SpyMasters

• Spy fiction: hidden classics and old favourites with Paul Burke

  In this lively literary conversation, Antonia Senior and Paul Burke explore the fascinating world of spy and crime fiction — from the golden age of classic espionage novels to the digital dilemmas of modern spy thrillers. As Paul launches Aspects of Crime, a new magazine, and a platform for authors and readers, they discuss how technology reshapes the genre, why characters like Charlie Muffin and Frederick Forsythe still resonate, and how emerging writers are redefining the moral and political edges of spy literature today. Expect deep dives into literary influences, lesser-known espionage gems, and the enduring tension between secrecy, betrayal, and morality that defines the best spy stories. Whether you love Le Carré, Deighton, Fleming, or new voices in espionage fiction, this episode offers both nostalgia and discovery for fans of intelligent thrillers. 🎙️ Key themes: spy fiction, crime fiction, book recommendations, espionage, modern literature, classic novels, emerging writers, book reviews, literary discussion spy fiction podcast, crime fiction podcast, espionage literature, classic spy novels, modern spy thrillers, book review podcast, literary podcast, authors interview, Aspects of Crime, Charlie Muffin, Philip Marlowe, spy books, thriller writers, book discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  --------  

  30:41

  --------

  30:41
• Spying on the Revolution: Gunnar Ekberg, Infiltration, and the Birth of Modern Terrorism.

  In this episode, Antonia Senior speaks with journalist and author Jason Burke about The Revolutionists, and the extraordinary true story of Gunnar Ekberg — the Swedish spy who infiltrated radical left-wing movements in Europe during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ekberg witnessed first-hand a moment of enormous ideological energy: when secular, nationalist and progressive revolutionary groups believed they were the vanguard of global change. Embedded inside these movements, he saw their organising, their fervour, their drift toward violence — and ultimately, their decline. But Ekberg’s story also marks the hinge-point in modern terrorism. As the decade unfolded, the revolutionary energy that once drove secular movements shifted dramatically. Islamism emerged as the dominant revolutionary force in the Middle East, while Western Europe’s security focus transformed as left-wing groups faded and jihadist networks rose. Through Ekberg’s eyes — and Burke’s deep analysis — this conversation explores how ideology, violence and global power structures evolved, and why that shift still shapes the world we live in today. terror history, Gunnar Ekberg, Jason Burke, The Revolutionists, 1970s radicalism, secular nationalism, Islamism, hijackings, European terrorism, Middle East extremism, podcast interview, history of terrorism.If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate us, and check the links below for Jason Burke’s book. UK: https://amzn.eu/d/4R5tIYd UK Independent Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-revolutionists-the-story-of-the-extremists-who-hijacked-the-1970s-jason-burke/1c42ef7f8d866dbe?ean=9781847926067&next=t https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-revolutionists-the-story-of-the-extremists-who-hijacked-the-1970s-jason-burke/1c42ef7f8d866dbe?ean=9781847926067&next=t Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  --------  

  1:04:55

  --------

  1:04:55
• Behind German Lines: The White Lady, with Dr Helen Fry

  In this episode of Spymasters, Antonia Senior speaks with bestselling historian Dr. Helen Fry about her riveting new book, The White Lady. Set in German-occupied Belgium during World War I and World War II, Fry’s book uncovers the incredible true story of a secret  spy network that risked everything to gather intelligence behind enemy lines. Together, Fry and Senior explore: How ordinary women became extraordinary spies The ingenious knitting codes and covert communication systems they used The bravery of Thérèse de Radiguès How these early networks inspired were remobilised in the run up to World War II The untold stories of courage, deception, and sacrifice that shaped modern intelligence work If you love stories of espionage, resistance networks, women in war, and WWI intelligence, this conversation is not to be missed. 📘 Buy Helen Fry’s The White Lady on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1526779318 “Espionage was a family affair in many cases.”“The genius of deception saved lives.”“Bravery and sacrifice — the cost of freedom.” 00:00 — Introduction: Helen Fry and The White Lady01:07 — The Espionage Networks of World War I03:47 — The Knitting Women of Belgium07:20 — The Consequences of Espionage10:08 — Thérèse de Radiguès’s Heroism13:41 — The Significance of the White Lady Network15:56 — How Intelligence Shaped the War19:33 — The Return of Resistance in WWII23:45 — Thérèse’s Defiance Against the Gestapo27:21 — The Legacy of Women in Espionage31:22 — Closing Reflections WWI espionage, Helen Fry, The White Lady, women spies, Belgian resistance, SOE, secret agents, female intelligence networks, World War I history, Spymasters podcast, Antonia West, hidden histories, British intelligence, resistance heroes 🔊 Sound Bites⏱️ Chapters🔎 Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  --------  

  34:00

  --------

  34:00
• Spies, fiction, and the legacy of October 7. The Protocols of Spying with Merle Nygate.

  Join host Antonia Senior as she delves into the gripping world of espionage with author Merle Nygate. In this episode, they explore the challenges of writing a spy thriller set against the backdrop of real-world events, focusing on Nygate's latest novel, "The Protocols of Spying." Discover how the Mossad's London station grapples with intelligence failures and what lies ahead for its chief, Eli Amran, in a post-October 7th world. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the art of crafting a compelling spy narrative. Subscribe and follow for more engaging discussions on the world of spies. Buy the novel: https://amzn.eu/d/4MhdKTb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  --------  

  33:05

  --------

  33:05
• The Wolfpack and the Codebreakers: The Enigma story from the German perspective, with Roger Moorhouse

  In this episode of Spymasters, Antonia Senior interviews historian Roger Moorhouse about the Enigma code and its impact on naval warfare during World War II. The conversation explores the crucial role of Polish codebreakers, the operations of U-boats, and the significant turning points in the Battle of the Atlantic. Morehouse shares insights into the human cost of U-boat warfare, the effectiveness of aerial attacks, and the technological advantages gained through codebreaking, ultimately highlighting the complexities of this critical theatre of war. Buy the book: https://amzn.eu/d/eDr7o0Z Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  --------  

  37:16

  --------

  37:16

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About SpyMasters

SpyMasters: Podcasts in Family