{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6087d3aca4a81031ba098a59/6a08848da8fad4c1be7b6a6b?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"David Goodman on Solitary Agents, Spy Fiction and Writing Through Rejection","description":"<p>In this episode of <em>Quick Book Reviews</em>, Philippa chats to <strong>David Goodman</strong> about his latest spy thriller <strong>Solitary Agents</strong>, the follow-up to his brilliant debut <strong>A Reluctant Spy</strong>.</p><p>David talks about writing spy fiction for readers who may not usually read spy novels, creating the hugely compelling character of <strong>Jamie Tulloch</strong>, and the long road to publication after earlier books did not sell. He also discusses awards, resilience, TV adaptation developments, and his upcoming science fiction novel <strong>Shards of Starlight</strong>, written as <strong>David W. Goodman</strong>.</p><p>Philippa also reviews:</p><ul><li><strong>The Good Listener</strong> by Holly Watt</li><li><strong>Such a Nice Girl</strong> by Andrea Mara</li><li><strong>The Thick of It</strong> BBC audiobook</li></ul><h2>In This Episode</h2><ul><li>David Goodman on <strong>Solitary Agents</strong></li><li>Why spy fiction is having a major moment</li><li>Writing accessible spy thrillers</li><li>Jamie Tulloch and the world of MI5 and MI6</li><li>The challenge of writing a second book</li><li>Rejection, persistence and finding your writing community</li><li>TV adaptation news for <strong>A Reluctant Spy</strong></li><li>Writing science fiction as <strong>David W. Goodman</strong></li><li>Dream and nightmare writing locations</li><li>Philippa’s spoiler-free book reviews</li></ul><h2>About Solitary Agents</h2><p><strong>Solitary Agents</strong> follows Jamie Tulloch after the events of <strong>A Reluctant Spy</strong>. Having tried to return to civilian life, Jamie finds himself pulled back towards the secret world — this time hoping to become an agent runner.</p><p>But during a training exercise involving MI5 and MI6, Jamie and new character Sam Lee witness something that may be part of the drill… or may be frighteningly real.</p><p>Perfect for readers who enjoy:</p><ul><li>spy fiction</li><li>thrillers</li><li>MI5 and MI6 stories</li><li>character-led suspense</li><li>smart, pacey writing</li><li>novels by Mick Herron, John le Carré and David McCloskey</li></ul><h2>Books Reviewed</h2><p><strong>The Good Listener</strong> – Holly Watt</p><p>A gripping thriller about an anonymous caller, a shocking confession, and a mother still searching for justice.</p><p><strong>Such a Nice Girl</strong> – Andrea Mara</p><p>A tense, twisty thriller about two missing young women, a luxury wedding, and a friendship pushed to breaking point.</p><p><strong>The Thick of It</strong> – BBC audiobook</p><p>A brilliantly sweary political satire featuring Malcolm Tucker and the chaos of government.</p><h2>Books Mentioned</h2><ul><li><strong>Solitary Agents</strong> – David Goodman</li><li><strong>A Reluctant Spy</strong> – David Goodman</li><li><strong>Shards of Starlight</strong> – David W. Goodman</li><li><strong>Children of Strife</strong> – Adrian Tchaikovsky</li><li><strong>Slow Gods</strong> – Claire North</li><li><strong>The Last Contract of Isako</strong> – Fonda Lee</li><li><strong>The Good Listener</strong> – Holly Watt</li><li><strong>Such a Nice Girl</strong> – Andrea Mara</li><li><strong>The Thick of It</strong> – BBC Audio</li></ul><h2>Biscuit Verdict</h2><p>David chooses <strong>Nairn’s salted caramel oatcakes</strong>, after formerly being a chocolate Hobnob fan. A strong Scottish biscuit-adjacent choice.</p><p>Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.</p><p>📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com</p><p>📸 Instagram &amp; Threads:</p><p>@quick_book_reviews</p><p>🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews</p><p>🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3</p><p>🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews</p>","author_name":"Philippa Hall"}