Spybrary Spy Podcast

Matthew Kresal sends us in his Brush Pass Review of Parting Shot by James Kunetka

Bill Koenig of The Spy Command records a brush pass following the passing of Robert Conrad. He shares more about the Wild Wild West - where spies meet cowboys

In this episode, writer Jeremy Duns and Jeff Quest take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of spy book titles. They discuss some of their favorites, alternate titles, translated titles and the many pitfalls authors face when determining a book title.

On Episode 101 of the Spybrary Podcast, our guest host, journalist and author Michael Smith chats with Geoff Andrew about his new book: Agent Molière: The Life of John Cairncross, the Fifth Man of the Cambridge Spy Circle.

As part of the 100th episode celebrations, we invited Spybrary listeners to call in and share with us which authors and books they have discovered because of the Spybrary Podcast.

Not many podcasts reach Episode 100, let alone a spy podcast. So on this our 100th episode, Spywrite's Jeff Quest turns the tables on Spybrary Spy Podcast Host Shane Whaley. Jeff artfully employs his Sarratt training to put Whaley through a gentle but thorough debrief. Listen to Episode 100 of Spybrary to learn more about the origins of Spybrary, how the podcast is put together, Shane's journey of reading and spy literature and of course there is the quickfire round!

After 98 episodes, it comes to this....

Buck Henry, Get Smart and the 1960s spy craze. Brush Pass (98) With the Spy Command's Bill Koenig,

On Episode 97 of the Spybrary Podcast, spy book connoisseur Jason King shares with us what were the five best spy book novels he read in 2019. Jason and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley, discuss Jason's five best spy books of 2019, Jason has been reading spy books since the 1960s and admits that he is extremely selective with what he reads.

Leo and Jeff Quest give us their review of Spies in Disguise which is a 2019 American computer-animated spy comedy film. The plot follows a secret agent who is accidentally transformed into a pigeon by an intelligent teenage agent and the pair must work together to stop a cybernetic terrorist who seeks revenge and return him to his human form.

Writer Andy Onyx submits his debut Brush Pass Review. He briefs us with his assessment of John le Carre's Novel A Small Town In Germany.

On Episode 94 of the Spybrary Podcast, host Shane Whaley interviews Ian Dickerson, the author of The Saint I Ain't - a biography of Leslie Charteris. In this episode, we cover aspects of Leslie Charteris's life as well as a fan's discussion about Simon Templar, aka The Saint. We chat about The Saint Books, The Saint Movies including the latest reboot Saint movie which was co-produced by Ian Dickerson and starred Adam Rayner. We run the rule over the various actors who have played Simon Templar since the 1930s.

Agent Running In the Field gets the Spybrary deep-dive treatment on Episode 93 of the Spybrary Podcast. joining our John le Carre, Agent Running In The Field Round table is John le Carre fans and spy bloggers Matthew Bradford and Jeff Quest.

On Episode 92 of the Spybrary Podcast, The Spy Command's Bill Koenig hosts a round table discussion about The Man from U.N.C.L.E. What is The Man From U.N.C.L.E.? September 1964: The world is introduced to the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. It's New York headquarters is behind an ordinary tailor shop. Inside, is one of U.N.C.L.E.'s main command centers. Alexander Waverly, the Number One of Section One, assigns agents to missions. His top operatives are Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin.

Henry Hemming tells us more about the astonishing story of the British spies who set out to draw America into World War II. As World War II raged into its second year, Britain sought a powerful ally to join its cause-but the American public was sharply divided on the subject. Canadian-born MI6 officer William Stephenson, with his knowledge and influence in North America, was chosen to change their minds by any means necessary. In this extraordinary tale of foreign influence on American shores, Henry Hemming shows how Stephenson came to New York--hiring Canadian staffers to keep his operations secret--and flooded the American market with propaganda supporting Franklin Roosevelt and decrying Nazism. His chief opponent was Charles Lindbergh, an insurgent populist who campaigned under the slogan "America First" and had no interest in the war. This set up a shadow duel between Lindbergh and Stephenson, each trying to turn public opinion his way, with the lives of millions potentially on the line.

We talk Betrayal in Berlin with author Steve Vogel. His new book is one of the best Cold War non fiction espionage books I have read. For me Mr Vogel is up there with Ben Macintyre. Spy fact sometimes is stranger than spy fiction.

We interview the writer and director of the short spy film The Dry Cleaner Movie. Chris Carr shares more about the movie and why he thinks Spybrary fans will enjoy it. This interview is split into 3 parts. Part 1 is all about the movie. Part 2 is where we find out how the movie was made and Part 3 is the world famous Spybrary Quick Fire Round.

Shane Whaley gives you his thoughts on Firefly by Henry Porter in a quick and easy Brush Pass review. John makes his Spybrary debut, giving us his briefing on The Spy Who Sat and Waited written by R Wright Campbell.

Author David Holman gives you his thoughts on Raise the Titanic by Clive Cussler in a quick and easy Brush Pass review.

Our panel is back to continue their in-depth chat about Quiller by Adam Hall. Jeff Quest is in the host's chair for this two-parter on the Quiller spy books, Quiller movie and Quiller TV series. Jeff is joined by Spybrarians Clarissa Aykroyd and author Tim Stevens.

Quiller by Adam Hall gets the Spybrary treatment on episode 85 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Jeff Quest is in the host's chair for this two parter on the Quiller spy books. Jeff is joined by Spybrarians Clarissa Aykroyd and author Tim Stevens.

On Episode 84 of the Spybrary Podcast, host Shane Whaley chats with Ian Oldaker, the General Manager at Spyscape in New York City. We discover more about this new attraction in New York City that is, in Shane's humble opinion, a must-visit attraction for any self-respecting Spybrarian/spy fan who finds themselves in the Big Apple. The New York Times describe Spyscape as the 'headquarters of our cultural fascination with the art of deception.' So what exactly is Spyscape? Well, they bill it as a 'totally new experience, which illuminates the world and your skills and potential.' As you discover the amazing spies stories and gadgets and complete the exciting and immersive spy challenges, you'll receive your own authentic spy profile developed with a former head of training at British intelligence.

Shane Whaley gives you his thoughts on The Removers, A Matt Helm Novel by Donald Hamilton in a quick and easy Brush Pass review. John makes his Spybrary debut, giving us his briefing on The Spy Who Sat and Waited written by R Wright Campbell.

Bill Koenig, Chief of Staff at The Spy Command Agent finds himself embedded deep in Communist-controlled East Berlin, and has asked his handler to leave him 5 of his favorite spy books/tv series at their Dead Drop location in Friedrichshain Park. What will he choose to help him cope with life undercover?

Spybrary Podcast listener John Nordin has kindly submitted a brush pass review to the Spybrary Podcast. John makes his Spybrary debut, giving us his briefing on The Spy Who Sat and Waited written by R Wright Campbell.

Mick Herron returns to the Spybrary Spy Podcast to reveal more about Joe Country,his novellas, Jackon Lamb for TV and shares more about his writing process.

On Episode 79 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, our guest panel discuss the works of James Bond, 007 continuation author, John Gardner

We are thrilled to bring you the fifth in our series of commentaries on spy novels read by the students of Fiction and Espionage at the University of Edinburgh. This week on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast the students discuss Slow Horses written by Mick Herron.

This week on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast the students discuss Liar's Candle written by August Thomas The students, Agents E, S and I share their views and observations on Liar's Candle and weave into their session thoughts from August Thomas herself.

This week on the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast the students discuss The Trinity Six by Charles Cumming. The students, sorry 'The Dead Drops' share their views and observations on The Trinity Six and reflect on a conversation they held with the author Charles Cumming prior to this episode.

We are thrilled to bring you the second in our series of commentaries on spy novels read by the students of Fiction and Espionage at the University of Edinburgh. Today's group bring you an interview with author Aly Monroe. They focus on her Black Bear novel but also discuss other novels in the spy genre.

We are thrilled to transmit the first in our series of commentaries on spy novels read by the students of Fiction and Espionage at the University of Edinburgh. Today's group tackle the first novel in the Paul Dark series called Free Agent and written by Jeremy Duns.

Our good friend Professor Penny Fielding and her colleague Simon Cooke of the University of Edinburgh bring us 5 spy lit podcast episodes which are recorded by students of their Fiction and Espionage course. On today's episode Penny and Simon give us the briefing and then over the next 5 weeks, Spybrary will transmit the recordings from the Fiction and Espionage students. How cool is this!

On this episode of Spybrary, Matthew Kresal talks to Matt Sherman about the upcoming Bond fans trip and tour to Las Vegas. Bond fans will gather under the stewardship of Matt Sherman to celebrate the 007 movie Diamonds are Forever.

David Craggs joins Mike Ripley at the Harper Collins offices in London to find out more about the paperback version of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and why those of us who have the hardback should buy it.

Three works have recently come to the fore in the SIGINT tableau that achieve the elusive goal of harnessing the technical aspects for a slick storyline. Spy novelist Payne Harrison submits a brush pass review to the Spybrary Podcast and we get 3 for the price of 1!

