Following his recent field research in Istanbul, author M.P. Woodward has updated fans with the next stop on his travel itinerary: the historic port city of Alexandria, Egypt. This addition to his research trip is sparking speculation as to which of his upcoming books will see it featured.

Rather than heading inland to Cairo, as tourists often do, Woodward’s journey takes him directly along the Mediterranean coast, where he shared a series of vibrant snapshots capturing the history, culture, and strategic geography of Egypt’s primary port.

Inside the Photos: History, Landmarks, and Local Fans

Woodward’s photos offer a vivid look into his time on the Egyptian coast as well as possible settings for future novels:

Alexandria: The Strategic Heart of the Mediterranean

For a military and espionage writer, Alexandria is a target-rich setting. Alexandria is Egypt’s maritime anchor on the Mediterranean.

For centuries, Alexandria served as a vital naval hub, a key commercial port, and a major crossroads for international intelligence during World War II and the Cold War. Situated at the western edge of the Nile Delta, it sits along the maritime approaches to the Suez Canal and serves as a key security zone for North Africa and the Levant.

With Woodward’s background as a former U.S. Naval Intelligence officer, walking the harbor defenses, surveying the coastal choke points, and experiencing the city firsthand gives him the details needed to bring authentic tradecraft to the page.

Story Theories: What is Woodward Preparing For?

It’s too late in the day and totally the wrong location for this to be research for his upcoming book, The Coldest War. That leaves two possible theories.

Theory 1: Expanding the Canvas for ‘The Attaché’

While The Attaché begins in Istanbul with an injured Marine taking a desk job at the U.S. Consulate, thrillers rarely stay confined to a single city. The maritime corridor connecting the Bosphorus, the Aegean, and the Egyptian coast makes Alexandria a natural location for a plot involving Eastern Mediterranean naval intrigue, covert ops, or regional diplomacy.

Theory 2: Field Research for an Unannounced Ryanverse Title

Running into Tom Clancy fans inside the Library of Alexandria feels fitting. Given Woodward’s work within the Ryanverse, Alexandria offers the kind of strategic importance ideal for a novel centered on President Jack Ryan Sr. Tensions in the Mediterranean, naval readiness, and intelligence maneuvering across North Africa would fit right into the Ryanverse.

I’m personally hoping this research is all for The Attaché. This new three-book series has captured my attention and I’m excited about the historic locations of both Alexandria and Istanbul. But whether Woodward is expanding the operational footprint for The Attaché or quietly conducting field research for a future Ryanverse release, his commitment to on-site exploration promises authentic local detail. Keep an eye out for further updates as his trip continues!