How Intelligence Secrets and Trauma Psychology Inspired Britain's Explosive New Spy Series | Chris Merritt

from Confessions of a Book Collector · host Goldsboro Books

In this episode, David Headley sits down with bestselling thriller writer, former British diplomat and clinical psychologist Chris Merritt to explore the remarkable experiences behind his new spy thriller, Octagon.From living through rocket attacks in Iraq and navigating the tensions of Jerusalem, to treating trauma and PTSD in the NHS, Chris reveals how real-world conflict, psychology and intelligence work have influenced his writing.They discuss nuclear terrorism, the secrets of crafting believable spies, why trauma is fundamentally about storytelling, and how Chris transformed a career spanning diplomacy and psychology into one of the year's most ambitious thriller series.Plus, Chris shares the books that inspired him, the thriller he considers close to perfect, and why readers can't seem to stop turning the pages of Octagon.Secure signed copies of Octagon from when Chris visited the bookshop to record this episode.

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This episode is 24 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 13, 2026.

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