What Does a Real Spy Read? Valerie Plame’s Favorite Spy Books
Release Date: 04/03/2025
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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, 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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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...
info_outlineEver 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.