community today!

In this thrilling episode, we have a special guest, David Clark, who worked as a Special Advisor to former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook. David has an intellectual and professional interest in intelligence, making him the perfect guest for today's topic: Revealing his 5 Best Spy Books! In this episode of Dead Drop 5 - David takes us on a gripping journey through the realms of espionage with his recommendations for the best spy novels out there. His spy book choices are thrilling page-turners that will keep us on the edge of our seats and running to a bookshop if we do not have these spy novels on our bookshelves.

Spy book fan David Clark finds himself embedded deep in Communist-controlled East Berlin, and has asked his handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books at the Dead Drop location in Friedrichshain Park.

Join us on the Spy Book Podcast, Spybrary, and discover the thrilling world of spy books in our exclusive series, 'Dead Drop 5'.

And don't forget to join the worlds biggest community for fans of spy books! Join the Spybrary Community!

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with William Maz, author of the Bill Hefflin Spy Thriller Series, which is set in Bucharest, Romania. In our conversation, we explore the plotlines of Maz's books and the historical backdrop of Romania during and after the communist regime. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this fascinating setting.

Read it? Want to read it? Share more in our online community for spy book fans.

In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast, it's Dead Drop 5, and guest James Bond Bondologist Matthew Dewhurst-Grice reveals his five best James Bond novels. These are the James Bond books that he has asked his handler to stash in a dead drop behind the Iron Curtain

He shares how he first discovered the James Bond books and discusses his appreciation for Ian Fleming's work. The conversation covers topics such as the historical significance of the original James Bond books, the controversy surrounding the "sensitization" of some Bond editions, and the potential for new audiences to discover and appreciate the James Bond books. Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asks Matthew about his experience attending the premiere of the James Bond film, No Time to Die at the Royal Albert Hall London.

What did you think of Matthew's choices? Come and tell us in our online Spybrary community!

Author Stephen England finds himself embedded deep in Communist-controlled East Berlin, and has asked his handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books at the Dead Drop location in Friedrichshain Park.

Join us on the Spy Book Podcast, Spybrary, and discover the thrilling world of spy novels in our exclusive series, 'Dead Drop 5'.

This riveting series is a crowd favorite, but be warned, your bank balance may take a hit based on these spy book recommendations. In these episodes, our brave podcast uests are dispatched on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain, where danger lurks at every shadowy corner. But fear not, they won't embark on this perilous journey unequipped. Our intrepid agents can request five spy novels to be stashed in the East Berlin dead drop.

But that's not all. Beyond these spy books, our guests are granted a selection of diverse items, each carefully curated to make their stay in East Berlin more manageable, perhaps even a touch more comfortable. Join host Shane Whaley as he interviews author Stephen England about his upcoming mission to East Berlin and the five books he would like to take. They discuss the importance of well-written prose in spy novels and Stephen's book choices, including "Private Wars" by Greg Rucka and "The Agent Runner" by Simon Conway.

Get ready to dive into 'Dead Drop 5', only on Spybrary, but be warned, this series could seriously damage your bank account!

Are you a fan of spy novels that transport you to different times and places? Do you appreciate well-written prose that captures the madness of the spy business? Look no further than these five spy book recommendations from author Stephen England.

First on the list is Private Wars by Greg Rucka, a novel set in Central Asia with skillfully crafted prose. Next is The Agent Runner by Simon Conway, a masterful portrayal of the dirty bomb plot and the madness of the spy business. Stephen also recommends Appointment in Tehran by James Stejskal for its gripping plot and characters.

Pick up Night Heron by Adam Brookes for a gritty look at espionage. This novel is praised for its realistic portrayal of China and its compelling characters. Finally, Security Detail by Matt Cricchio offers a nuanced exploration of the conflict in Afghanistan and the people caught up in it.

Whether you're a fan of modern world terror novels or prefer a cold war spy historical setting, these spy novels are sure to provide a thrilling adventure. So grab a copy and prepare to be transported to the murky world of intelligence, espionage and skullduggery!

Stephen England Author Website

The Spybrary Online Community - by spy book fans for spy fans.

Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club presented by Spybrary. In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs and Andy Onyx dive deep into Ian Fleming's classic novel Goldfinger as if they are in the year of publication. They provide fascinating analysis and insight into this iconic book's plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's Goldfinger compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or just love a good book club style discussion, this episode offers a detailed and engaging look at Goldfinger and all its elements. Tune in now to join the conversation!

Join us as we discuss the latest Ian Fleming James Bond novel, Goldfinger. We discuss the artwork, the plot, the villains, the locations, the femme fatale, the allies, and the glamour. Today it's the turn of Oddjob, Auric, and the infamous Pussy Galore. All that and much more on the latest edition of the James Bond Book Club. Will you join us in 1959? Join 3000+ other spy book fans in our Spybrary Community.

Readers looking for a quirky Cold War spy story will find much to enjoy in Like Dolphins, the latest spy thriller from Andy Onyx.

In the latest installment of his Barbell spy book series, spy author Andy Onyx takes us on a journey through the world of Cold War spy fiction. With a cast of intriguing characters and a plot that delves deep into the world of espionage, this episode is a must-listen for fans of cold war espionage novels.

'Now in Like Dolphins it was to place my existing characters of BREAKSPEAR (Bradley) and KESTREL (Wallace) in the last knockings of the Cold War, right at the end, in a plot like no other.

The tag lines “Withnail and Spy” and “ A Cold War Trainspotting” set the scene of late 80s culture, music, style, the end of football hooliganism, the rising rave scene.

We’re at a critical point in the Cold War with an ailing GDR behind the Wall further de-stabled by reforming winds of Glasnost and Perestroika coming from the senior partner, the USSR. Add to that action in the hedonistic capital of Europe, Amsterdam.'

n this episode, we learn that the plot centers around a key football game between Monaco and Dynamo Berlin and that football hooliganism plays a key role in the story. The introduction of ecstasy changes the culture of violence surrounding this subculture and sets the tone for the action to follow. The cast of characters is explored in depth throughout the episode, with each one complementing one another and creating tension when in the other's presence. The protagonist, KESTREL is tasked with rehabilitating BREAKSPEAR, a previous partner who had a psychological issue and was out of action. The dynamic between the two former partners is fascinating to read, and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. As Andy Onyx reveals more about the plot but keeping spoilers to himself (this is the way on Spybrary), it becomes clear that loyalty will be tested, and betrayal is a constant risk. Andy Onyx also recommends some must-read books for Cold War spy fiction fans, including "The Outsider" by Frederick Forsyth and "The Fist of God" by the same author. Andy also reveals some of the books on East Germany that he used for researching East Germany.

Onyx has also created an eclectic Spotify playlist featuring music relevant to the story. From "Ride On Time" to "Sympathy for the Devil," the music adds another dimension to the storytelling. Overall, Like Dophins is a quirky, intriguing, and informative exploration of Cold War spy fiction. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the spy genre or just looking for something new to read, Like Dolphins is well worth a read.

So what are you waiting for? Tune in to the latest episode to find out how the story unfolds.

The Innocent by Ian McEwan is a thrilling novel set in 1950s Berlin during the early stages of the Cold War. The book follows the story of Leonard Marnham, a young British post office technician who is sent to Berlin to work on a top-secret project. Leonard is a naive and inexperienced young man who quickly becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage and deceit.

Tim Shipman, in his best spy authors list, ranked Ian McEwan at #77 and wrote:

'Another literary novelist who has tried his hand at espionage. Unlike Sebastian Faulks, an author I usually like, but whose attempt at a Bond novel reads like a literary novelist who thinks writing a thriller is easy and somewhat beneath him, McEwan has twice come up with a winner, perhaps because he treated the subject matter like any other subject for literary examination.

The Innocent is a twisty gripper of a book, which embroils a naive telecoms worker in the 1950s tunnel the allies built under the Russian sector of Berlin to tap their communications. He falls for a German woman and his two worlds collide.

Tim Shipman

Regular listeners know about my love for Berlin-based espionage novels, and having never read any of Ian McEwan's work then, I had to give this one a go, especially as it features appearances by real life spy/traitor George Blake with the main backdrop to the story being the Berlin tunnel that the Allies dug deep under Berlin, not to get people out, but to listen to Soviet communications from their HQ in East Berlin, Karlshorst! On today's episode of Spybrary I share my brush pass review of The Innocent with you.

Have you read Ian McEwan's The Innocent? Come and let us know your thoughts on the Spybrary fans community.

On Episode 204 of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast, we chat with the author of the best spy book I read last year, Big Bear Little Bear, David Brierley. We are also joined by the publisher, thriller critic, and author Mike Ripley as we dig into David's work and, in particular, how he researches locations for his spy novels.

• Join the Spybrary Community

As I shared in the best spy books of 2022 post, Big Bear Little Bear, published in 1981, was the best spy thriller I read last year. It was hard to ignore this recommendation from Mike Ripley, who shared that the man himself, Len Deighton, had stumbled on a copy of Big Bear Little Bear in a second-hand shop in LA and loved it. He urged Mike to republish Brierley's work under his Ostara publishing arm.

David Brierley comes in at #63 on Tim Shipman's best spy writers of all time list: 'Brierley created Cody, one of the very best female leads in spy fiction. She is a CIA trained agent who has gone freelance, who we first meet in Cold War, a 1979 novel set in the midst of a French election, which involves assassination, betrayal, and real tension (It scores 4.14 on GoodReads, which is much higher than a lot of books I love). Cody is resourceful and Brierley was hailed on publication as “a new name joins the world’s greatest spy fiction writers”. Best of all his books are not long and written with a spare and unflashy style that nonetheless has real novelistic flair. This is espionage for grown-ups. Blood Group O, Skorpion’s Death and Snowline followed. Between those Cody books, Brierley also became renowned for spy thrillers set in Eastern Europe, such as Czechmate. His best book, though, is Big Bear Little Bear set in 1948 Berlin, before the airlift, where the sole survivor of a blown network works to expose a traitor in British intelligence. My paper, The Sunday Times, reviewed it thus: “ Has the rancid strength of a distillation of the best of Le Carré and Deighton: an authentic winner.” That this praise is only slightly excessive tells you what you need to know.'

• Big Bear Little Bear by David Brierley
• Kiss Kiss Bang - The Boom in British Thrillers by Mike Ripley
• Dead Man Telling Tales by David Brierley - just released (2023)
• Czechmate by David Brierley
• Jeff Popple (Spybrarian) Review of Czechmate
• Skorpions Death by David Brierley
• The Cloak and Dagger Girl by David Brierley
• Best Spy Books of 2022 (Spybrary)
• Tim Shipman's best spy writers ranked list.
• Adam Hall/Elleston Trevor
• Raymond Chandler
• Join the Spybrary Community

Today’s guest is writer Adam Brookes. Adam spent over a decade working for the BBC, appearing on television and radio while crisscrossing the globe and spending extended amount of time in both China and the US. He’s also written for publications such Foreign Policy and The Economist. His first espionage novel, Night Heron, was released in 2014 and was followed by Spy Games and The Spy’s Daughter. 

His most recent book is Fragile Cargo: China's Wartime Race to Save the Treasures of the Forbidden City currently out in the UK and releasing February 14th in the US.

We discuss his past as a foreign correspondent, the ethics of a reporter spy, how to understand the government in China and his spy novels. Plus the forgotten history of China in WW2, his new book Fragile Cargo and what he thinks about le Carré’s The Honourable Schoolboy. All that and much much more in this episode.

Discussed in the episode:

Adam’s Website - https://www.adambrookes.com/ 

Adam’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/AdamBrookesWord 

Adam’s spy trilogy - Night Heron, Spy Games, The Spy’s Daughter - https://www.adambrookes.com/philip-mangan-series 

Fragile Cargo: China’s Wartime Race to Save the Treasures of the Forbidden City - 

US - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fragile-Cargo/Adam-Brookes/9781982149291 

UK - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/441577/fragile-cargo-by-brookes-adam/9781784743796 

The le Carré Cast - https://lecarrecast.com/ 

Jeff’s Website - https://spywrite.com/ 

Jeff on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spywrite 

It is that time of year once again when book critics and reviewers are asked what are the best spy books of the year. Spybrary is a ‘by spy fans for spy fans' production so it is in that spirit that we asked our own Spybrary Podcast listeners and community members to reveal what were their best spy books of 2022 with a twist.

We asked our spy book readers two questions.

1. What is the best spy book you have read that was published in 2022?
2. What is the best espionage novel you have read this year that was published before 2022?

So if you are looking for spy book recommendations, then read on. Warning, Spybrary does not accept any liability for bankruptcies or divorces that may occur as a result of you browsing this list of the best espionage novels! If you are looking to join a community of other spy book fans then do come and join us over at the Spybrary Community.

In this Christmas episode of Spy Rewind, Matthew and Jeff take a look at the episode "The Night of Whirring Death" of the 60’s tv show The Wild Wild West.

They discuss how WWW is the old west’s James Bond, the great Michael Dunn as one of the best villains - Professor Loveless, and Richard Kiel before Jaws! Plus, spy Christmas traditions! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

The James Bond Book Club is back! This is the series where we discuss each Ian Fleming James Bond novel as if we are in the year of publication.

Today it's the turn of Quarrel, Strangeways, HoneyChile Rider, and a fiend called Dr No!

On the James Bond Book Club, we get in our time machine and go back to the year of publication. We dissect each of the Ian Fleming 007 novels in order and include themes such as : 1) Discussing the timing of each book. The year in which it was written.    The zeitgeist of that time. Key historic and cultural events. 2) Background to the plot and any links to Fleming’s personal experiences. 3) The U.K.'s first edition cover art. 4) The plot. 5)  Locations 6) Bond’s character development. 7) The Villain.  8) La femme fatale. 9) The supporting cast. 10) The branding. 11) Key set pieces and the best chapters. 12) Critical reception We will not be referring to or discussing the 007 movies.

We will only be referencing previous books rather than those published in the future - as if we are experiencing the work of Fleming for the first time.

Our Man in Alabama Matthew Kresal gives us the lowdown on the 2005 video game of From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery in this Spybrary Brush Pass.

'The game was the last James Bond video game released by Electronic Arts before they lost the rights to Activision in 2006, as well as Sean Connery's last role before retirement and death.' James Bond Wiki Join your fellow listeners and spy fans in our online community 

Smiley is suspicious Percy! Today we kick off the John le Carre movie club series on the Spybrary Podcast. Once a month, our panel will take a deep dive into a John le Carre movie.

To start the series, a full debriefing of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Jeff Quest of the Le Carre Cast, Double O Section's Matthew Bradford and Spybrary commentator Martin Reynolds.

That and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast

This week we welcome the former Home Secretary and best-selling author Alan Johnson to the Spybrary Podcast. In this informative and fun chat, Spybrary host Shane Whaley asks Alan Johnson how his background as Home Secretary helped him to write his fiction books Late Train to Gipsy Hill and One of Our Ministers is Missing.

The Director General of MI5 reports to the Home Secretary, and whilst we knew Alan Johnson would not share details of those meetings, Shane could not resist asking him what advice he would give to a new Home Secretary regarding managing the working relationship with MI5. That and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast

This week we welcome Benjamin Cunningham to the show. Cunningham wrote the recently released book The Liar: How a Double Agent in the CIA Became the Cold War's Last Honest Man a book that the publisher calls “the Cold War meets Mad Men in the form of Karel Koecher, a double agent whose shifting loyalties and over-the-top hedonism reverberated from New York to Moscow.” It’s a wild story of swapping secrets, wife swapping and spy swaps. 

We talk about the Prague Spring, declassified documents, and interviewing difficult subjects. All that and more in this episode with Spybrary host Jeff Quest.

Intelligence Historian and Author Nigel West joins Spybrary Spy Podcast host Shane Whaley to share more about his latest book Spies Who Changed History plus, he answers your questions on the Wilson Coup, the Steele Dossier on Trump, meeting Anthony Blunt, Ian Fleming and many more!

Sunday Times Chief Political Commentator and spy book fan Tim Shipman talks with Ben Macintyre about his latest work based on Colditz, Prisoners of the Castle.

The “entertaining yet objective and often-moving account” (The Wall Street Journal) of one of history’s most notorious prisons—and the remarkable cast of POWs who tried relentlessly to escape their captors, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spy and the Traitor

In this gripping narrative, Ben Macintyre tackles one of the most famous prison stories in history and makes it utterly his own. During World War II, the German army used the towering Colditz Castle to hold the most defiant Allied prisoners. For four years, these prisoners of the castle tested its walls and its guards with ingenious escape attempts that would become legend.

