Spybrary Spy Podcast

• The Poet's Game - A Spy in Moscow with Author Paul Vidich

  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.  

  --------  

  49:42
• Breaking John le Carré news: George Smiley Returns: New Novel Announced, Plus The Spy Who Came in From the Cold Heads to West End

  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. The Taper Man: Smiley Heads Stateside 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. Smiley on Stage: The Spy Who Came in From the Cold at Soho Place 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.” The John le Carré Legacy Continued 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.

  --------  

  6:14
• Secrets, Spies, and Espionage with The London Spy

  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. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🕵️‍♂️ The Origins of the London Spy Tours: 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.   He incorporates rare artifacts like SOE silk escape maps and spy gadgets, blending storytelling, history, and magic (he’s a magician too!). 🇬🇧 Why London Is Spy Central: 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. 🧭 Tour Highlights: 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. 🔍 Spy Artifacts and Anecdotes: View original newspaper clippings that simultaneously reported the Berlin Tunnel discovery and serialized From Russia with Love.   Hear about CIA gadgets like the infamous "spy scrotum" radio transmitter for downed aircrew.   Handle spy coins with hidden compartments—linked to real-life agent escapades. 🎥 Fiction Meets Reality: 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. 📍 Useful for Listeners Who: 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. 🧳 Book Your Tour: 🔗 www.thelondonspy.com

  --------  

  32:18
• Michael Idov on Spy Fiction, OSINT, and Writing The Collaborators

  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?

  --------  

  1:02:09
• What Does a Real Spy Read? Valerie Plame’s Favorite Spy Books

  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.

  --------  

  40:16

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Spybrary Spy Podcast