Call for the Dead: Anniversary edition (Penguin Modern Classics)

Excellent book. I'm on a binge of all things Le Carre at the moment - books, films and TV. Shame the book, a new hardcover, looks like it has been used as a frisbee at some point. Sign of the times.

A great book .

With the release of Karla's Choice, I’ve decided to revisit the early Smiley novels, starting right at the beginning with this first book. This story lays the groundwork for everything that follows, including the origins of the East German double agent who becomes central in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold—though his significance isn’t immediately clear in this initial installment. It also offers insight into George Smiley’s background, including his activities before World War II. Although it’s a short and early novel, it stands as a compelling whodunnit wrapped in a spy narrative. The mystery elements—like the clever 8:30 phone call—are classic hallmarks of the genre and add an extra layer of intrigue. I’m giving it four stars—not because it’s lacking, but because John le Carré has written even stronger works that truly earn five. That said, I’ll definitely be reading this one again.

It’s a once you start reading you can’t put down

I had only ever listened to the radio plays and watched the smiley TV and films. The book is easy to pick up and establishes the characters and plot very early on. Quite a short book but one I will re read.

Without wanting to give any spoilers this book puts future Le Carre spy novels in context. Good quality book, well made.

The introduction.

Perfect

What was expected from Le Carre. One of the earlier books. You can see him evolving. Great.