But as Macintyre shows, the story of Colditz was about much more than escape. Its population represented a society in miniature, full of heroes and traitors, class conflicts and secret alliances, and the full range of human joy and despair. In Macintyre’s telling, Colditz’s most famous names—like the indomitable Pat Reid—share glory with lesser known but equally remarkable characters like Indian doctor Birendranath Mazumdar whose ill treatment, hunger strike, and eventual escape read like fiction; Florimond Duke, America’s oldest paratrooper and least successful secret agent; and Christopher Clayton Hutton, the brilliant inventor employed by British intelligence to manufacture covert escape aids for POWs.

Prisoners of the Castle traces the war’s arc from within Colditz’s stone walls, where the stakes rose as Hitler’s war machine faltered and the men feared that liberation would not come soon enough to spare them a grisly fate at the hands of the Nazis. Bringing together the wartime intrigue of his acclaimed Operation Mincemeat and keen psychological portraits of his bestselling true-life spy stories, Macintyre has breathed new life into one of the greatest war stories ever told.

• Ben Macintyre Official Website
• Prisoners of the Castle - Colditz
• Escape from Colditz Board Game
• Tim Shipman Official Website
• Tim Shipman's top 125 spy writers - ranked
• The Spybrary Community for spy fans

Spybrary's man in Station L (Northern Sector) author Andy Onyx slipped us this brush pass review of Javier Marias's thriller Your Face Tomorrow: Fever And Spear

He shares why spy book readers will enjoy this modern spy novel.

"Your Face Tomorrow by the Spanish novelist of note, Javier Maras. I say novelist of note because Maras has sold over 6 million copies of his works worldwide to date. In amongst, which is this spy fiction trilogy published between 2009 and 2017.  

What's life like working as a spy? Spy author Bevan G Roberts chats with former Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and MI6 trained agent handler Warren Reed to find out.

Most of us are fascinated by the craft of human intelligence. It's a trade as old as time, involving betrayal, secrecy, and most of all, danger! Danger to the operative danger, to the agent, danger, to innocent people and to nations. And it's the human side of this danger that keeps us turning the pages and feeds our desire to learn more.

So what better than to interview a real spy to find out more about the business of espionage, a former agent handler that not only practiced the trade, but also a man who experienced the worst aspects of it.

With Kingdom of Spies Author Bevan G Roberts and former real-life spy Warren Reed.

Spybrary field agent Chris Lueloff slipped us this brush pass review of Bill Granger's spy thriller November Man series

Lueloff shares why spy book readers will enjoy Granger's work and boldly declares that Peter Devereaux is an American Quiller. Agree, disagree? Come and let us know your thoughts in the Spybrary fans community.

More About the November Man spy series according to Randall at Spy Guys and Gals.

'Peter Deveraux, codename the November Man, is an agent for the CIA.

This highly experience agent whose first name is never revealed, works for R Section of the CIA Under a man named Hanley, referred to as an "asshole" by Deveraux in the second page of the first book and expanded upon throughout the series.

He is extremely good at his job, which makes him valuable, but he doesn't suffer well the fools and incompetents above him, which makes him undesirable. It makes the series delicious. Also making the series something to read are two recurring characters.'

Join Spies and Books, Spybrary host Shane Whaley as he finds outs more about the traitor Robert Hanssen in this interview with author Lis Wiehl

New York Times bestselling author and former federal prosecutor Lis Wiehl delivers a behind-the-scenes account of how FBI agent Robert Hanssen, a church-going father of five, sold national security secrets to Russia for more than two decades--and how America's current political climate makes it still possible today. Three years into his career as an FBI agent, Robert Hanssen made the shocking decision to volunteer as a spy for the Soviet Union, beginning two decades of espionage that the Department of Justice considers "possibly the worst intelligence disaster in US history."

Drawing upon deep archival research and exclusive personal interviews--including unique access to FBI and CIA agents and Hanssen's friends and family--former federal prosecutor and Fox News legal analyst Lis Wiehl has written a propulsive, page-turning thriller detailing how this unassuming father of five, a devout Catholic and member of Opus Dei, got away with sharing highly classified information with Russia, including the names of FBI operatives within the KGB and details about America's military weapons operations.

When FBI agents--with help from an ex-KGB officer--arrested Hanssen in 2001, the resulting investigations laid bare the weaknesses in the FBI's internal security. In her careful analysis, Wiehl uncovers surprising reasons behind Hanssen's devastating acts of betrayal and sheds light on the very real possibility of another mole in operation today, particularly given our current social and political climate.

In this conversation with Spybrary host Shane Whaley, award-winning spy author Dan Fesperman reveals more about the real-life espionage events that inspired his latest novel, set in Berlin 1990, Winter Work. The Berlin Wall has fallen and in the ensuing power vacuum, a former Stasi officer and a CIA agent must fight for their lives. On a chilly early morning walk on the wooded outskirts of Berlin, Emil Grimm finds the body of his neighbor, a fellow Stasi officer named Lothar, with a gunshot wound to the temple and a pistol in his right hand. Despite appearances, Emil suspects murder. If it were a few months earlier, he would have known just what to do. But now, as East Germany disintegrates, being a Stasi colonel is more of a liability than an asset. More troubling still is that Emil and Lothar were actively involved in a final clandestine mission. Now Emil must finish the job alone and on uncertain ground where old alliances seem to be shifting by the day. Meanwhile, CIA agent Claire Saylor is sent to Berlin to contact a ranking Stasi officer, although details of her mission are suspiciously sketchy and her superior seems to have a hidden agenda. When her first rendezvous goes dangerously awry, she realizes the mission is far more delicate than she has been led to believe. With the rules of the game-changing quickly, and as their two missions intersect, Emil and Claire find themselves on unlikely common ground, fighting for their lives against a powerful enemy lurking in the shadows.

Listen in to our first ever live episode of Spybrary. A panel to discuss Tim Shipman's list of the best 125 spy writers. Tim reveals more about his method and criteria for selecting this monster list of spy authors. Joining us are Professor Penny Fielding, author and critic Jeremy Duns, spy blogger Matthew Bradford, and John le Carre book collector Steven Ritterman to run the rule over Tim's pick of the best spy writers. You can find the list and watch the live stream at www.spybrary.com/timslist

Spybrary field agent Erich Wagner slipped us this brush pass review of the nonfiction spy book The Spy Who Changed History by Svetlana Lokhova

Erich tells us that the book will especially appeal to those of us with an interest in pre cold war Soviet deep cover espionage.

More about the book:

On the trail of Soviet infiltrator Stanislav Shumovsky, codenamed Agent BLÉRIOT, Svetlana Lokhova takes the reader on a thrilling journey through Stalin’s most audacious intelligence operation. On a sunny September day in 1931, Soviet spy Stanislav Shumovsky walked down the gangplank of the SS Europa and into New York, concealed in a group of 65 Soviet students. Joseph Stalin had sent him to acquire American secrets to help close the USSR’s yawning technology gap, and the road to victory began in the classrooms and laboratories of MIT. Using information gleaned from this mission, the USSR first transformed itself into a military powerhouse able to defeat Nazi Germany. Then in 1947, American innovation exfiltrated by Shumovsky made it possible to build and unveil the most advanced strategic bomber in the world. Later , other MIT-trained Soviet spies would go on to acquire the secrets of the Manhattan Project. In this thrilling history, Svetlana Lokhova takes the reader on a journey through Stalin’s most audacious intelligence operation, piecing together every aspect of Shumovsky’s life and character using information derived from American and Russian archives.

Shane shares a quick announcement on upcoming episodes and explains why there has been a lull in episodes of late.

James Bond fan and Spybrary's Head of Station SA, Matt Raubenheimer gives us his spoiler-free thoughts on the latest James Bond 007 novel With A Mind To A Kill written by Anthony Horowitz.

It is M's funeral. One man is missing from the graveside: the traitor who pulled the trigger and who is now in custody, accused of M's murder - James Bond.

Behind the Iron Curtain, a group of former Smersh agents want to use the British spy in an operation that will change the balance of world power. Bond is smuggled into the lion's den - but whose orders is he following, and will he obey them when the moment of truth arrives?

In a mission where treachery is all around and one false move means death, Bond must grapple with the darkest questions about himself. But not even he knows what has happened to the man he used to be.

Follow Matt on Twitter for more 007 tweets.

Shane Whaley delivers a brush pass review on Agent in Berlin by Alex Gerlis

To live among wolves, first, you must become one... An unmissable new spy thriller from best-selling master of the genre, Alex Gerlis.

War is coming to Europe.

British spymaster Barnaby Allen begins recruiting a network of agents in Germany. With diplomatic relations quickly unravelling, this pack of spies soon comes into their own: the horse-loving German at home in Berlin's underground; the young American sports journalist; the mysterious Luftwaffe officer; the Japanese diplomat and the most unlikely one of all... the SS officer's wife.

Despite constant danger and the ever-present threats of discovery and betrayal, Allen's network unearths top-secret plans for a new German fighter plane - and a truly devastating intelligence prize... an audacious Japanese plan to attack the United States. But can they prove it?

The race is on.

This week, Spywrite's Jeff Quest welcomes Otto Penzler to the show. Otto shares stories from his many years of collecting books and meeting spy fiction authors.

You’ll hear stories about Eric Ambler, Charles McCarry, John le Carré and many more. , 

Plus, hear about his meeting with Len Deighton, how Ross Thomas nearly lost out on a million dollars, and a shocking revelation about a piece by Quiller writer Adam Hall.

The year is 1957 and our guests share their thoughts on the latest James Bond novel From Russia With Love written by Ian Fleming.

On April 8th, Amazon releases the movie adaptation of Olen Steinhauer's All the Old Knives. In today's episode, two of our most knowledgable spy movie experts and Spybrary agents Matthew Bradford and Jack Lescamela chat with author and screenwriter Olen Steinhauer and the director of All The Old Knives, Janus Metz.

Hello, and welcome to episode 181 of the Spybrary podcast. Today, I'm delighted to serve you an absolute treat a couple of weeks ago, we received an email from the PR folks over at Amazon Prime asking us if we had any interest in a conversation with author and screenwriter, Oen Steinhauer. Many of, you will know Olen from his previous works, the Tourist series of books or maybe you know him from the hit spy tv series Berlin Station?

There's a new movie about to hit Amazon prime, which is an adaptation of Olen Steinhauer's book, All the Old Knives. I know that there are many of you in the Spybrary community who are big fans of that book and are excited for the movie. Not only did the PR team offer us an interview with Olen Steinhauer, but also with the All the Old Knives Director Janus Metz.

I thought to myself, I've got to get the big boys on this. I've got to call the real experienced agents that really know their spy movies and TV. So I called upon Our Men in Hollywood. Many of you know them from our Spybrary community. That's Matthew Bradford and Jack Lescamela. And I called him and said, I've got a job for you.

So today we bring you that conversation that Our Menn in Hollywood had with Olen Steinhauer and Janus Metz. It's a wide-ranging conversation. They touch on a ton of different topics, Jack and Matthew really knock it out of the park for us here.

It's a fascinating conversation that I just know you're gonna enjoy. Just a couple of words of warning, Janus used a couple of F words. So if you're in the car with the kids, or maybe your husband, doesn't like bad language, whatever it may be. He throws me in quite quickly. I couldn't quite edit them out and I didn't want to bleep them, because I just felt that would detract from the conversation. So just a heads up on that. After the conversation, do stick around for, a bit of post-show. Matthew and Jack have a conversation about their interview about All the Old Knives and more with Olen Steinhauer and Janus Metz

Spybrary joins forces with the Barbican Station podcast to discuss Apple TV's Slow Horses series starring Gary Oldman which airs today.

The first half of this episode is spoiler-free.

Today is the day many of us have been waiting for, the Apple TV's Slow Horses series starring Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb is now airing. Through one of our agents I was able to get an early screening of Slow Horses and today you will listen to three of us running the rule over episodes 1 and 2.  If you have not watched it Slow Horses yet don’t worry, the first half of the show includes no spoilers and we do tell you when we get into Spoilertown. Our good friend and Spybrary contributor Jeff Quest produces his own podcast dedicated to Mick Herron's work called Barbican Station, So rather than both of us evaluate the Apple TV's Slow Horses adaptation separately, we decided to release this episode on both of our podcasts. For discussion on episodes 3-6 of Slow Horses do subscribe to Jeff’s podcast at slough.house

Today, we bring you a spy author interview. Spybrary hosts Shane Whaley and Peter Newman find out more about Charlotte Philby's latest novel, Edith and Kim. Charlotte also shares memories of her grandfather, Kim Philby, and reveals some interesting responses in the world-famous Spybrary Quickfire Round!

We get in our time machine and head for 1956 to review the latest Ian Fleming James Bond 007 novel, Diamonds Are Forever. With David Craggs, author Andy Onyx and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley.

On the James Bond Book Club, we get in our time machine and go back to the year of publication. We dissect each of the Ian Fleming 007 novels in order and include themes such as : 1) Discussing the timing of each book. The year in which it was written.    The zeitgeist of that time. Key historic and cultural events. 2) Background to the plot and any links to Fleming’s personal experiences. 3) The U.K.'s first edition cover art. 4) The plot. 5)  Locations 6) Bond’s character development. 7) The Villain.  8) La femme fatale. 9) The supporting cast. 10) The branding. 11) Key set pieces and the best chapters. 12) Critical reception We will not be referring to or discussing the 007 movies.

And now for something completely different. We just decoded a brush pass from, author Clarke Mayer who shares his thoughts on a spy video game called Metal Gear Solid.

Welcome to Episode 176 of the Spybrary Spy Book podcast.

Spywrite's Jeff Quest speaks to author Alma Katsu, formerly with the NSA and CIA. Katsu’s latest book, Red Widow, follows a CIA mole hunt. It’s been optioned for television and is out in paperback on March 1st. 

They discuss switching from NSA to CIA and back again, the explosive growth of social media and its effect on espionage, and the unique challenges women face in government bureaucracies. Plus, we talk a bit about some of the things Hollywood gets wrong about spies. All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Red Widow is 'An exhilarating spy thriller about two women CIA agents who become intertwined around a threat to the Russia Division–one that’s coming from inside the agency.'

Spy Author Paul Vidich returns to the Spybrary Spy Podcast to talk about his latest spy novel The Matchmaker, set in Berlin in 1989.

In the vein of Graham Greene and John le Carré, The Matchmaker delivers a chilling Cold War spy story set in West Berlin, where an American woman targeted by the Stasi must confront the truth behind her German husband's mysterious disappearance.

Berlin, 1989.  Protests across East Germany threaten the Iron Curtain and Communism is the ill man of Europe.

Anne Simpson, an American who works as a translator at the Joint Operations Refugee Committee, thinks she is in a normal marriage with a charming East German. But then her husband disappears and the CIA and Western German intelligence arrive at her door.

Nothing about her marriage is as it seems. She had been targeted by the Matchmaker—a high level East German counterintelligence officer—who runs a network of Stasi agents. These agents are his "Romeos" who marry vulnerable women in West Berlin to provide them with cover as they report back to the Matchmaker. Anne has been married to a spy, and now he has disappeared, and is presumably dead.

The CIA are desperate to find the Matchmaker because of his close ties to the KGB.  They believe he can establish the truth about a high-ranking Soviet defector. They need Anne because she's the only person who has seen his face - from a photograph that her husband mistakenly left out in his office - and she is the CIA’s best chance to identify him before the Matchmaker escapes to Moscow. Time is running out as the Berlin Wall falls and chaos engulfs East Germany.

But what if Anne's husband is not dead? And what if Anne has her own motives for finding the Matchmaker to deliver a different type of justice?

In this episode of Spy Rewind Matthew and Jeff take a look at the episode "Enemy of the State" of the 60’s tv show The Baron.

They discuss some reasons why The Baron was a misfire upon its release in the US, Steve Forest’s living up to his name with some wooden acting, and marvel at the head scratching decision to switch the character from an actual Baron into an American oil baron. Plus they discuss important considerations to remember before arranging your border spy swap! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Mentioned on the show - 

Matthew’s review of The Baron - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/2011/11/dvd-review-baron-complete-series.html 

Jeff’s Bad Baron Photo Covers - 

https://spywrite.com/2022/02/21/broken-covers-john-creasey-the-baron-edition/ 

Streaming on Britbox in the US.

Matthew’s Website - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/ 

Matthew’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/DoubleOSection 

Jeff’s Website - https://spywrite.com/ 

Jeff on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spywrite 

Welcome to Episode 173 of the Spybrary Spy Book podcast. Today, we bring you a spy author interview. Spybrary hosts Shane Whaley and David Craggs find out more about Damascus Station with spy writer, author, and former CIA analyst David McCloskey

In this episode of Spy Rewind Matthew and Jeff take a look at the episode "I Spy Apocalypse" of the early 2000’s tv show called Spooks in the UK and MI5 in the US.

