Brad Thor has sold over 25 million thriller books. Tim Shipman welcomes Brad Thor on Spybrary to discuss Choke Point, the 25th Scot Harvath thriller, and the evolution of Scott Harvath from post-9/11 counterterrorism operator. Thor explains how the new novel uses Thailand, China's ambitions, the Strait of Malacca, sabotage, bomb-making, and geopolitical manipulation as the backdrop for a fast-moving thriller.
The conversation also digs into Thor's writing process, his research network of intelligence, military, law enforcement, and diplomatic sources, and how he builds authentic detail even when he has not personally visited a location. Thor reflects on his early career as a travel show host, the honeymoon conversation that pushed him to write his first novel, his friendship with Vince Flynn, the collaborative thriller Cold Zero with Ward Larsen, and the Netflix film adaptation currently in development.
Key Topics and Themes
Brad Thor's 25th Scot Harvath thriller, Choke Point
China's Belt and Road Initiative and global infrastructure influence
Thailand, the Strait of Malacca, and the strategic value of a Thai canal
The evolution of Scot Harvath
Post-9/11 thriller fiction and the rise of the American action-spy hero
Real-world tradecraft, bomb-making research, and responsible thriller detail
Writing geopolitical thrillers that teach readers something without slowing the pace
Bangkok as an underused spy-fiction setting
Collaboration with Ward Larsen on Cold Zero
The Netflix adaptation of Cold Zero
British spy-fiction influences: Fleming, le Carré, Forsyth, MacLean, Deighton
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