Spybrary Spy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Espionage, WW2, and historical accuracy: A conversation with thriller author Alex Gerlis. Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

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 spy thriller. Alex's thorough research and commitment to historical accuracy make his novels a must-read for anyone interested in this era.

Got a question for Alex? He is a member of our Spybrary Online Community and is always open to answering readers questions.

About Alex Gerlis

Alex Gerlis was a BBC journalist for nearly thirty years and is the author of eleven Second World War spy books, these espionage books are all published by Canelo.

His first four novels are in the acclaimed Spy Masters series, including the best-selling The Best of Our Spies. Prince of Spies was published in March 2020 and was followed by three more in the Prince series. His latest series is the Wolf Pack novels, with Agent in Berlin the first of which was published in November 2021

The Spy Novels You Can't Miss: Oliver Webb Carter's Top 5 Best Picks Sep 19, 2023

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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 Spy Book Enthusiasts in our Spybrary Online Community

Intel: The Sandbaggers 45th Anniversary Virtual Event Sep 10, 2023

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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+presentation event held via Zoom on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11am EDT, 8am PDT, 4pm BST, etc. for 120 minutes. Besides a robust agenda, I am so excited to share the news that Roy Marsden and Greg Rucka will be the keynote speakers at Sandbagger Two. More information is available at our Facebook Group which can be found by searching Facebook for The Sandbaggers Yorkshire Television 1978-1980. I hope to see you at Sandbagger Two. We asked Paul what fans can expect, what was Roy Marsden's reaction to being invited, and why Paul thinks the spy TV show has maintained such a loyal following after all these years.

The John le Carré Movie Club - The Deadly Affair Aug 23, 2023

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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 Spybrary commentator Martin Reynolds. That and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Join the Spybrary Community today!

Ex-CIA Officer's Spy Thriller Marks a Stunning Literary Debut - The Peacock and The Sparrow Aug 10, 2023

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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 of the Arab Spring, Berry explores the complexities of a CIA spy stationed in Bahrain. The story delves into his involvement in the conflict and a passionate romance with an artist. Join the Spybrary Community

David Callan Books: The Antihero of Espionage - Brush Pass Review Aug 01, 2023

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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 with a troubled past and a knack for killing. From his time in prison to his recruitment into the enigmatic Section organization, Callan's story is one of grit, suspense, and moral dilemmas. We'll delve into the mind of author James Mitchell, the creative genius behind Callan, and discover how his vision of a gritty and bored 1970s Britain influenced the series and novels. From the memorable characters like Lonely and Hunter to the intense cat-and-mouse games between spies, there's plenty to dissect. What do you think of the Callan books and the Callan TV series? Come and share your views will fellow spy fans in our free, online community for spy book enthusiasts This is Spybrary, and today we're diving headfirst into the world of Callan, the antihero of espionage! Let's get started.

Check out Tim Shipman's best spy writers, all 125 of them and ranked!

Secrets and Alliances: Exploring the UK and US Intelligence Partnership with Michael Smith Jul 21, 2023

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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 as Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Kim Philby, and Edward Snowden. Drawing on his personal experience in British military intelligence, Michael Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at the close collaboration and alignment of intelligence that drives decision-making in both nations. The episode delves into various anecdotes and stories, including the recovery of a Soviet jet from a lake in West Berlin. Join Shane Whaley and Michael Smith as they explore the fascinating world of UK and US secret services and their unique relationship. Join the Spybrary Community today!

Revealing the 5 Best Spy Books as Recommended by David Clark Jul 02, 2023

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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-turners that will keep us on the edge of our seats and running to a bookshop if we do not have these spy novels on our bookshelves.

Spy book fan David Clark 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 books in our exclusive series, 'Dead Drop 5'.

And don't forget to join the worlds biggest community for fans of spy books! Join the Spybrary Community!

The Bucharest Legacy with author William Maz Jun 09, 2023

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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.

Five of the Best James Bond Books According to Bondologist Matthew Dewhurst-Grice Jun 06, 2023

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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 controversy surrounding the "sensitization" of some Bond editions, and the potential for new audiences to discover and appreciate the James Bond books. Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asks Matthew about his experience attending the premiere of the James Bond film, No Time to Die at the Royal Albert Hall London.

What did you think of Matthew's choices? Come and tell us in our online Spybrary community!

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