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 t...
Dec 19, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Stuart A Reid Official Website Adam Brookes Official Site Join the Spybrary Community Grab your free top spy writers ranked dossier...
Dec 07, 2023•36 min•Ep 226•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Nov 29, 2023•51 min•Ep 217•Transcript available on Metacast 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 complexit...
Nov 20, 2023•54 min•Ep 225•Transcript available on Metacast 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. So what is Moscow ...
Nov 16, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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
Oct 28, 2023•4 min•Ep 223•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Oct 17, 2023•53 min•Ep 221•Transcript available on Metacast 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 sp...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Sep 19, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 10, 2023•16 min•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast 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 S...
Aug 23, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 o...
Aug 10, 2023•53 min•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast 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 w...
Aug 01, 2023•15 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast 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-tur...
Jul 02, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ....
Jun 09, 2023•45 min•Ep 211•Transcript available on Metacast 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 controve...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep 209•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Dead Drops...what is this series exactly? This riveting series is a crowd favorite, but be warned, your bank balance may take a hit based on these spy ...
May 29, 2023•42 min•Ep 208•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
May 02, 2023•43 min•Ep 206•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Mar 02, 2023•16 min•Ep 205•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 204•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Forbidde...
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. What is the best spy book you have read that was published in 2022? What is the best espionage novel you have read this year th...
Dec 27, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Dec 22, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast 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! What is the Spybrary James Bond Book Club exactly and what makes it different from other 007 book clubs? 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 includ...
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 11, 2022•14 min•Ep 199•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 05, 2022•2 hr 31 min•Ep 198•Transcript available on Metacast 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 a...
Nov 27, 2022•33 min•Ep 197•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Nov 21, 2022•53 min•Ep 196•Transcript available on Metacast 