They discuss how the show helped revive the tv spy, why VX gas is so nasty and you should avoid being trapped in with your officemates at the end of the world. Plus Jeff reveals what he thinks is a hidden connection between the show and HBO’s Succession! All that and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast.

Mentioned on the show - 

Spooks/MI5 wiki page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spooks_(TV_series) 

Streaming on Britbox in the US or BBC iPlayer in the UK.

An oral history on Spooks - https://www.empireonline.com/spooks/part1.html 

The two Mr. Darcy’s spy movie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Mincemeat_(film) 

Matthew’s Website - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/ 

Matthew’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/DoubleOSection 

Jeff’s Website - https://spywrite.com/ 

Jeff on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spywrite 

If like me, you are a big fan of audiobooks then it is highly likely that you have listened to today's guest Scott Brick narrating one of your favorite thriller audiobooks.

In this conversation, Shane finds out more about life behind the mic with Scott Brick. We learn how he got started in the business plus some of his tips and tricks for delivering engaging audio and top drawer storytelling.

Scott Brick also answers Spybrary listener questions such as:

• You recorded an excellent new version of THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER to go with you previous Clancy recordings. I was hoping you’d finish off the initial run of Clancy originals with new versions of THE CARDINAL OF THE KREMLIN and CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER. Why didn’t they have you do those ones? Any chance you still will?
• You did an excellent job on so many original Robert Ludlum titles. Are there any more in your future? It would be great to hear you read the MATARESE novels, and they’re overdue for new versions!
• You took over the Jack Reacher series from Dick Hill, who had a very distinctive delivery style. How conscious were you of following in someone else’s footsteps? Did you do anything differently because of that?
• Are there any spy series or characters you HAVEN’T recorded that you’d really like a crack at?

Jason King returns to the Spybrary Podcast for his annual appearance to share his best espionage novels of 2021. This is the most requested feature of Spybrary, requested by spouses, friends, and relatives who purchase Birthday and Holiday presents for loved ones based on the Jason King picks. (I kid you not!)

In this New Year’s Eve episode of Spy Rewind Matthew and Jeff welcome a special guest. Oscar winner and Man From U.N.C.L.E. superfan Robert Short join them to take a look at "The Adriatic Express Affair" a New Year’s Eve-themed episode of the classic 60’s spy show.

They discuss how Bob would explore the sets of U.N.C.L.E. as a kid, his family connection to the show, and some of the ways U.N.C.L.E. broke new spy tv ground. Plus we talk about terrible double entendres, questionable spy gadgets and why you should probably avoid starting a cognac-based fire in your jail cell! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Mentioned on the show - 

The episode via DailyMotion - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x810alr 

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_from_U.N.C.L.E. 

Morgan Richter’s U.N.C.L.E recaps - https://preppiesoftheapocalypse.blogspot.com/p/uncle.html 

Bob’s U.N.C.L.E. Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/369560823208688/ 

Matthew’s Website - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/ 

Matthew’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/DoubleOSection 

Jeff’s Website - https://spywrite.com/ 

Jeff on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spywrite 

In this episode of Spybrary Jeff dives into some of the most serious and silly questions faced by spy fans. He is joined by an all-star panel of guests - Jeremy Duns, Hannah Cooper and Shane Whaley. They tackle a wide range of espionage enigmas.

Some of the questions covered are - 

From now on either every spy novel must be set in Berlin or no spy novels can ever be set in Berlin again. Which do you choose?

Would you use your kid as camouflage while doing spy activity?

Volcano lair vs underwater lair vs moonbase lair?

All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

So settle in by the fire, pour yourself a drink of your favorite beverage and prepare to come to your own conclusions and share them with us as you listen! Tweet @spybrary with your opinion as we tackle these questions or hop on the discussion thread on the Spybrary Discussion group.

Mentioned on the show - 

What is Water Polo? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_polo 

Blood in the Water match - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_in_the_Water_match 

Hannah’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/MrsSimonTemplar 

Hannah’s Website - https://backintimefortv.co.uk/

Jeremy’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/JeremyDuns 

Jeremy’s Website - https://www.jeremy-duns.com/ 

Shane’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/spybrary 

Shane’s Website - https://spybrary.com/ 

Jeff’s Website - https://spywrite.com/ 

Jeff on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spywrite 

Welcome to Episode 167 of the Spybrary Spy Book podcast. Today, we bring you a spy author interview. Spybrary host Shane Whaley finds out more about How to Betray Your Country with spy writer, author James Wolff

Something I want to address with you all before we get into the conversation, the elephant in the room, James Wolff is not the author's real name. James Wolff reveals he has worked for the British government but does not reveal which branch nor where he was based.

As a Spybrarian, naturally, I'm wondering, am I speaking with a George Smiley, a Bernard Samson, maybe it's a Dickie Cruyer or 007 or maybe he was the janitor at GCHQ? He's not going to talk about his past today, but I tell you something I can share with you. The boy can write!

Things are looking bad for disgraced spy August Drummond. In emotional free fall after the death of his wife, fired for a series of unprecedented security breaches that saw him labeled a traitor...and now his neighbour on the flight to Istanbul won’t stop talking. 

The only thing keeping him sane is the hunch that there’s something not quite right about the nervous young man several rows ahead - a hunch that is confirmed when August watches him throw away directions to an old European cemetery seconds before being detained by Turkish police. And when a reckless August decides to go in his place, little does he know that he is setting in motion a series of events that will test his ingenuity and resourcefulness to the limit, and bring him face to face with a terrifying figure from the dark heart of the Islamic State.

The second novel in a trilogy about loyalty and betrayal in the modern age, How to Betray Your Country is an authentic thriller about walking the line between following your conscience and following orders.

London Station has fizzed into action, Sunday Times journalist and Spybrary contributor Tim Shipman chats with spy author Matthew Richardson. They discuss Matthew's spy novels, his writing style, his literary influences plus they pay tribute to the new generation of spy writers.  And much more!!

Spy Rewind is back with Matthew and Jeff taking a look at the currently airing spy comedy starring David Schwimmer and Nick Mohammed - Intelligence.

They discuss whether GCHQ is held in less esteem than MI5 or MI6, why spying is the perfect setting for a workplace comedy, and how Intelligence has more laughs than Ted Lasso. Plus, why Nick Mohammed was more interested in the GCHQ cafeteria than the eavesdropping and when the computer asks you to delete those files, think twice! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Mentioned on the show - 

Intelligence on Peacock - https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/intelligence/6315047360232653112/seasons/1 

Intelligence on Sky - https://www.skygroup.sky/title-intelligence 

David Schwimmer’s #ThatsHarassment video - https://youtu.be/bieGkf2n8LQ 

More on the anti-harassment campaign - https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/thatsharassment 

Matthew’s review of Intelligence (2014) - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/2014/01/tv-review-intelligence-2014.html 

CBC’s InSecurity - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InSecurity 

Matthew’s Website - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/ 

Matthew’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/DoubleOSection 

Jeff’s Website - https://spywrite.com/ 

Jeff on Twitter - https://twitter.com/spywrite 

In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast Jeff Quest speaks to the former director of CIA’s Technical Service Robert Wallace about his time in the CIA and the various non-fiction books he has co-authored since leaving the agency. They discuss how the CIA is similar to all other bureaucracies, why spy tech is so important for successful spy operations and how hard it can sometimes be to get past the CIA Publications Review Board. Plus, we talk about the spy that pulled the “Reverse Beatles” maneuver and some Chicago spies! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Spy Rewind is back! Matthew Bradford and Jeff Quest go deep on an episode of Spy TV show Get Smart! Shownotes at www.spybrary.com/163 Please consider subscribing to Spybrary so you don't miss out on future episodes.

Author CP Bennison gives us her thoughts on the spy novel Transcription by Kate Atkinson on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast. Brush Pass Review. Transcription is a spy novel by British novelist Kate Atkinson, published in September 2018. The novel focuses on the activities of British orphan Juliet Armstrong throughout World War II and afterwards, and how she begins a career as a low-level transcriptionist for MI5, before rising through the ranks.

Author Andy Onyx shares the 5 spy books, movies and tv shows he would want to be stashed in his dead drop. (our riff on desert island discs with a spy twist!) Check out our Facebook group for more spy discussions and chat!

Author Andy Onyx gives us the lowdown on G K Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast.

In this episode of Spy Rewind, Double O Section's Matthew Bradford and SpyWrite's Jeff Quest take a look at the globetrotting cable spy tv show Covert Affairs. They discuss whether all spies need to meet at the Berlin listening station, the benefits of location shoots and how to be a “fashion-forward” spy. Plus, Bowie in Berlin, R.E.M., cliff diving white Jaguars, and Jeff makes another failed attempt at an accent, this time German! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Guest host Steven Minegar chats with author Ralph Hope about his latest book. What do you do with a hundred thousand idle spies? By 1990 the Berlin Wall had fallen and the East German state security service folded. For forty years, they had amassed more than a billion pages in manila files detailing the lives of their citizens. Almost a hundred thousand Stasi employees, many of them experienced officers with access to highly personal information, found themselves unemployed overnight. This is the story of what they did next. Former FBI agent Ralph Hope uses present-day sources and access to Stasi records to track and expose ex-officers working everywhere from the Russian energy sector to the police and even the government department tasked with prosecuting Stasi crimes. He examines why the key players have never been called to account and, in doing so, asks if we have really learned from the past at all. He highlights a man who continued to fight the Stasi for thirty years after the Wall fell, and reveals a truth that many today don’t want spoken. The Grey Men comes as an urgent warning from the past at a time when governments the world over are building an unprecedented network of surveillance over their citizens. Ultimately, this is a book about the present.

Mission France tells the full story of the thirty-nine female SOE agents who went undercover in France. We interview the author, historian Dr. Kate Vigurs to find out more.

In this episode of Spy Rewind -  Matthew and Jeff take a look at the groundbreaking 1960 TV series Danger Man, specifically the episode - Time to Kill. They discuss whether John Drake is the JFK of spies, why you should always keep your bullets in loaves of bread, and the proper attire for an assassin. Plus, rock out to Jeff’s rendition of the song Secret Agent Man! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary. links at www.spybrary.com/156

In this episode of Spy Rewind -  Matthew and Jeff take a look at the groundbreaking 1960 TV series Danger Man, specifically the episode - Time to Kill. They discuss whether John Drake is the JFK of spies, why you should always keep your bullets in loaves of bread, and the proper attire for an assassin. Plus, rock out to Jeff’s rendition of the song Secret Agent Man! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary. links at www.spybrary.com/156

We talk with one of the foremost collectors of John le Carré, Steven Ritterman, whose collection of pristine le Carré editions numbers over 300 items. We learn about the Haycroft-Queen list, rare signed editions and Steve’s undercover mission to meet le Carré himself. All that plus talk on champagne toasts with Otto Penzler, meeting Eric Ambler, literal juggling balls and a little Silverview talk from a couple of le Carré collectors.

Jeff and Matthew are back with the latest Spy Rewind where they take a look at a specific episode of a Spy tv show and talk about that episode plus a bit about the series as a whole. This week they discuss the 1980’s show Scarecrow and Mrs. King 

Spybrary Spy Podcast Host Shane Whaley gives us his brush pass spy book review of The Alpha List by Ted Allbeury.

'Truly a classic writer of espionage fiction' - Len Deighton

Dave Marsh and Charlie Kelly grew up together on the backstreets of Birmingham. Now Charlie is a Labour MP and Dave an Intelligence agent.

When Charlie comes under suspicion of passing secrets to the Russians, Dave is given the task of investigating his old friend. He seems to be able to prove his case soon enough, but as Charlie points out, he doesn't know half of what is really going on. He doesn't know about the Alpha List.

In this episode of Spy Rewind Matthew and Jeff take a look at the 1985 TV series Mr Palfrey of Westminster, specifically series two episode - Official Secret.  They discuss the joy of seeing London in all it’s 80’s glory, the alarming decline of walking stick/umbrella shops, and whether there really were Soviet moles hiding under every MI5 couch cushion. Plus, revel in Jeff’s terrible English and Russian accents! All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

Jeremy Duns and Jeff Quest talk through some of the in’s and out’s of research, and especially spy research, in the hopes of encouraging others to do research too. We talk about the lost Pinkerton manuscript, the time Jeremy nearly got kicked out of an interview before it even started, how Jeff got the title of an author’s book wrong within 30 seconds of starting an interview and why you should turn every page. All that and more in this episode of Spybrary.

A special message to Spybrary listeners around the world to celebrate episode 150!

A special message to Spybrary listeners around the world to celebrate episode 150!

Today, we bring you another spy author interview on the Spybrary Podcast. We are chatting with author James Stejskal who has just penned his first-ever spy fiction novel titled A Question of Time. Some of you may know James from his non-fiction books, especially an absolute cracker - Special Forces Berlin. James draws on his time serving in Cold War Berlin and even weaves the head of the Stasi Erich Mielke and East Germany spymaster Markus Wolf into the story in a credible fashion.

And I know what you're thinking, Spybrarian.... Shane, you don't do special forces stuff. Don't be fooled the book Special Forces Berlin is based on James Stejskal's time serving in a covert unit. A Question of Time is a gripping spy thriller that I recommend to Spybrarians. James Stejskal served for 23 years with US Special Forces, including two tours in Berlin. Special Forces Berlin was a small detachment of 100 highly trained soldiers who, should hostilities break out, were to wreak havoc behind Warsaw Pact lines. You can hear a fascianting conversation with James about his time in the military in Berlin over on Cold War Conversations. (Do check it out once you have listened to today's episode.)

Let me share a little bit about the book with you.

Berlin, 1979.

When the CIA's most valuable spy, MERLIN, is compromised, the Agency realizes it does not have the capability to bring him to safety. If he cannot evade the dreaded East German security service, the result will be chaos and a cascade of failures throughout the Agency's worldwide operations.

Master Sergeant Kim Becker lived through the hell of Vietnam as a member of the elite Studies and Operations Group. When he lost one of his best men in a pointless operation, he began to question his mission. Now, he is serving with an even more secretive Army Special Forces unit based in Berlin on the front line of the Cold War.

The CIA turns to Becker's team of unconventional warfare specialists to pull their bacon out of the fire. Becker and his men must devise a plan to get him out by whatever means possible. It's a race against time to prepare and execute the plan while, alone in East Berlin, MERLIN must avoid his nemesis and play for time inside the hostile secret service headquarters he has betrayed.

One question remains -- is the man worth the risk?

Today we decode a brush pass transmission, a spy book review of Eric Von Lustbader's Black Heart. Author and Spy Book fan, Andy Onyx gives us his brush pass spy book review of Black Heart by Eric Von Lustbader.

Spy Rewind time - Jeff and Matthew take a look back at the early 2000’s spy show Alias. Starring Jennifer Garner it was one of the first spy shows to air after 9/11 and catapulted numerous people both in front of and behind the camera to further success. The guys talk about the effect of 9/11 on spy shows, the changing look at gender roles for spies, whether it’s a good or bad thing to have a mystery box and how hard it must be to spy in a belly shirt.

From acclaimed spy novelist Paul Vidich comes a taut new thriller following the attempted exfiltration of a KGB officer from the ever-changing—and always dangerous—USSR in the mid-1980s. Shane Whaley finds out more in this interview with author Paul Vidich.

• What was Paul Vidich's inspiration for writing The Mercenary.
• What kind of reader The Mercenary appeals to? (Actioneers v Realistic)
• What drew Paul to write an espionage thriller? Moscow features heavily, we find out how Paul Vidich researched Moscow and he reveals how John Beryles the former US Ambassador to the Russian Federation 2008-12 helped him,
• Paul tells us more about the protagonist 'Garin.'
• We talk locations, settings and why the books was set in the Soviet Union of the mid-80s.
• Paul reveals that as part of his research, he read over 30 books including autobiographies of high-ranking KGB officers who successfully defected to the West. No wonder the tradecraft is so good in this!
• We learn more about some of the other characters in The Mercenary including Nataliya, Zyuganov, Petrov, Mueller, Talinov and Posner.
• 'But shed war of its glory and a soldier’s job is to kill. It’s that simple. And so, shed espionage of its popular mythology, the spy’s job is to lie, deceive, and betray trust.'
• Shane asks Is The Mercenary a nod to John le Carre and The Spy Who Came In from the cold?
• The challenges of espionage writing and what are the fun parts!
• And much more including the world-famous Spybrary Quickfire round!

