This special crossover episode brings together espionage and crime fans for a fast-paced round-table on our Books of the Year 2025.

Antonia Senior (Spymasters) is joined by:

• Paul Burke – host of Aspects of Crime

• Mark Ellis – bestselling author of the Frank Merlin series

• Thomas Waugh – author of Endgame

Together we unpack the best in spy fiction, crime writing, historical thrillers and intelligence non-fiction—from World War II espionage and Cold War intrigue to the new era of China-focused spy thrillers.

Books discussed include:

• The Darkest Winter by Carlo Lucarelli

• Appointment in Paris by Jane Thynne

• The Second Traitor by Alex Gerlis

• The Peak by Sam Guthrie

• Shadow of a Queen by Peter Tonkin

• The Predicament by William Boyd

• Smoke and Embers by John Lawton

• The Poet’s Game by Paul Vidich

• Clown Town by Mick Herron

• The Revolutionists by Jason Burke

• Man of Bones by Ben Creed

• The Spy in the Archives by Gordon Corera

Expect passionate debate, insider recommendations, Cold War gossip, a very loud puppy, and a surprising amount of Noel Coward.

Perfect listening for fans of John le Carré, Mick Herron, Len Deighton, Helen Fry, and anyone hunting for genuinely brilliant new espionage reads.

🎙️ Spymasters x Aspects of Crime – Books of the Year 2025

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices