Spybrary Spy Podcast

Was The Quiller Memorandum (1966) a misunderstood spy movie — or a cinematic misfire?

In this episode of Spybrary, we go deep into one of the most divisive spy films of the 1960s. From the controversial casting of George Segal as the iconic British spy to Harold Pinter's slow-burning, subtext-heavy script, Quiller has split opinion for decades. But is it time for a reappraisal? Join 4,500+ spy fans talking spy movies and books every day!

Welcome to another episode of Section F - our Spy Movie Podcast track on Spybrary. Our Section F handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favourite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into The Quiller Memorandum starring George Segal, Senta Berger, Max von Sydow, Alec Guinness and directed by Michael Anderson. Screenplay written by Harold Pinter. The Spybrary Section F discuss the film's pacing, casting controversies (especially George Segal as Quiller), narrative strengths and weaknesses, themes of post‑war Germany and neo‑Nazism, comparisons to other '60s spy films like The Ipcress File, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Funeral in Berlin, and the movie's subtle political subtext that resonates even today. Listeners get character insights, historical context, personal reactions, and a range of trench‑coat style ratings.

Ajay Chowdhury reveals how the new James Bond Locations Atlas Darker Than The Sun maps 007's world like never before, blending real geography with film secrets and behind-the-scenes stories.

Shane Whaley is joined by returning guest and leading James Bond authority Ajay Chowdhury. Co-author of the newly released James Bond Locations Guide Darker Than the Sun. This isn't your typical location guide, though. Darker Than the Sun is an immersive, richly visual atlas that blends real geography, fictional locales, and behind-the-scenes insights into how Bond movies have mapped and redefined the spy film landscape.

Buy The Book - https://geni.us/OIdoqSA Grab Tim Shipman's Top 125 Spy Authors Ranked - https://www.spybrary.com/top125 Ajay Chowdhury reveals how Darker Than The Sun distinguishes itself from other James Bond location books, and why it's both a travelogue and a love letter to the artistry of filmmaking. With fascinating anecdotes, deep research, and stunning photography, the book peels back the layers of artifice behind Bond's most iconic locations — from Crab Key and Montenegro to Swindon doubling as Azerbaijan! Whether you're a Bond obsessive or a travel lover, this episode reveals why Darker Than the Sun belongs on your coffee table.

What if spy skills like influence, persuasion, and reading people could transform your life? Ex-British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Spybrary to reveal the 9 essential spycraft skills anyone can learn.

In this revealing and thought-provoking episode of Spybrary, former British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Shane to discuss the central thesis of his new book, Think Like a Spy: that spy skills can be taught and used in everyday life. From mastering influence and reading people to building trust and understanding motivations, Fisher makes the case that espionage tactics aren't about deception—they're about deeper human connection.

Along the way, Fisher shares his personal journey, including his principled resignation over the Iraq War, insights from his time in both public and private intelligence, and his take on what popular spy fiction gets right (and wrong). Whether you're in business, leadership, sales, or just want to understand people better, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and insight.

Buy the Book - How To Think Like A Spy by Julian Fisher

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I've read a lot of thrillers, but the way I realise that something is good is when I envy it, and I think, damn, I wish I could have come up with that!

Jeremy Duns on Cover Story In this captivating episode of Spybrary, guest host, the spy thriller writer Jeremy Duns welcomes acclaimed historical fiction author R.N Morris to discuss his latest novel, "Cover Story." Dive into the world of espionage as R N Morris shares insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and the intriguing blend of humor and suspense that defines his work. Buy Cover Story Grab The Top 125 Spy Authors Ranked List Discover how R N Morris's experiences and literary influences, from Eric Ambler to Mick Herron, shape his storytelling. Whether you're a fan of spy fiction or simply love a good story, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. Tune in for an engaging conversation between two authors that explores the art of writing and crafting espionage stories.

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 episode of the James Bond Book Club, the Spybrary hosts discuss Ian Fleming's final Bond novel, "The Man with the Golden Gun." They explore the book's themes, characters, and its place in the Bond series, reflecting on Fleming's legacy and the impact of his work on the spy fiction genre. The conversation touches on the novel's strengths and weaknesses, the portrayal of Bond and his adversaries, and the cultural significance of the Bond phenomenon. The panellists also reflect on their journey reading the Ian Fleming James Bond novels and reveal their favourite 007 novels. Join the Spybrary Community Get Tim's Top 125 Spy Authors Ranked list and the Spybrary Dead Drop news service Buy The Man With The Golden Gun

What happens when a former diplomat turns spy-thriller author? In this episode, Sam Guthrie, ex-Australian trade envoy and senior government official, sits down with award-winning journalist Tim Shipman to discuss The Peak — a gripping, character-driven espionage novel set across Hong Kong, Beijing and Canberra. Join the Spybrary Community Today!

