A stunning story - Wall Street Journal

A mole, implanted by Moscow Centre, has infiltrated the highest ranks of the British Intelligence Service, almost destroying it in the process. Former spymaster George Smiley has been brought out of retirement to hunt down the traitor at the very heart of the Circus, even though it may be one of those closest to him.

The first part of le Carré's acclaimed Karla Trilogy, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, sees the beginning of the stealthy Cold War cat-and-mouse game between the taciturn, dogged Smiley and his wily Soviet counterpart.

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

The fifth George Smiley novel.