The Poet's Game: writing a bestselling spy thriller, with Paul Vidich
SpyMasters5 Jun 2025

The Poet's Game: writing a bestselling spy thriller, with Paul Vidich

In this episode, Antonia Senior dives deep into Paul Vidich’s gripping spy novel The Poet’s Game. We unpack the central theme of trust in espionage, the moral ambiguity faced by CIA agents, and how contemporary political tensions shape the narrative. We also explore how Vidich portrays psychological depth, ideological conflict, and the literary influences that define modern spy fiction. Topics Discussed: Trust and betrayal between handlers and assets The CIA director’s discovery of compromising material on the president How politics and ideology shape spy operations Psychological depth of characters like Alex Matthews The renaissance of spy fiction in today’s world Perfect for fans of: John le Carré • Charles Cummings David McCloskey • Political thrillers • CIA novels 00:00 – Introduction to *The Poet's Game* 04:00 – Trust and Relationships in Espionage 06:42 – The Complexity of Intelligence Work 10:00 – Moral Ambiguity in Spy Fiction 12:33 – Contemporary Setting and Political Context 15:33 – Character Development and Psychological Depth 18:04 – The Role of Ideology in Espionage 20:57 – The Poet’s Network and Literary Influences 24:06 – The Future of Alex Matthews 26:32 – The Renaissance of Spy Fiction 29:38 – Influences and Responsibilities of Spy Novelists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Episoder(56)

KGB Literati: How Soviet Spy Fiction Shaped the Secret State

KGB Literati: How Soviet Spy Fiction Shaped the Secret State

What happens when a secret police force writes its own novels? In this episode of Spymasters, Antonia Senior is joined by academic and KGB expert Filip Kovacevic to explore the hidden world of Soviet...

15 Jan 1h 2min

Spymasters and Aspects of Crime Books of the Year 2025!

Spymasters and Aspects of Crime Books of the Year 2025!

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...

11 Des 20251h 8min

China, Espionage and the Price of Compromise: The Peak, with San Guthrie

China, Espionage and the Price of Compromise: The Peak, with San Guthrie

Former diplomat and political insider Sam Guthrie joins Antonia Senior to talk about Chinese espionage, industrial spying and his debut Hong Kong–set thriller, The Peak. Blending politics, business an...

27 Nov 202539min

Spy fiction: hidden classics and old favourites with Paul Burke

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 ...

13 Nov 202530min

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

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...

30 Okt 20251h 4min

Behind German Lines: The White Lady, with Dr Helen Fry

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 ...

16 Okt 202534min

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

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...

2 Okt 202533min

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

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...

18 Sep 202537min

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