In this episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley interviews author Alex Gerlis about his latest novel, The Second Traitor, 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 spy fiction, as well as the challenges of writing sensitive topics and sex scenes.

Highlights of our conversation with author Alex Gerlis.

• The Second Traitor is the second book in a four-part series.
• Readers can jump into the second book without reading the first.
• Historical accuracy is crucial in writing spy fiction.
• Operation Sea Lion was a significant but ultimately failed Nazi plan.
• Were the Abwehr sending second-rate spies to Britain?
• Character development is key to engaging storytelling.
• Gerlis prefers to allude to intimate scenes rather than describe them in detail.
• Researching real locations adds authenticity to the narrative.
• The Invasion Warning Subcommittee was a real organization during WWII.
• Gerlis's writing process is flexible and not overly planned.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your support helps more spy fiction fans discover the show. Don’t forget to follow, share, and stay tuned for more tales from the world of espionage.

Join us for this enthralling conversation and then connect with your fellow espionage aficionados in our online community to share your thoughts on Alex Gerlis's spy novels

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. https://www.spybrary.com/community 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 Summary The team begins with a spoiler-free introduction to the film's plot and style, helping newcomers decide if it's their kind of spy movie. Then they dive into a rich, spoiler-heavy discussion covering historical context, casting choices, character analysis, plot structure, and the film's legacy in spy cinema. They also compare the movie to James Grady's novel Six Days of the Condor and debate the effectiveness of the movie's ambiguous ending. 

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 You Only Live Twice, be warned that the Spybrary panel expresses mixed feelings. They praise Fleming’s immersive evocation of Japan and its culture,  but some criticize the sparse action, flimsy plot advancement (especially the “Magic 44” intel) and Blofeld’s relatively abrupt demise.  From exotic Japan and ninja assassins to the novels shocking conclusion, we dissect culture, plot, and Blofeld’s bizarre garden. Was this bold detour worth it? Tune in and find out! Join the Spybrary Community for daily spy chat with fellow fans: https://www.spybrary.com/community Buy the book and support Spybrary - https://geni.us/gqpW

Gordon Corera 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 The Rest is Classified podcast, Gordon Corera to discuss his latest book, The Spy in the Archive.

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 be the most valuable intelligence defection of the era?

This is the extraordinary true story of Vasili Mitrokhin — a man whose private rebellion against the KGB became a mission to expose its darkest truths. With deep ideological conviction, he spent years quietly copying thousands of classified files, building a secret archive buried beneath his dacha floorboards. His eventual escape, orchestrated by MI6, and the revelations that followed would reshape our understanding of Soviet espionage forever.

The conversation dives deep into the life and legacy of Vasili Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist turned dissident who smuggled out a trove of intelligence that would become one of the most important Cold War revelations. Gordon shares the challenges of researching this secretive figure, the personal and ideological motivations behind Mitrokhin’s actions, the drama of his family’s exfiltration by MI6, and how his warnings about the persistence of the KGB mindset still echo today. This episode offers a unique blend of spy history, investigative journalism, and human drama.

• Gordon Corera's book: The Spy in the Archive
• Gordon Corera Official Website
• Join the Spybrary Community

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 longtime espionage fiction enthusiast or just planning your first visit, this is your ultimate guide to navigating the International Spy Museum and getting the most out of it.

🕵️‍♂️ Topics include:

• What makes the Spy Museum a must-visit

• Interactive missions and spy quizzes

• Rare Cold War artifacts and East German intel gear

• The museum's educational value for casual fans and hardcore readers alike

• Bond in Motion: Why it’s not just for car buffs

• What spy books is Joe reading and who are some of his favourites.

🎟️ Plan your visit: https://www.spymuseum.org

On this episode of Spybrary, I welcome back one of today's finest spy fiction authors, Paul Vidich. We're diving into his gripping new novel, The Poet's Game, 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 rich character backstories to virtually navigating the streets of Moscow via Google Street View, Paul reveals the meticulous research and layered writing that make his novels so immersive. Tune in to hear about literary Easter eggs, historical intrigue, and the emotional depths that define The Poet's Game.

[2:22] - Paul shares the real-life inspiration behind his enduring fascination with spy fiction. [4:50] - The 2017 White House meeting that sparked the idea for The Poet's Game. [7:42] - Decoding the significance of the title and the poetic codenames in the novel. [11:21] - How personal loss and professional guilt shape protagonist Alex Matthews. [18:47] - The secrets to vividly portraying cities like Moscow without ever visiting. [24:42] - The role of real historical figures and why Paul doesn't shy away from controversy. [32:25] - The E. Howard Hunt Easter egg and why The Judas Hour made it into the story. [42:54] - What Paul hopes readers will take away from The Poet's Game.

