Aug 28, 2025
Shane Whaley and author I.S. Berry (The Peacock and the Sparrow) welcome
spy thriller author Dan Fesperman to talk about his latest novel,
Pariah.
What happens when a disgraced stand-up comedian becomes a CIA asset
in a fictional Eastern European country? Listen/Watch On.
Topics covered include:
- The real-world politics that inspired Pariah
- How cancel culture shapes protagonist Hal Knight
- Building a believable fictional Eastern/Central European setting (Bolrovia!)
- Why did Dan Fesperman choose to create a fictional country rather than base Pariah in a real country?
- Humour in serious spy fiction
- Do spy novels need to have a geopolitical canvas?
- Food in spy novels. Chimney cake anyone?
- Why Dan Fesperman’s audiobook producer stopped him from singing one of the songs referenced in Pariah.
Dan Fesperman also reveals that his next novel will feature Winter Work’s Emil Grimm; he also shares his thoughts on what makes a spy novel and the guests give a shoutout to the unsung real-life spies.
Dan Fesperman's Pariah is perfect for fans of le Carré, McCloskey, Paul Vidich and for readers craving spy fiction with depth, nuance and laughs.
Grab your copy of Pariah now and join the conversation in t