Spybrary Spy Podcast

Bryan Boling sits down for a spoiler-free chat with novelist Michael Idov, diving into The Cormorant Hunt, the standalone sequel to his acclaimed spy thriller The Collaborators.

Idov discusses the challenge of writing a compelling antagonist in Felix Burnham—a fusion of Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate who pushes protagonist Ari Falk to his limits.

They explore how real-world extremism, post-COVID paranoia, and disinformation influence modern spy fiction, and why setting stories in overlooked global locales adds authenticity.

From the Reichsbürger to action-packed drone chases in Georgia (the country), Idov breaks down how topical fiction is crafted under the ticking clock of world events. Michael also shared some news about an upcoming spy thriller film he is directing with Noomi Rapace in the lead.

Good news for the Brits, The Cormorant Hunt is scheduled to be released in the UK in May.

In this gripping episode of the Spybrary Podcast, Adam Brookes sits down with journalist and author Toby Harnden to explore the legacy of his landmark book Bandit Country: The IRA and South Armagh.


They dive into the hidden war fought in the rural heartlands of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, spotlighting the extraordinary reach of IRA intelligence and the massive British surveillance effort in response.

Toby shares the story behind the book's unexpected reissue 25 years after its release, the shadowy figure of Tom "Slab" Murphy, and the dangerous tightrope journalists walked reporting from IRA strongholds.

The conversation then pivots to the CIA, highlighting Harnden's acclaimed book First Casualty and his upcoming work on the Distinguished Intelligence Cross, the CIA's highest honor.

Interview with Toby Harden author of Bandit Country
Key Topics & Themes:

Moral complexity of insurgency and counterinsurgency
The reissue and enduring relevance of Bandit Country
IRA intelligence structure and infiltration
British military and surveillance operations in Northern Ireland
The life and mythos of Tom "Slab" Murphy
Journalistic risks during the Troubles
CIA's post-9/11 mission in Afghanistan
Distinguished Intelligence Cross and CIA recognition

Timestamps & Segments:

00:00 — Intro & Guest Welcome
Adam Brookes introduces Toby Harnden and his career journey from Royal Navy officer to war correspondent.

01:38 — The Revival of Bandit Country
Why and how Toby's 1999 book returned to print 25 years later.

05:03 — Entering South Armagh: IRA Heartland
A firsthand look at the rural guerrilla battlefield and IRA sniper teams.

08:34 — The Intelligence War
How the IRA built an intelligence network using locals and public workers.

12:26 — The British Response
Massive surveillance, SAS deployments, and the high-tech watchtowers.

15:56 — Reporting in Hostile Territory
Toby recounts the dangers of reporting from Crossmaglen and Republican events.

20:15 — The Enigma of Tom "Slab" Murphy
The pig farmer turned IRA chief of staff — smuggler, strategist, and shadow man.

24:24 — International Ties: Libya, PLO & FARC
How the IRA networked globally and Murphy's role in Libyan arms deals.

28:00 — Motivation & Identity
What really drove South Armagh fighters like Murphy—ideology, identity, or revenge?

30:59 — A History of Resistance
The inherited culture of rebellion in South Armagh, going back a century.

33:16 — How Many Were Fighting?
A few dozen active fighters in South Armagh vs. the full force of the British state.

38:29 — Lessons for Intelligence Agencies
The CIA, MI5 & MI6—what they learned (or didn't) from the Troubles.

42:12 — Inside the CIA: First Casualty
Toby's work on CIA's response to 9/11 and the birth of his next book project.

44:36 — The 39: CIA's Silent Heroes
The untold stories behind the Distinguished Intelligence Cross.

48:02 — Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Work
Why the CIA's frontline operatives are some of the most remarkable unsung heroes.

51:22 — Closing Thoughts & What's Next
Final reflections and teasers for Toby's upcoming book, The 39.

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On this riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy podcast, British political journalist Tim Shipman is once again in conversation with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst turned novelist, discussing his fourth and most ambitious book yet, The Persian.

Departing from his CIA-rooted earlier work, McCloskey dives into the morally murky waters of the Israeli-Iranian shadow war. The novel, a high-stakes standalone thriller, follows a Mossad operation and an Iranian-born dentist-turned-reluctant-spy. They discuss the challenges of writing beyond American intelligence, the process of accessing former Mossad officers for research, the rich culture and contradictions of Iran, and the psychological complexity of agent-handler relationships. The episode also teases McCloskey's next book, the return of Artemis Proctor, and exciting developments for screen adaptations.

So what is The Persian by David McCloskey all about, Shane?

Kamran Esfahani, a dentist living out a dreary existence in Stockholm, agrees to spy for the Mossad after he's recruited by Arik Glitzman, the chief of a clandestine unit tasked with running targeted assassinations and sabotage inside Iran. At Glitzman's direction, Kam returns to his native Tehran and opens a dental practice there, using it as a cover for the Israeli intelligence agency. Kam proves to be a skillful asset, quietly earning money helping Glitzman smuggle weapons, run surveillance, and conduct kidnappings. But when Kam tries to recruit an Iranian widow seeking to avenge the death of her husband at the hands of the Mossad, the operation goes terribly wrong, landing him in prison under the watchful eye of a sadistic officer whom he knows only as the "General."

And now, after enduring three years of torture in captivity, Kamran Esfahani sits in an interrogation room across from the General, preparing to write his final confession.

Kam knows it is too late to save himself. But he has managed to keep one secret—only one—and he just might be able to save that. In this haunting thriller, careening between Tehran and Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Stockholm, David McCloskey delivers an intricate story of vengeance, deceit, and the power of love and forgiveness in a world of lies.

 

Praise for The Persian:

[The Persian] builds to high drama and twists with characters you care about.… Deep and satisfying... keeps the McCloskey traits of great tradecraft and headlong dash to the end. It proves he is a great spy writer.
Tim Shipman, Spybrary and The Specator
It is no spoiler to say that what David McCloskey has given us in The Persian is a tragedy—a work of spy fiction that, stripped of its technological trappings, would not have been out of place on the Athenian stage.
Stephen England, Author
The Persian is a novel written by someone who understands not just how espionage works, but how it feels, the waiting, the second-guessing, and the quiet moments where people realise what they've traded away to stay in the game. I applaud David for writing a standalone novel rather than the familiar waters of his Artemis Proctor series.
Shane Whaley
Editor-In-Chief, Spybrary.com

Guest host Jim Wilton sits down with former U.S. military intelligence professional and author Karl Wegener to discuss his Cold War–era historical spy thriller Operation Nightfall: Web of Spies.

Wegener shares his personal background in U.S. Army intelligence and the CIA, how he transitioned into writing, and why he chose lesser‑known Cold War stories—especially those involving Polish resistance movements—for his novel.

The conversation highlights the book's unique setting in post‑World War II Poland, the inclusion of strong female lead characters inspired by real women in intelligence history, and Wegener's ongoing research and future novels exploring other overlooked Cold War events.

Throughout the episode, listeners gain insights into both the historical foundations of his fiction and the personal experiences that shaped his interests.

Packed with historical details, spy tradecraft, and brimming with intrigue, Wegener's story will leave you gutted, affected, heartbroken, and, most of all, wanting more
I.S. Berry - Author, The Peacock and the Sparrow, A New Yorker & NPR Best Book of the Year, Winner - Edgar Award for Best First Novel

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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