👉 The story begins with a shocking act inside Australia's Parliament House — and unravels a 30-year-old secret from the 1997 Hong Kong handover. A love triangle, a mysterious mixtape, betrayal, and a looming global crisis all collide in this explosive debut.

Sam shares behind-the-scenes insights from his time as Deputy Consul General in Hong Kong, reflects on the growing tensions between China, Australia and the West, and explains why fiction must confront the geopolitical risks of the 21st century.

📌 Topics include:

• The real risks of espionage in Asia-Pacific
• Why politicians and business leaders told Sam that this topic is 'too raw' for him to write about.
• Why Australia is caught between China and the US
• Why Sam Guthrie is determined to shift the focus of espionage fiction from Europe to Asia
• Writing flawed characters with emotional depth
• Using mixtapes and music in spy fiction (Check out Sam Guthrie's Spotify playlist featuring tracks mentioned in The Peak.)
• Why more thrillers should focus on China and Australia.
• Why Sam Guthrie loves Spybrary!
• And Much More!

Learn more about the John le Carré Tradecraft exhibition in Oxford revealing John le Carré's meticulous research, unseen manuscripts, and the personal life behind the spy fiction. In Spybrary Ep. 275, we speak with the curators about what they uncovered and what it tells us about the master of espionage fiction.

In this episode of Spybrary , Shane Whaley hosts a conversation into Tradecraft, the new exhibition at Oxford's Bodleian Library focusing on John le Carré (David Cornwell). His guests are Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite, who co‑curated the exhibition. They explore how the exhibit reveals le Carré's working methods, personal life, and research habits. From manuscript drafts and scribbles on hotel stationery to his mother's abandoned suitcase, the conversation explores how le Carré meticulously researched his books, how he conceives characters like George Smiley, and what the curators hope visitors take away.

They also discuss key artifact highlights, the challenge of selecting what to display from over 1,200 archive boxes, and deeper questions: why did he write in fiction rather than non‑fiction, and what question would the curators ask le Carré if they could meet him? Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asked the curators which John le Carré novels they recommend for those new to his work as well as how they selected the nine le Carré books on which the John le Carré exhibition is based.

• The intersection of fiction, fact and research in le Carré's method
• Le Carré's meticulous research process (notes, drafts, corrections)
• The role of Jane Cornwell (his wife) as collaborator and editor
• The curatorial challenge of selecting from the vast John le Carré archives
• Personal artifacts as gateways into the life behind the author
• How le Carré anticipated geopolitical trends (pharma, corruption, security)
• The emotional impact the Tradecraft exhibition had on the author's family.
• The question of why he chose fiction rather than non-fiction as his medium
• And why did he David Cornwell choose the pen name John le Carré.

Shane also thanked the curators for making the Tradecraft exhibition accessible to both le Carré scholars and to those who may never have read any John le Carré novels.

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Step back into the shadows of Cold War Berlin with this week's episode of Spybrary. My guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Special Forces operator who spent 23 years in clandestine service—much of it in divided Berlin. He's just released his new book, Berlin: A Spy's Guide to it's Cold War History in Story and Image, and joins me to share his tips on the best Berlin Cold War sites to visit.

You'll hear about:

• Why Berlin is the city of spies!
• What it was really like serving in Berlin during the Cold War.
• His picks for the three essential Cold War spy sites every fan must visit.
• Three hidden, off-the-beaten-track spots in Berlin that most tourists miss.
• Which spy novelist best captured the city's tense, shadowy atmosphere.
• My own must-see Berlin recommendations for spy enthusiasts.

If Berlin is on your travel list—or if you're fascinated by the city's role in espionage and cold war history—this episode is for yo

Shane Whaley and author I.S. Berry (The Peacock and the Sparrow) welcome spy thriller author Dan Fesperman to talk about his latest novel, Pariah. What happens when a disgraced stand-up comedian becomes a CIA asset in a fictional Eastern European country? Listen/Watch On.

Topics covered include:

• The real-world politics that inspired Pariah
• How cancel culture shapes protagonist Hal Knight
• Building a believable fictional Eastern/Central European setting (Bolrovia!)
• Why did Dan Fesperman choose to create a fictional country rather than base Pariah in a real country?
• Humour in serious spy fiction
• Do spy novels need to have a geopolitical canvas?
• Food in spy novels. Chimney cake anyone?

• Why Dan Fesperman's audiobook producer stopped him from singing one of the songs referenced in Pariah.

Dan Fesperman also reveals that his next novel will feature Winter Work's Emil Grimm; he also shares his thoughts on what makes a spy novel and the guests give a shoutout to the unsung real-life spies.

Dan Fesperman's Pariah is perfect for fans of le Carré, McCloskey, Paul Vidich and for readers craving spy fiction with depth, nuance and laughs.

Grab your copy of Pariah now and join the conversation in t

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.

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