David Goodman on Solitary Agents, Spy Fiction and Writing Through Rejection

In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa chats to David Goodman about his latest spy thriller Solitary Agents, the follow-up to his brilliant debut A Reluctant Spy.

David talks about writing spy fiction for readers who may not usually read spy novels, creating the hugely compelling character of Jamie Tulloch, 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 Shards of Starlight, written as David W. Goodman.

Philippa also reviews:

• The Good Listener by Holly Watt
• Such a Nice Girl by Andrea Mara
• The Thick of It BBC audiobook

In This Episode

• David Goodman on Solitary Agents
• Why spy fiction is having a major moment
• Writing accessible spy thrillers
• Jamie Tulloch and the world of MI5 and MI6
• The challenge of writing a second book
• Rejection, persistence and finding your writing community
• TV adaptation news for A Reluctant Spy
• Writing science fiction as David W. Goodman
• Dream and nightmare writing locations
• Philippa’s spoiler-free book reviews

About Solitary Agents

Solitary Agents follows Jamie Tulloch after the events of A Reluctant Spy. Having tried to return to civilian life, Jamie finds himself pulled back towards the secret world — this time hoping to become an agent runner.

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.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• spy fiction
• thrillers
• MI5 and MI6 stories
• character-led suspense
• smart, pacey writing
• novels by Mick Herron, John le Carré and David McCloskey

Books Reviewed

The Good Listener – Holly Watt

A gripping thriller about an anonymous caller, a shocking confession, and a mother still searching for justice.

Such a Nice Girl – Andrea Mara

A tense, twisty thriller about two missing young women, a luxury wedding, and a friendship pushed to breaking point.

The Thick of It – BBC audiobook

A brilliantly sweary political satire featuring Malcolm Tucker and the chaos of government.

Books Mentioned

• Solitary Agents – David Goodman
• A Reluctant Spy – David Goodman
• Shards of Starlight – David W. Goodman
• Children of Strife – Adrian Tchaikovsky
• Slow Gods – Claire North
• The Last Contract of Isako – Fonda Lee
• The Good Listener – Holly Watt
• Such a Nice Girl – Andrea Mara
• The Thick of It – BBC Audio

Biscuit Verdict

David chooses Nairn’s salted caramel oatcakes, after formerly being a chocolate Hobnob fan. A strong Scottish biscuit-adjacent choice.

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