Paul Warner

Author: Paul Read

  • Netflix Series Ordered from A24 Pictures Based on A Spy in the Blood

    Netflix Series Ordered from A24 Pictures Based on A Spy in the Blood

    So, this is news with a capital N.

    And I can finally talk about it.

    You may have seen the news that Stranger Things legends David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown are reuniting for an A24 spy drama on Netflix, scripted by Jack Thorne of Adolescence fame. Yes, it IS based on my novel A Spy in the Blood. Negotiations took place last year regarding the option, with David very keen to play the character of Mark Wolfe (though I think he’s being renamed Matt, as well as being moved to the States). David’s enthusiasm for the project has been clear from our first meeting, and I can’t wait to see what the team do with the story.

    Link to the Deadline article, announcing the series, and proving none of this has actually been a fever dream:

    https://deadline.com/2026/06/millie-bobby-brown-david-harbour-star-spy-series-netflix-1236967673

    Screengrab from Vulture

  • Recent Appearances and et cetera

    Recent Appearances and et cetera

    It’s been a crazy few weeks. A couple of online interviews (more about those soon), the James Bond Book Club (see last post), my first festival stage appearance at Capital Crime, getting to interview Charles Cumming, James Wolff and Alistair Wood in Hungerford and a certain Netflix announcement (see next post!), as well as finishing edits for two novels, means I haven’t updated the website for ages. Here’s an info dump of images to prove those things have actually been happening. Huge thanks to everyone who’s supported me throughout the madness.

    Me after the Capital Crime gig., hiding badly, and looking like I didn’t sleep a wink the night before (I didn’t). No photos of our stage antics were allowed, due to a member of the panel being an actual factual spy.

    Really enjoyed myself at St Paul’s. Massive thanks to my fellow panellists, whose esteemed experience and generosity meant there were few nerves and lots of laughs, and to all those who came to the event, asked questions, waited for signed copies etc.

    Here I am with two tall gentlemen (Charles Cumming to my right, and Alistair Wood to my left). Once again, James Wolff isn’t pictured for reasons of national security. Was honoured to have been asked by Hungerford bookshop to chair the event, and on Charles’ publication day to boot.

    I popped into Piccadilly Waterstones after the Capital Crime festival. I used to work in the bookshop as a Christmas temp, after relocating to London from university. In the crime section, I spotted a pile of my books next to Frederick Forsyth and immediately looked around to tell my past self. He would have been delighted, as was I.

    Look at my BIG FACE. Looking forward to seeing you in Scotland.

    I’m still trying to get the hang of this website. Please bear with my Luddite attempts at placement. I’ll get there one day.

  • James Bond Book Club

    James Bond Book Club

    I’m proud to announce that the Ian Fleming James Bond Book Club have picked A Spy in the Blood as their book of the month for July. As a lifelong Bond fan, this is somewhat akin to winning the Booker for me. Throughout the month, there will be a selection of interviews and articles, so do stay tuned. Link attached below.

    The James Bond Book Club Selection for July 2026 is A Spy in the Blood
  • Paperback Release Date

    Paperback Release Date

    The paperback edition of A Spy in the Blood officially hits UK stores on the 21st May 2026, and it’s another beautifully designed cover by Alex Kirby. You can order your copy through the links on the BOOKS page.

    In the run up to festival season, I’ve been privileged to attend a few London parties (that’s what it’s about, really, isn’t it?) including the launch of Capital Crime 2026 and the Zaffre Crime and Thriller list celebration, where I managed to spill wine over various literary luminaries, and have greatly enjoyed pontificating at various public events in the south of England such as the awesome Bodies in the Bookshop in Cambridge and the newly reopened Hailsham Library. Hope to see you soon.

    Failing to keep my cool between Robert Peston and Susie Dent
    Is this thing on?

  • Round-up and Upcoming Events

    Round-up and Upcoming Events

    Thank you to everyone who’s bought, reviewed or shared news of A Spy in the Blood during its first month in existence. The Times declared it their Thriller of the Month and the Financial Times was very generous in its praise too. Off the back of a Kindle promotion, it was even briefly a #1 Amazon bestseller!

    The next event will be for Bodies in the Bookshop in Cambridge on the 21st March. Details and tickets can be found at the website on the ad below. Following that, on the 8th April, I shall be appearing in Crime Writers in Conversation at Hailsham Library between 2-3. Then, in June, I’m speaking at St. Paul’s for the Capital Crime Festival and, in September, you can find me in Stirling for the Bloody Scotland literary festival, plus another library In Conversation event in Bexhill, with plenty more events to finalise. Hope to see you soon!

    Screengrab from The Times, showing A Spy in the Blood amid illustrious company!