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In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews the former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book In True Face A Woman's Life in the CIA.
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 â 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.
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In this episode of the Spybrary podcast, the hosts discuss the book 'Four Shots in the Night' by Henry Hemming.
What is Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming about?
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.
Four Shots in the Night 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 deathâhis body found in broad daylight, with tape over his eyes, an undisguised hitâwould 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 countryâs 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.
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In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane Whaley interviews Michael Frost Beckner, the writer of the movie Spy Game. They discuss Michael's Spy Game book series including a new novella called Kaleidoscope and how it fits into his Spy Game trilogy.
They also talk about the complexity of the characters in Michael's Spy Game books and the inspiration behind them. Michael shares his thoughts on the spy genre and the attraction it holds for him. -
Welcome to another riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast. I'm your host, Shane Whaley, and today we dive into the thrilling world of spy fiction with our special guest, Tom Fletcher, the former UK ambassador and advisor to three UK Prime Ministers turned espionage thriller writer.
Tom Fletcher's new book, "The Assassin," is creating waves and it's not just because of its gripping scenes; it's a novel that hits the zeitgeist with its daring exploration of climate change and the moral quandaries it poses for future generations.In this episode, we'll uncover the inspiration behind "The Assassin," a sequel that can stand alone yet continues the intriguing tale from "The Ambassador." We'll tackle everything from Tom's firsthand experiences in the heart of governmental intelligence to the ethical crossroads his protagonist, Ambassador Ed Barnes, faces.
Tom gives us a glimpse into his writing process and why he's attracted praise from the likes of Frederick Forsyth and Andy McNabb for his authenticity and style.
Get ready to embark on a literary journey that blends authenticity with heart-stopping thrills as we discuss the roles spies and diplomats play in shaping our world, both in fiction and reality, with Tom Fletcherâan author whose work is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Buy The Assassin by Tom Fletcher Buy The Ambassador by Tom Fletcher More Tom Fletcher non fiction books Follow Tom Fletcher on X Support Spybrary on Patreon Canelo Publishers How the Americans Took Over Spy Fiction by Tim Shipman for The Sunday Times Follow Spybrary on X Join the Spybrary Community
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In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx and Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only as if they are in the year of publication.
They provide fascinating analysis and insight into this iconic book's plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or just love a good book club style discussion, this episode offers a detailed and engaging look at For Your Eyes Only and all its elements. Tune in now to join the conversation!Join us as we discuss the latest Ian Fleming James Bond book of short stories For Your Eyes Only. We discuss the artwork, the plot, the villains, the locations, the femme fatales, the allies, and the glamour.
All that and much more on the latest edition of the James Bond Book Club, available on all good podcast apps and at the link in the first comment. Will you join us in 1960? -
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.
So what is Beirut Station By Paul Vidich all about, Shane?
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.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 warâs 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 trustâa reporter for the New York Timesâmight not be who he says he isâŠ
A tightly-wound international thriller, Beirut Station is Paul Vidich's best novel to date.
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Today, we are thrilled to present a very special 90-minute episode titled "Ian Fleming: The Complete Man" with the esteemed novelist and Iatest Ian Fleming biographer Nicholas Shakespeare.
For this interview, Spybrary host and founder Shane Whaley recruited James Bond and Ian Fleming scholars Ajay Chowdhury and Jeremy Duns, to dive deep into the life and works of the legendary creator of James Bond, Mr. Ian Fleming with biographer Nicholas Shakespeare.
With unrivaled access to the Fleming family, archives, and a trove of new material, Shakespeare presents a new, nuanced portrait of Ian Fleming's life. So place your devices on do not disturb and enjoy this in depth interview with Ian Fleming biographer Nicholas Shakespeare.
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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.
đ§ 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: Shane Whaley
Bill Kanasâs suggested order of John Gardner to Raymond Benson novels and contextual novelization reading Brian McKaig's preference for starting with "Colonel Sun" followed by Gardnerâs and then Bensonâs works Addressing cherry pickersâ potential entry points into the Bond novel series James Bond 007 Continuation Novel Discussion Questions
The video version of James Bond After Fleming is coming soon!
In this episode you will also learn:Spybrary is more than a podcast. Did you know we host a community of almost 4000 spy book fans? Join the Spybrary Community and dive into some of these conversations:
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Welcome to the first episode of Section F - our Spy Movie track on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favorite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into the classic film 'The Third Man,' discussing its plot, rewatchability, and notable moments. The music and cinematography of the film are also explored.
Meet Your Section F - Spy Film Hosts.
Jonathan Melville
Michael Huie
Eric Newsom
Steve Lichtman
Producer: Shane Whaley
The question of whether 'The Third Man' can be considered a spy movie is debated, with the moral ambiguity and themes of betrayal being highlighted. The influence of real-life spy Kim Philby on the story is examined, and the charm and complexity of the character Harry Lime are discussed. The iconic Ferris wheel scene and its cinematography are analyzed.
The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their pitches for why someone should watch 'The Third Man.' In this episode, the hosts discuss Carroll Reed's trilogy of films, including Odd Man Out, The Fallen Idol, and The Third Man. They highlight the unique elements of The Third Man, such as the untranslated German dialogue and the suspenseful scene with the child pointing at the murderer.
