Karla's Choice sees the return of John le Carré's George Smiley. Today we're joined by his son, the author Nick Harkaway, along with John le Carré fans Steve Ritterman and Matthew Bradford, Our host Shane Whaley hosts this fascinating discussion about Harkaway’s foray into his father John le Carré's iconic universe, particularly his latest novel Ka…

We have made it to Episode 250! Hear this special message from Spybrary founder Shane Whaley talking about Spybrary's future as well as a fun conversation Spybrarians, I need your intel! Eight years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, asking this question. When I launched the Spybrary Podcast, I had no idea we'd build a community of fellow spy enthu…

In this fascinating episode of the Spybrary Spy History Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Barry Werth author of Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War. This remarkable true cold war spy story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, John Downey, Jr., a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twen…

Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together. Shane Whaley - Spybrary Podcast Host Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond books? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club p…

In this riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, guest host David Clark is joined by author and investigative journalist Tim Tate to dissect his latest espionage non-fiction book To Catch A Spy which examines the enigmatic and controversial history surrounding Roger Hollis, the former MI5 Director General, Margaret Thatcher, Peter Wright and t…

In this captivating episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, join host Shane Whaley as he sits down briefly with the legendary actor Gary Oldman, who portrays the enigmatic Jackson Lamb in the hit TV adaptation of Mick Heron's "Slow Horses." Gary Oldman reveals how Jackson Lamb first appeared on his radar and the differences working with spy authors Mi…

A thrilling tick-tock recounting one of the most harrowing hostage situations and daring rescue attempts of our time—from the true-life espionage master and New York Times bestselling author of Operation Mincemeat and The Spy and the Traitor. Today on the Spybrary podcast, we're taking you inside the Iranian Embassy siege. Join us for a gripping ep…

On today’s episode, acclaimed spy authors Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich sit down for an intriguing discussion that delves deep into the world of writing spy fiction. As many of you know, I’ve been lucky enough to share drinks, meals, and some unforgettable conversations with some of the best spy authors working today. And every time, I think to myse…

Today's episode is a Bond in Motion review and interview in the form of a brief field report submitted by friend of Spybrary and spy author Payne Harrison. Join the Spybrary Community Welcome to the latest episode of the Spybrary, guest hosted by Payne Harrison! Join us as we visit the Bond in Motion exhibit at the incredible Spy Museum in Washingt…

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. Join other spy book fans in our online Spybrary commmunity join for free today!…

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 fo…

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 discu…

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 pol…

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. Un…

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 fa…

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…

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 Ire…

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 ins…

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 wav…

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…

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…

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 li…

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 Jam…

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 cinema…

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 …

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…

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. The Lumumba Plot by Stuart Reid St…

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…

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. Spy…

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 complexit…

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 WelcomeAf Shane Whaley

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 ro…

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 butc…

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…

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 firs…

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 …

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 rea…

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 characte…

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 the…

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 gri…

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 i…

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 app…

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'. Spy Books and D…

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 ana…

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 wo…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …