A breathtaking story - Wall Street Journal

A mole, implanted by the Moscow Center, has infiltrated and nearly destroyed the highest ranks of the British intelligence service. Former head of espionage George Smiley has been brought out of retirement to hunt down the traitor at the heart of the Circus, even if it could be one of his closest associates.

The first part of le Carré's acclaimed Karla Trilogy, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, marks the beginning of the secret cat-and-mouse game during the Cold War between the taciturn, tenacious Smiley and his cunning Soviet counterpart.

A great thriller, the best le Carré has ever written - Spectator

The fifth novel featuring George Smiley.