Spy's Mate

Brad Buchanan is a lifelong chess player, online chess addict, and avid follower of chess culture. In his other life, he holds degrees in English Literature from McGill University, the University of Toronto, and Stanford University. He taught twentieth-century literature and creative writing at Sacramento State University until his retirement in 2016. His poetry, fiction, and scholarly articles have appeared in more than 200 journals, including Canadian Literature, the Journal of Modern Literature, and Twentieth-Century Literature. He has also published four books of poetry, three scholarly books and a medical memoir. Spy’s Mate is his first novel. Brad lives in Sacramento, CA.

CANREADS Awards Finalist!"A highly recommended genre-blending novel, this is an ideal read for chess enthusiasts, Cold War history buffs, and those interested in technological thrillers. Smart and evocative,  Buchanan’s Spy’s Mate balances a thought-provoking game with cunning espionage and innovative technologies—an absorbing story that delivers on every front."—CANREADS Review Committee"It unfolds like a game of chess — so many fronts to watch, yet in the end, the opponent always falls. Truly captivating!"—Tom Piceu, International Chess Master & Coach, Bruges, Belgium."A gripping journey into the high-stakes world of Cold War espionage, woven deftly through the world of chess. A deeply absorbing read."—Dr Chris Tilling, Head of Research and Senior Lecturer in New Testament, St Mellitus College, UK"A sublime blend of chess during the Cold War between East and West, nasty intrigues, back-room politics and espionage. Brad Buchanan's book is simply irresistible."—Gert Devreese, Journalist De Standaard & author of My Most Memorable Interviews, Belgium"As a chess professional, this book resonated on a deep technical and cultural level. I found myself immersed in the persona of Yasha and captivated by each twist and turn of his life story, empathizing with him as a brother in arms."—Daniel Fernandez, Chess Grandmaster & author, London, UK