Spybrary Spy Podcast

Spybrary is a podcast for fans of spy books, spy tv and spy movies since 2017. We bring you author interviews and reader discussions on our favorite spy books and novels.

Her Secret Service and The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence 11/23/2024

Her Secret Service and The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence Shane Whaley engages in a riveting discussion with historian and author Dr. Known for her expertise in the history of women in intelligence, Claire brings to light the overlooked yet monumental roles women have played in British Intelligence. Her book titled aims to challenge the male-dominated narrative of intelligence history. Recognition and Roles: Changing Perceptions The episode also discusses the broader evolution of women's roles in British intelligence, shedding light on figures like Jane Sismore, MI5’s first officer, and Mary Shearer, MI5's first female agent handler. Claire elaborates on how societal changes, particularly during wartime when men were at the front, necessitated the inclusion of women in more substantial roles. However, progress was slow, often hinging on the approval and support of male counterparts. Winifred Spink, a strikingly attractive woman born into a Plymouth Brethren family, was a rebel and suffragette who defied conventions of her time. Fluent in French and German, she also mastered car mechanics and excelled as a secretary. Shortly before the 1916 revolution, she broke new ground as the first female intelligence officer with the British mission to Petrograd, narrowly escaping execution during her time there. Bold and liberated, she chronicled her numerous romantic liaisons in her diary, referring to them as “another scalp.” Equally remarkable was Olga Gray, who joined MI5 in 1931 and successfully infiltrated the British Communist Party as secretary to its leader, Harry Pollitt, ultimately exposing a Soviet spy ring. Joan Bright, another inspiration for the character of Miss Moneypenny, was lauded as the "organising genius of the War Office secretariat" during the Second World War. She became the gatekeeper to the War Office’s secrets and a valuable source for historians throughout her life. Despite her significant contributions, Gray received little support and was eventually abandoned by MI5, showcasing the institutional barriers women faced. Shining a Light on the Forgotten Women of British Intellgence As Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall continues to uncover these hidden stories, her work is instrumental in revising our understanding of espionage history. By highlighting the indispensable roles women have played, she not only corrects historical oversights but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and recognize the silent heroines of intelligence. For those interested in delving deeper into these narratives, Claire’s book "Her Secret Service" is available in the UK and will be released in the US as "Secret Servants of the Crown: Women, British Intelligence" in February. Join us in celebrating the remarkable forgotten women of British Intelligence. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/34117826