It is 1955 and we review the latest Ian Fleming James Bond 007 novel, Moonraker With David Craggs, author Simon Conway and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley. Episode is also available on YouTube. Details at www.spybrary.com/145

Today's episode of Spybrary is all about collecting spy books. This episode is also available on YouTube.  We talk James Bond book trivia and see some of Tim’s amazing Fleming novels. There are some beautiful association copies of Adam Hall books, Matthew shares details on how to collect an elusive Clancy first edition and a signed copy of one of Jimmy Sangster’s spy novels with a great back story. All that plus tips and tricks from three folks who can’t stop collecting books.

On today's Spybrary Spy Podcast, we turn our attention to Spy TV and the third and sadly final season of the British spy tv series The Sandbaggers starring Roy Marsden and created by Ian Mackintosh. Our panel are back to run the rule over The Sandbaggers Season 3.We are joined by Spybrary Podcast listeners, Hannah Cooper, Jeffrey Westhoff, and Paul Hodges of The Sandbaggers Facebook Group.

Today we are joined by author Mark Edlitz the author of the Lost Adventures of James Bond: Timothy Dalton’s Third and Fourth Bond Films, James Bond Jr., and Other Unmade or Forgotten 007 Projects. He is expertly interviewed by James Bond Radio contributor Jack Lugo. Since this episode was recorded, Jack has launched his own 007 podcast - Bond and Banter. The James Bond universe is greater than you might think. Even if you have seen all the movies and devoured Ian Fleming's books, there is much more to discover about 007. There is a fascinating galaxy of Bond adventures that have been "lost" or unmade, out-of-print, or forgotten by even the most dedicated Bond fan. Through his probing interviews with their creators in THE LOST ADVENTURES OF JAMES BOND, Mark Edlitz uncovers different scenarios for Timothy Dalton's abandoned third and fourth Bond movies, questions Toby Stephens about playing 007 on the radio, delves into the unproduced Casino Royale play, and exposes the secret history of James Bond Jr, the animated series about 007's nephew. Edlitz also solves a long-standing Bond mystery, investigates the cheeky commercial which inserts Daniel Craig into a Roger Moore-style escapade, and reveals the story behind Sean Connery's lost Bond performance. These and other projects are revealed in this vastly entertaining and enlightening book. Using never-before-seen photographs, Edlitz uncovers a wealth of unexplored lore. THE LOST ADVENTURES OF JAMES BOND is a must for any Bond fan.

New York Times Bestselling Author Mark Greaney joins us today to share more about his latest Gray Man novel 'Relentless.' Mark tells us that Spybrary listeners can read Relentless as the first foray into the Court Gentry series. Mark Greaney also shares more about the upcoming Gray Man movie, his writing process and his future writing plans. This interview is hosted by Spybrary listener and fan of the Gray Man series, Kashif Hussein.

Spy bloggers Matthew Bradford and Jeff Quest launch a new series called Spy Rewind where they look at classic spy tv episodes and series. Today they take a look at Mission Impossible.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE: THE MIND OF STEFAN MIKLOS Summary - https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=about&p=346&item=T:12497 

Mission: Impossible Blu Rays - https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Impossible-Original-TV-Blu-ray/dp/B08GFSYGNV 

Barbara Bain - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Bain

The Complete Mission: Impossible Dossier - https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Mission-Impossible-Dossier/dp/0380758776 

Matthew’s review of season 7 (which links to previous season reviews) - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/2011/11/dvd-review-mission-impossible-7th-tv.html 

Pluto TV’s Mission: Impossible - https://pluto.tv/live-tv/mission-impossible 

Jeff Quest’s Site - https://spywrite.com  Matthew Bradford’s Site - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/

Mick Herron returns to the Spybrary Podcast to discusses his latest novel - Slough House. Mick is joined in conversation with our Man in London - David Craggs

In his best and most ambitious novel yet, Mick Herron, “the le Carré of the future” (BBC), offers an unsparing look at the corrupt web of media, global finance, spycraft, and politics that power our modern world. “This is a darker, scarier Herron. The gags are still there but the satire's more biting. The privatization of a secret service op and the manipulation of news is relevant and horribly credible.”—Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera Stanhope series

Today we decode a brush pass transmission, a spy book review of Simon Conway's The Agent Runner. Author and Spy Book fan, Stephen England gives us his brush pass spy book review of The Agent Runner by Simon Conway

SPYFLIX is a new spy movie and tv festival focused on secrets presented by our friends at SPYSCAPE. Spybrary host Shane Whaley got together with SPYSCAPE's Marketing Director, Francis Jago to find out more. The SPYFLIX festival will highlight new voices and stories focused on secrets. The festival is now accepting submissions through 28 February 2021 and will kick off screenings starting 18 April 2021… What is SPYFLIX? Secrets intrigue us, and they make great stories. Their universal appeal lies deep in our psyche. Inside each secret is a structured who, what, how & why that powers franchises from James Bond to Batman, and from Harry Potter to Sherlock Holmes. Secrets also power factual stories across news and current affairs, history and politics. Our panel of writers, directors, producers and secret intelligence professionals (spies!) will select new work for awards with major cash prizes, and screening in our online festival. Entries are now open. We know there are several indy moviemakers who listen to Spybrary and we would love to see you enter and win! SPYFLIX is presented by SPYSCAPE - the HQ of secrets. SPYSCAPE has millions of fans hungry for great stories of secrets. Selected works may also receive exposure on SPYSCAPE's other channels, including acclaimed podcasts hosted by Hollywood superstars Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby and Jason Isaacs. --

Author CP Bennison gives us the lowdown on Waiting for Sunrise by William Boyd in this brush pass spy book review. Did you know every week we curate all the major spy book, tv and movies news into an easy to read, quick emails? Join the Spybrary Intelligence Service at www.spybrary.com

Today we decode a brush pass transmission sent in by Australian author and Spy Book fan, Aiden L Bailey. He gives us his brush pass spy book review of The Power of the Dog and The Cartel by Don Winslow and tells us why he thinks spy fans will enjoy these two Don Winslow novels.

Aiden also shares his thoughts on the various sub-genres that make up the spy genre and why Don Winslow fits both the cerebral and action spy genres.

Jason King returns to the Spybrary Podcast for his annual Christmas address to share his favourite spy books of 2020 as well as what he is looking forward to in 2021. This is the most requested feature of Spybrary, requested by spouses, friends, and relatives who purchase Christmas presents for loved ones based on the Jason King picks. (I kid you not!)

Also on this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, Jason King and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley discuss:

• The legacy of John le Carré (A round table discussion in 2021 is planned but we could not resist the opportunity to chat about the spy books of John le Carré.
• Why Jason King lovess the Spy TV show , le Bureau!
• Jason shares his top 3 favorite books of 2020.
• What spy books, movie and tv is Jason looking forward to in 2021.
• What does Jason look for in a good book - advice for budding spy book writers. And Much More!!!

Jason King's 2020 Picks are:

1. The Stranger by Simon Conway
2. Box 88 by Charles Cumming
3. The Englishman by David Gilman

Jeff Quest (Spywrite) chats with the author of Paranoid Visions, Joseph Oldham. Paranoid Visions explores the history of the spy and conspiracy genres on British television, from 1960s Cold War series through 1980s conspiracy dramas to contemporary ‘war on terror’ thrillers. It analyses classic dramas including Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Edge of Darkness, A Very British Coup, and Spooks. This book will be an invaluable resource for television scholars interested in a new perspective on the history of television drama and intelligence scholars seeking an analysis of the popular representation of espionage with a strong political focus, as well as fans of cult British television and general readers interested in British cultural history.

Tonight we report the sad news that John le Carre has passed away. Jeff Quest of Spywrite recorded this episode in 2019 looking at the life of John le Carre. Spybrary host Shane Whaley announces a special upcoming episode of Spybrary where he will broadcast your tributes to John le Carre. Record your tributes to John le Carre here.

'An espionage thriller from the golden age of such outings.'  Today we decode a brush pass transmission sent in by Spybrary listener Andy Onyx. Andy gives us his brush pass spy movie review of The Internecine Project. 'According to the dictionary, internecine means destructive to both sides in a conflict. So let's just hold that thought with the rhythm of its syllables in the three-word title the internecine project, which lets us know what we're in for. An espionage thriller from the golden age of such outings.

We are joined today by spy author C P Bennison, author of Parallel Shadows which reveals how, in 1930s London, two young secretaries became spies for opposing sides. Against the backdrop of the Second World War, and subsequently the Cold War, the novel fictionalizes the true stories of Olga Grey, who became an MI5 double agent, and Letty Norwood, who was a major spy for the Soviet Union.

This is the Spybrary Tea Break - short interviews with spy authors.

Today we decode a brush pass transmission sent in by Spybrary listener Andy Onyx. He gives us his brush pass spy book review of Rage by Simon Conway. Jonah Said is a man with nowhere left to run. Hunted, haunted, and bearing the horrific scars of a life spent on the frontline of some of the world's bloodiest battlefields, he's not what you'd call a model soldier. That's why the British Army has shipped him to the Zone—a lawless strip of desert between Iraq and Kuwait where everything is for sale and nothing is what it seems. From the moment he lands, Jonah is in over his head. Drawn into a ruthless world of corruption, he's about to learn that in the Zone, life is cheap…and the truth is deadly..

Day of the Jackal meets The Wicker Man. Author Andy Onyx joins us on our Spybrary Tea Break to share more about his latest book The Glimmer Girl.

In the earliest days of World War One, a fateful meeting between Commander Smith-Cumming, Chief of the Secret Service Bureau and a mysterious stranger, results in a diabolical bargain. Stricken by events that follow , the Commander seizes an opportunity for atonement and vengeance by initiating Operation BARBELL, the outcome of which will echo long into the next century. London, the near future: The world is gripped by the cryptic threat of the elusive Eighth Day movement, a seemingly benign cult readying themselves to take internal action to destabilise the current world order. Determined to foil the movement's scheme, the Secret Intelligence Service selected a gifted recruit, Siobhan Uhuru-Behan, for their reactivated BARBELL project, a mysterious and clandestine cell dedicated to threats of an unexplained nature. Code-named GLIMMER , Siobhan is tasked with investigating and disrupting Eighth Day and its disciples. Plunged into a nefarious race against time, Siobhan and her fellow BARBELL operatives set out on the trail of the cult. But can a long-mothballed project a century in the planning really combat the threats of tomorrow? GLIMMER has eight days to prove it.

It is 1954 and we review the latest Ian Fleming James Bond 007 spy novel, Live and Let Die. With David Craggs, Ian Douglas and Shane Whaley

Spybrary Spy Book Podcast host Shane Whaley takes time away from the East German Desk to enjoy a 15 minute tea break with spy authors. Today Derek Thompson, author of spy thriller novel Standpoint tells us more about his first book in his Thomas Bladen spy thriller series.

Ben Macintyre, author of Agent Sonya makes his debut on the Spybrary Spy Book podcast. Ben sits down with author, journalist, and special agent Tim Shipman to share more about his latest spy non-fiction book.

I am embarrassed to say I knew nothing about Soviet spy Ursula Burton. Though there are some very familiar names in this book, notables include Richard Sorge, Klaus Fuchs, Roger Hollis, Alexander Foote and many more. As we have come to expect with Ben Macintyre's writing, Agent Sonya is filled with detail but told in the manner of a gripping spy novel rather than a dry academic tome.

Ben discusses how he is enjoying his role as a consultant on the new TV series about Kim Philby and how he is enjoying reading the script based on his book A Spy Among Friends.

Ben reveals his next project is a narrative history of Colditz which is due out in 2022

What is The James Bond Book Club? Set in the 1950s as the Ian Fleming James Bond books are released, Spybrary Spy Book Podcast hosts David Craggs and Shane Whaley plus a special guest will review the latest Ian Fleming 007 novel. In this episode, spy author, Jeremy Duns joins Shane and David to give you their opinions on Ian Fleming's debut novel Casino Royale.

If you are fascinated by the Portland Spy Ring you are going to love this. If you know nothing about the Portland Spy Ring you are going to love this. I often say that spy fact is often more intriguing than spy fiction and that is what we get in Trevor Barnes' book Dead Doubles. Author Trevor Barnes joins us on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast to share more about this fascinating story of spying and counter-intelligence. He is expertly debriefed by guest host Chris Carr, the host and producer of the Secrets and Spies Podcast.

Author and Spy Book fan, Andy Onyx gives us his brush pass spy book review of The Human Factor by Graham Greene.

Today sees the release of John le Carre's most recent work, Agent Running In The Field in paperback. To celebrate its publication, John le Carre fan and Spybrarian Clarissa Aykroyd deliver us a quick brush pass review about Agent Running In The Field. Following Clarissa's review of the novel, you can hear from John le Carre himself as he reads Chapter 1 of Agent Running In The Field for us.

What is The James Bond Book Club? Set in the 1950s as the Ian Fleming James Bond books are released, Spybrary Spy Book Podcast hosts David Craggs and Shane Whaley plus a special guest will review the latest Ian Fleming 007 novel.

In this episode, Shane and David discuss the themes they hope to explore as they embark on a journey through the Ian Fleming James Bond novels.

On the James Bond Book Club, we will dissect each 007 novel in order and by : 1) Discussing the timing of each book. The year in which it was written.    The zeitgeist of that time. Key historic and cultural events. 2) Background to the plot and any links to Fleming’s personal experiences. 3) The U.K. first edition cover art. 4) The plot. 5)  Locations 6) Bond’s character development. 7) The Villain.  8) La femme fatale. 9) The supporting cast. 10) The branding. 11) Key set pieces and the best chapters. 12) Critical reception We will not be referring to or discussing the 007 movies.

We will only be referencing previous books rather than those published in the future - as if we are experiencing the work of Fleming for the first time.

More details soon.

Spybrary, the Spy Book Podcast's David Craggs interviews spy thriller author Simon Conway about his life in the military, clearing land mines, and writing spy books. Simon has had five novels published including A Loyal Spy, winner of the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger. His latest novel The Stranger is published on August 13th.

On this episode, Spywrite's Jeff Quest talks with Josh Pachter about the mid eighties digest Espionage Magazine. It was dedicated to doing something we hadn't seen before. Printing short spy fiction. Josh has been a published author since he was 16 years old and had numerous pieces published in that magazine and has had pieces published in various magazines over the years. And to that effect, he's the most recent recipient of the Short Fiction Mystery Society's Golden Derringer. Josh's latest project is the misadventures of Nero Wolfe, a collection of parodies and pastiches about one of the great 20th century detectives. If you're interested in that project, you can hear more about it in an interview. I did with Josh, for my podcast, Like the Wolfe, but let's turn to spies first."

Today on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast we decode an extended brush pass transmission sent in by Spybrary listener Chris Lueloff. Chris recently read 3 Charles McCarry novels and shares with us why he is now one of his favourite spy authors.

More Spy TV round table discussion on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our panel is back to run the rule over The Sandbaggers Season 2. Don't forget to check out our earlier episode where we reviewed season one of The Sandbaggers.

Today we decode an extended brush pass transmission sent in by Jason King and a very special guest. Jason gives us the lowdown on Peter O'Donnell's Modesty Blaise

On today's Spybrary Spy Podcast, spy fans talk about The Rhythm Section, a movie produced by EON (of James Bond fame) starring Blake Lively and Jude Law. Tune in and listen to Spybrarians Mike, Jon, Matthew and Chris who give you their assessment of The Rhythm Section. Spybrary Spy Podcast host Shane Whaley reads out comments from other Spybrarians (another epic reason to join our Spybrary Listeners Facebook Group) and delivers his verdict on The Rhythm Section.

Antony Johnston is a bestselling writer and podcaster whose best-known espionage work is The Coldest City, the graphic novel that the movie ATOMIC BLONDE was based on. He has his second book in the Bridgette Sharp spy series, The Tempus Project, coming out at the end of May in the UK and the first book, The Exphoria Code, is currently scheduled to be released in the US in October.

Brush Pass with Bill Koenig. The long-running U.S. panel show To Tell The Truth had a panel trying to determine who of three people had performed some feat or had some career, etc. At least four times, the show had people who worked in intelligence. One was John Le Carre. Others were Eric Ericsson, who posed as a traitor in World War II and wrote a book called The Counterfeit Traitor. It was made into a movie starring William Holden. Others were Pawal Monat, a Polish spy who defected and the other was Eddie Chapman, who was a double agent for the British against the Nazis.

Karl Gunnar øen shares his appreciation for the spy books of Anthony Price. He also gives us his recommendation of which of his spy novels should be your first if you are new to Price's work. Karl also reveals some of his favourite Anthony Price books. Show notes at www.spybrary.com/109

On today's Spybrary Spy Podcast, we turn our attention to Spy TV and the British spy tv series The Sandbaggers starring Roy Marsden and created by Ian Mackintosh.

