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

Dive into Three Days of the Condor with Spybrary. CIA conspiracies, moped escapes, and one of the best assassins in spy cinema. Redford stars in this slow-burn, cerebral classic that still resonates today.

Join 4000 other spy fans, chatting spy movies, books and TV. https://www.spybrary.com/community

Welcome to another edition of Section F on Spybrary, where spy film enthusiasts gather to dissect classic espionage cinema.

In Episode 270, Shane is joined by Michael, Jonathan, and debut guest Pierce to delve deep into Three Days of the Condor (1975), directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford.

Episode Summary
The team begins with a spoiler-free introduction to the film's plot and style, helping newcomers decide if it's their kind of spy movie. Then they dive into a rich, spoiler-heavy discussion covering historical context, casting choices, character analysis, plot structure, and the film's legacy in spy cinema. They also compare the movie to James Grady's novel Six Days of the Condor and debate the effectiveness of the movie's ambiguous ending.

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 time‑travel special, the Spybrary crew—Shane, David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Ian Douglas—journey back to 1964 to dissect Ian Fleming’s latest novel, You Only Live Twice. They kick off by setting the scene: Bond mania is reaching fever pitch, with spy fiction booming, thanks to Ian Fleming, the Bond films are on a roll, and Fleming reported to be in very ill-heath.

As the conversation delves into You Only Live Twice, be warned that the Spybrary panel expresses mixed feelings. They praise Fleming’s immersive evocation of Japan and its culture, but some criticize the sparse action, flimsy plot advancement (especially the “Magic 44” intel) and Blofeld’s relatively abrupt demise.


From exotic Japan and ninja assassins to the novels shocking conclusion, we dissect culture, plot, and Blofeld’s bizarre garden.

Was this bold detour worth it?

Tune in and find out!

Join the Spybrary Community for daily spy chat with fellow fans: https://www.spybrary.com/community

Buy the book and support Spybrary - https://geni.us/gqpW

Gordon Corera makes his Spybrary debut in this riveting episode of the Spybrary podcast. Host Shane Whaley welcomes the former BBC security correspondent, espionage historian and host of The Rest is Classified podcast, Gordon Corera to discuss his latest book, The Spy in the Archive.

The Cold War might be over, but its shadows stretch far into the present. What if one of the Soviet Union’s most overlooked insiders — a quiet KGB archivist — decided to turn against the very institution he once served? How did he smuggle a mountain of secrets out from under Moscow’s nose? And why did the CIA turn him away, only for MI6 to uncover what may be the most valuable intelligence defection of the era?

This is the extraordinary true story of Vasili Mitrokhin — a man whose private rebellion against the KGB became a mission to expose its darkest truths. With deep ideological conviction, he spent years quietly copying thousands of classified files, building a secret archive buried beneath his dacha floorboards. His eventual escape, orchestrated by MI6, and the revelations that followed would reshape our understanding of Soviet espionage forever.

The conversation dives deep into the life and legacy of Vasili Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist turned dissident who smuggled out a trove of intelligence that would become one of the most important Cold War revelations. Gordon shares the challenges of researching this secretive figure, the personal and ideological motivations behind Mitrokhin’s actions, the drama of his family’s exfiltration by MI6, and how his warnings about the persistence of the KGB mindset still echo today. This episode offers a unique blend of spy history, investigative journalism, and human drama.

• Gordon Corera's book: The Spy in the Archive
• Gordon Corera Official Website
• Join the Spybrary Community

In this special episode of Spybrary, Shane is joined by fellow spy fan Joe Modzelewski for an in-depth International Spy Museum review. Recorded after their recent visit to the museum in Washington D.C., this episode is packed with honest reflections, surprising discoveries, and plenty of spy geekery.

From Virginia Hall’s heroic story to rare artifacts like the Enigma machine and a section of the Berlin Tunnel, Shane and Joe cover it all—including the museum’s interactive spy games, an exhibit on intelligence analysis, and the must-see “Bond in Motion” car display.

Whether you're a longtime espionage fiction enthusiast or just planning your first visit, this is your ultimate guide to navigating the International Spy Museum and getting the most out of it.

🕵️‍♂️ Topics include:

• What makes the Spy Museum a must-visit

• Interactive missions and spy quizzes

• Rare Cold War artifacts and East German intel gear

• The museum's educational value for casual fans and hardcore readers alike

• Bond in Motion: Why it’s not just for car buffs

• What spy books is Joe reading and who are some of his favourites.

🎟️ Plan your visit: https://www.spymuseum.org

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.