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James Naughtie talks to Claire Armitstead

The Spy Across the Water

Hay Festival 2023, 

The thrilling third novel from one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across The Water follows Will Flemyng on a dangerous journey into his clandestine past, from conflict in Ireland to the long shadows of the Cold War.

We live with our history, but it can kill us.

Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will Flemyng, spy-turned-ambassador, is drawn into twin mysteries that threaten everything he holds dear.

From Washington, he’s pitched back into the Troubles in Northern Ireland and an explosive secret hidden deep in the most dangerous but fulfilling friendship he has known.

And while he confronts shadowy adversaries in American streets, and looks for solace at home in the Scottish Highlands, he discovers that his government’s most precious Cold War agent is in mortal danger and needs his help to survive.

In an electric story of courage and betrayal, Flemyng learns the truth that his life has left him a man with many friends, but still alone.

James Naughtie talks to Claire Armitstead