Jeff Gelb pays tribute to Andy East, a friend of almost 40 years who has passed away. Andy East loved spy movies, tv and books and wrote The Cold War File. Andy brought a lot of spy fiction knowledge to the Spybrary community and will be sadly missed by us all. Andy East RIP

The Spy Command's Bill Koenig records a Brush Pass following the passing of illustrator Mort Drucker. Bill shares more with us about Mort Drucker's work illustrating James Bond parodies. John le Carre's The Spy Who Came In From The Cold also comes in for the Drucker treatment.

Peter Newman send us in his brush pass review of A Man of Some Repute by Elizabeth Edmondson.

Author and former member of the Intelligence Corps Rossa McPhillips shares more about his first novel - a spy thriller set in Northern Ireland. Rossa also shares more about his real-life experiences working in the shadows and we put him through his paces in the world-famous Spybrary Quick Fire Round.

Matthew Kresal sends us in his Brush Pass Review of Parting Shot by James Kunetka

Bill Koenig of The Spy Command records a brush pass following the passing of Robert Conrad. He shares more about the Wild Wild West - where spies meet cowboys

In this episode, writer Jeremy Duns and Jeff Quest take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of spy book titles. They discuss some of their favorites, alternate titles, translated titles and the many pitfalls authors face when determining a book title.

On Episode 101 of the Spybrary Podcast, our guest host, journalist and author Michael Smith chats with Geoff Andrew about his new book: Agent Molière: The Life of John Cairncross, the Fifth Man of the Cambridge Spy Circle.

As part of the 100th episode celebrations, we invited Spybrary listeners to call in and share with us which authors and books they have discovered because of the Spybrary Podcast.

Not many podcasts reach Episode 100, let alone a spy podcast. So on this our 100th episode, Spywrite's Jeff Quest turns the tables on Spybrary Spy Podcast Host Shane Whaley.

Jeff artfully employs his Sarratt training to put Whaley through a gentle but thorough debrief.

Listen to Episode 100 of Spybrary to learn more about the origins of Spybrary, how the podcast is put together, Shane's journey of reading and spy literature and of course there is the quickfire round!

After 98 episodes, it comes to this....

Buck Henry, Get Smart and the 1960s spy craze. Brush Pass (98) With the Spy Command's Bill Koenig,

On Episode 97 of the Spybrary Podcast, spy book connoisseur Jason King shares with us what were the five best spy book novels he read in 2019.

Jason and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley, discuss Jason's five best spy books of 2019, Jason has been reading spy books since the 1960s and admits that he is extremely selective with what he reads.

Leo and Jeff Quest give us their review of Spies in Disguise which is a 2019 American computer-animated spy comedy film.  The plot follows a secret agent who is accidentally transformed into a pigeon by an intelligent teenage agent and the pair must work together to stop a cybernetic terrorist who seeks revenge and return him to his human form.

Writer Andy Onyx submits his debut Brush Pass Review. He briefs us with his assessment of John le Carre's Novel A Small Town In Germany.

On Episode 94 of the Spybrary Podcast, host Shane Whaley interviews Ian Dickerson, the author of The Saint I Ain't - a biography of Leslie Charteris. In this episode, we cover aspects of Leslie Charteris's life as well as a fan's discussion about Simon Templar, aka The Saint.

We chat about The Saint Books, The Saint Movies including the latest reboot Saint movie which was co-produced by Ian Dickerson and starred Adam Rayner. We run the rule over the various actors who have played Simon Templar since the 1930s.

Agent Running In the Field gets the Spybrary deep-dive treatment on Episode 93 of the Spybrary Podcast.

joining our John le Carre, Agent Running In The Field Round table is John le Carre fans and spy bloggers Matthew Bradford and Jeff Quest.

On Episode 92 of the Spybrary Podcast, The Spy Command's Bill Koenig hosts a round table discussion about The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

September 1964: The world is introduced to the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. It's New York headquarters is behind an ordinary tailor shop. Inside, is one of U.N.C.L.E.'s main command centers. Alexander Waverly, the Number One of Section One, assigns agents to missions. His top operatives are Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin.

Henry Hemming tells us more about the astonishing story of the British spies who set out to draw America into World War II. As World War II raged into its second year, Britain sought a powerful ally to join its cause-but the American public was sharply divided on the subject. Canadian-born MI6 officer William Stephenson, with his knowledge and influence in North America, was chosen to change their minds by any means necessary. In this extraordinary tale of foreign influence on American shores, Henry Hemming shows how Stephenson came to New York--hiring Canadian staffers to keep his operations secret--and flooded the American market with propaganda supporting Franklin Roosevelt and decrying Nazism. His chief opponent was Charles Lindbergh, an insurgent populist who campaigned under the slogan "America First" and had no interest in the war. This set up a shadow duel between Lindbergh and Stephenson, each trying to turn public opinion his way, with the lives of millions potentially on the line.

We talk Betrayal in Berlin with author Steve Vogel. His new book is one of the best Cold War non fiction espionage books I have read. For me Mr Vogel is up there with Ben Macintyre. Spy fact sometimes is stranger than spy fiction.

We interview the writer and director of the short spy film The Dry Cleaner Movie. Chris Carr shares more about the movie and why he thinks Spybrary fans will enjoy it. This interview is split into 3 parts. Part 1 is all about the movie. Part 2 is where we find out how the movie was made and Part 3 is the world famous Spybrary Quick Fire Round.

Shane Whaley gives you his thoughts on Firefly by Henry Porter in a quick and easy Brush Pass review. John makes his Spybrary debut, giving us his briefing on The Spy Who Sat and Waited written by R Wright Campbell.

Author David Holman gives you his thoughts on Raise the Titanic by Clive Cussler in a quick and easy Brush Pass review.

Our panel is back to continue their in-depth chat about Quiller by Adam Hall. Jeff Quest is in the host's chair for this two-parter on the Quiller spy books, Quiller movie and Quiller TV series. Jeff is joined by Spybrarians Clarissa Aykroyd and author Tim Stevens.

Quiller by Adam Hall gets the Spybrary treatment on episode 85 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Jeff Quest is in the host's chair for this two parter on the Quiller spy books. Jeff is joined by Spybrarians Clarissa Aykroyd and author Tim Stevens.

On Episode 84 of the Spybrary Podcast, host Shane Whaley chats with Ian Oldaker, the General Manager at Spyscape in New York City. We discover more about this new attraction in New York City that is, in Shane's humble opinion, a must-visit attraction for any self-respecting Spybrarian/spy fan who finds themselves in the Big Apple. The New York Times describe Spyscape as the 'headquarters of our cultural fascination with the art of deception.' So what exactly is Spyscape? Well, they bill it as a 'totally new experience, which illuminates the world and your skills and potential.' As you discover the amazing spies stories and gadgets and complete the exciting and immersive spy challenges, you'll receive your own authentic spy profile developed with a former head of training at British intelligence.

Shane Whaley gives you his thoughts on The Removers, A Matt Helm Novel by Donald Hamilton in a quick and easy Brush Pass review. John makes his Spybrary debut, giving us his briefing on The Spy Who Sat and Waited written by R Wright Campbell.

Bill Koenig, Chief of Staff at The Spy Command Agent finds himself embedded deep in Communist-controlled East Berlin, and has asked his handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books/tv series at their Dead Drop location in Friedrichshain Park. What will he choose to help him cope with life undercover?

Spybrary Podcast listener John Nordin has kindly submitted a brush pass review to the Spybrary Podcast. John makes his Spybrary debut, giving us his briefing on The Spy Who Sat and Waited written by R Wright Campbell.

Mick Herron returns to the Spybrary Spy Podcast to reveal more about Joe Country,his novellas, Jackon Lamb for TV and shares more about his writing process.

On Episode 79 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, our guest panel discuss the works of James Bond, 007 continuation author, John Gardner

We are thrilled to bring you the fifth in our series of commentaries on spy novels read by the students of Fiction and Espionage at the University of Edinburgh. This week on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast the students discuss Slow Horses written by Mick Herron.

This week on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast the students discuss Liar's Candle written by August Thomas The students, Agents E, S and I share their views and observations on Liar's Candle and weave into their session thoughts from August Thomas herself.

This week on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast the students discuss The Trinity Six by Charles Cumming. The students, sorry 'The Dead Drops' share their views and observations on The Trinity Six and reflect on a conversation they held with the author Charles Cumming prior to this episode.

We are thrilled to bring you the second in our series of commentaries on spy novels read by the students of Fiction and Espionage at the University of Edinburgh. Today's group bring you an interview with author Aly Monroe. They focus on her Black Bear novel but also discuss other novels in the spy genre.

We are thrilled to transmit the first in our series of commentaries on spy novels read by the students of Fiction and Espionage at the University of Edinburgh. Today's group tackle the first novel in the Paul Dark series called Free Agent and written by Jeremy Duns.

Our good friend Professor Penny Fielding and her colleague Simon Cooke of the University of Edinburgh bring us 5 spy lit podcast episodes which are recorded by students of their Fiction and Espionage course. On today's episode Penny and Simon give us the briefing and then over the next 5 weeks, Spybrary will transmit the recordings from the Fiction and Espionage students. How cool is this!

On this episode of Spybrary, Matthew Kresal talks to Matt Sherman about the upcoming Bond fans trip and tour to Las Vegas. Bond fans will gather under the stewardship of Matt Sherman to celebrate the 007 movie Diamonds are Forever.

David Craggs joins Mike Ripley at the Harper Collins offices in London to find out more about the paperback version of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and why those of us who have the hardback should buy it.

Three works have recently come to the fore in the SIGINT tableau that achieve the elusive goal of harnessing the technical aspects for a slick storyline. Spy novelist Payne Harrison submits a brush pass review to the Spybrary Podcast and we get 3 for the price of 1!

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, John Koenig sends in a brush pass review of 2 spy novels written in the early 80s. Chess Player and Button Zone.

Shane delivers you his brush pass review on The Righteous Spy written by Merle Nygate.

On Episode 67 of the Spybrary Podcast, author David Holman shares more about his Alex Swan trilogy novels.

On Episode 66 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, our panel discusses the writing of Helen MacInnes once dubbed the 'Queen of Spy Writers.' Join author Merle Nygate, Spy fan Alice Dryden and host Shane Whaley as they discuss the spy novels of Helen MacInnes, also features a submission from Mike Ripley.

On today's Spybrary Spy Podcast, Spybrarian Jason King joins host Shane Whaley to share with us his 5 favourite spy books published in 2018!

Jeff takes you through the top 10 in descending order, Shane and Jeff also talk about what is on their Christmas wish list as well as what new books they intend to read over the holiday period.

James Bond is Back! It has been some time since we dedicated a whole episode to Britain's not so secret agent. Today we rectify that with a long overdue chat with the men behind what I consider to be one of THE best James Bond Facebook Groups -The Hildebrand Group

It has been ages since we dedicated an entire episode to James Bond, today he is back on the agenda on the Spybrary Spy Podcast!

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast Host Shane Whaley is joined by Hildebrand Group Founders, Alex Moir, Ian Douglas and Scott Everritt.

They reveal what makes The Hildebrand James Bond Facebook Group so special and why you should consider joining. They explain that the group is a safe house for those who love the books of Ian Fleming as well as the movies. They offer a safe haven for those who just prefer the books of Fleming or those who just enjoy the 007 movies.

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast we talk to author Merle Nygate all about her first espionage novel The Righteous Spy

In a Goodreads review - Spybrary listener Gary Dexter raves that The Righteous Spy is:

The best espionage book that I have read with a contemporary U.K. setting since Mick Herron's "Slow Horse" series.

Gary has read many a spy novel in his time and does not dish out the praise lightly so we were intrigued to talk to Merle Nygate and find out more.

A twisting international spy thriller, The Righteous Spy is a shocking page turner that portrays a clandestine world in which moral transgressions serve higher causes. A must-read for fans of Homeland, Fauda and The Americans, it will also appeal to readers of Charles Cumming and John le Carré.

Merle Nygate is a screenwriter, script editor, screenwriting lecturer and novelist; she's worked on BAFTA winning TV, New York Festival audio drama and written original sitcoms; previously she worked for BBC Comedy Commissioning as well as writing and script editing across multiple genres. Most recently, Merle completed her first espionage novel which won the Little Brown/UEA Crime Fiction Award. It was described by the judge as 'outstanding'.

In this Spybrary Podcast interview the author of the Righteous Spy reveals that her book was inspired by feedback she received in a class exercise whilst studying for a MA in Crime Fiction.  She shares more about her research for the book and also talks us through her writing process and inspiration.

This is a candid discussion with an author who knows her way around the greats (she lists Len Deighton as her favourite spy author) and shares the story of a pivotal moment when she decided to take writing seriously whilst passing a book store on her way back to her office job one lunch time.

On Episode 61 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane and Karl talk about the recently released book from Geoff Dyer titled 'Broadsword Calling Danny Boy' on Where Eagles Dare. In this no holds barred discussion two well read spy fans give you their assessment of the book.

Karl Gunner Øen becomes the first Norwegian spy fan to join us on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Karl is an avid reader of spy lit and watcher of spy movies. We talk briefly about spy fiction in Norway as well as the activities of real life Norwegian Spy Catcher Ørnulf Tofte. Please check out this video about the KGB in Oslo. Especially of interest if you have read The Spy and The Traitor by Ben Macintrye as it concerns one Arne Treholt who features in the book.

Listeners of Spybrary met up in Berlin to follow in the footsteps of Len Deighton's Bernard Samson. Be a fly on the wall as the Spybrarians visit Berlin landmarks. Listen to the spy book, tv, movie and music chat as the beers flow!

Spybrary Spy Podcast and the SpyWrite Spy blog have teamed up to give you a a chance to vote for your favourite spy movies in our Spy Movie Hall of Fame poll.

On this, our 59th episode Spywrite’s Jeff Quest and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley talk through the movies nominated by Spybrarians in our Listeners facebook group. Jeff and Shane talk through the good, the bad and the not yet watched!

Rather than just voting for your current favourites, why not join us in watching some of those nominated movies that you have never watched before? Shane is catching up with OSS 117 – Mission to Tokyo, Jeff is finally going to watch Billion Dollar Brain!

Spy Movie Hall of Fame Voting Booth – vote here. Deadline is November Friday 16th. We will announce the top 10 on a future episode of Spybrary, a special round table edition where the panels will deep dive and share their thoughts on the winning spy movies.

Shane and Jeff also chat through what spy books and spy tv shows they have been reading and watching of late.

After a rejuvenating few months at Shrublands our Brush Pass Reviews makes a welcome return to the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Matthew Kresal’s brush pass has been decoded. Tune in and hear his transmission where he gives us his rapid briefing on the Battle for Bond, a book written by Robert Sellars.

‘In 1963, Ian Fleming, the creator of the 20th century’s greatest fictional character was in court, accused of plagiarism. The screen version of James Bond was not Fleming’s creation. It was the creation of Jack Whittingham, who was employed by maverick producer Kevin McClory to adapt the character to the big screen.

Had this screen character never been developed, James Bond might have been just another minor fictional spy character.

The Battle for Bond is a tale of bitter recriminations, betrayal, multi-million dollar lawsuits and even death. It is the fabled story of Kevin McClory’s 40 year legal battle over the rights to the screen version of James Bond, which he and Whittingham had created. The first edition of this book was banned by the Ian Fleming Will Trust. But the truth never dies! This second edition features a new foreword by Len Deighton.

On this episode we talk to 2 Tom Clancy fans about the Jack Ryan Amazon TV series!

'Jack Ryan Is a Patriotic Nightmare'

Watching this show feels like falling down a Fox News rabbit hole.

Vanity Fair's Jack Ryan Review

Review: 'Meet the New Jack Ryan, Same as the Old Jack Ryan'

New York Times Jack Ryan Review

'Gloriously macho:

For too long the leftie-dominated entertainment industry has been ignoring the truth about our world'

The Spectators' Jack Ryan Review

These are 3 polarising headlines written about the Jack Ryan Amazon TV series. Taken from Vanity Fair, The New York Times and Spectator Magazine. We tackle these reviews and more on the Spybrary Podcast Episode 57

Spybrary listeners voted overwhelmingly for Berlin Game to be the first spy book to be discussed in our first ever book club Spybrary edition. Listen to an in-depth conversation on this spy classic with Spybrary host Shane Whaley, Deighton expert Rob Mallows and newcomer to Len Deighton's work but not the spy genre Peter Newman.