Was Biffy Dunderdale The Real Life Inspiration For 007? 11/19/2024

Was Biffy Dunderdale The Real Life Inspiration For 007? Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale: A Life of Espionage On today's Spybrary, host Shane Whaley sat down with Lt. Col. Tim Spicer OBE, author of – The Biography of Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale. The book offers a glimpse into the life of this iconic British spy. Drawing upon years of research, Spicer's biography explores the remarkable life of a man who navigated the treacherous world of espionage, leaving an indelible mark on history. Early Life and Introduction to Espionage: Born in Odessa in 1899, Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale's life was marked by adventure from a young age. Spicer highlights Dunderdale's multilingual upbringing, fluent in English, Russian, French, Polish, and German, as a key asset in his future espionage career. By 16, Dunderdale was already immersed in naval studies in St. Petersburg, hinting at a future intertwined with maritime affairs. At the tender age of 17, Dunderdale found himself at the helm of an Imperial Russian submarine. In a daring maneuver, he engaged and sank five German ships, an act of valor that earned him the prestigious Order of St. Stanislav and the Order of St. Anne, the highest military honors bestowed by Tsar Nicholas II. This early display of courage and strategic thinking foreshadowed Dunderdale's future successes in the world of espionage. A Career Forged in Conflict: Dunderdale's exceptional language skills paved the way for his recruitment by British Naval Intelligence in 1918. During this time, he conducted numerous intelligence operations in Crimea, distinguishing himself with two Mentions-in-Despatches and a military MBE for his role in suppressing a Bolshevik mutiny aboard the submarine 'Outka'. The Rise of a Spymaster: In 1921, Dunderdale's talents caught the Secret Intelligence Service's (SIS) attention, leading to his posting in Constantinople. His responsibilities expanded to encompass intelligence work in Turkey, the Caucasus, and Southern Russia, further solidifying his reputation within the intelligence community. Dunderdale's meteoric rise within the SIS culminated in his appointment as Head of Station in Paris in 1926, at the remarkably young age of 26. This achievement marked him as the youngest SIS Head of Station ever, a testament to his exceptional abilities and the trust placed in him. In Paris, he collaborated closely with the French Deuxième Bureau, focusing on anti-Bolshevik and, increasingly, anti-Nazi operations. Crucial Contributions to World War II: One of Dunderdale's most significant contributions to the Allied war effort was his involvement with the Enigma machine. Working in conjunction with Polish and French intelligence, he played a key role in the development and understanding of this crucial German encryption device. Notably, Dunderdale facilitated the smuggling of the first Enigma machine to Bletchley Park just before the outbreak of World War II. This daring act provided Allied codebreakers with a critical advantage, enabling them to decipher German communications and significantly contributing to the Allied victory. Throughout World War II, Dunderdale maintained a vast and effective intelligence network in France, gathering invaluable information on German U-boat operations, Normandy's coastal defenses, and the development of V1 and V2 rockets. These intelligence coups proved instrumental in both the D-Day landings and the broader Allied war effort. A Legacy of Espionage and Intrigue: Dunderdale's postwar activities remained shrouded in secrecy. However, his influence continued to be felt in the shadowy world of espionage. Spicer's biography sheds light on Dunderdale's involvement in clandestine operations behind the Iron Curtain, his role in the Suez Crisis, and his connection to the "Buster Crabbe" affair. The Bond Connection: Dunderdale's life story reads like something straight out of a spy novel or 'like Commando comics' says Spybrary Host Shane Whaley. Biffy's long friendship with Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, has fueled speculation about Dunderdale's influence on the iconic character. Many believe that Dunderdale, with his taste for adventure, his network of informants, and his deep understanding of the world of espionage, served as a key inspiration for the suave and resourceful James Bond. Unveiling a Shadowy Figure: Lt. Col. Tim Spicer's A Suspicion of Spies offers a captivating look into the life of one of Britain's most enigmatic and influential spies. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Spicer brings Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale out of the shadows, revealing a man who dedicated his life to serving his country in the most clandestine of ways. The biography stands as a testament to Dunderdale's unwavering commitment to his duty, his extraordinary courage, and his lasting impact on the world of espionage. 'An exhaustively researched, detailed and gripping account of the life and dramatic times of one of Britain's foremost secret agents - the inimitable Wilfred 'Biffy' Dunderdale. A fabulous hero to quicken any schoolboy adventurer's blood, Dunderdale remains an iconic figure in the world of British and allied secret services. Read this book to understand why.' Damian Lewis About the Author Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE has led a life filled with action and adventure. During his twenty years in the British Army he saw active service in Northern Ireland, the Falklands campaign, the Gulf War and the Balkans, as well as serving in the Far East, Cyprus and Germany. Key appointments have included Chief of Staff of an Armoured Brigade, Staff Officer at the Directorate of Special Forces and Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, among many others. Over the course of his illustrious military career, Spicer has developed extensive knowledge of intelligence, counter-terrorism, complex relations and protective security. In 2001 he founded the private security company Aegis, which has counted the UK, US and Italian governments among its clients. He is the author of An Unorthodox Soldier: Peace and War and the Sandline Affair (2000), a fast-moving account of his military life, including the events surrounding his time in Papua New Guinea when he was captured and held at gunpoint, as well as the notorious 'Sandline Affair' of 1996, and A Dangerous Enterprise (2021) that charts the history of the little-known, yet remarkable 15th Motor Gunboat Flotilla, commanded directly by the Secret Intelligence Service. Join Us Next Time: Stay tuned for more thrilling spy content on the Spybrary Spy Podcast! /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/33987092

The Riveting Life of a Maverick Scottish Spy - Robert Bruce Lockhart 11/04/2024

The Riveting Life of a Maverick Scottish Spy - Robert Bruce Lockhart ‘Compelling and meticulously researched, the riveting life of a maverick Scottish spy.’ Charles Cumming Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart, a Scottish diplomat, spy and writer, led a life filled with adventure and intrigue. While his involvement in the famed Lockhart Plot of 1918 is often cited, there is much more to uncover about Robert Bruce Lockhart's life. Grab Rogue Agent here: Join fellow Spy Book Enthusiasts in our Online Community: Professor James Crossland, author of the first ever biography on Lockhart, Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart, sheds light on the man behind the myth, exploring his motivations, his complexities, and his lasting impact on the world of espionage. James Crossland is a Professor of International History at Liverpool John Moores University. He has worked in both the United Kingdom and Australia, combining his passion for writing with an interest in the history of conflict, terrorism, psychological warfare and intelligence. He authored the first history of Britain's humanitarian response to the Second World War, "Britain and the International Committee of the Red Cross, 1939-1945", the story of the men and women who tried to bring rules to modern warfare, "War, Law and Humanity: the Campaign to Control Warfare, 1853-1914" and, most recently, the history of terrorism in the late nineteenth century, "The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism". James' latest book is a passion project over a decade in the making - "Rogue Agent: From Secret Operations to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart". This is the first biography of the man who led a plot to destroy Bolshevism in Russia in 1918 and ran Britain's secret psychological warfare campaign against the Nazis during the Second World War, all whilst becoming a best-selling author and one of the most-well connected political agents in Europe. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/33778117

Nick Harkaway On Karla's Choice, Writing in His Father's World, George Smiley and More. 10/23/2024

Spybrary’s Future: Mission On or Fade Into the Cold? Episode 250 10/16/2024

Cold War Spy Stories - The True Story of Jack Downey, America’s Longest-Held Prisoner of War 10/07/2024

Cold War Spy Stories - The True Story of Jack Downey, America’s Longest-Held Prisoner of War In this fascinating episode of the Spybrary Spy History Podcast, host interviews Barry Werth author of . This remarkable true cold war spy story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, , Jr., a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. We invite you to join our host, author and former BBC reporter Adam Brookes, and guest on the Spybrary Spy History Podcast as they dive deep into the harrowing Cold War saga of Jack Downey in . Grab Your ! Ranked and with spy book recommendations. Discover the untold stories of espionage, resilience, and international diplomacy that shaped U.S.-China relations. Unveil the gripping narrative of Jack Downey's capture, imprisonment, and eventual release, set against a backdrop of covert operations, political machinations, and the enduring human spirit. Don't miss this thrilling exploration of "Prisoner of Lies" and the profound impact of espionage on international affairs in Barry Werth's latest book. More about Jack Downey Jr. In 1952, 23-year-old CIA officer Jack Downey Jr's mission took a devastating turn when his plane was shot down over Manchuria during the Korean War. Surviving the crash that claimed the pilots' lives, Downey and his fellow agent, Richard Fecteau, were seized by Chinese forces. What followed was a grueling two-decade ordeal of interrogations, isolation, reeducation camps, and staged trials, as they were paraded as symbols of political propaganda. While other prisoners of war found freedom, Downey and Fecteau remained trapped, their fate tied to a diplomatic stalemate. It wasn’t until Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to China in 1971 that hope emerged, leading to Fecteau’s release that same year and Downey’s eventual return in 1973. Episode Summary: In this riveting episode, Adam Brookes sits down with Barry Werth to delve into the extraordinary story of Jack Downey, a CIA officer captured and imprisoned in communist China during the height of the Cold War. Werth's meticulous research for his book Prisoner of Lies provides a gripping account of Downey Jr's endurance, complex diplomatic maneuvers, and early CIA covert operations. Key Episode Highlights: Captured and Shackled: Discover the harrowing details of how CIA officer Jack Downey, Jr and was captured, shackled, and interrogated by the Chinese. Hear how he endured life in shackles and isolation, maintaining their resilience under harsh captivity conditions. Confession and Survival: Learn about Downey. Jr's strategic delay in confessing his CIA affiliation, spanning eleven months, and culminating in a 3,000-page document meant to obscure pertinent details amidst a surplus of information. Bureaucratic Blunders and Family Heartbreak: Understand the critical role of the US government's denial of Downey. Jr's involvement, how this impacted his detainment, and the anguish faced by the families. Negotiations and Diplomacy: Explore how the convoluted politics and diplomatic negotiations for their release spanned multiple US administrations, revealing the significant impact of these efforts on US-China relations leading up to their normalization in the early 1970s. Jack Downey Jr's Resilience: Barry Werth highlights Downey's unyielding spirit, maintaining rigorous routines and an idealistic outlook despite his prolonged imprisonment. His story underscores the importance of resilience and patriotism. CIA’s Early Covert Operations: Gain insights into the CIA’s early initiatives, the risks and challenges involved, and the broader historical context, including the Cold War tensions post-World War II and the initial failures of CIA operations. Influence of Yale: Reflect on Yale University's influence on Downey and his peers, shaping their leadership qualities and driving their patriotic stoicism, influenced further by the experiences and aftermath of World War II. Special Segment: Barry Werth discusses the complex and skilled diplomacy by President Nixon and Henry Kissinger, examining how Downey's release was eventually facilitated, signaling a subtle yet significant shift in US policy towards China. Exclusive Look into the Book: "" by Barry Werth, offering an in-depth narrative and analysis drawn from extensive research and personal accounts. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/33361952

Ian Fleming's The Spy Who Loved Me Book Debate- The James Bond Book Club 09/30/2024

To Catch A Spy -How the Spycatcher Affair Brought MI5 in from the Cold with Tim Tate 09/24/2024

Gary Oldman on Bringing Jackson Lamb (Slow Horses) to Life 09/18/2024

Inside the Iranian Embassy Siege with Ben Macintyre 09/10/2024

On Writing Spy Fiction - with Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich 08/19/2024

On Writing Spy Fiction - with Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich On today’s episode, acclaimed spy authors and 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 myself, "I wish I had brought a bug— or called Roddy Ho for some tech to record this!" Well, today, that wish comes true, well, kind of. We’re bringing you an intriguing chat with two living legends of spy fiction—Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich. Now, Joseph needs no introduction. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ve probably read Los Alamos or , one of my all-time favorites. He’s even ranked number three on Tim Shipman’s list of the . But why stop there? I thought, why not bring another heavyweight into the mix? So I invited Paul Vidich, author of the brilliant , to host this conversation. Paul’s work is always top-notch, and having him on the show alongside Joseph to discuss why they love reading and writing spy fiction is 'premier cru' for us fans of spy novels. Whether you're an aspiring author or a die-hard fan, you’ll pick up some valuable insights into the craft of writing spy fiction. Their conversation spans themes of desperation, moral dilemmas, and the unique ways spy novels probe into character development. They highlight the tension of leading double lives and discuss the differences in British and American spy fiction. Kanon reveals how the setting of a city sparks his storytelling and how he meticulously reconstructs its historical authenticity through detailed research. Both authors underscore the critical role of dialogue in character development. Check out Joseph Kanon's latest novel . Joseph Kanon also reflects on the dramatic weight of World War Two settings in his novels and the moral imperatives faced by those in desperate circumstances. The spy authors discuss why they enjoy reading and writing spy ficition and compare and contrast the writing of Len Deighton. Graham Greene and John le Carré. Kanon shares his admiration for Len Deighton's societal observations from an outsider perspective and he reveals some of his own writing habits, which have evolved during the pandemic yet remain rooted at the New York Public Library. Whether you're a dedicated fan of spy fiction or curious about the intricacies of writing spy fiction, today's episode promises fascinating insights . So, sit back and enjoy as Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich talk all about writing spy fiction. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/32641282

Field Report: Bond in Motion Review at the International Spy Museum 07/30/2024

Field Report: Bond in Motion Review at the International Spy Museum 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 . Join the 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 Washington, DC. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. Amanda takes us on an exclusive tour, shedding light on the astonishing collection of James Bond vehicles and artifacts on display. 🚗🎬🔫 Highlights of the episode: - Learn about the Herculean effort to assemble this breathtaking exhibition. - Discover how iconic Bond cars, like the Aston Martin Vanquish and the battered Aston Martin from Quantum of Solace, were transported and showcased. - Get insights into some of the key exhibits, including the famous submarine from "For Your Eyes Only" and the legendary 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from "Goldfinger." - Find out how these artifacts are arranged, secured, and even brought into the museum’s third floor! - See reunited vehicles like the green Jag driven by Zhao and the Vanquish in an icy chase scene from Die Another Day. - Hear intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, such as the challenges of craning vehicles into the museum amid intense winds. If you’re a James Bond enthusiast or a fan of spy artifacts, you don't want to miss this in-depth look at one of the most comprehensive Bond exhibits ever. 📽️✨ What is the Bond in Motion exhibit all about? The International Spy Museum is proud to host this official exhibition of iconic vehicles, all used on-screen by 007 and his many allies and adversaries. While James Bond is a fictional character, he embodies the spirit of many real spies in this museum. These men and women, from around the world, were inspired by over six decades of the Bond film franchise and its enduring cultural influence. Bond In Motion is a celebration of six decades of 007 vehicles. The exhibition features 17 iconic pieces from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation. Props, scale models and clips from the films are also on show alongside cars, motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage. Experience Bond In Motion on display at SPY through April 2025. Ticket Details Combo Ticket (Bond In Motion + Spy Museum) - Receive a $2 discount to Bond In Motion when purchased together with admission to the Spy Museum. Bond In Motion Ticket (Exhibit Only) - $12.00 / personBond In Motion Ticket for Spy Museum Members (Exhibit Only) - FREE /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/32351897

