We have made it to Episode 250! Hear this special message from Spybrary founder Shane Whaley talking about Spybrary's future as well as a fun conversation

 Spybrarians, I need your intel! 

Eight years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, asking this question. When I launched the Spybrary Podcast, I had no idea we'd build a community of fellow spy enthusiasts that’s still going strong after 249 episodes of declassified interviews, thrilling brush pass reviews, and deep dives with fellow spy fans.

But here's the thing… I’m at a bit of a crossroads.

Do we keep the mission going, digging deeper into the world of espionage, bringing you even more author interviews, book reviews, and spy content? Or has the time come to hang up the trench coat, pull the plug on the dead drop, and fade back into the cold?

That’s where you come in. I need your honest feedback to decide our next move. If you’ve been enjoying the ride with Spybrary, it’s time to let me know what you think.

 Please take a few minutes to fill out this listener survey. Your input will steer the future of Spybrary and help us decide if it’s mission on… or mission over.

https://spybrary.com/feedback

Your intel will decide what happens next. Spybrary is more than just a podcast—it’s a community. And this decision isn’t mine to make alone. So, what’s it to be, Spybrarians? One last mission, or time to go back into the cold?

I appreciate each of you for being part of this incredible operation. Now, let’s figure out what comes next—together. You can have your say - please complete our listener survey.

In this fascinating episode of the Spybrary Spy History Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Barry Werth author of Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War. This remarkable true cold war spy story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, John Downey, Jr., a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. We invite you to join our host, author and former BBC reporter Adam Brookes, and guest Barry Werth on the Spybrary Spy History Podcast as they dive deep into the harrowing Cold War saga of Jack Downey in Prisoner of Lies. Grab Your Top 125 Spy Writers Ranked dossier! Ranked and with spy book recommendations. Discover the untold stories of espionage, resilience, and international diplomacy that shaped U.S.-China relations. Unveil the gripping narrative of Jack Downey's capture, imprisonment, and eventual release, set against a backdrop of covert operations, political machinations, and the enduring human spirit. Don't miss this thrilling exploration of "Prisoner of Lies" and the profound impact of espionage on international affairs in Barry Werth's latest book.

In 1952, 23-year-old CIA officer Jack Downey Jr's mission took a devastating turn when his plane was shot down over Manchuria during the Korean War. Surviving the crash that claimed the pilots' lives, Downey and his fellow agent, Richard Fecteau, were seized by Chinese forces.

What followed was a grueling two-decade ordeal of interrogations, isolation, reeducation camps, and staged trials, as they were paraded as symbols of political propaganda. While other prisoners of war found freedom, Downey and Fecteau remained trapped, their fate tied to a diplomatic stalemate. It wasn’t until Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to China in 1971 that hope emerged, leading to Fecteau’s release that same year and Downey’s eventual return in 1973.

 Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode, Adam Brookes sits down with Barry Werth to delve into the extraordinary story of Jack Downey, a CIA officer captured and imprisoned in communist China during the height of the Cold War. Werth's meticulous research for his book Prisoner of Lies provides a gripping account of Downey Jr's endurance, complex diplomatic maneuvers, and early CIA covert operations.

• Captured and Shackled: Discover the harrowing details of how CIA officer Jack Downey, Jr and was captured, shackled, and interrogated by the Chinese. Hear how he endured life in shackles and isolation, maintaining their resilience under harsh captivity conditions.
• Confession and Survival: Learn about Downey. Jr's strategic delay in confessing his CIA affiliation, spanning eleven months, and culminating in a 3,000-page document meant to obscure pertinent details amidst a surplus of information.
• Bureaucratic Blunders and Family Heartbreak: Understand the critical role of the US government's denial of Downey. Jr's involvement, how this impacted his detainment, and the anguish faced by the families.
• Negotiations and Diplomacy: Explore how the convoluted politics and diplomatic negotiations for their release spanned multiple US administrations, revealing the significant impact of these efforts on US-China relations leading up to their normalization in the early 1970s.
• Jack Downey Jr's Resilience: Barry Werth highlights Downey's unyielding spirit, maintaining rigorous routines and an idealistic outlook despite his prolonged imprisonment. His story underscores the importance of resilience and patriotism.
• CIA’s Early Covert Operations: Gain insights into the CIA’s early initiatives, the risks and challenges involved, and the broader historical context, including the Cold War tensions post-World War II and the initial failures of CIA operations.
• Influence of Yale: Reflect on Yale University's influence on Downey and his peers, shaping their leadership qualities and driving their patriotic stoicism, influenced further by the experiences and aftermath of World War II.

Barry Werth discusses the complex and skilled diplomacy by President Nixon and Henry Kissinger, examining how Downey's release was eventually facilitated, signaling a subtle yet significant shift in US policy towards China.

"Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War" by Barry Werth, offering an in-depth narrative and analysis drawn from extensive research and personal accounts.

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.

