Spybrary's Man in Station L (Northern Sector) author Andy Onyx slipped us this brush pass review of the David Callan books penned by James Mitchell.
Welcome back to Spybrary, the ultimate podcast for spy books. In today's episode, we dive into the thrilling world of Callan, the antihero of espionage. Get ready to uncover the secrets and complexities of this iconic character as we explore the gripping Callan Books and the captivating TV series that brought him to life.
Join our host, Andy Onyx, as he gives is his take on the shadowy world of David Callan, a former soldier with a troubled past and a knack for killing. From his time in prison to his recruitment into the enigmatic Section organization, Callan's story is one of grit, suspense, and moral dilemmas.
We'll delve into the mind of author James Mitchell, the creative genius behind Callan, and discover how his vision of a gritty and bored 1970s Britain influenced the series and novels.
From the memorable characters like Lonely and Hunter to the intense cat-and-mouse games between spies, there's plenty to dissect. What do you think of the Callan books and the Callan TV series? Come and share your views will fellow spy fans in our free, online community for spy book enthusiasts
This is Spybrary, and today we're diving headfirst into the world of Callan, the antihero of espionage! Let's get started.
Check out Tim Shipman's best spy writers, all 125 of them and ranked!
Do you agree, or disagree with Andy? Come and let us know your thoughts on the Spybrary fans community.
The Callan Books Boxset by James Mitchell
INTRODUCING A CLASSIC SPY THRILLER SERIES FEATURING PROFESSIONAL HIT MAN DAVID CALLAN.
‘A British intelligence agent so lethal that a glance from him makes the strongest man quail.’ New York Times
Fans of Len Deighton, John le Carre, Ian Fleming, and Frederick Forsyth will devour this classic spy series full of twists.
MEET DAVID CALLAN
Surly, complex and ferociously downbeat, David Callan is a working class, former soldier recruited into a very dirty section of British Intelligence to become its most efficient assassin. He has many enemies and very few friends. Frighteningly good at what he does, Callan has begun to question the nature of his work. He would like to leave the service, but having been in prison, his options are limited.
As portrayed by actor Edward Woodward in the immensely popular television series (1967-72), David Callan is an iconic figure of espionage fiction.
IN THIS FIVE-BOOK BOX SET:
Book 1: A MAGNUM FOR SCHNEIDER
Ousted from the secret service and having to work as a low-paid bookkeeper, Callan is offered one last assignment. His mission is to assassinate a German businessman named Schneider — and he’s in no position to refuse.
Book 2: RUSSIAN ROULETTE
The Russians have uncovered a British spy inside the KGB. The price they demand for the mole’s safe return is the death of Callan — and Callan’s boss Hunter is prepared to throw him to the wolves. But Callan has no intention of going quietly.
Book 3: DEATH AND BRIGHT WATER
It seems a straightforward assignment. Callan is tasked with rescuing a radical Greek politician’s daughter from her kidnappers on Crete. But things aren’t always what they seem.
Book 4: SMEAR JOB
Callan’s old secret service boss Hunter wants him to take on one last job. He’s ordered him to steal a book from the Sicilian estate of an English earl. And make sure a man loses ten thousand pounds at cards. Easy enough, it seems . . . but events soon spiral out of control.
Book 5: BONFIRE NIGHT
Callan has now left the service and is living a very comfortable life in his own personal castle in Spain. But when an old enemy comes out of the woodwork, Callan must call on his former skills as a ruthless killing machine if he is to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
With a new introduction by award-winning crime writer Mike Ripley.
Further Reading
The David Callan Books Box Set
The Callan TV series
Andy Onyx Author Like Dolphins Interview on Spybrary
Tim Shipman's Best Spy Writers Ranked!