WARNING - Please do not listen to the Berlin Game Book Club edition of Spybrary if you have not read the book. Unlike other episodes of the Spybrary Spy Podcast this episode if full of Berlin Game spoilers. It is a book club edition so we cover lots of aspects of the book including many of the twists and turns.

Spybrary Host Shane Whaley claims that this is one of the top 3 spy books ever written, if not the best! 'Not just a multi-layered spy novel but also a love letter from Len Deighton to Berlin' he says.

Rob Mallows says Berlin Game is the book that got him hooked on Len Deighton.

Peter Newman delivers a fresh approach as this was his first time reading Berlin Game.

What did our panel think of the plot, the characters, the writing, the conclusion? Tune in to find out!

'Fleming made spy fiction globally popular, but it took Deighton in the Sixties with novels such as The IPCRESS File to make it hip. His finest work, though, came later, in the Eighties, with this trilogy (completed by Mexico Set and London Match) about the disillusioned SIS agent Bernard Samson. Less exuberant than his early books but more subtle, Berlin Game is a terrific feat of plotting that out-le-Carrés le Carré in its sardonic portrait of Secret Service office politics. Tarantino (who had Max Cherry read a copy in Jackie Brown) should hurry up and film it, like he said he would.'

Jake Kerridge - The Telegraph.

Notable Quotes from Berlin Game by Len Deighton

'How long have we been sitting here?’ I said. I picked up the field glasses and studied the bored young American soldier in his glass-sided box. ‘Nearly a quarter of a century,’ said Werner Volkmann. His arms were resting on the steering wheel and his head was slumped on them. ‘That GI wasn’t even born when we first sat here waiting for the dogs to bark.’

Bernard Samson

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'Do you know some quiet restaurant where they have sausage and potatoes and good Berlin beer?’ ‘I know just the place, Bernie. Straight up Friedrichstrasse, under the railway bridge at the S-Bahn station and it’s on the left. On the bank of the Spree: Weinrestaurant Ganymed.’ ‘Very funny,’ I said. Between us and the Ganymed there was a wall, machine guns, barbed wire, and two battalions of gun-toting bureaucrats.'

On Episode 55 of the Spybrary Podcast, guest host Matthew Kresal talks to the writer and director of Red Moon, a cold war thriller audio drama.

Produced by Wireless Theatre Red Moon is an alternate history story about what would have happened had the Soviets landed on the moon before the Americans.

If today's episode has piqued your interest, Wireless Theater have kindly made Episode 1 of Red Moon free for you to try out.

PHASE ONE: MOONRISE

London, 1979. As American and Soviet moonbases aim their nuclear missiles at targets across the planet, former MI5 officer Eddie Sloper is about to uncover a deadly secret.

Welcome to Episode 54 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast!

Recently we received some intelligence suggesting that two well known Spybrarians and Spy Book bloggers Matthew Bradford and Jeff Quest were  planning a meetup in Los Angeles. So we sent some of our agents to tail them for the day, thankfully they did what every self-respecting Spybrarian would do. They met up and hit some book stores, picking up a stack of first editions and signed copies. Mind you Quest has the knack of discovering signed copies everywhere he goes!!!

Then they retired several pubs, to drink some beer and chat spy books. Quest and Bradford are two extremely well read guys when it comes to spy literature, can you imagine being a fly on the wall of that conversation?

Well today you can be. One of our agents was able to place a listening device in their vicinity (we can't reveal where, secret tradecraft)  so you can hear Bradford and Quest talking all about the Red Sparrow Trilogy with special focus on The Kremlin's Candidate, the final book of the Red Sparrow trilogy written by ex CIA man Jason Matthews. This is a no holds barred conversation, no kid gloves with this one as you would expect with two Spybrary heavyweights such as Quest and Bradford. -----WARNING----- Our transcribers tell us that whilst the product is gold., there is a spoiler alert towards the last segment. Don't worry the chaps give fair and clear warning,  so if you are like me and you have not read The Kremlin's Candidate yet you can still tune in to this transmission.-------WARNING----

The audio is not studio quality, our engineers have worked on the file and it is intelligible just not crystal clear, occasional background and interference as our targets move from place to place in LA in an effort to evade our tail.  Please send any audio complaints to Q branch and not to us.

Seriously though, a big thanks to Jeff Quest and Matthew Bradford for taking the trouble to record this chat for us. I think you will all enjoy it! Fans talking spy books in a bar over a pint? This is quintessential Spybrary!

We talk to the man behind Spy Guys and Gals, the biggest spy book resource online!

Can he whittle down over 7000 spy books to just 5! Its Dead Drop 5 time!

Hi everybody it's Jeff Gelb I'm trying my hand at the brush pass to introduce you guys and gals to the wonderful world of Clyde Allison and his amazing character 0008  or Trevor Anderson who is Our Man From Sadisto.

Believe it or not these books came out in the 1960s when I was a teenager and they were not sold at regular newsstands they were sold at adult bookstores! They were from a company San Diego based called Amber Library who also went through several other names. Clyde Allison was a house name as well. However it was really all the work of one brilliant writer named William Knowles who toiled in soft core porn obscurity. Throughout the 1960s and almost made it big time with some Lancer books in the late 60s but never quite broke through to a mainstream audience sadly even more sadly. He committed suicide in the late 1960s. It's quite a sad story. However his work in this series of books and there were 20 of them within four years. Think about that was brilliant and hilarious. The Our Man Sadisto series were spy fi sci fi sexy satires all incorporating science fiction elements and a heavy dollop of sexual innuendo.

Now when I say that obviously you have to remember the times in the mid 1960s were not the early 2000's. You really could not get away with saying very much at all. So all of it was done by innuendo and all of it was hilariously done. Allison was actually a very brilliant writer who unfortunately just was never discovered by the mainstream press and I don't know why. But he obviously knew where he spoke in terms of spy novels he was well versed in what was going on around him at the time and he used characters and situations from other people's spy novels as satirical jumping off points. As I said there were 20 books in this series starting with our man from Sadisto in 1965 and ending with the Desert Damsels in 1968, nineteen out of twenty of these books have absolutely brilliant cover art paintings by an artist named Robert Bonfils who just died fairly recently.

He painted dozens if not hundreds of paperback covers for these sleaze publishers in the 1960s and he was really quite brilliant himself. If you don't believe me please look up Our Man From Sadisto by Clyde Allison on the Internet and you will find all of his amazing covers. One of the things that was just great about these books for me as a teenager and still great re-reading them today is that they all included references to then current spy movies or book characters.

There were frequent mentions of Our Man from Uncle, the James Bond character himself. Modesty Blaise and even more obscure characters like The Man From Orgy which by the way was a series that was nowhere near as funny or clever as the Man from Sadisto books were. The most famous real world so to speak character that Clyde Allison used in several of his books was a reference to the Our Man Flint movie because for some reason the Our Man Flint movie had flint reading a spy novel featuring 0008. It was of course a complete coincidence.

I am quite certain that the writer of the Our Man Flynt movie had no idea there was a character called 0008. Because again these were never sold on the mainstream newsstands. However in the movie. Our Man Flint meets the triple 0 8 character and they have a scuffle in a French restaurant. If you want to go back and check the movie out you will see that scene.  It's very very funny. The books were hilarious.

They were full of science fiction elements like machines that made people want to have sex nonstop stuff like that.

There were maniacal super-villains who wanted to take over the world. There were constant references to all of the other spy characters of the time and they were brilliantly written.

Now in 160 pages which is all that Clyde Allison had to work with for each book I would say a good hundred pages out of 160 were usually sexually oriented material. However again we're talking about sex as defined in the mid 60s. And so what he had to do was to continually reinvent the wheel in terms of how he described his characters having sex and that in itself is hilarious.

I loved these books as a teenager and have recollected them. As a person in my mid 60s and I still find them hilarious and well worth reading and collecting. They're very rare. They're very hard to find. If you can find any on the Internet. Grab one and have the experience of a lifetime. Be prepared to laugh out loud. And don't be drinking anything while you're reading the book because you might spit it out when you start laughing.

Seriously.

Clyde Allison was an amazing talent. These are all very funny books. They are of course very much of their time. But that was a really crazy time. These are really crazy books and they're really worth trying to find. I don't believe any of these are currently available. I believe they're tied up the rights for these are tied up somewhere so that they cannot be legally reprinted although I noticed that a couple of them have been reprinted anyway and you can pick them up on various Internet websites for under fifteen dollars. Again these may or may not be legitimate reprints but if you want to if I have whet your appetite whetted your appetite at all to listen to. Sorry to read the adventures or the misadventures of the greatest spy lover of all time Trevor Anderson of Sadisto better known as triple 0 8 then please do yourself a very big favor and pick one of those up.

And I am almost positive you'll agree with me that these are some of the funniest books you will ever read.

Welcome to Episode 51 of the Spybrary Spy podcast today we have a stellar interview lined up for you with British spy writer Mr. Charles Cumming

David Craggs, our man in the U.K. goes to West London to interview Charles Cumming about his latest book called The Man Between ( The Moroccan Girl in the USA.)

We know Charles has a large following among our Spybrary listeners, so we go on a journey through his other spy novels including the Kell trilogy, Typhoon, Trinity Six etc  Not just a top notch spy novelist, the Ink Factory have drafted Charles Cumming on to the writing team for the much anticipated second season of The Night Manager.  Wonderful to hear that the master himself John le Carre has given the sequel his blessing which must give Charles and the team a lot of confidence (and daresay we say it added pressure) to produce a thrilling sequel.

Listen to a special message that Len Deighton has sent us on Episode 50 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast! Rob Mallows from the Deighton Dossier returns to the show to talk with Spybrary Spy Podcast host Shane Whaley. We talk through our schedule for the day walking in the footsteps of Bernard Samson from the classic spy novels written by Len Deighton. Join us in Berlin on August 4th.

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane Whaley hosts a round table discussion on the life and books of spy writer Frederick Forsyth.

Author and spy, yes spy, Frederick Forsyth has been writing for over 50 years. The former Reuters man is best known for his debut novel 'Day of the Jackal' as well as The Odessa File, The Dogs of War and The Fourth Protocol. He has written almost 30 books with a new novel The Fox due out later this year.

Shane is joined by Tom from the Literary 007 website and writer David Holman. Think of this episode as a primer on Fredrick Forsyth as it is impossible to do justice to a master storyteller who has been writing for almost 50 years.  On this round panel we discuss:

• How did David Holman and Tom get into Frederick Forsyth's work?
• What is so appealing about Forsyth's writing?
• What Frederick Forsyth and John le Carre have in common when it comes to research for their spy books
• Which Forsyth novel should those new to his work start with.
• How does Frederick Forsyth's later work stack up?
• The movie adaptations of Forsyth's novels and which of his books does David reckon is crying out to be adapted for the big screen.

And Much More!

Brush Pass is back and so is Matthew Bradford from Double O Section who tells us more about Matt Helm.

Episode 49 sees the return of Matthew Bradford, a man who has watched more spy movies and read more spy novels than I have had hot dinners! He returns to Brush Pass to tell us more about the character of Matt Helm and in particular the novel The Interlopers. (Check out Matthew's Spy Blog and add it to your bookmarks.) Some of you may remember the Matt Helm movies from the 60's and Matthew gives you the low down on those too.

Thrilling, evocative and hugely controversial, Codename: Hero blows apart the myths surrounding one of the Cold War's greatest spy operations and potentially it's greatest spy Oleg Penkovsky In the late 1950s the USSR appeared to be winning the arms race: their 1949 nuclear test  signaled a direct challenge to the West, changing the face of the Cold War overnight. In 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space, and fear escalated in the US and UK. Amidst this climate, KGB Colonel, Oleg Penkovsky desperate to defect, came knocking on the doors of the CIA and MI6. The information he provided as a double operative would change the course of history.

Pour the whiskey, get cozy, and buckle up for an eye-opening, mind-blowing look at Oleg Penkovsky, the KGB Colonel-turned-double-agent. Author Jeremy Duns, taking break from writing fiction, has penned a reinvestigation of the Penkovsky Operation, titled Dead Drop in the UK and Code Name: Hero in the US.

Those of us unfamiliar with this 'spy who saved the world' are in for a wild ride as Spybrary Host Shane Whaley and Jeremy Duns consider a world without Penkovsky's aid to the West: Would we have descended into nuclear war? What would the outcome of the Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile crisis have been without Penkovsky's crucial information? Those of us well-versed in Cold War history will thrill to hear Duns' original take on the Cold War's most dangerous operation. In fact, Penkovsky's information was so good, the CIA had to convince President Kennedy it came from multiple sources, lest the Commander-in-Chief worry that they were relying too heavily on one agent.

This episode is satisfyingly chock-full of juicy information, including:

• Penkovsky's deft use of spycraft: learn how he circumvented surveillance to pull of the most famous brush pass in espionage history.
• How the Penkovsky trial has influenced popular culture: from 1960’s TV spy series to the Avengers.
• The balancing act the CIA and MI6 had in dealing with Penkovsky's difficult personality.
• Other double agents of the time: the sad, lonely life of Greville Wynne; and Pyotr Popov, who turned double agent for the KGB to save his life after being caught, and who, like Penkovsky, was ultimately arrested, tried, and executed by the Soviets.
• How the CIA tried to prevent Jeremy Duns from publishing some details of his book.

Forever and a Day review by the Spybrary Podcast. Listen to our round table of Bond fans who give you their review of the latest Anthony Horowitz 007 novel

007 is dead. Long live 007. The heavily anticipated James Bond prequel, “Forever and a Day” by Anthony Horowitz is finally out, and Shane has brought together two Bond super-fans to discuss it. If your copy hasn’t arrived yet, fear not! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a spoiler-free round table chat with David Craggs, who joined Shane for Episode #23's Dead Drop 5, and Tom, who runs literary007.com, and featured in one of Spybrary’s earliest episodes, appropriately, #007.

In exploring this latest edition to the Bond canon, David provides an in-depth comparison of Horowitz's Bond continuation novels to several previous authors of the series. Who captures Fleming’s tone and character the best? Find out why Tom thinks Fleming’s style is so hard to capture.

Does the book follow ‘Bond lore’ accurately?  Shane suggests author Mr Horowitz should hire David to be his Bond expert fact checker as David reveals details that don’t quite match up with established Bond facts! In true Spybrary fashion, David and Tom are not afraid to critique the book's weaknesses at the same time extolling its strengths, which are far more numerous.

With the depth and breadth of knowledge worthy of true Bond aficionados, our panelists take a seriously deep dive into Fleming as an author, intelligence official, and human being. Why are Fleming and le Carre so often compared? How does the character of Bond hold up in today's #metoo era?

On today's episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Jeff Quest of Spywrite joins us to reveal the results of our Spybrary Shelf of Fame 2018. Which 7 spy books made it on the shelf?

The categories were:

• Pre Cold War Spy Novels
• Cold War Spy Books
• Post Cold War Spy Books.

Hit play and listen in as Jeff shares the voting results.

(The books themselves will appear hear soon - we do not want to ruin the suspense before you listen in.) Links and Resources to follow.

Tom Colgan is our special guest on episode 44 of the Spybary Spy Podcast with Shane Whaley

Tom is an Editorial Director of Berkley Books which is an imprint of Penguin Random House. Over a thirty year (actually 33 but who's counting?) publishing career he has worked with many authors including Tom Clancy, Mark Greaney and Janet Evanovich. He's edited numerous books that have been bestsellers and won Edgar, and Anthony Awards as well.

Now Shane gets to turn the tables and interview this veteran book editor!

What is Dead Drop 5?

Agent Tom Colgan finds himself embedded deep in Communist-controlled East Berlin, and has asked his handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books at their Dead Drop location in Friedrichshain Park. What will he choose to help him cope with life undercover? Having edited thousands of books in a 30+year career which books will Tom pick out? Listen to Episode 44 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast to find out what he picks out and why!

This week, Spybrary Spy Podcast Host Shane Whaley welcomes author and travel writer August Thomas to speak about her debut novel, Liar’s Candle.

Liar’s Candle is set against the backdrop of a terror attack in Ankara, Turkey. In the aftermath, protagonist Penny Kessler embarks upon a pan-European adventure to uncover the perpetrators. Living by her wits, Kessler teams up with Connor Beauregard, a former naval officer with something to prove, as they try to crack the case.

In a delightful, wide-ranging conversation, August and Shane discuss the rarity of women in spy literature, both as authors and substantive characters. They also highlight authors, films, and characters to look out for who buck this trend – not least of which is August herself!

Stay tuned to hear more.

Today’s guest finds himself embedded deep in Communist-controlled East Berlin, and has asked his handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books at their Dead Drop location in Friedrichshain Park. What will he choose to help him cope with life undercover?