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, John Koenig sends in a brush pass review of 2 spy novels written in the early 80s. Chess Player and Button Zone.

Shane delivers you his brush pass review on The Righteous Spy written by Merle Nygate.

On Episode 67 of the Spybrary Podcast, author David Holman shares more about his Alex Swan trilogy novels.

On Episode 66 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, our panel discusses the writing of Helen MacInnes once dubbed the 'Queen of Spy Writers.' Join author Merle Nygate, Spy fan Alice Dryden and host Shane Whaley as they discuss the spy novels of Helen MacInnes, also features a submission from Mike Ripley.

On today's Spybrary Spy Podcast, Spybrarian Jason King joins host Shane Whaley to share with us his 5 favourite spy books published in 2018!

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast Jeff Quest (Spywrite) reveals the top 10 spy movies as voted on by our Spybrary listeners. Jeff takes you through the top 10 in descending order, Shane and Jeff also talk about what is on their Christmas wish list as well as what new books they intend to read over the holiday period.

James Bond is Back! It has been some time since we dedicated a whole episode to Britain's not so secret agent. Today we rectify that with a long overdue chat with the men behind what I consider to be one of THE best James Bond Facebook Groups -The Hildebrand Group It has been ages since we dedicated an entire episode to James Bond, today he is back on the agenda on the Spybrary Spy Podcast! On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast Host Shane Whaley is joined by Hildebrand Group Founders, Alex Moir, Ian Douglas and Scott Everritt. They reveal what makes The Hildebrand James Bond Facebook Group so special and why you should consider joining. They explain that the group is a safe house for those who love the books of Ian Fleming as well as the movies. They offer a safe haven for those who just prefer the books of Fleming or those who just enjoy the 007 movies.

On this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast we talk to author Merle Nygate all about her first espionage novel The Righteous Spy In a Goodreads review - Spybrary listener Gary Dexter raves that The Righteous Spy is: The best espionage book that I have read with a contemporary U.K. setting since Mick Herron's "Slow Horse" series. Gary Dexter, Spybrarian Gary has read many a spy novel in his time and does not dish out the praise lightly so we were intrigued to talk to Merle Nygate and find out more. A twisting international spy thriller, The Righteous Spy is a shocking page turner that portrays a clandestine world in which moral transgressions serve higher causes. A must-read for fans of Homeland, Fauda and The Americans, it will also appeal to readers of Charles Cumming and John le Carré. Merle Nygate is a screenwriter, script editor, screenwriting lecturer and novelist; she's worked on BAFTA winning TV, New York Festival audio drama and written original sitcoms; previously she worked for BBC Comedy Commissioning as well as writing and script editing across multiple genres. Most recently, Merle completed her first espionage novel which won the Little Brown/UEA Crime Fiction Award. It was described by the judge as 'outstanding'. In this Spybrary Podcast interview the author of the Righteous Spy reveals that her book was inspired by feedback she received in a class exercise whilst studying for a MA in Crime Fiction. She shares more about her research for the book and also talks us through her writing process and inspiration. This is a candid discussion with an author who knows her way around the greats (she lists Len Deighton as her favourite spy author) and shares the story of a pivotal moment when she decided to take writing seriously whilst passing a book store on her way back to her office job one lunch time.

On Episode 61 of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane and Karl talk about the recently released book from Geoff Dyer titled 'Broadsword Calling Danny Boy' on Where Eagles Dare. In this no holds barred discussion two well read spy fans give you their assessment of the book. Karl Gunner Øen becomes the first Norwegian spy fan to join us on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Karl is an avid reader of spy lit and watcher of spy movies. We talk briefly about spy fiction in Norway as well as the activities of real life Norwegian Spy Catcher Ørnulf Tofte. Please check out this video about the KGB in Oslo. Especially of interest if you have read The Spy and The Traitor by Ben Macintrye as it concerns one Arne Treholt who features in the book.

Listeners of Spybrary met up in Berlin to follow in the footsteps of Len Deighton's Bernard Samson. Be a fly on the wall as the Spybrarians visit Berlin landmarks. Listen to the spy book, tv, movie and music chat as the beers flow!

Spybrary Spy Podcast and the SpyWrite Spy blog have teamed up to give you a a chance to vote for your favourite spy movies in our Spy Movie Hall of Fame poll. On this, our 59th episode Spywrite's Jeff Quest and Spybrary Host Shane Whaley talk through the movies nominated by Spybrarians in our Listeners facebook group. Jeff and Shane talk through the good, the bad and the not yet watched! Rather than just voting for your current favourites, why not join us in watching some of those nominated movies that you have never watched before? Shane is catching up with OSS 117 – Mission to Tokyo, Jeff is finally going to watch Billion Dollar Brain! Spy Movie Hall of Fame Voting Booth – vote here. Deadline is November Friday 16th. We will announce the top 10 on a future episode of Spybrary, a special round table edition where the panels will deep dive and share their thoughts on the winning spy movies. Shane and Jeff also chat through what spy books and spy tv shows they have been reading and watching of late.

