Nick Harkaway On Karla's Choice, Writing in His Father's World, George Smiley and More.
Release Date: 10/23/2024
Inside the Int. Spy Museum: Shane & Joe’s Espionage Adventure
Spybrary Spy Podcast
In this special episode of Spybrary, Shane is joined by fellow spy fan Joe Modzelewski for an in-depth International Spy Museum review. Recorded after their recent visit to the museum in Washington D.C., this episode is packed with honest reflections, surprising discoveries, and plenty of spy geekery. From Virginia Hall’s heroic story to rare artifacts like the Enigma machine and a section of the Berlin Tunnel, Shane and Joe cover it all—including the museum’s interactive spy games, an exhibit on intelligence analysis, and the must-see “Bond in Motion” car display. Whether you're a...
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The Poet's Game - A Spy in Moscow with Author Paul Vidich
Spybrary Spy Podcast
On this episode of Spybrary, I welcome back one of today's finest spy fiction authors, . We're diving into his gripping new novel, , a contemporary espionage thriller rooted in the tense geopolitics of modern-day Russia and the United States. Paul joins me to unpack the creative process, real-life inspirations, and the deeply personal conflicts faced by his latest protagonist, Alex Matthews. We explore how Paul's personal family connections to the intelligence world have shaped his storytelling, and what drives him to keep revisiting the morally complex world of spies. From constructing...
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Breaking John le Carré news: George Smiley Returns: New Novel Announced, Plus The Spy Who Came in From the Cold Heads to West End
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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. Join - the ultimate community for spy...
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Secrets, Spies, and Espionage with The London Spy
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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 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. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🕵️♂️ The Origins of the London Spy Tours: David's began accidentally—inspired by a 1700s book, The London Spy, and his...
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Michael Idov on Spy Fiction, OSINT, and Writing The Collaborators
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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...
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What Does a Real Spy Read? Valerie Plame’s Favorite Spy Books
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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 —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 '' Now, Valerie Plame joins us for...
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A Spy at War: Charles Beaumont Reveals More About His New Spy Thriller
Spybrary Spy Podcast
🔥 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, , the highly anticipated sequel to his bestselling debut, . 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...
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Spies on Stage - Operation Mincemeat and Dakar 2000 Reviewed
Spybrary Spy Podcast
In this Brush Pass episode of Brush Pass, and podcast host Jeff Quest, gives us the lowdown on two spy-related theatrical productions: '' and ''. Operation Mincemeat on Broadway The stunning true story of a scheme every bit as dicey, daring, and ridiculous as opening a new musical on Broadway! The best-reviewed show in West End history is now on Broadway! 74 ★★★★★ Reviews and Counting! (which, according to our calculations, adds up to 370 stars) SYNOPSIS: It’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick...
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Is From Russia With Love the Greatest Spy Movie Ever Made?
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Welcome to the third episode of Section F - our Spy Movie Podcast track on Spybrary. Our Section F handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favourite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Spybrary's Section F delve into the 1963 movie adaptation of Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery and directed by Terence Young. Host Shane Whaley is joined by Section F's Dr Eric Newsom and Michael Huie, along with special guest film historian Dr. Llewella Chapman, author of the British Film Institute’s book on From Russia With Love. ...
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German Spy Museum Berlin Review – Spy Fans Share Their Verdict
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Is the in Berlin worth your time? In this episode of Brush Pass on Spybrary, we take you inside this fascinating espionage attraction to uncover its best exhibits, hidden gems, and whether it’s a must-visit for spy fans. Spybrary’s on-the-ground team in Berlin – Station C's Matt Batten, David Morgan, and Father Richard Green – share their German Spy Museum Berlin review. Both Matt and David are return visitors to the - how was their experience on a second visit? Tune in to find out. Have you visited the German Spy Museum? What did you think? let us know in the comments or better...
info_outlineKarla'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 Karla's Choice.
Nick Harkaway shares his unique journey of bridging the narrative gaps between familiar stories like The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, highlighting his creative freedom and the challenges of inheriting such a revered literary legacy. He explains the pleasure and pressure of developing beloved characters like George Smiley and delving into lesser-explored figures of the Circus and its enemies.
Listeners will enjoy insights into the intricate balancing act of character development.. We also explore the complex relationships within the espionage world, emphasising the human element and emotional depth that drive these spy narratives.
Harkaway's admiration for his father's work is palpable, and his thoughtful approach to writing Karlas Choice within the established George Smiley universe will resonate with both seasoned fans and new readers alike. Don't miss this episode packed with literary reflections, historical intrigue, and the timeless allure of spy fiction. Nick also shares more about life growing up with John le Carrè, the Circus and reveals his favourite John le Carré novels.
Tune in and join the conversation on the latest chapter in the Smiley saga!
Join the free Spybrary Community today and share your opinion on the return of George Smiley.