logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
1h 13m

Is On Her Majesty's Secret Service Flemi...

Shane Whaley
About this episode

Welcome to our book club episode on On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond novel and one of the most pivotal in the series. Spybrary host Shane Whaley introduces this James Bond Book club episode from the steps of the College of Arms in London, a location that plays a significant role in the story as Bond takes on a unique undercover mission.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the book where Bond faces his arch-nemesis Blofeld, but it’s also where we see a rare, deeply emotional side to 007 as he falls in love with the enigmatic Tracy di Vicenzo. Packed with high-stakes action, breathtaking Alpine settings, and a story that forever changes the Bond mythos, it’s a classic that deserves a closer look. Let’s dive in

Is On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Ian Fleming's best James Bond novel yet?

Join our host, Shane Whaley, as we dive deep into the world of espionage literature featuring the latest updates on Ian Fleming's newest masterpiece, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Alongside guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Hildebrand Group's Ian Douglas, we explore the narrative and character developments that showcase Fleming’s storytelling prowess.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service Book Club Takeaways

Ian Fleming’s Masterpiece?: Discover how Fleming has returned to form with On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The book is praised for its emotional depth and rich character development, marking it as one of his best James Bond books.

Bond's Personal Evolution: Hear our guests discuss the transformation of James Bond's character in this latest installment. Fleming adds layers to Bond, exploring his humanity and personal relationships, bringing a fresh perspective to the renowned spy.

Thrilling Scenes and Cinematic Flair: From high-stakes chases and avalanche escapes to the climactic showdown at Piz Gloria, the book's vivid and cinematic qualities promise an exhilarating read that could seamlessly transition onto the big screen.

M at Home and at Christmas: Hear why none of the James Bond Book Club Members fancy a Yuletide gathering at M's home.

And Much More!

Don't miss out on this compelling discussion and join the conversation with the Spybrary community online. Dive into the latest episode and get a front-row seat at the James Bond Book Club.

In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, author Andy Onyx, and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond book On Her Majesty Secret Service (1963) as if they are in the year of publication.

Up next
Nov 13
Ian Fleming's The Man With The Golden Gun - The James Bond Book Club
Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication, as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together. In this episode of the James Bond Book Club, the Spybrary hosts discuss Ian Fleming's final Bon ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2
Essential Cold War Berlin Spy Sites You Must Visit and a few hidden gems!
Step back into the shadows of Cold War Berlin with this week's episode of Spybrary. My guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Special Forces operator who spent 23 years in clandestine service—much of it in divided Berlin. He's just released his new book, Berlin: A Spy's Guide to ... Show More
1h 10m
Aug 6
Spy Movie Perfection? Breaking Down Three Days of the Condor
Dive into Three Days of the Condor with Spybrary. CIA conspiracies, moped escapes, and one of the best assassins in spy cinema. Redford stars in this slow-burn, cerebral classic that still resonates today. Join 4000 other spy fans, chatting spy movies, books and TV. https://www.s ... Show More
1h 3m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Ep. 811, The Western Star, by Agatha Christie
<p>Cryptic letters threaten the theft of an ancient jewel, yet Poirot seems powerless to prevent the inevitable. Agatha Christie, today on The Classic Tales Podcast.</p> <p>Welcome to The Classic Tales Podcast. Thank you for listening.</p> <p>We are proudly supported by our liste ... Show More
51m 56s
Apr 2025
Ep. 1023, The Romance of an Ugly Policeman, by P.G. Wodehouse
<p class="MsoNormal" style= "background: white; vertical-align: baseline; margin: 15.0pt 0in 6.0pt 0in;"> <span style= "font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Open Sans'; color: #111111; background: white;"> An ugly policeman doesn't have a lot of chances for love. Well th ... Show More
32m 20s
Nov 2024
Netgalley November, Kindle Tips and Tricks, and All Things Digital Reading
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1749254/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>In Episode 178 of <em>Book Talk, Etc.</em>, Tina and Hannah dive into the world of digital reading! We discuss Tina’s NetGalley November project, share why we lo ... Show More
1h 5m
Sep 2024
Showdown on Olympus - Chapters 19-21 | Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian
The whole series has been heading to this moment... Join Beth and Will as they venture into the climax of the original Percy Jackson series and we find out just who makes it to the other side!We'd love to hear from you, you can email us at percyandbeyond@gmail.com and follow us @ ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2024
Patrick Radden Keefe on Taking "Say Nothing" From Book to Show
<p>As part of The New York Times Book Review's project on the 100 Best Books published since the year 2000, Nick Hornby called "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" one of the "greatest literary achievements of the 21st century." The author Patrick ... Show More
44m 7s
Mar 2024
Escape From Pluto by William Oberfield - Short Science Fiction Story From the 1940s
<p><em>Exiled to Pluto's harsh wastes, Marcius Kemble listened eagerly to the evil voices planning his triumphant return. But even the Plutonians underestimated the flaming glory to which they sent him. Escape From Pluto by William Oberfield,</em> that’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi P ... Show More
23m 6s
Mar 2024
One Day, the TV show
Hello, hello! This month on The Adaptation we're reviewing the Netflix romantic drama everyone’s been raving about: One Day. The series follows Emma and Dexter who meet after spending an interesting graduation night together. They go their separate ways the next day but the two e ... Show More
35m 59s
Jun 2024
Percy Visits Some Mums - Chapters 4-6 | Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian
Join Beth and Will as they continue through the exciting climax of the first series of Percy Jackson books! This episode goes from the explosive opening to dealing with some much more heavy character moments, all the mums are here, there's a bunch of food though I wouldn't eat it ... Show More
49m 55s
Dec 2022
S12E02 – "More Than a Little Taste" – Scary Stories Told in the Dark
Tonight's featured author: Alan McDaniels. In "The Portrait," a sleazy investment banker finds his nights beginning to get more unpleasant thanks to a 'gift' from an angry client. In "Hunger Pains," a young man is not going to like the reason why he can't seem to find enough to e ... Show More
1h 5m