What happens when a former diplomat turns spy-thriller author? In this episode, Sam Guthrie, ex-Australian trade envoy and senior government official, sits down with award-winning journalist Tim Shipman to discuss The Peak — a gripping, character-driven espionage novel set across Hong Kong, Beijing and Canberra.

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👉 The story begins with a shocking act inside Australia's Parliament House — and unravels a 30-year-old secret from the 1997 Hong Kong handover. A love triangle, a mysterious mixtape, betrayal, and a looming global crisis all collide in this explosive debut.

Sam shares behind-the-scenes insights from his time as Deputy Consul General in Hong Kong, reflects on the growing tensions between China, Australia and the West, and explains why fiction must confront the geopolitical risks of the 21st century.

📌 Topics include:

• The real risks of espionage in Asia-Pacific
• Why politicians and business leaders told Sam that this topic is 'too raw' for him to write about.
• Why Australia is caught between China and the US
• Why Sam Guthrie is determined to shift the focus of espionage fiction from Europe to Asia
• Writing flawed characters with emotional depth
• Using mixtapes and music in spy fiction
  (Check out Sam Guthrie's Spotify playlist featuring tracks mentioned in The Peak.)
• Why more thrillers should focus on China and Australia.
• Why Sam Guthrie loves Spybrary!
• And Much More!

Learn more about the John le Carré Tradecraft exhibition in Oxford revealing John le Carré's meticulous research, unseen manuscripts, and the personal life behind the spy fiction. In Spybrary Ep. 275, we speak with the curators about what they uncovered and what it tells us about the master of espionage fiction.

In this episode of Spybrary , Shane Whaley hosts a conversation into Tradecraft, the new exhibition at Oxford's Bodleian Library focusing on John le Carré (David Cornwell). His guests are Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite, who co‑curated the exhibition. They explore how the exhibit reveals le Carré's working methods, personal life, and research habits. From manuscript drafts and scribbles on hotel stationery to his mother's abandoned suitcase, the conversation explores how le Carré meticulously researched his books, how he conceives characters like George Smiley, and what the curators hope visitors take away.

They also discuss key artifact highlights, the challenge of selecting what to display from over 1,200 archive boxes, and deeper questions: why did he write in fiction rather than non‑fiction, and what question would the curators ask le Carré if they could meet him? Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asked the curators which John le Carré novels they recommend for those new to his work as well as how they selected the nine le Carré books on which the John le Carré exhibition is based.

• The intersection of fiction, fact and research in le Carré's method
• Le Carré's meticulous research process (notes, drafts, corrections)
• The role of Jane Cornwell (his wife) as collaborator and editor
• The curatorial challenge of selecting from the vast John le Carré archives
• Personal artifacts as gateways into the life behind the author
• How le Carré anticipated geopolitical trends (pharma, corruption, security)
• The emotional impact the Tradecraft exhibition had on the author's family.
• The question of why he chose fiction rather than non-fiction as his medium
• And why did he David Cornwell choose the pen name John le Carré.

Shane also thanked the curators for making the Tradecraft exhibition accessible to both le Carré scholars and to those who may never have read any John le Carré novels.

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Fans of George Smiley, John le Carré's legendary spymaster, have reason to celebrate. In a rare double coup for the espionage world, Nick Harkaway—le Carré's son—has announced The Taper Man, a new Smiley novel arriving in 2026, while The Spy Who Came in From the Cold will receive its first-ever stage adaptation in the West End this autumn.

The announcement marks a major return of the "Circus," le Carré's iconic fictionalised British intelligence service, and the literary rebirth of one of spy fiction's most enduring characters.

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Set in 1965, The Taper Man picks up 18 months after the events of Harkaway's bestselling Karla's Choice and places George Smiley in unfamiliar terrain—America. The novel explores Smiley's pursuit of a communist network on the US West Coast, threading together geopolitical paranoia with moral ambiguity in classic le Carré fashion.

The story unfolds amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War, with Smiley navigating tensions with the CIA ("the Cousins") while unravelling Soviet infiltrations that stretch back to the 1950s.

"It's time to meet our American Cousins," Harkaway says. "We're following the breadcrumbs of a messy debacle in Helsinki all the way to California, uncovering the truth of Karla's 1950s network and pursuing Roy Bland into the USSR."

Publishing director Harriet Bourton of Viking describes The Taper Man as "an extraordinary new addition to the iconic literary world of John le Carré," praising Harkaway's ability to honour the legacy while making it unmistakably his own.

Alongside the novel news, spy fans will see Smiley on stage for the first time this November, when The Spy Who Came in From the Cold—le Carré's 1963 classic—premieres at @sohoplace in London. Directed by Jeremy Herrin and adapted by acclaimed playwright David Eldridge, the production follows a successful run at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Rory Keenan stars as Alec Leamas, the embittered British agent at the heart of the novel, with Agnes O'Casey playing Liz Gold. George Smiley will be portrayed by John Ramm.

Clare Cornwell, director of the le Carré estate, says: "We are delighted to be celebrating the return of the Circus and George Smiley through these two new projects."

Nick Harkaway, the fourth son of David Cornwell (John le Carré), previously completed the posthumous publication of Silverview and edited A Private Spy, a collection of his father's letters. In Karla's Choice, he took the bold step of writing new fiction within the le Carré universe—an effort praised by critics and readers alike.

