In this very special episode of Michelle Ford Interviews, Michelle revisits her first ever Book Club conversation, recorded in January 2025 with Dame Stella Rimington, the pioneering former Director General of MI5, about her final novel, The Hidden Hand.
The novel is a gripping contemporary spy thriller set partly at Oxford University, where a Chinese study centre is secretly recruiting students to steal valuable research and intellectual property. When the centre's new head discovers its sinister purpose, he turns to CIA agent Manon Tyler for help.
With her extraordinary career inside MI5 - including becoming the first woman to serve as Director General - Stella brought a unique authenticity to her espionage fiction.
What makes this interview particularly poignant is that Dame Stella sadly died in August 2025, aged 90, just seven months after this conversation was recorded.
It is therefore a privilege to be able to share one of her final conversations, in which Michelle talks to her about writing, espionage, her remarkable career and The Hidden Hand.
This interview marked the beginning of Michelle's Book Club on Brooklands Radio, where Michelle continues to chat to authors every Thursday afternoon.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on Michelle Ford Interviews wherever you get your podcasts.
Publishers & authors: If you would like to submit a title for consideration for Michelle's Book Club, please email michelle@twowomenchatting.com.
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