Author, Spy Fan and Political Editor of the Sunday Times, Tim Shipman, joins Shane for an epic edition of Dead Drop 5. Tim has been a national newspaper journalist since 1997, and in that time has covered two wars, an historic presidential election, and was the Sunday Telegraph’s Washington, DC correspondent. Shortlisted three years in a row (2015-2017) for Political Journalist of the Year at the National Press Awards (UK), Tim Shipman has covered movers and shakers all over the globe.

Now Shane gets to turn the tables and interview this veteran journalist. Tim’s 2000-book library in his London home is dominated by spy books.

But a spy must travel light: how will he carve it down to just 5?

…this is DEAD DROP FIVE on the Spybrary Spy Podcast.

On Episode 41 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast we serve up a recorded Spybrary panel discussion from Spycon 2018.

On the panel, host Shane Whaley was joined by authors Mike Brady (Into the Shadows) and C.G.Faulkner (The Edge of Reality.)

The Michael Brady File

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Brady, USA, (RET), earned his MS in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University in Washington, DC in 2003. His classified thesis focused on the current and emerging issues confronting China and Taiwan and Taiwan’s ability to retain sovereignty into the future. He has performed a wide variety of tactical and strategic intelligence functions including long-range surveillance, interrogation, intelligence analysis, collection management, emergency operations, and intelligence production. He served as the Director, Presidential Emergency Operations Center in the White House from January 2001 until July 2002 under President George W. Bush.

LTC Brady is a 1990 graduate of The Citadel, Marine Corps Command and General Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, US Army Airborne School and US Army Ranger School.

His areas of expertise and research include threats to the homeland, intelligence collection systems and programs, intelligence analysis, and intelligence support to national policy making.

The C.G.Faulkner File

C.G. Faulkner has been writing stories since childhood. He has, so far, published a Western Trilogy about Captain Tom Fortner; as well as a Spy Trilogy about Tom’s descendant, C.I.A. Agent Jeff Fortner. He has published a story for younger readers, ‘The Adventures of the Home for Supper Kids’, and now ‘The Unexpected-Tales of Mystery and Suspense’. Other stories are being written for future publication. Mr. Faulkner lives on a small farm in Georgia with his wife and children. In addition to writing, he enjoys reading, (His favorite authors are Bernard Cornwell, John Jakes, Jeff Shaara, Elmore Leonard and Ian Fleming, among others) studying history and genealogy, watching classic movies and television, doing farmwork, helping his wife homeschool their children, and the great outdoors.

We riff all over the place on this along with audience participation.

Some of the topics we cover included:

• How authors with full time jobs find time to write.
• How Mike and CG research locations for their books.
• Who are their literary heroes
• Which writer inspired Mike Brady to join the Intelligence Services.
• What makes a great fictional spy character
• Shane shares what kind of spy fiction he doesn't enjoy
• What the audience are reading right now
• Does the government/military have to approve Mike Brady's novels before publication

And Much More including CG Faulkner's interrogation in the Quick Fire Round.

What are your favorite Spy Books? Spybrary is holding a vote for the Spybrary Shelf of Fame, choose from over 100 spy books suggested by our listeners

Spybrary needs you to vote for your favorite Spy novels. What Spy Books would make your shelf of fame?

Spybrarian in Chief – Jeff Quest of SpyWrite canvassed Spybrary listeners for their 5 favorite spy books. He has channeled his inner ‘Connie Sachs’ to index the hundreds of spy book suggestions and categorize them as follows:

– Pre-Cold War set novels – Cold War set novels – Post-Cold War novels.

The top Pre-Cold War spy book, top five Cold War spy books, and top spy Post-ColdWar book will be inducted into the Spybrary Shelf of Fame.

On Episode 39, Spybrary Spy Podcast host Shane Whaley brings you interviews from the inaugural Spy Con. Shane caught up with former Spybrary Podcast guests Lt Col Michael Brady (author of Into the Shadows) and Matthew Kresal. He also got to chat Ian Fleming books with RC Layton who owns over 400 Ian Fleming related 007 books and James Strickland the owner of several James Bond tribute cars. Shane talks about his experience on various Spy Con panels including defending John le Carre on the Ian Fleming versus John le Carre 'debate.' Listen in as Shane reveals who he thinks the match up on the debate should have been between.

Episode 40 of Spybrary will be a full recording of the Spy Con Spybrary Panel with authors CG Faulkner and Michael Brady.

And now for something completely different. A spy story that is not set in Berlin, DC, London or Moscow but in Ottawa, Canada of all places. On Episode 38 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast author Joyce Wayne reveals more about her novel 'Last Night of the World'.

'On a hot Ottawa night in August 1945, Soviet agent Freda Linton’s world is about to fall apart. She’s spent the war infiltrating the highest levels of the Canadian government as an undercover operative for the fledging Canadian Communist Party and for Moscow’s military police. As the global conflict nears its conclusion, her Soviet embassy handler and darling of the diplomatic scene Nikolai Zabotin sends her to retrieve atomic secrets from the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. When Freda discovers that Soviet cipher clerk Igor Gouzenko plans to turn over top secret files to the RCMP that will expose Freda and the others in her spy ring, she is faced with an impossible decision and must determine who is on her side. Should she risk everything to smuggle out nuclear secrets that will kick off the Cold War? Joyce Wayne’s Last Night of the World brings a high-energy creativeness and emotional tension to a story that is rooted in a generation’s defining incident."

On Episode 31, Professor Penny Fielding of Edinburgh University (and organiser of Edinburgh spy week) told Spybrary listeners that she felt the spy novel with the most convincing female characters is Restless by William Boyd.

Spybrary podcast listener Clarissa Aykroyd has some well documented issues on the portrayal females in spy books.  She loves the work of John le Carre and admits that even his female characters are pretty thin. So she sought out Restless and very kindly brush pass reviewed the novel for us. We have extracted the transmission from the disk that came in the Spybrary diplomatic bag and decoded for you. Just click the play button or listen on these various platforms.

What did Clarissa think of Restless? What did Clarissa think of the female characters? Was Professor Fielding right to claim William Boyd's novel is the best spy book when it comes to female characters? Listen in and find out.

English journalist Michael Smith (Killer Elite and Foley the Spy Who Saved 10,000 Jews) has penned his first ever fiction novel. On this our 36th episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, host Shane Whaley talks to Smith about his new book, what jobs he carried out working for British Intelligence, what he did at the BBC Monitoring Service and what spy fiction he enjoys reading today. Plus Much More!

Set in Nazi Germany during World War 2, No Man Dies Twice follows a hard working detective (Ritter) who investigates a murder in the small Bavarian town of Rosenheim. The death is no ordinary killing and Ritter is determined to get to the bottom of it despite the local Gestapo efforts to stop him.

With evidence showing the body belong belonged to a member of the White Rose resistance movement this is no ordinary murder. Ritter is no supporter of the Nazi regime and risks his life to investigate the case.

So has Spybrary started interviewing crime authors now?

Not at all, No Man Dies Twice is inspired by records Michael Smith unearthed at the National Archives back in the 90s. The files concerned Operation Foxley - a British SOE (special forces) to assassinate the Fuhrer. Detailed preparations were made but the audacious plan was not carried out. But what if the British had sent someone to kill Hitler? Read No Man Dies Twice to find out what Smith thinks might have happened. Not all Brits want to see Hitler dead...Intrigued. You should be.

Smith who once listened in to East German Military Officers and Socialist Party officials, not to mention deliver intelligence to the British SAS as part of his day job has mixed together a heady cocktail of spies, detectives, mystery, crime, Gestapo, British Intelligence. No Man Dies Twice is Spybrary approved and recommended!

On Episode 36 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast Michael Smith reveals:

• How declassified National Archive files gave him the inspiration to write No Man Dies Twice
• More about his main character - hard working detective Peter Ritter
• More about the White Rose Resistance movement
• Why he chose Rosenheim for the main location of his book
• Despite being kicked out of school at 15, he went on to served in the Intelligence Corps learning several languages (is he really Bernard Samson?) and became a journalist for national British newspapers.
• Which spy thriller writer he reckons gets it close to the real thing, surprise, its not John le Carre!
• Advice for new writers. Michael Smith shares with us why he thinks creative writing courses can be good for new writers and should not be dismissed!

And Much Much More!

Its time to party like its 1989 on this edition of the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Spybrarian Gary Dexter recently visited the Wende Museum and has transmitted his brush pass review of the Wende Museum for fellow Spy and Cold War Fans.

Gary reveals why the Wende Museum is a must visit for Spybrarians.

The mission of the Wende Museum is to preserve Cold War art, culture, and history from the Soviet Bloc countries, inspire a broad understanding of the period, and explore its enduring legacy.

Named for the Wende (pronounced “venda”), a German word meaning “turning point” or “change” that has come to describe the transformative period leading up to and following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Wende Museum:

• collects and preserves artwork, artifacts, archives, films, and personal histories from Cold War–era Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union relating to the period 1945–1991;
• challenges and engages the public through experimental exhibitions and interdisciplinary programming inspired by the collection;
• illuminates the past and informs the present through creative collaborations with contemporary artists and designers; and
• promotes rigorous scholarship, educates students, and stimulates general interest through lectures, symposia, and publications.

Spybrary Podcast: Episode 34

With Author MICK HERRON!

In this very special episode of the Spybrary Podcast, Shane turns the mic over to special agent David Craggs (from Episode 23) who interviews award-winning British author Mick Herron about his Slough House spy series. Often called ‘the heir to John le Carré,’ Herron’s popularity and critical acclaim has been (rightly) gathering momentum over the past several years. Spybrary is thrilled to bring you this special one-on-one interview of an author who is sure to be at the top of the best-seller lists for decades to come! No spoilers here, so listen away – even if you haven’t read the series. We’re sure you will want to after hearing this!

Press play and hear Mick Herron reveal…

• …how and why he shifted from writing crime novels to spy novels.
• …why ‘failure’ was his inspiration for the series.
• …why he likes writing from the point of view of flawed, even unlikable, characters.
• …how real-life events influence his writing.
• …what is next for the Slough House series.
• ...how Spybrary contributor Jeff Quest tracked down the actual Slough House (check out the photo of Slough House here!)

Plus:

• Hear Mick read from his latest novel in the Slough House series, London Rules. (Bonus points if you catch the reference to Homer’s Odyssey).
• A Slough House TV adaptation is in the works: David and Mick discuss potential casting.
• Shane returns to interrogate Mick in the Quick Fire round – find out the author’s favorite spy novel!

Yesterday's Spy by Len Deighton is the subject of our Brush Pass Review. Listen in to this bite size review from Spybrary contributor Agent Palmer.

About John Le Carre and the Cold War Toby Manning recently published his work which critically examines John Le Carre and the Cold War. Toby joins Shane Whaley on the Spybrary Spy Podcast to tell us more.

On Episode 32 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, host Shane Whaley discovers more about Edinburgh Spy Week 2018 with one of the organisers, Professor Penny Fielding.

Penny reveals a stellar line up of speakers  who will be starring at the fifth Edinburgh Spy Week.  Can't make Edinburgh? This interview is still worth listening to you as Shane finds out more about Prof Fielding's love for spy literature and movies.

It’s fun being a podcaster. I just got to chat for over an hour with an English Literature Professor all about spy books. Not my usual Saturday afternoon company

Edinburgh Spy Week  is a unique public event that focuses on espionage fiction and film and the ways in which secrecy and spying run through our history and culture. They bring together creative practitioners and academic researchers to talk about books and ideas in public and accessible ways.

These are some of the topics we cover on Episode 32:

• What exactly is Edinburgh Spy Week 2018?- When is it? - Where is it? - What’s in the programme? - Who is speaking? - what’s the cost? - how can people register?
• Penny shares with us the origins of Edinburgh Spy Week and how it got started.
• What is Penny's  favourite session since the inaugural Edinbrugh Spy Week
• How Professor Fielding become interested in espionage books and movies.
• Why is spy fiction so male-dominated (both in authors, and in readership) as opposed to a genre such as mystery?
• What does Professor Fielding think of the female characters in John Le Carre's spy novels?
• Which spy authors does she think portrays female characters credibly? Which spy book does she think has the best written female characters?
• If Spybrary could arrange for Prof. Fielding to meet John Le Carre over a cup of tea in Cornwall what would she ask him?
• As an English Literature Professor and the organiser of Edinburgh Spy Week 2018 what does she feel is the gold standard of spy fiction writing?
• As a fan of Le Carre's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy what is her take on the tv adaptation of the novel and the movie version.
• If she could be a character in a spy book or movie, who would she choose?

Edinburgh Spy Week 2018 Line Up

Billed as 'Spy Con celebrates espionage and Spy Fiction in all media from literature to television and film. Come be a special agent for the weekend!'

Spybrary Host Shane Whaley was keen to find out more, so he got chatting with one of the organizers of Spy Con Matt Sherman who was kind enough to come on the podcast to share more with our listeners.

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Matt reveals more about the first ever Spy Con, including who is lined up to speak and what special exhibits may be on show! One of the special guests will be James Bond Girl Plenty O'Toole whose swimming pool landing provides one of the best lines in any 007 movie! Matt admits Spy Con will be a bit 'Bond top heavy' but will include discussion, content and fans from other spy shows including The Man from UNCLE, The Avengers and many more.  There is also a Spy School track on offer.

'Don’t miss out on hearing real spies talk about their experiences, as well as studying the works of Fleming, Le Carre and others for information on how to do everything from avoid detection to kill someone with your pinky finger (not really!).'

Matt also shares with us how you could be a speaker or panelist at Spy Con. A splendid opportunity for spy geeks and authors to share their knowledge with like minded spy fans.

Of course, Shane takes the opportunity to ask Matt more about his Bond location tours, 007 collection and of course he is interrogated sorry questioned in the quick fire round!

For more information visit Spy Con Official Website.

SPYBRARY COMMENT - This is the first ever Spy Con event  I would love to see these happen every year so if you can get yourself down to Atlanta please do consider registering. I will be attending and supporting the event and I would love to meet Spybrary listeners there. Rumour has it a certain Jack Barsky, the East German born KGB sleeper agent will be attending too!

In this illuminating interview Matt also reveals:

Who in the James Bond novels, other than 007 would he like to meet and why What he would ask Ian Fleming if he had a time machine and went back in time What his favourite item of his 007 collection is And what he must own that he doesn't right now Out of the 300 007 locations he has visited, which is his all time favourite Out of the very few locations left which one tops his list to visit

And Much More

About Matt Sherman of BondFanEvents.com

Matt Sherman, one of the world’s top James Bond experts, has collected James Bond books, and movie props for more than 35 years. His Bond memorabilia and his fan meets have featured on C-SPAN, DISCOVERY, HGTV, VH-1, TLC, TNN and in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

More than 120 special guests have appeared at Sherman’s events, including Bond actors, authors and filmmakers, along with real world intelligence officers (the preferred euphemism for secret agents) from the FBI,CIA, NSA and the KGB. A Bond locations maven, Sherman has led fan tours to hundreds of Bond film and book locations. His contributions have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parade Magazine, Time and now on the Spybrary Spy Podcast.

Today we are joined by a spy author who Jeremy Duns says ‘should be as well known as Lee Child.'

Spywrite.com and Spybrary contributor Jeff Quest also gives our guests'  first spy novel 'Ratcatcher' a big thumbs up. (Hear Jeff talk about his favourite spy novels on Episode 008 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast.)

The author is Mr Tim Stevens who joins us today to talk about his main spy character John Purkiss who features in a series of 6 spy novels.

Tim has self published 16 novels which he has managed to write whilst being a full time practicing physician. He is also married with 3 kids and a cat so listen in as he shares his tips on how to make time for writing and why you should consider self-publishing.

He also announces news on the eagerly awaited 7th Purkiss novel.

On Episode 29 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, author Tim Stevens shares with us

• What is it about the spy thriller genre that appeals to him.
• Why Adam Hall and Alistair McLean are some of his favourite authors.
• How he found John Le Carre's work 'impenetrable' on a first read but grew to appreciate the novels later in life.
• Which authors have inspired him
• He talks us through his writing and main characters principally John Purkiss and Joe Venn.
• How back in the early days, he worked with Jeremy Duns. Both critiquing each others work.
• Why a book agent suggested he try self-publishing his work
• Why you should read his John Purkiss books in order, start with Ratcatcher.
• What advice he has for our listeners who want to write and self publish a book?
• How he manages his time to write, Tim Stevens is married with 3 kids, is a practicing physician oh and has a cat.
• Announces news on the much awaited 7th installment of the John Purkiss series.

And Much Much More!

