Simon Conway returns to Spybrary to discuss his latest espionage thriller, The British Agent — a contemporary, globe-spanning story involving missing British-made surface-to-air missiles, Ukraine, American extremist militias, political conspiracy, and an audacious plot targeting….
Spybrary's David Craggs talks with Simon Conway about the creation of his new protagonist, Chuff, why he decided to leave behind the recurring characters of his earlier novels, and how his real-world experience informs the weapons trafficking and intelligence elements of the story.
The conversation also explores the complicated people drawn into extremist movements, the influence of algorithms and conspiracy theories, a fascinating connection between The British Agent and the Gunpowder Plot, and whether Chuff might return in a future novel.
Simon also discusses the long, uncertain road from published novel to screen adaptation.
In this episode:
Key Takeaways
- The British Agent marks a fresh start for Simon Conway, with a completely new cast of characters.
- Its central plot combines weapons proliferation, Ukraine, domestic extremism and intelligence operations.
- Simon draws heavily on his own professional knowledge when writing about weapons tracking and conflict.
- Chuff is deliberately different from the restrained archetype of the traditional fictional spy — she's an active, restless field operator.
- Simon wanted the American militia characters to have complex motivations rather than simply being labelled villains.
- The novel contains a clever historical echo of the Gunpowder Plot, particularly through Robert Salisbury.
- Simon is already well into another espionage novel exploring the uncomfortable relationship between democracy, secrecy and political power.
- And, encouragingly for new fans: Chuff could return.
Links
Buy The British Agent by Simon Conway
Simon Conway Official Website
Where to start with Simon Conway books
The Top 125 Spy Authors Ranked and Rated by Tim Shipman
Join the Spybrary Community
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