By Beatrice Morandi
London’s literary crowd gathered recently at Waterstones Piccadilly for a compelling evening with authors Philippe Sands and Nick Harkaway. While the event spotlighted Sands’s new historical release, 38 Londres Street, much of the buzz centered around Harkaway and his latest spy thriller, Sleeper Beach, released on April 10, 2025.
Harkaway, son of legendary author John le Carré, has emerged as a prominent voice in modern espionage fiction. Following the acclaim for Karla’s Choice - his 2024 continuation of the George Smiley saga - he’s now seen as a natural heir to his father’s legacy.
Karla’s Choice skillfully bridged The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, winning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. The Guardian noted, “Harkaway steps confidently into his father’s formidable shoes, preserving the essence of Smiley’s world while infusing it with a fresh perspective.”
The Waterstones event gave readers a chance to meet Harkaway and hear firsthand about the inspiration behind Sleeper Beach. Unlike his Smiley-related work, this new novel introduces an original cast and a modern setting, raising speculation about a new spy series.
Audience members welcomed the shift. Mike Brandis, 32, said, “After Karla’s Choice, I was already impressed. Harkaway’s voice is unique but still respectful of the genre’s roots. I’m excited to see what Sleeper Beach brings.”
Susy MacGreen, 40, echoed the sentiment: “I love spy fiction, but it’s rare to find new writers who take it seriously. Harkaway has the potential to bring the genre back into the spotlight.”
Harkaway addressed that very point during the discussion, describing spy fiction as “a mirror to the world we live in.” He noted that while Cold War-era narratives shaped the genre’s foundation, today’s stories must also tackle cyber threats, disinformation, and moral ambiguity. “Espionage fiction lets us explore deception, loyalty, and power in ways that feel personal and political,” he said.
Unlike many action-heavy thrillers, Harkaway’s style leans into psychological tension and character development. Readers of Karla’s Choice praised his ability to explore identity and sacrifice alongside intricate plotting - qualities expected to continue in Sleeper Beach.
Waterstones Piccadilly, a landmark for book lovers, served as an ideal venue. After the panel, guests enjoyed a signing session and informal conversations with both authors. The evening highlighted the enduring power of fiction - not only to entertain, but to reflect and question the world around us.
As Sleeper Beach reaches readers, there’s growing anticipation that it could spark a new chapter in spy fiction. While Harkaway hasn’t confirmed a direct link to his father’s universe in this book, fans are hopeful. Regardless, his work honours the genre’s traditions while pointing it in a thoughtful new direction.
The event underscored a broader truth: spy fiction is evolving, and Nick Harkaway is helping lead that evolution, with intelligence, style, and a deep respect for the stories that came before.
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