Links & Resources:

• Buy The Poet's Game by Paul Vidich: [Available at all major bookstores and online retailers]
• Paul Vidich Official Website
• Join the Spybrary Community: https://spybrary.com/community
• The Spy Reader's Guide to the spy books of Paul Vidich
• Previous Paul Vidich interviews and conversations on Spybrary.

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 Spybrary - the ultimate community for spy fiction fans.

Set in 1965, The Taper Man picks up 18 months after the events of Harkaway’s bestselling Karla’s Choice and places George Smiley in unfamiliar terrain—America. The novel explores Smiley’s pursuit of a communist network on the US West Coast, threading together geopolitical paranoia with moral ambiguity in classic le Carré fashion.

The story unfolds amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War, with Smiley navigating tensions with the CIA ("the Cousins") while unravelling Soviet infiltrations that stretch back to the 1950s.

“It’s time to meet our American Cousins,” Harkaway says. “We’re following the breadcrumbs of a messy debacle in Helsinki all the way to California, uncovering the truth of Karla’s 1950s network and pursuing Roy Bland into the USSR.”

Publishing director Harriet Bourton of Viking describes The Taper Man as “an extraordinary new addition to the iconic literary world of John le Carré,” praising Harkaway’s ability to honour the legacy while making it unmistakably his own.

Alongside the novel news, spy fans will see Smiley on stage for the first time this November, when The Spy Who Came in From the Cold—le Carré’s 1963 classic—premieres at @sohoplace in London. Directed by Jeremy Herrin and adapted by acclaimed playwright David Eldridge, the production follows a successful run at Chichester Festival Theatre.

Rory Keenan stars as Alec Leamas, the embittered British agent at the heart of the novel, with Agnes O’Casey playing Liz Gold. George Smiley will be portrayed by John Ramm.

Clare Cornwell, director of the le Carré estate, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating the return of the Circus and George Smiley through these two new projects.”

Nick Harkaway, the fourth son of David Cornwell (John le Carré), previously completed the posthumous publication of Silverview and edited A Private Spy, a collection of his father’s letters. In Karla’s Choice, he took the bold step of writing new fiction within the le Carré universe—an effort praised by critics and readers alike.

Watch our interview all about Karla's Choice with Nick Harkaway.

With The Taper Man, Harkaway deepens his claim to the Smiley legacy while expanding the geopolitical canvas of the saga.

For longtime fans of le Carré, and the next generation discovering his work through adaptations and new fiction, 2025 may just be the most thrilling year since Smiley first came in from the cold.

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 The London Spy. 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.

• David's London spy tours began accidentally—inspired by a 1700s book, The London Spy, and his own deep interest in espionage, fiction, and tradecraft.
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• He incorporates rare artifacts like SOE silk escape maps and spy gadgets, blending storytelling, history, and magic (he’s a magician too!).

• London has long been a magnet for spies due to its imperial legacy, linguistic reach, and real-life spy operations.
• The city has seen major espionage incidents from the Cambridge Five to the Berlin Tunnel betrayal to the Markov umbrella assassination, and the Novichok poisonings.

• Visit Carlton House Terrace, featuring WWII German embassy history, the tomb of an anti-Nazi dog (!), and the headquarters of the Information Research Department (IRD)—a Cold War propaganda arm.
• Learn how George Orwell supplied the IRD with a list of pro-Stalinist sympathizers.
• Explore shops like Lock & Co Hatters, Turnbull & Asser, and Peter Harrington Rare Books, where Fleming-signed first editions and Churchill’s ledgers await.

• View original newspaper clippings that simultaneously reported the Berlin Tunnel discovery and serialized From Russia with Love.
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• Hear about CIA gadgets like the infamous "spy scrotum" radio transmitter for downed aircrew.
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• Handle spy coins with hidden compartments—linked to real-life agent escapades.

• Discover film and TV locations from James Bond, Slow Horses, The Sandbaggers, and Kingsman.
• Learn how David tailors his London Spy tours to each group—mixing history, Cold War intrigue, and spy fiction depending on interest.

• Love spy fiction and real-world intelligence history.
• Are planning a trip to London and want an immersive espionage experience.
• Enjoy behind-the-scenes London spy stories, tradecraft, and collectibles.
• Appreciate well-researched, artifact-rich storytelling from a charismatic guide.

🔗 www.thelondonspy.com

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 events that feature in The Collaborators Why Michael sees spy fiction as a milieu, not a genre The delicate balance between spy realism and cinematic action OSINT’s influence on modern espionage stories British vs. American spy fiction traditions 🔗 Show Notes + Links: https://spybrary.com/261 📚 Buy The Collaborators: https://geni.us/V8T5a Join the Spybrary Spy Fiction Fans Community: https://www.spybrary.com/community 👍 Like, subscribe, and comment — what’s your favourite modern spy novel?

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 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.