Is On Her Majesty's Secret Service Fleming's Best James Bond Novel Yet?
Release Date: 12/12/2024
Ian Fleming's The Man With The Golden Gun - The James Bond Book Club
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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. In this episode of the James Bond Book Club, the Spybrary hosts discuss Ian Fleming's final Bond novel, "The Man with the Golden Gun." They explore the book's themes, characters, and its place in the Bond series, reflecting on Fleming's legacy and the impact of his work on the spy fiction genre. The conversation touches on the novel's strengths and weaknesses, the portrayal of Bond and his adversaries, and the...
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The Peak - Sam Guthrie In Conversation with Tim Shipman
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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. Join the Today! 👉 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...
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Inside the John le Carré Tradecraft Exhibition
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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 , Shane Whaley hosts a conversation into . 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...
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Essential Cold War Berlin Spy Sites You Must Visit and a few hidden gems!
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Step back into the shadows of Cold War Berlin with this week’s episode of Spybrary. My guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Special Forces operator who spent 23 years in clandestine service—much of it in divided Berlin. He’s just released his new book, , and joins me to share his tips on the best Berlin Cold War sites to visit. You’ll hear about: Why Berlin is the city of spies! What it was really like serving in Berlin during the Cold War. His picks for the three essential Cold War spy sites every fan must visit. Three hidden, off-the-beaten-track spots in Berlin that most...
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Spies, Satire And Chimney cake With Dan Fesperman and I.S.Berry
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Shane Whaley and author () welcome spy thriller author Dan Fesperman to talk about his latest novel, . What happens when a disgraced stand-up comedian becomes a CIA asset in a fictional Eastern European country? Listen/Watch On. Topics covered include: The real-world politics that inspired Pariah How cancel culture shapes protagonist Hal Knight Building a believable fictional Eastern/Central European setting (Bolrovia!) Why did Dan Fesperman choose to create a fictional country rather than base Pariah in a real country? Humour in serious spy fiction Do spy novels need to have...
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The Second Traitor with Alex Gerlis
Spybrary Spy Podcast
In this episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley interviews author about his latest novel, , book 2 in the spy series which is set against the backdrop of World War II and the early Cold War. They discuss the complexities of writing historical fiction, the importance of research, and the intricate character dynamics within the story. Gerlis shares insights into the historical events that inspired his work, including Operation Sea Lion, the Invasion Warning, Sub-Committee and the role of German intelligence (Abwehr). The conversation also touches on the balance between action and intrigue in...
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Spy Movie Perfection? Breaking Down Three Days of the Condor
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Dive into Three Days of the Condor with Spybrary. CIA conspiracies, moped escapes, and one of the best assassins in spy cinema. Redford stars in this slow-burn, cerebral classic that still resonates today. Join 4000 other spy fans, chatting spy movies, books and TV. Welcome to another edition of Section F on Spybrary, where spy film enthusiasts gather to dissect classic espionage cinema. In Episode 270, Shane is joined by Michael, Jonathan, and debut guest Pierce to delve deep into Three Days of the Condor (1975), directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford. Episode...
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Is You Only Live Twice, Ian Fleming's Worst Bond Book Ever?
Spybrary Spy Podcast
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. In this time‑travel special, the Spybrary crew—Shane, David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Ian Douglas—journey back to 1964 to dissect Ian Fleming’s latest novel, You Only Live Twice. They kick off by setting the scene: Bond mania is reaching fever pitch, with spy fiction booming, thanks to Ian Fleming, the Bond films are on a roll, and Fleming reported to be in very ill-heath. As the conversation delves into...
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He Stole the KGB’s Secrets For Years! With Gordon Corera
Spybrary Spy Podcast
makes his Spybrary debut in this riveting episode of the Spybrary podcast. Host Shane Whaley welcomes the former BBC security correspondent, espionage historian and host of podcast, Gordon Corera to discuss his latest book, . The Cold War might be over, but its shadows stretch far into the present. What if one of the Soviet Union’s most overlooked insiders — a quiet KGB archivist — decided to turn against the very institution he once served? How did he smuggle a mountain of secrets out from under Moscow’s nose? And why did the CIA turn him away, only for MI6 to uncover what may...
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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...
info_outlineWelcome to our book club episode on On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond novel and one of the most pivotal in the series. Spybrary host Shane Whaley introduces this James Bond Book club episode from the steps of the College of Arms in London, a location that plays a significant role in the story as Bond takes on a unique undercover mission.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the book where Bond faces his arch-nemesis Blofeld, but it’s also where we see a rare, deeply emotional side to 007 as he falls in love with the enigmatic Tracy di Vicenzo. Packed with high-stakes action, breathtaking Alpine settings, and a story that forever changes the Bond mythos, it’s a classic that deserves a closer look. Let’s dive in
Is On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Ian Fleming's best James Bond novel yet?
Join our host, Shane Whaley, as we dive deep into the world of espionage literature featuring the latest updates on Ian Fleming's newest masterpiece, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Alongside guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Hildebrand Group's Ian Douglas, we explore the narrative and character developments that showcase Fleming’s storytelling prowess.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service Book Club Takeaways
Ian Fleming’s Masterpiece?: Discover how Fleming has returned to form with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The book is praised for its emotional depth and rich character development, marking it as one of his best James Bond books.
Bond's Personal Evolution: Hear our guests discuss the transformation of James Bond's character in this latest installment. Fleming adds layers to Bond, exploring his humanity and personal relationships, bringing a fresh perspective to the renowned spy.
Thrilling Scenes and Cinematic Flair: From high-stakes chases and avalanche escapes to the climactic showdown at Piz Gloria, the book's vivid and cinematic qualities promise an exhilarating read that could seamlessly transition onto the big screen.
M at Home and at Christmas: Hear why none of the James Bond Book Club Members fancy a Yuletide gathering at M's home.
And Much More!
Don't miss out on this compelling discussion and join the conversation with the Spybrary community online. Dive into the latest episode and get a front-row seat at the James Bond Book Club.
In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, author Andy Onyx, and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond book On Her Majesty Secret Service (1963) as if they are in the year of publication.