Watch our interview all about Karla's Choice with Nick Harkaway.

With The Taper Man, Harkaway deepens his claim to the Smiley legacy while expanding the geopolitical canvas of the saga.

For longtime fans of le Carré, and the next generation discovering his work through adaptations and new fiction, 2025 may just be the most thrilling year since Smiley first came in from the cold.

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 fascinating episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley takes us to the espionage heart of London with expert London Spy Tours guide David Harry, also known as The London Spy. From real-life Cold War betrayals to Bond-worthy locations and hidden relics, David shares captivating insights from his acclaimed Westminster and St. James's London spy tours. This episode is a treasure trove for spy fiction lovers and espionage history buffs alike.

• David's London spy tours began accidentally—inspired by a 1700s book, The London Spy, and his own deep interest in espionage, fiction, and tradecraft.
•  
• He incorporates rare artifacts like SOE silk escape maps and spy gadgets, blending storytelling, history, and magic (he's a magician too!).

• London has long been a magnet for spies due to its imperial legacy, linguistic reach, and real-life spy operations.
• The city has seen major espionage incidents from the Cambridge Five to the Berlin Tunnel betrayal to the Markov umbrella assassination, and the Novichok poisonings.

• Visit Carlton House Terrace, featuring WWII German embassy history, the tomb of an anti-Nazi dog (!), and the headquarters of the Information Research Department (IRD)—a Cold War propaganda arm.
• Learn how George Orwell supplied the IRD with a list of pro-Stalinist sympathizers.
• Explore shops like Lock & Co Hatters, Turnbull & Asser, and Peter Harrington Rare Books, where Fleming-signed first editions and Churchill's ledgers await.

• View original newspaper clippings that simultaneously reported the Berlin Tunnel discovery and serialized From Russia with Love.
•  
• Hear about CIA gadgets like the infamous "spy scrotum" radio transmitter for downed aircrew.
•  
• Handle spy coins with hidden compartments—linked to real-life agent escapades.

• Discover film and TV locations from James Bond, Slow Horses, The Sandbaggers, and Kingsman.
• Learn how David tailors his London Spy tours to each group—mixing history, Cold War intrigue, and spy fiction depending on interest.

• Love spy fiction and real-world intelligence history.
• Are planning a trip to London and want an immersive espionage experience.
• Enjoy behind-the-scenes London spy stories, tradecraft, and collectibles.
• Appreciate well-researched, artifact-rich storytelling from a charismatic guide.

🔗 www.thelondonspy.com

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

Michael Idov, author of The Collaborators, joins Spybrary to discuss the spy novel everyone in our community is raving about.

In this in-depth conversation, Michael shares how his Soviet upbringing, real-world intelligence events like the Ryanair Belarus 'hijacking' incident and Moscow taxi hacker chaos, and his love for British espionage fiction shaped his gripping debut spy novel.

We also dive into his work on Deutschland 83, Deutschland 89, his admiration for OSINT warriors like Bellingcat, and his love letter to cities like Riga, Berlin, and London.

🎧 Topics include:
Real-world events that feature in The Collaborators
Why Michael sees spy fiction as a milieu, not a genre
The delicate balance between spy realism and cinematic action
OSINT's influence on modern espionage stories
British vs. American spy fiction traditions
🔗 Show Notes + Links: https://spybrary.com/261
📚 Buy The Collaborators: https://geni.us/V8T5a
Join the Spybrary Spy Fiction Fans Community: https://www.spybrary.com/community 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment — what's your favourite modern spy novel?

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.

Ever wonder what spy books former CIA spy Valerie Plame can't put down?

Today on Spybrary, host Shane Whaley is joined by none other than Valerie Plame—former CIA covert operative, bestselling author, and an iconic voice in the world of intelligence and espionage.

For over a decade, Valerie Plame served on the front lines of national security, operating undercover in some of the world's most complex and volatile environments. Her CIA career—and the controversial public outing that ended it—has been the subject of headlines, books, and a major Hollywood film 'Fair Game'

Now, Valerie Plame joins us for a very different kind of mission—her Spybrary Dead Drop 5. She'll reveal the five spy books she'd choose to stash in a hidden drop in East Berlin, the titles she'd rely on during a covert operation behind the Iron Curtain. From childhood favorites to deeply researched histories, Valerie's picks promise intrigue, insight, and a few surprises.

Strap in—this is going to be a Spybrary episode to remember.

The Dead Drop 5 is back! In this much-requested Spybrary feature, our guest is embedded behind the Iron Curtain and can request five spy books, a gadget, luxury items and more from their handler.

Before we get to Valerie Plame's five favourite books do check out her event Spies at Seas. Valerie and her team have kindly offered a discount for Spybrarians.

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. --

🔥 In This Episode:

He's back.

Former MI6 officer turned critically acclaimed novelist, Charles Beaumont returns to the Spybrary podcast on the launch day of his second novel, A Spy at War, the highly anticipated sequel to his bestselling debut, A Spy Alone.

Recorded on publication day, this conversation delves deep—not only into the plot and characters of the new book, but also into the role of spy fiction in helping us make sense of today's volatile geopolitical landscape.

Join us for a gripping conversation about war, fiction, statecraft, and the moral complexities of modern espionage.

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.

Join the Spybrary Community - https://www.spybrary.com

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