Tag Archives: British spy

Episode 75 – How Many Threads of Logic Lead Us to Revelations – Adam Sykes and Henry Hemming



How many threads of logic lead us to revelations? On this episode of The Artful Periscope, Larry sits down with Adam Sykes, author of the thriller novel The Underhanded. In addition to being an author, Adam also had a long career in the U.S. Marine Corps, received a Silver Star and was a former CIA Paramilitary Officer. Larry and Adam discuss the origin of character names and how Adam’s military experience has informed his writing, Larry posits what it was like to make the shift from being an active participant in major world events such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq vs the author’s role as a witness and commentator, adjusting from a military team life to a solitary writing life, and the role of physical exercise in his writing process.

After the break, Larry welcomes Henry Hemming, author of Four Shots in the Night: A True Story of Spies, Murder, and Justice in Northern Ireland, which recounts the true story of 1980s murder of a British spy by, potentially, another British spy. While exploring the facts of the case, Henry also explores the relationship between spies and their targets, the complicated history of Northern Ireland and it’s relationship with Great Britain.  Henry shares about the ISU (aka The Nutting Squad) and their hunting of spies for the IRA (Provisional Irish Republican Army),the courage of victim Frank Haggerty’s mother to speak out publicly against her son’s murderer, and the investigation of Jon Boutcher, a modern detective tasked with researching this case and similar cases originating in Northern Ireland.


Episode 67 – How Many Threads Connect Us to Story Tellers Whether an Author or a Singer Songwriter? Author James Wolff and Singer Pete Mancini



How many threads connect us to story tellers whether an author or a singer/songwriter?  In this episode, Larry chats with James Wolff author of the book The Man in the Corduroy Suit.  Larry loves spy novels and asks how James picked his “pen name”. James shares what genre of book tickles his fancy and some of his favorite authors.  Larry speaks about the idea of a “public life”, “private life” and a “secret life” and asks James about each and how they help him develop his characters. In the world of intelligence, it is a “zero sum game” because in the end there isn’t much progress and James gives his thoughts. Larry asks if James knows what his characters sound like, whether accent or tone of voice. James, being a former intelligence agent, has to have his work vetted by his previous employer with a rather mysterious process. Larry asks how sharing intelligence between Britain and the US happens. Larry and James talk about Russia, Brexit and Ukraine and how things have changed from the “good old days”.

After the break, Larry is joined by return guest Pete Mancini.  Pete joins the podcast with the song Golden Hour.  Larry asks how Pete felt being in Georgia during the time of recent Supreme Court decision regarding election indictments.  Pete shares an update since being the band Butchers Blind and has put out 3 albums. Larry talks about how special music can be including being transported back in time.  Pete then plays The Law of the River and speaks about inspiration behind the song.  Larry asks exactly “what is American music” talking about all that has evolved from the American experience and Larry expands the question to talk about how Pete expands his roots to develop his art. Pete shares what he listens to so he can “tune out” and get lost in music.  Pete ends the podcast with his work Madison Avenue Blues.