Enjoyed this episode of Spybrary? Come and talk Spy books and movies with other spy fans in our private Spybrary listeners facebook group

Are you ready for our second installment of DEAD DROP 5?

Today’s guest is no stranger to East Germany. He is deep under cover, embedded in Communist East Berlin, he has asked his SIS handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books in their dead drop location in the Friedrichshain park.

Ian Sanders of the Manchester Military History Society has been reading spy books for many years and has written almost 400 reviews on military,cold war and espionage books on goodreads.  Today he is going to whittle those 400 books down to just a handful ….this is DEAD DROP FIVE on the Spybrary Spy Podcast.

Ian's Dead Drop 5 picks are:

Tune in to episode 27 of the Spybrary Podcast at hear what Spybrarian Jeff Quest had to to say about The Exphoria Code and why you might want to give it a go.

Official blurb...

“Very possibly the definitive espionage thriller of the early 21st century” – Alan Moore

Brigitte Sharp, a cyber-espionage specialist with MI6, has been deskbound and in therapy for three years, after her first field mission in Syria went disastrously wrong. But now one of her best friends has been murdered, and Bridge believes his death is connected to strange posts appearing on the internet, carrying encrypted hidden messages.

When Bridge decodes the messages, she discovers evidence of a mole inside a top-secret Anglo-French military drone project. Her MI6 bosses force her back into the field, sending her undercover in France to find and expose the mole… who may also be her friend’s killer. But the truth behind the Exphoria code is worse than she could have imagined.

Soon she’s on the run, desperate and alone – as a nuclear terrorist plot unfolds and threatens everything Bridge has left to live for.

Taken from his official website:

Antony Johnston is a New York Times bestselling graphic novelist, author, and games writer with more than fifty published titles. The Charlize Theron movie ATOMIC BLONDE is based on his graphic novel THE COLDEST CITY. His epic series WASTELAND is one of only a handful of such longform achievements in comics. His first video game, DEAD SPACE, redefined a genre.

Antony’s other books and graphic novels include THE EXPHORIA CODE, THE FUSE, DAREDEVIL, JULIUS, the ALEX RIDER graphic novels, DEAD SPACE transmedia comics, and the adaptation of Alan Moore's 'lost screenplay' FASHION BEAST.

His video games include SHADOW OF MORDOR, BLACKWOOD CROSSING, THE ASSEMBLY, DEAD SPACE EXTRACTION, ZOMBIU, and more.

Antony also hosts the podcast UNJUSTLY MALIGNED, and records music under the alias SILENCAEON.

What is a Brush Pass review exactly?

These are first impression reviews sent in by Spybrary listeners and give us their first impressions of a spy book, spy movie or spy tv show soon after finishing it. We encourage all our Spybrary listeners to record their own brush reviews and send them in. Remember we are not academics here, Spybrary Spy Podcast is by spy fans for spy fans. (And we don't always have to agree - vive la difference and all that.)

If you want to send in a brush pass review, record it on your smartphone and email to [email protected] We will do the rest. If your brush pass episode is aired then you will receive a $20 Amazon voucher as a thank you from us all at Spybrary!

Check out our other Brush Pass reviews here

Enjoyed this episode of Spybrary? Come and talk Spy books and movies with other spy fans in our private Spybrary listeners facebook group

Spybrarian Matthew Kresal shares his brush pass review on The Ghost: The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton by Jefferson Morley which has recently been published.

According to Tim Weiner, author of Legacy of Ashes -The History of the CIA 'The Ghost' is..

"The best book ever written about the strangest CIA chief who ever lived." -

More information on James Jesus Angelton in the resources section below.

About the author: JEFFERSON MORLEY is a journalist and editor who has worked in Washington journalism for over thirty years, fifteen of which were spent as an editor and reporter at The Washington Post. The author of Our Man in Mexico, a biography of the CIA’s Mexico City station chief Winston Scott, Morley has written about intelligence, military, and political subjects for Salon, The Atlantic, and The Intercept, among others. He is the editor of JFK Facts, a blog. He lives in Washington, DC.

What is a Brush Pass review exactly?

These are first impression reviews sent in by Spybrary listeners and give us their first impressions of a spy book, spy movie or spy tv show soon after finishing it. We encourage all our Spybrary listeners to record their own brush reviews and send them in. Remember we are not academics here, Spybrary Spy Podcast is by spy fans for spy fans.

If you want to send in a brush pass review, record it on your smartphone and email to [email protected] We will do the rest. If your brush pass episode is aired then you will receive a $20 Amazon voucher as a thank you from us all at Spybrary!

Check out our other Brush Pass reviews here

Enjoyed this episode of Spybrary? Come and talk Spy books and movies with other spy fans in our private Spybrary listeners facebook group

On Episode 25 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, host Shane Whaley talks to author Christopher McIntosh about his cold war spy thriller 'The Lebensborn Spy'

What is the Lebensborn Spy all about then?

'The Lebensborn Spy is a novel based on a real situation during the Cold War, in which former inmates of the Nazi Lebensborn maternity and children's homes were used as spies by the East German intelligence service. The story involves one such spy, who goes to Denmark to carry out espionage for the German Democratic Republic and to find his mother, who he believes to be a Danish woman who had a love affair with a German soldier during the wartime occupation and then gave her infant son away to the Lebensborn. There is a parallel thread to the story, involving another young man living in East Berlin. The two men and the Danish family become caught up in a web of deception, betrayal and love. The story, which is also about the search for one's origins and one's native homeland, moves to a dramatic climax, which reaches a startling dénouement in the re-united Berlin of 1990.'

In this engaging interview for Spybrary, Christopher McIntosh shares with us:

• Why his book is dedicated to all former Lebensborn children’ For those of our listeners who are not familiar with Lebensborn Christopher tell us more. (Check the resources section below for more links on this.)
• How Der Spiegel inspired him to write the book
• Why lovers of spy thrillers will enjoy his book.
• What kind of research he completed for this book.
• His own insight into the main characters of the Lebensborn Spy.
• How a former GDR stasi prisoner (who was bought by the West) helped him with research on the GDR.
• What was the hardest part of writing his book.
• What was his favorite chapter (or part) to write and why
• His advice for aspiring authors?

And Much More!

Ever wondered what its like to go on a London Spy Tour? Today we learn more about the Intelligence Trail's London Spy Tours.

Spy Tours are becoming very popular with spy aficionados, both with those who enjoy the fictional spy books of James Bond or Tom Clancy right through to impressive non fiction spy writing from the likes of Nigel West and Ben MacIntyre.

Many of us want to check out the locations (either real or fictional) of brush passes, dead drops, assassination by poison umbrellas or tea laced with polonium, interrogations, arrests, chases. KGB signal sites etc

Spy museums are also becoming popular, the two that immediately spring to mind are the German Spy Museum in Berlin and our friends at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. (Both come highly Spybrary recommended.) Next year NYC joins the spy tour fray with Spyscape but more on that in another episode.

In this edition of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, we get to spend an hour with Brian Gray of the Sunday Spy Show. Not only is Brian an expert on espionage and the security services, he also offers London Spy Tours including the epic (my word not his) Intelligence Trail billed as 'The In-depth London Spy Tour.'

'The ‘Trail offers the most comprehensive content-rich introduction to the shadow world of Britain’s main intelligence services – MI5, MI6, and GCHQ – on the streets of London, in key locations associated with the spy world throughout the decades.

Whether you’re London-based or coming from afar, if you’re wanting to discover the real triumphs and tragedies, and the trials and tribulations surrounding MI5 and MI6 through the years on the streets of central London – you’ve come to the right place.'

In this episode of Spybrary:

• • We ask Brian how he amassed so much knowledge on spying and espionage

• • Brian shares with us the spy books that got him interested in espionage, spying and the security services.

• • How does Brian respond when he ask him if he has worked for the intelligence services?

• • Brian gives us the lowdown on all his London Spy Tours including The Classic Tour, The Early Years Tour, The Cold War Tour and the Sexpionage Tour.

• • He reveals why his 'Mayfair and Mother Russia' tour is his most hard-core London Spy Tour yet!

• • Brian Gray tells us what inspired to him to start up the Intelligence Trail spy tour.

• • He shares with us which celebrities have enjoyed his London Spy Tour and what famous people have 'tour-bombed' the Trail.

• • He tells us how he helped with the PR campaign for the remake of the Man from U.N.C.L.E

• • Listen to the podcast and hear what part of the Intelligence Trail surprises people the most

And Much Much More...so much more that we had to split the interview into two parts! Brian will be back to share with us his thoughts on the challenges facing MI5 and MI6. Shane cheekily asks him what he would do if he locked Brian in a room with Kim Philby or George Blake. Stay tuned for that one.!

Recently, Spybrary assembled a crack team of spy fans to check out Brian's London Spy Tour. This elite team included Jeff Quest (Spywrite,) Gary Dexter, Ian Sanders (Manchester Military History Society), Rob Mallows (The Deighton Dossier), Tom  (Literary 007) and Spybrary host Shane Whaley.

They all gave the Intelligence Trail 5 stars and agree that Brian's London Spy Tours are all killer and no filler. Check out the Tripadvisor reviews if you are intrigued and interested in going on the tour.

Follow the Intelligence Trail on:

Twitter Facebook Official Site

Check out Jeff Quests write up on recent London Spy Tours 

If you enjoy chatting spy books and spy movies, or have a question or point of interest on London Spy Tours come and join our private Spybrary Facebook Group.

Today we launch a new series for Spybrary, it is called DEAD DROP 5.

Today’s guest is deep under cover, behind the wall embedded in Communist East Berlin, he has asked his SIS handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books in their dead drop location in the Friedrichshain park. David Craggs has been reading spy books for over 50 years, he is a frequent contributor to the excellent Literary007.com and today he is going to share with us which books he wants deposited in his DEAD DROP 5 and why! We deep dive into David's choices and get his take on the spy book landscape.

We talk all about the British Cult Classic TV show 'The Prisoner' starting Patrick McGoohan on today's  Spybrary Spy Podcast You are a number, but it is not Number 6, you are number 22 as this is the number of this weeks Spybrary Podcast episode.

Today we are going to do something a little different. As regular listeners know the reason I cannot put out a weekly show is that I insist on reading the book of a guest before we chat.  I think it makes for a much better conversation, after all this is podcasting not cable news..ouch! So I have an admission. I have never watched the iconic tv show ‘The Prisoner.’ I know, a bit embarrassing for someone like me who loves the spy niche and especially 60s/70s spy shows. I think I saw the odd clip of it as a kid and put it in the Dr Who category of weird and disturbing. (The Prisoner comes up a lot in our listener discussion group on facebook. If you are interested in extra bonus content to the podcast then check out our group on spybrary.com/facebook)

So I asked in our group who wants to come on the show and tell us more about The Prisoner. I have a stack of DVDs to catch up on this winter so my viewing time is at a premium. Matthew Kresal who featured on Episode 12 of our spy podcast has volunteered to get into the hot seat here at Spybrary and tell us more about the Prisoner.

Lt Col Michael Brady was an intelligence officer for over 20 years. Find out more about his first spy novel ‘Into the Shadows‘ on the Spybrary Podcast with Host Shane Whaley.

This is the story of Michael Brennan, a career CIA non-official cover (NOC) intelligence officer and his quest to identify and disrupt a plot crafted by the Islamic State terror group. After Michael travels to Israel and meets with Israeli intelligence, he partners with Elif Turan, a Mossad agent working in Turkey as a false flag along the Syrian border. Together, they must use their skills and tradecraft to stop Islamic State’s scheme of introducing the deadly Ebola virus into New York City.

Now let me tell you a bit about Michael.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Brady, USA, (RET), earned his MS in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University in Washington, DC in 2003. His classified thesis focused on the current and emerging issues confronting China and Taiwan.

He has performed a wide variety of tactical and strategic intelligence functions including long-range surveillance, interrogation andintelligence analysis, He served as the Director, Presidential Emergency Operations Center in the White House from January 2001 until July 2002 under President George W. Bush.

LTC Brady is a 1990 graduate of The Citadel, Marine Corps Command and General Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, US Army Airborne School and US Army Ranger School.

His areas of expertise and research include threats to the homeland, intelligence collection systems and programs, intelligence analysis, and intelligence support to national policy making.

The point I am making here is that today’s guest knows his stuff when it comes to spying and now he is following the likes of Graham Greene, John Le Carre, Ted Allbeury and others who journeyed from the secret world to writing espionage fiction.

We talk about how Michael Brady’s background in intelligence contributed to ‘Into the Shadows’ in particular looking at the technology used by the Intelligence services today. It is a far cry from Harry Palmer and George Smiley! Brady also talks about the characters in his novel, the exotic locations and he shares with us what advice he would give to anyone wanting to join the intelligence services. And much much more!

What did you think of today’s chat with Michael Brady? Love it? Hate it? Do you have a burning question about it? We are carrying on the conversation about Into the Shadows and many other spy books over at our private Spybrary discussion group, feel free to join us here

Author Barry Lancet reveals how an approach by a Soviet spy to recruit him inspired his 4th Jim Brodie book The Spy Across The Table published by Simon and Schuster.

Goodbye to an Old Friend is the first novel written by Charlie Muffin creator Brian Freemantle. He wrote this book on his daily commute to and from work.  Spybrary Host Shane Whaley is a huge fan of Charlie Muffin so he decided to give Freemantle's debut spy novel a go.

This is the first 'Brush Pass' episode on Spybrary. The aim of this format is to share our thoughts on a spy book or movie straight after finishing the last page of the novel or just after titles go up after a spy flick. I want to capture those raw feelings we experience on immediately finishing a novel.

Don't worry we will still have deep dives, round tables and interviews on our favorite spy books, this new feature will allow you to share your thoughts *(up to 5 or 10 mins) on a book or movie. One of the major goals of Spybrary is to talk about all the wonderful spy books that are out there. That is where you come in. When you have read a book, feel free to record your own short review (brush pass) on it. Please remember Spybrary is not a community of literary critics, sure we have some very knowledgeable spy fans here but they too want to hear from you!

Kicking off the series, Shane Whaley the Spybrary host talks about Brian Freemantle's first ever novel 'Goodbye to an Old Friend' (And yes after recording it I realised there were things I missed out or wanted to say but the whole purpose of Brush Pass is that they are our initial thoughts so this is not supposed to be a polished/well honed review.)

If you are interested in sending in a Brush Pass review you can record your submission here or better still use your smartphone, voice memo on Iphone works well and email it to me. (If you have problems with this please email me and I can send you a dropbox link.) Any submissions we use on the show will earn a $20 Amazon gift card, hopefully you will buy another spy book to review for us.

Sir Roger Moore, actor, UNICEF Ambassador, author and father passed away this week. This is the episode of Spybrary we never wanted to record. Spybrary host Shane Whaley and author Jeffrey Westhoff, two guys from opposite sides of the Atlantic who ruined many a school photo with their 'Roger Moore' eyebrow impressions fondly talk about why they are massive fans of Sir Roger Moore's work. (That lucky Jeffrey even got to interview Sir Roger Moore once and got paid for it.) In this Roger Moore special we talk about why we feel Moore was the best Bond, read through some of the tributes from Sir Roger's peers and highlight some of the excellent Roger Moore stories that are being shared as well as insights from other Roger Moore fans.

Jack Barsky, the ex KGB undercover spy continues to share with us his story of life as a Russian Spy in the USA with Spy Podcast Spybrary

Listen to Part 2 of our interview and learn:

• Which national figure did the KGB want Barksy to get close to and spy on?
• How did Jack Barsky cope with the loneliness of being a spy?
• Was Barsky afraid of getting caught?
• How did he communicate with Moscow Center?
• Why did the KGB put him on a Concorde?
• What instructions did the KGB give Barksy if he was ever caught by the FBI?
• Which Spy novelist does Barsky say is the most realistic of all spy writer?
• Which book on the East German Stasi does he recommend we all read?
• What signal did the KGB leave for Barsky on his daily commute to tell him his cover was blown and to drop everything and get out of the USA?
• Why did Barsky defy the KGB to stay in the US?
• What chilling threat was whispered into his ears by the KGB on the platform for the A train in NYC?
• How Jack Barsky knows the KGB bought his 'big lie' for why he could not return to the KGB and the Soviet Union?
• About the day he was apprehended by the FBI?
• What lengths the FBI went to over 3 years in order to catch him?
• How a row with his wife gave the FBI all they needed to apprehend him?

And Much More!!!

On this weeks Spybrary, author Jeffrey Westhoff talks to host Shane Whaley about his spy book 'The Boy Who Knew Too Much' and shares with us his thoughts on the spy genre and how he interviewed 5 of the actors who played James Bond 007