What if someone else could use your identity as a spy? In this episode of Spybrary, guest host Bryan Boling sits down with author David Goodman to talk about his debut novel, A Reluctant Spy

'Goodman's first book was a very polished high concept spy thriller, which delivered on its premise.'

Tim Shipman

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David Goodman shares his writing background, how his ideas evolved into a published book, and the inspiration behind the story's unique take on espionage. They dive into the novel's central plot, a man who lends his identity to spies, and explore themes such as modern technology's impact on spycraft, character development, research processes, writing choices, and the role of real locations like London and Zanzibar in the narrative.

Goodman also reflects on early critical praise, surprising support from intelligence community members, awards, and how he's approaching the sequel, Solitary Agents

Full Shownotes at www.spybrary.com/goodman

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In the first Dead Drop Five episode of 2026, Spybrary host Shane Whaley welcomes new Spybrary guest host Bryan Boling for a deep dive into his five favourite spy books, the titles that Brian would request be stashed in the East Berlin Dead Drop.

Full links to Brian's selection at https://www.spybrary.com/285

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Brian, a history lover and spy book fan from Kentucky, categorizes his selections across nonfiction, classic and modern fiction, and reflects on what makes each pick significant—from the ingenious real operation at the heart of Operation Mincemeat to the classic The Odessa File and contemporary espionage series Slow Horses. Throughout the lively conversation, Shane and Brian explore not just plot summaries but why these books resonate, how historical context enriches them, and what makes a spy story timeless. The episode closes with Brian's picks for music, a luxury item, and the spy he'd want extracting him from East Berlin.

Key Topics & Themes Discussed

Music, luxury item, and fictional rescue fantasy

Dead Drop Five format and ethos

Creative real‑world espionage (Operation Mincemeat)

The lasting appeal of Cold War and World War II spy stories

Spy fiction from classic to modern

Narrative style: writing that reads like thriller vs. traditional history

Historical memory and the aftermath of war

Reading mediums (audiobook vs. print) and engagement

Spy culture, community, and recommendations

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.

In this episode, we decode On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) — the boldest, most emotionally resonant Bond film of all. Joined by Bond aficionados Ian Douglas (Hildebrand), Andy Onyx (author), and Professor Michael Huie (Friday Night Frights Podcast), we dive into George Lazenby's one-time portrayal of James Bond, Peter Hunt's risky direction, Diana Rigg's unforgettable performance, and why this film has grown from outcast to cult favourite.

Full show notes and links

Recorded on December 21, 2025, just in time for Christmas, Spybrary's Section F explore what makes this film unique within the Bond canon: from George Lazenby's lone turn as 007 and Peter Hunt's bold directorial choices, to the film's emotional depth, narrative risks, and iconic action sequences. Highlights include personal viewing memories, analyses of key scenes (such as the skiing and the tragic final ending), and debates about why this Bond film stands apart from its peers.

Was The Quiller Memorandum (1966) a misunderstood spy movie — or a cinematic misfire?

In this episode of Spybrary, we go deep into one of the most divisive spy films of the 1960s. From the controversial casting of George Segal as the iconic British spy to Harold Pinter's slow-burning, subtext-heavy script, Quiller has split opinion for decades. But is it time for a reappraisal?

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Welcome to another episode of Section F - our Spy Movie Podcast track on Spybrary. Our Section F handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favourite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into The Quiller Memorandum starring George Segal, Senta Berger, Max von Sydow, Alec Guinness and directed by Michael Anderson. Screenplay written by Harold Pinter.

The Spybrary Section F discuss the film's pacing, casting controversies (especially George Segal as Quiller), narrative strengths and weaknesses, themes of post‑war Germany and neo‑Nazism, comparisons to other '60s spy films like The Ipcress File, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Funeral in Berlin, and the movie's subtle political subtext that resonates even today. Listeners get character insights, historical context, personal reactions, and a range of trench‑coat style ratings.

Ajay Chowdhury reveals how the new James Bond Locations Atlas Darker Than The Sun maps 007's world like never before, blending real geography with film secrets and behind-the-scenes stories.

Shane Whaley is joined by returning guest and leading James Bond authority Ajay Chowdhury. Co-author of the newly released James Bond Locations Guide Darker Than the Sun. This isn't your typical location guide, though. Darker Than the Sun is an immersive, richly visual atlas that blends real geography, fictional locales, and behind-the-scenes insights into how Bond movies have mapped and redefined the spy film landscape.

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Ajay Chowdhury reveals how Darker Than The Sun distinguishes itself from other James Bond location books, and why it's both a travelogue and a love letter to the artistry of filmmaking. With fascinating anecdotes, deep research, and stunning photography, the book peels back the layers of artifice behind Bond's most iconic locations — from Crab Key and Montenegro to Swindon doubling as Azerbaijan!

Whether you're a Bond obsessive or a travel lover, this episode reveals why Darker Than the Sun belongs on your coffee table.

What if spy skills like influence, persuasion, and reading people could transform your life? Ex-British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Spybrary to reveal the 9 essential spycraft skills anyone can learn.

In this revealing and thought-provoking episode of Spybrary, former British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Shane to discuss the central thesis of his new book, Think Like a Spy: that spy skills can be taught and used in everyday life. From mastering influence and reading people to building trust and understanding motivations, Fisher makes the case that espionage tactics aren't about deception—they're about deeper human connection.

Along the way, Fisher shares his personal journey, including his principled resignation over the Iraq War, insights from his time in both public and private intelligence, and his take on what popular spy fiction gets right (and wrong). Whether you're in business, leadership, sales, or just want to understand people better, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and insight.

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I've read a lot of thrillers, but the way I realise that something is good is when I envy it, and I think, damn, I wish I could have come up with that!

Jeremy Duns on Cover Story


In this captivating episode of Spybrary, guest host, the spy thriller writer Jeremy Duns welcomes acclaimed historical fiction author R.N Morris to discuss his latest novel, "Cover Story." Dive into the world of espionage as R N Morris shares insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and the intriguing blend of humor and suspense that defines his work.

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Discover how R N Morris's experiences and literary influences, from Eric Ambler to Mick Herron, shape his storytelling. Whether you're a fan of spy fiction or simply love a good story, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. Tune in for an engaging conversation between two authors that explores the art of writing and crafting espionage stories.

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 episode of the James Bond Book Club, the Spybrary hosts discuss Ian Fleming's final Bond novel, "The Man with the Golden Gun." They explore the book's themes, characters, and its place in the Bond series, reflecting on Fleming's legacy and the impact of his work on the spy fiction genre. The conversation touches on the novel's strengths and weaknesses, the portrayal of Bond and his adversaries, and the cultural significance of the Bond phenomenon.

The panellists also reflect on their journey reading the Ian Fleming James Bond novels and reveal their favourite 007 novels.

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