The hosts also recommend other films for fans of The Third Man, such as The Spy in Black, Berlin Express, and Cornered. They mention books like The Prague Coup and Night Falls on the City that provide further immersion into the post-war Vienna setting. Lastly, they suggest a double feature of Casablanca and The Third Man as bookends to the themes discussed.
What do you think about the Third Man? Come and share your take in our Spybrary Community! -
In this episode of the Spybrary spy book podcast we talk about our best spy books. Host Shane Whaley invites guest Jeff Circle, author, veteran, avid spy novel reader and the head honcho behind The Writers Dossier to embark on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain. As part of the Dead Drop 5 series, Jeff Circle shares his top five best spy thriller books that he would take with him to East Berlin. From classic spy thrillers to lesser-known gems, Mark's's picks promise to keep any thriller enthusiast on the edge of their seat.
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In this episode of the Spybrary spy book podcast we talk about our best spy books. Host Shane Whaley invites guest Dr Mark Pack, author, avid spy novel reader and President of the UK's Liberal Democrats to embark on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain. As part of the Dead Drop 5 series, Mark Pack shares his top five best spy books that he would take with him to East Berlin. From classic spy thrillers to lesser-known gems, Mark's's picks promise to keep any spy thriller enthusiast on the edge of their seat.
Join your fellow spy book enthusiasts at Spybrary Online
Download our ranking of the top 125 spy authors today! -
Host Adam Brookes is joined by Stuart Reid, executive editor at Foreign Affairs and author of The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination. They delve into the fascinating and shocking story of Patrice Lumumba, the Congo crisis of 1960, and the CIA's role in Lumumba's assassination.
The Lumumba Plot by Stuart Reid Stuart A Reid Official Website Adam Brookes Official Site Join the Spybrary Community Grab your free top spy writers ranked dossier
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In this episode of the Spybrary spy book podcast we talk about our best spy books, host Shane Whaley invites guest Martin Paul to embark on a clandestine mission behind the Iron Curtain. As part of the Dead Drop 5 series, Martin shares his top five best spy books that he would take with him to East Berlin. From classic spy thrillers to lesser-known gems, Martin's picks promise to keep any spy thriller enthusiast on the edge of their seat.
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David Clark interviews former MI6 officer and debut author Charles Beaumont, whose novel A Spy Alone has just been published in the UK. (Available on Kindle elsewhere.)
A QUICK HEADS UP. A Spybrary first, due to Charles Beaumont's work for the Intelligence Services, our technical division has digitally altered his voice to protect his identity.
Spybrary's David Clark and Charles Beaumont discuss the themes of the book, including Russian interference in the UK's political affairs, the complexities of modern espionage, and the influence of spy fiction on real-world intelligence operations. Charles shares his literary influences, the portrayal of characters in his book, and the challenges of writing spy fiction in the post-Cold War era.
Charles also reveals which spy movies and spy TV series he rates best! -
Tim Shipman, the chief political commentator at the Sunday Times, conducts a captivating interview with author David McCloskey on the Spybrary podcast. McCloskey's debut novel, Damascus Station, garnered much excitement among spy thriller readers. Shipman explores how his second book, "Moscow X," measures up. The interview delves into the complexities of modern espionage, as well as themes of betrayal, love, loyalty, and vengeance in the shadow war between the West and Moscow.
So what is Moscow X all about, Shane?Discover the thrilling world of espionage in Moscow X the gripping second novel by David McCloskey. Set in present-day Russia, this fast-paced spy thriller follows the CIA's Artemis Proctor as she masterminds a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Russian intelligence. With a plot centered around a covert operation to destabilize Putin's regime, Moscow X delves into the complex world of money, power, and betrayal. Prepare for a heart-pounding yet realistic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat or as in my case, late for work, yes it is that good!
Moscow X âThrilling, propulsive and terrifyingâ Simon Sebag MontefioreThe second novel from the author of Damascus Station (âOne of the best spy thrillers in yearsâ The Times)
A daring CIA operation threatens chaos in the Kremlin.
But can Langley trust the Russian at its center?CIA operatives Sia and Max enter Russia to recruit Vladimir Putinâs moneyman. Sia works for a London firm that conceals the wealth of the super-rich. Maxâs family business in Mexico â a CIA front since the 1960s â is a farm that breeds high-end racehorses. They pose as a couple, and their targets are Vadim, Putinâs private banker, and his wife Anna, who is both a banker and an intelligence officer herselfâŠ
Praise for Damascus Station:
âSimply marvellous storytellingâŠa stand-out thriller and essential reading for fans of the genreâ â Financial Times
âThe best spy novel I have ever readâ â General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA
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On this episode, Bruce Dravis sends us a quick brush pass review of David McCloskey's Second Novel - Moscow X!
Was it a hit or miss for Bruce? Listen in to find out!
What do you think of Moscow X? Come and share in our community for spy book enthusiasts - Spybrary. All Welcome -
In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Liza Mundy, author of "Code Girls" and "The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women and the CIA".
Mundy discusses the often overlooked contributions of women to the CIA, highlighting the challenges they faced due to gender biases. She shares stories of women who played crucial roles in intelligence gathering and analysis, including Lisa Harper, the first female division chief at the CIA. Mundy also explores the moral dilemmas faced by women in the CIA post 9/11 and the lessons learned from their experiences.
It's time you came in from the cold. Join our Spybrary Readers Community today! -
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 GerlisAlex 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
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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 -
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 âSandbagger Twoâ, 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. - Näytä enemmän
