★★★★★
“A witty, wonderfully observed page-turner with lovable characters, laugh-out-loud moments and a great twist. Clever, dry and thoroughly recommended.”
Thespianage
The Novels
Books
Thespianage
Comedy · Espionage · Fiction
When washed-up actor Alfie Halliday stumbles into the world of international espionage via a London amateur dramatics society, he discovers that his new director Valentina Orlov has a secret far more dramatic than anything on stage. With retired MI6 operative Harry Blatch lurking in the wings and MI5’s Ruth Calder closing in, the show must go on — even if it kills them.
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Fringetelligence
Comedy · Espionage · Fiction
The sequel to Thespianage. Alfie Halliday thought his accidental spy career was over. Unfortunately, Edinburgh has other ideas. Set during the Edinburgh Fringe, Fringetelligence brings together burnt scones, sleeper agents, amateur dramatics, international intrigue and a stuffed dog called Keith.
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Reader Feedback
Reviews
★★★★★
“A genuinely funny, immersive read with a wonderfully likeable central character. Alfie’s journey is believable, engaging and leaves you wanting more.”
Thespianage
★★★★★
“A thoroughly enjoyable first novel from Ian Goddard. I concur with all the comments above and look forward to the sequel.”
Thespianage
Latest Updates
News
14 October 2026
Fringetelligence Released
My new book is available today!
The drama continues for Alfie Halliday and his friends. Order your copy today, using the links above.
1 October 2026
Prize Draw — Winners
🎉 We have our winners! 🎉
Congratulations to three lucky subscribers, each winning a
signed copy of Fringetelligence!
October 2026
Fringetelligence — Publication date
Date for your diaries, 14th October 2026. Fringetelligence will be published. Pre-order using the link above.
Coming Soon
Thespianage Sequel — Coming Soon!
Following the wonderful feedback for Thespianage, I have started writing the sequel. Fringetelligence takes Alfie Halliday to the Edinburgh Fringe for another unlikely encounter with espionage.
September 2026
Win a Signed Copy of Fringetelligence
Subscribe to my author updates before the end of September 2026 to be entered into a free prize draw. Three subscribers will be selected at random to receive a personally signed copy of my new novel Fringetelligence.
Subscribe →5 July 2026
Portobello Book Blog Post
The wonderful people at Portobello Book Blog have very kindly featured Thespianage on their site.
Visit the blog →The Author
About Ian Goddard
Ian Goddard is a Surrey-based writer with a weakness for absurd situations, sharp dialogue, and characters who are in way over their heads. His debut comedy novel, Thespianage, blends the worlds of amateur dramatics and international espionage into something that probably shouldn’t work — but absolutely does.
When not writing, Ian can be found balancing the equally treacherous waters of corporate life and family life. He lives in a small village in Surrey, where the rain provides excellent atmosphere for brooding over plot points and the theatre scene provides endless inspiration.
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Get In Touch
Make Contact
For enquiries, collaborations, or just to say hello — drop me a line.
igoddardauthor@gmail.com