Tag Archives: Smiley

A Murder of Quality, John LeCarré (Penguin Books, 1962 {Penguin Audio: Narrator: Michael Jayston)

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Thomas Evans

A Murder of Quality, John LeCarré’s second book, serves as a more-or-less pedestrian murder mystery albeit with George Smiley. There is no spying, but rather a bit of amateur sleuthing. If you like mysteries, this is a fine read, but if not, give this book a pass. For a full review, go to http://www.sophyanempire.wordpress.com Continue reading →

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Call for the Dead, John LeCarré (Signet, 1962 {Penguin Audio, Narrator: Michael Jayston})

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Thomas Evans

Call for the Dead was John LeCarré’s first novel, and not only did it introduce us to the best espionage author to date, but it also introduced us to George Smiley. A brilliant short novel (128pp), it is a wonderful read for anyone who likes mysteries and/or spies, and well worth a read even if you don’t. Continue reading →

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The Perfect Spy, John LeCarré (Penguin Books, 1986 {Penguin Audio, Narrator: Michael Jayston)

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Thomas Evans

The Perfect Spy by John LeCarré is an extremely well crafted novel that tells the tale of a British Intelligence Officer who mysteriously goes AWOL after his father’s death. Told part in part as a third person narrative and part as a first person “memoire,” it starts slow but eventually hooks the reader into its brilliant writing. Having said that, it is perhaps my least favorite of LeCarré’s Cold War period, and would recommend putting this towards the end of my LeCarré Reading List. For a full review (explaining this commentary, go to http://www.sophyanempire.wordpress.com). Continue reading →

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Smiley’s People, John LeCarré (Penguin Books, 1979 {Penguin Audio, Narrator: Michael Jayston)

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Thomas Evans

Smiley’s People is the last installment in the Karla Trilogy, and the penultimate volume (to date and likely ever) about or involving John LeCarré’s master spy: George Smiley. This book pits him at last, toe to toe with his arch-nemesis, Karla. For more go to http://www.sophyanempire.wordpress.com Continue reading →

Posted in Chronicle, Cycle, Espionage, Identity, Mystery, Saga, Series, Stand Alone Novel, Strong Characters, Thoughtful Espionage Tale, Trilogy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments