🔎 "Most mole hunts end in an unsatisfying fashion…" – David McCloskey

Former CIA analyst-turned-bestselling spy novelist and The Rest is Classified Podcast Host David McCloskey returns to Spybrary for an illuminating conversation with journalist and espionage fan The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman.

From Langley’s shadowy corridors to the gator-infested wilds of Florida, McCloskey’s latest thriller, The Seventh Floor, delivers a modern-day mole hunt infused with betrayal, thrills and intrigue.

They discuss McCloskey's journey from a promising debut author to an international expert on espionage, his new podcast 'The Rest Is Classified', and his reflections on the Syrian conflict. The conversation delves into the psychological dynamics of regime change, the challenges of writing fiction versus non-fiction, and the development of McCloskey's protagonist, Artemis Proctor, in his latest book 'The Seventh Floor'.

Welcome to our book club episode on On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond novel and one of the most pivotal in the series. Spybrary host Shane Whaley introduces this James Bond Book club episode from the steps of the College of Arms in London, a location that plays a significant role in the story as Bond takes on a unique undercover mission.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the book where Bond faces his arch-nemesis Blofeld, but it’s also where we see a rare, deeply emotional side to 007 as he falls in love with the enigmatic Tracy di Vicenzo. Packed with high-stakes action, breathtaking Alpine settings, and a story that forever changes the Bond mythos, it’s a classic that deserves a closer look. Let’s dive in

Is On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Ian Fleming's best James Bond novel yet?

Join our host, Shane Whaley, as we dive deep into the world of espionage literature featuring the latest updates on Ian Fleming's newest masterpiece, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Alongside guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Hildebrand Group's Ian Douglas, we explore the narrative and character developments that showcase Fleming’s storytelling prowess.

Ian Fleming’s Masterpiece?: Discover how Fleming has returned to form with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The book is praised for its emotional depth and rich character development, marking it as one of his best James Bond books.

Bond's Personal Evolution: Hear our guests discuss the transformation of James Bond's character in this latest installment. Fleming adds layers to Bond, exploring his humanity and personal relationships, bringing a fresh perspective to the renowned spy.

Thrilling Scenes and Cinematic Flair: From high-stakes chases and avalanche escapes to the climactic showdown at Piz Gloria, the book's vivid and cinematic qualities promise an exhilarating read that could seamlessly transition onto the big screen.

M at Home and at Christmas: Hear why none of the James Bond Book Club Members fancy a Yuletide gathering at M's home.

And Much More!

Don't miss out on this compelling discussion and join the conversation with the Spybrary community online. Dive into the latest episode and get a front-row seat at the James Bond Book Club.

In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, author Andy Onyx, and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond book On Her Majesty Secret Service (1963) as if they are in the year of publication.

Shane Whaley engages in a riveting discussion with historian and author Dr. Claire Hubbard-Hall. Known for her expertise in the history of women in intelligence, Claire brings to light the overlooked yet monumental roles women have played in British Intelligence. Her book titled Her Secret Service - The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence aims to challenge the male-dominated narrative of intelligence history.

Recognition and Roles: Changing Perceptions

The episode also discusses the broader evolution of women's roles in British intelligence, shedding light on figures like Jane Sismore, MI5’s first officer, and Mary Shearer, MI5's first female agent handler. Claire elaborates on how societal changes, particularly during wartime when men were at the front, necessitated the inclusion of women in more substantial roles. However, progress was slow, often hinging on the approval and support of male counterparts.

Winifred Spink, a strikingly attractive woman born into a Plymouth Brethren family, was a rebel and suffragette who defied conventions of her time. Fluent in French and German, she also mastered car mechanics and excelled as a secretary. Shortly before the 1916 revolution, she broke new ground as the first female intelligence officer with the British mission to Petrograd, narrowly escaping execution during her time there. Bold and liberated, she chronicled her numerous romantic liaisons in her diary, referring to them as “another scalp.”

Equally remarkable was Olga Gray, who joined MI5 in 1931 and successfully infiltrated the British Communist Party as secretary to its leader, Harry Pollitt, ultimately exposing a Soviet spy ring. Joan Bright, another inspiration for the character of Miss Moneypenny, was lauded as the "organising genius of the War Office secretariat" during the Second World War. She became the gatekeeper to the War Office’s secrets and a valuable source for historians throughout her life. Despite her significant contributions, Gray received little support and was eventually abandoned by MI5, showcasing the institutional barriers women faced.

Shining a Light on the Forgotten Women of British Intellgence

As Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall continues to uncover these hidden stories, her work is instrumental in revising our understanding of espionage history. By highlighting the indispensable roles women have played, she not only corrects historical oversights but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and recognize the silent heroines of intelligence. For those interested in delving deeper into these narratives, Claire’s book "Her Secret Service" is available in the UK and will be released in the US as "Secret Servants of the Crown: Women, British Intelligence" in February.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable forgotten women of British Intelligence.