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

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.

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 ‘Thrilling, propulsive and terrifying’ Simon Sebag Montefiore The second novel from the author of Damascus Station (‘One of the best spy thrillers in years’ 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 Putin’s moneyman. Sia works for a London firm that conceals the wealth of the super-rich. Max’s family business in Mexico – a CIA front since the 1960s – is a farm that breeds high-end racehorses. They pose as a couple, and their targets are Vadim, Putin’s private banker, and his wife Anna, who is both a banker and an intelligence officer herself… Praise for Damascus Station: ‘Simply marvellous storytelling…a stand-out thriller and essential reading for fans of the genre’ – Financial Times ‘The best spy novel I have ever read’ – General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA

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 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

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 “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.

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!