Shane Whaley - Spybrary Podcast Host Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond books? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club presented by Spybrary. In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx, Frieda Toth and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's controversial and highly divisive novel The Spy Who Loved Me (1962) as if they are in the year of publication.

This episode is also available to watch on YouTube. What do you think of The Spy Who Loved Me? Join the conversation in our world famous Spybrary community - https://www.spybrary.com/community

Grab our list of the top 125 spy writers - ranked and with suggestions - https://www.spybrary.com/top125

The Spybrary Spy Podcast panel provide fascinating analysis and insight into The Spy Who Loved Me plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's latest James Bond novel compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or love a good book club style discussion, this episode offers a detailed and engaging look at The Spy Who Loved Me and all its elements. Tune in now to join the conversation!

We discuss the artwork, the plot, the villains, the locations, the femme fatale, the allies, and the glamour. All that and much more on the latest edition of the James Bond Book Club, available on all good podcast apps and at the link in the first comment. Will you join us in 1962?

In this riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, guest host David Clark is joined by author and investigative journalist Tim Tate to dissect his latest espionage non-fiction book To Catch A Spy which examines the enigmatic and controversial history surrounding Roger Hollis, the former MI5 Director General, Margaret Thatcher, Peter Wright and the explosive Spycatcher affair!

'Researched like an intelligence officer, argued like a barrister, and as engaging and intriguing as a Le Carré, Tate presents a critical and compelling analysis which makes for both a fascinating and disturbing portrayal of how a government treated truth, justice, and public accountability with disdain.' Simon Ball, International Association For Intelligence Education European Chapter

What do you think? Was Hollis maligned or was he indeed a Soviet spy? Share your opinion with other spy history enthusiasts in our Spybrary Community.

In this captivating episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, join host Shane Whaley as he sits down briefly with the legendary actor Gary Oldman, who portrays the enigmatic Jackson Lamb in the hit TV adaptation of Mick Heron's "Slow Horses." Gary Oldman reveals how Jackson Lamb first appeared on his radar and the differences working with spy authors Mick Herron and John le Carré on Slow Horses and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. A big thank you to Catherine Spillane and Gary 'The Fixer' Dexter for arranging this short but sweet chat with Gary Oldman. Join 4000 other spy fans talking spy books, spy movies, spy history and spy tv shows in our free online community

A thrilling tick-tock recounting one of the most harrowing hostage situations and daring rescue attempts of our time—from the true-life espionage master and New York Times bestselling author of Operation Mincemeat and The Spy and the Traitor.

Today on the Spybrary podcast, we're taking you inside the Iranian Embassy siege. Join us for a gripping episode as our host, Shane Whaley, sits down with renowned historian Ben Macintyre and counterterrorism and intelligence expert Rossa McPhillips. Together, they delve into the harrowing events of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London, using Macintyre's latest book, The Siege, as a unique lens to offer an unprecedented look at this tense and historic event. Buy The Siege Chat about this episode with other spy history enthusiasts in the free Spybrary online community today!

On today’s episode, acclaimed spy authors Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich sit down for an intriguing discussion that delves deep into the world of writing spy fiction.

As many of you know, I’ve been lucky enough to share drinks, meals, and some unforgettable conversations with some of the best spy authors working today. And every time, I think to myself, "I wish I had brought a bug— or called Roddy Ho for some tech to record this!" Well, today, that wish comes true, well, kind of.

We’re bringing you an intriguing chat with two living legends of spy fiction—Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich. Now, Joseph needs no introduction. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ve probably read Los Alamos or Defectors, one of my all-time favorites. He’s even ranked number three on Tim Shipman’s list of the best spy authors.

But why stop there? I thought, why not bring another heavyweight into the mix? So I invited Paul Vidich, author of the brilliant Beirut Station, to host this conversation. Paul’s work is always top-notch, and having him on the show alongside Joseph to discuss why they love reading and writing spy fiction is 'premier cru' for us fans of spy novels.

Whether you're an aspiring author or a die-hard fan, you’ll pick up some valuable insights into the craft of writing spy fiction.

Their conversation spans themes of desperation, moral dilemmas, and the unique ways spy novels probe into character development. They highlight the tension of leading double lives and discuss the differences in British and American spy fiction. Kanon reveals how the setting of a city sparks his storytelling and how he meticulously reconstructs its historical authenticity through detailed research. Both authors underscore the critical role of dialogue in character development.

Check out Joseph Kanon's latest novel Shanghai.

Joseph Kanon also reflects on the dramatic weight of World War Two settings in his novels and the moral imperatives faced by those in desperate circumstances. The spy authors discuss why they enjoy reading and writing spy ficition and compare and contrast the writing of Len Deighton. Graham Greene and John le Carré. Kanon shares his admiration for Len Deighton's societal observations from an outsider perspective and he reveals some of his own writing habits, which have evolved during the pandemic yet remain rooted at the New York Public Library. Whether you're a dedicated fan of spy fiction or curious about the intricacies of writing spy fiction, today's episode promises fascinating insights . So, sit back and enjoy as Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich talk all about writing spy fiction.

