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