Love and Let Die - James Bond, The Beatles and The British Psyche with John Higgs 07/23/2024

Crafting Realistic Spy Thrillers - Merle Nygate Reveals More About Honour Among Spies 06/11/2024

On His Majesty's Secret Service - Interview with Charlie Higson 05/28/2024

A Very Working Class Spy with Gordon Henderson MP 05/22/2024

Decoding Funeral In Berlin starring Michael Caine with Spybrary's Section F 05/08/2024

Ian Fleming's Thunderball- The James Bond Book Club 04/24/2024

Jonna Mendez - A Woman's Life in the CIA Unmasked 04/09/2024

Jonna Mendez - A Woman's Life in the CIA Unmasked In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host interviews the former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book . 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 work.** Spybrarys' Adam Brookes dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage with the remarkable Jonna Mendez, who shares her extraordinary experiences from a reputable career in the CIA. Prepare to be captivated as Mendez recounts real-life scenes straight from a spy thriller – from enduring hostile interrogation and utilizing disguise artistry to operational challenges in Moscow and the intricate realm of intelligence gathering. In this episode, you'll discover: The seemingly impossible. How a renowned burglar turned into an invaluable asset within a CIA office. Surviving the darkness. Mendez reveals her harrowing experience during a hostile interrogation training course and the mental fortitude it took to overcome her claustrophobia. The art of disguise. Dive into the secretive world of masks and how the CIA uses Hollywood-inspired techniques to outmaneuver surveillance teams. Embracing technology. As the world grows more complex, Mendez addresses the efficacy of masks against facial recognition and the internet's role in modern espionage. Escape Through Visualization: Mendez describes her mental escape during a CIA training exercise and how this skill became her personal superpower. Infrared Intelligence: Learn how Jonna Mendez managed to develop crucial film in a clandestine hotel room operation. The Babushka Strategy: A daring operation involving disguise and deception on the streets of Moscow. The Legacy of Secrecy: Mendez reflects on the impact of leading a covert life on personal relationships and the struggle to transition back to normalcy post-CIA. The spy behind the smile. Mendez opens up about the human dimension of spying, from the emotional toll of secrecy to the reliance on personal connections. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/30734863

Spies, Murder and Justice in Northern Ireland with Henry Hemming 03/25/2024

Spies, Murder and Justice in Northern Ireland with Henry Hemming In this episode of the Spybrary podcast, the hosts discuss the book '' 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 Ireland during the Troubles. The hosts also discuss the historical context of the conflict and the process of getting Sinn Fein involved in the political process as well as the Kenova report. The book is praised for its extensive research and the new insights it provides into the intelligence operations during that time. What is Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming about? is the story of a political murder: the killing of an IRA member turned British informant. The search for justice for this one man's death—his body found in broad daylight, with tape over his eyes, an undisguised hit—would deliver more than the truth. It exposed his status as an informant and led to protests, campaigns, far-reaching changes to British law, a historic ruling from a senior judicial body, a ground-breaking police investigation, and bitter condemnation from a US Congressional commission. And there have been persistent rumors that one of the country’s most senior politicians, the Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness, might have been personally involved in this particular murder. Relying on archival research, interviews, and the findings of a new complete police investigation, Four Shots in the Night tells a riveting story not just of this murder but of his role in the decades-long conflict that defined him--the Troubles. And the questions it tackles are even larger: how did the Troubles really come to an end? Was it a feat of diplomatic negotiation, as we've been told--or did spies play the decisive role? And how far can, or should, a spy go, for the good of his country? Four Shots in the Night is a page-turner that will make you think. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/30536393

The Spy Game Books with Writer Michael Frost Beckner 03/21/2024

Tom Fletcher 'The Ultimate Downing Street Operator' and Spy Author in Conversation with Spybrary 03/18/2024

Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only- The James Bond Book Club 03/14/2024