Today's episode is a Bond in Motion review and interview in the form of a brief field report submitted by friend of Spybrary and spy author Payne Harrison. Join the Spybrary Community

Welcome to the latest episode of the Spybrary, guest hosted by Payne Harrison! Join us as we visit the Bond in Motion exhibit at the incredible Spy Museum in Washington, DC. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. Amanda takes us on an exclusive tour, shedding light on the astonishing collection of James Bond vehicles and artifacts on display. 🚗🎬🔫 Highlights of the episode: - Learn about the Herculean effort to assemble this breathtaking exhibition. - Discover how iconic Bond cars, like the Aston Martin Vanquish and the battered Aston Martin from Quantum of Solace, were transported and showcased. - Get insights into some of the key exhibits, including the famous submarine from "For Your Eyes Only" and the legendary 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from "Goldfinger." - Find out how these artifacts are arranged, secured, and even brought into the museum’s third floor! - See reunited vehicles like the green Jag driven by Zhao and the Vanquish in an icy chase scene from Die Another Day. - Hear intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, such as the challenges of craning vehicles into the museum amid intense winds. If you’re a James Bond enthusiast or a fan of spy artifacts, you don't want to miss this in-depth look at one of the most comprehensive Bond exhibits ever. 📽️✨

The International Spy Museum is proud to host this official exhibition of iconic vehicles, all used on-screen by 007 and his many allies and adversaries. While James Bond is a fictional character, he embodies the spirit of many real spies in this museum. These men and women, from around the world, were inspired by over six decades of the Bond film franchise and its enduring cultural influence. 

Bond In Motion is a celebration of six decades of 007 vehicles. The exhibition features 17 iconic pieces from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation. Props, scale models and clips from the films are also on show alongside cars, motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage. 

Experience Bond In Motion on display at SPY through April 2025.

Ticket Details Combo Ticket (Bond In Motion + Spy Museum) - Receive a $2 discount to Bond In Motion when purchased together with admission to the Spy Museum. Bond In Motion Ticket (Exhibit Only) - $12.00 / personBond In Motion Ticket for Spy Museum Members (Exhibit Only) - FREE 

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! Today's episode is helmed by Spybrary contributor, author and music aficionado Andy Onyx, who interviews John Higgs, the author of Love and Let Die - James Bond, The Beatles and The British Psyche.

Join other spy book fans in our online Spybrary commmunity join for free today!

Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! Today, we have the exceptional Merle Nygate joining us to dive deep into her latest espionage novel, Honour Among Spies, the highly anticipated sequel to The Righteous Spy. Tune in as host Shane Whaley commends Merle's expertise in writing riveting action scenes and her knack for adding delicious touches of realism with food scenes that flesh out the characters and setting.

Merle takes us behind the scenes, sharing how her boxing lessons inform her authentic fight sequences and discussing her approach to crafting stories that blend ethical dilemmas with gritty espionage tactics. We'll also explore her unique concept of "vinyl tradecraft" and the influence of real-life events and conspiracy theories on her writing.

As the conversation unfolds, we'll touch on the personal journeys of characters like Petra and Eli, who grapple with complex moral choices and the taxing demands of spy life. Discover how Merle's multifaceted career as a novelist, screenwriter, and lecturer shapes her craft, and hear about her dreams of adapting her gripping tales for television.

And don't worry, there's a glimpse into what might be next for the series, including the possibility of a third book! So sit back, relax, and enjoy this fascinating discussion on Spybrary, where spy fiction aficionados come together to celebrate the best in espionage literature.

Join your fellow spy book enthusiasts in the Spybrary Community

In this episode, your host, Shane Whaley, is joined by special guests Charlie Higson and Mark Ashby to discuss the updated and revised paperback edition of On His Majesty's Secret Service.

Charlie Higson, author of the latest James Bond novel On His Majesty's Secret Service shares his unique perspective on modernizing the iconic agent. Higson discusses his journey into writing a James Bond novel for the 60th anniversary of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," offering insights into updating the character for contemporary readers while staying true to Ian Fleming's legacy. From Bond's motivations to his characterization, discover the fascinating evolution of the world's most famous spy with Higson's fresh take.

Joined by fellow Bond aficionado Mark Ashby, the conversation delves into attending Bond premieres and the impact of Higson's young Bond series. Uncover Higson's intricate plans for Bond's backstory, from leaving Eton to entering the Secret Service during World War II, providing a new lens on the beloved character's formative years.

Explore the captivating dynamics of political extremism, historical ties, and societal stability as discussed by our insightful guests. From threats to the British monarchy to the challenges of creating contemporary villains, Higson's narrative intrigues with its deep-rooted exploration of espionage and intrigue.

Join Shane, Charlie, and Mark as they unravel the secrets behind On His Majesty's Secret Service, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the mind of a modern Bond author and the ever-evolving world of espionage literature. Tune in for a thrilling discussion that combines historical context, character evolution, and the enduring allure of the iconic James Bond.