Episode 303: Charles Cumming on ICARUS 17, Lachlan Kite and Writing Spy Thriller Novels
In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane Whaley is joined by fellow Spybrarian and Head of Boston Station, Joe Modzelewski, to welcome bestselling espionage author Charles Cumming back to the show.
Charles joins Spybrary to discuss his new Lachlan Kite thriller, ICARUS 17, released on 2 July in the UK and 7 July in the United States. Billed as a nail-biting new entry in the BOX 88 series, ICARUS 17 sees Kite pulled back into fieldwork when Martha Rain, a woman from his past, asks for his help in finding her missing son, Max.
Watch this conversation with Charles Cumming on YouTube
Max and his girlfriend Yasmine have disappeared in Athens, but they are not simply missing. They are on the run, hunted by two rival agencies with orders to kill. The secret they are carrying could destabilise the Middle East for a generation, and if Kite fails to save them, the consequences will be catastrophic.
Alongside the new novel, Shane and Joe talk with Charles about his writing process, his approach to writing modern espionage fiction, and his experiences working in the writers’ rooms of some of the spy television shows and films enjoyed by Spybrary listeners.
In This Episode
Shane, Joe and Charles discuss:
- Charles Cumming’s new Lachlan Kite thriller, ICARUS 17
- The return of BOX 88 and Kite’s latest mission
- The premise of Max and Yasmine's disappearance in Athens
- The personal and professional stakes facing Lachlan Kite
- Charles Cumming’s writing process and Casa Gerard Butler!
- His work on spy television and time spent in writers’ rooms
- The continuing appeal of intelligent, character-driven espionage fiction
About ICARUS 17
Lachlan Kite should have left fieldwork behind. As director of the covert intelligence agency BOX 88, he is at the height of his espionage career. But when Martha Rain, a woman he has not seen in twenty years, asks for his help, Kite is drawn back into danger.
Martha’s son Max has vanished in Athens with his girlfriend Yasmine. The couple are being hunted by two rival agencies, both under orders to kill. The secret they carry could reshape the Middle East, and Kite must race to save them before it is too late.
Featured Guest
Charles Cumming is a bestselling espionage author and the creator of the Lachlan Kite and BOX 88 series. His work has been praised by leading names in the spy fiction world, with Anthony Horowitz describing his novels as hugely enjoyable spy thrillers and The Observer calling him the rightful inheritor of John le Carré’s crown.
Hosts
Shane Whaley
Joe Modzelewski
Links
Buy ICARUS 17
Charles Cumming Official Website
Follow Charles Cumming on Instagram
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