Unpacking Beirut Station with Author Paul Vidich 03/07/2024

Unpacking Beirut Station with Author Paul Vidich 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 the precarious journey of a Lebanese-American protagonist entangled with the UN, CIA, and Mossad in a mission to eliminate a terrorist threat. Special guest Paul Vidich returns for a third appearance on Spybrary , offering listeners a rare glimpse into his creative process and the inspiration drawn from historical events and legendary spies like Kim Philby. This episode brims with lively discussions on Vidich's adept portrayal of Annalise a robust female spy lead character who navigates the moral complexities of her clandestine world. We discuss the seamless blending of fact and fiction and Paul Vidich's layered approach to character development. Beirut Station reminding us once again that heroes and villains in spy novels, much like in real life, occupy grey areas of morality. Join us for this enthralling conversation and then connect with your fellow espionage aficionados in our online community to share your thoughts on Paul Vidich's Beirut Station. So what is Beirut Station By Paul Vidich all about, Shane? A stunning new espionage novel by a master of the genre, Beirut Station follows a young female CIA officer whose mission to assassinate a high-level, Hezbollah terrorist reveals a dark truth that puts her life at risk. Lebanon, 2006. The Israel-Hezbollah war is tearing Beirut apart: bombs are raining down, residents are scrambling to evacuate, and the country is on the brink of chaos. In the midst of this turmoil, the CIA and Mossad are targeting a reclusive Hezbollah terrorist, Najib Qassem. Najib is believed to be planning the assassination of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is coming to Beirut in ten days to broker a cease-fire. The spy agencies are running out of time to eliminate the threat. They turn to a young Lebanese-American CIA agent. Analise comes up with the perfect plan: she has befriended Qassem's grandson as his English tutor, and will use this friendship to locate the terrorist and take him out. As the plan is put into action, though, Analise begins to suspect that Mossad has a motive of its own: exploiting the war’s chaos to eliminate a generation of Lebanese political leaders. She alerts the agency but their response is for her to drop it. Analise is now the target and there is no one she can trust: not the CIA, not Mossad, and not the Lebanese government. And the one person she might have to trust—a reporter for the New York Times—might not be who he says he is… A tightly-wound international thriller, Beirut Station is Paul Vidich's best novel to date. /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/30270733

Ian Fleming The Complete Man with Biographer Nicholas Shakespeare 02/29/2024

James Bond After Fleming: The Continuation 007 Novels with Mark Edlitz 02/22/2024

James Bond After Fleming: The Continuation 007 Novels with Mark Edlitz 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 James Bond literary saga. 🎧 Listen now to uncover fascinating insights into the world Ian Fleming created and how it has been skillfully perpetuated through the pens of talented continuation authors! Today, we are talking all about the world of James Bond after Fleming on Episode 229 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast "The Continuation 007 Novels." Join us as we decode the world of Bond novels post-Ian Fleming with an elite panel of James Bond Continuation 007 novels fans: Matt Raubenheimer in the hosts chair, Mark Edlitz author of James Bond After Fleming, Brian McKaig, and Bill Kanas. Today, we'll explore the varying directives given to continuation authors, the challenge of maintaining a consistent Bond universe, and the particular styles of authors like Kinglsey Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Benson, Anthony Horowitz. Dive into the complexity and charm of the Gardner era with Brian McKaig's insights, learn why Bill Kanas cherishes these stories, and follow Matt Raubenheimer's unique path through the Bond series. Mark Edlitz brings his guide to Bond literature, offering starting points for new and veteran readers alike. The mission begins now. Meet Your Spybrary James Bond After Fleming Panelists Guest Host - Matt Raubenheimer Mark Edlitz - author of James Bond After Fleming Bill Kanas Brian McKaig Producer: The video version of James Bond After Fleming is coming soon! In this episode you will also learn: Bill Kanas’s suggested order of John Gardner to Raymond Benson novels and contextual novelization reading Brian McKaig's preference for starting with "Colonel Sun" followed by Gardner’s and then Benson’s works Addressing cherry pickers’ potential entry points into the Bond novel series James Bond 007 Continuation Novel Discussion Questions Spybrary is more than a podcast. Did you know we host a community of almost 4000 spy book fans? Join the and dive into some of these conversations: /episode/index/show/spybrary/id/30064133

The Third Man - Movie Reviewed by Spybrary's Section F (Films) Panel 02/08/2024

Dead Drop 5 with Jeff Circle of The Writers Dossier 01/30/2024

My Five Best Spy Books With Dr Mark Pack, President of the UK's Liberal Democrats 12/19/2023

The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination with Stuart A Reid 12/07/2023

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