Spybrary Spy Podcast with Matthew Kresal After a rejuvenating few months at Shrublands our Brush Pass Reviews makes a welcome return to the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Matthew Kresal's brush pass has been decoded. Tune in and hear his transmission where he gives us his rapid briefing on the Battle for Bond, a book written by Robert Sellars. 'In 1963, Ian Fleming, the creator of the 20th century's greatest fictional character was in court, accused of plagiarism. The screen version of James Bond was not Fleming's creation. It was the creation of Jack Whittingham, who was employed by maverick producer Kevin McClory to adapt the character to the big screen. Had this screen character never been developed, James Bond might have been just another minor fictional spy character. Battle for Bond – Robert Sellars The Battle for Bond is a tale of bitter recriminations, betrayal, multi-million dollar lawsuits and even death. It is the fabled story of Kevin McClory's 40 year legal battle over the rights to the screen version of James Bond, which he and Whittingham had created. The first edition of this book was banned by the Ian Fleming Will Trust. But the truth never dies! This second edition features a new foreword by Len Deighton.

On this episode we talk to 2 Tom Clancy fans about the Jack Ryan Amazon TV series! 'Jack Ryan Is a Patriotic Nightmare' Watching this show feels like falling down a Fox News rabbit hole. Vanity Fair's Jack Ryan Review Review: 'Meet the New Jack Ryan, Same as the Old Jack Ryan' New York Times Jack Ryan Review 'Gloriously macho: For too long the leftie-dominated entertainment industry has been ignoring the truth about our world' The Spectators' Jack Ryan Review These are 3 polarising headlines written about the Jack Ryan Amazon TV series. Taken from Vanity Fair, The New York Times and Spectator Magazine. We tackle these reviews and more on the Spybrary Podcast Episode 57

Berlin Game -Len Deighton - Spybrary Book Club Edition Spybrary listeners voted overwhelmingly for Berlin Game to be the first spy book to be discussed in our first ever book club Spybrary edition. Listen to an in-depth conversation on this spy classic with Spybrary host Shane Whaley, Deighton expert Rob Mallows and newcomer to Len Deighton's work but not the spy genre Peter Newman. WARNING - Please do not listen to the Berlin Game Book Club edition of Spybrary if you have not read the book. Unlike other episodes of the Spybrary Spy Podcast this episode if full of Berlin Game spoilers. It is a book club edition so we cover lots of aspects of the book including many of the twists and turns. Spybrary Host Shane Whaley claims that this is one of the top 3 spy books ever written, if not the best! 'Not just a multi-layered spy novel but also a love letter from Len Deighton to Berlin' he says. Rob Mallows says Berlin Game is the book that got him hooked on Len Deighton. Peter Newman delivers a fresh approach as this was his first time reading Berlin Game. What did our panel think of the plot, the characters, the writing, the conclusion? Tune in to find out! 'Fleming made spy fiction globally popular, but it took Deighton in the Sixties with novels such as The IPCRESS File to make it hip. His finest work, though, came later, in the Eighties, with this trilogy (completed by Mexico Set and London Match) about the disillusioned SIS agent Bernard Samson. Less exuberant than his early books but more subtle, Berlin Game is a terrific feat of plotting that out-le-Carrés le Carré in its sardonic portrait of Secret Service office politics. Tarantino (who had Max Cherry read a copy in Jackie Brown) should hurry up and film it, like he said he would.' Jake Kerridge - The Telegraph. Notable Quotes from Berlin Game by Len Deighton 'How long have we been sitting here?' I said. I picked up the field glasses and studied the bored young American soldier in his glass-sided box. 'Nearly a quarter of a century,' said Werner Volkmann. His arms were resting on the steering wheel and his head was slumped on them. 'That GI wasn't even born when we first sat here waiting for the dogs to bark.' Bernard Samson ----- 'Do you know some quiet restaurant where they have sausage and potatoes and good Berlin beer?' 'I know just the place, Bernie. Straight up Friedrichstrasse, under the railway bridge at the S-Bahn station and it's on the left. On the bank of the Spree: Weinrestaurant Ganymed.' 'Very funny,' I said. Between us and the Ganymed there was a wall, machine guns, barbed wire, and two battalions of gun-toting bureaucrats.'