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" My first John LeCarre novel and it did not disappoint! George Smiley is a compelling protagonist and this is an extremely well-written and tight spy mystery. So glad I picked it up from the library over Thanksgiving holiday and will definitely be on the lookout for more LeCarre books. "

" I never have read any of Le Carre's books, so I decided to start from the beginning. This first book of his was short and you can tell a bit that he's still working on his style, but it was entertaining. "

" John le Carre is supposed to be the second-best espionage writer around, so I thought I'd start with his first book. It's a clever and well-written murder mystery centered around cold-war spy shenanigans. I can imagine his books getting better as he goes along. "

" This is the first in the George Smiley series, and I really liked it. I found it smart, clever, and detailed (despite its short length). I plan to continue with the series and hope all are as engaging as this one. "

" One of the best spy novels I've ever read. If you enjoy the BBC series inspector morse, this is right up your alley. The prose is detailed, without being overwrought. He leaves out the obvious details, and allows you to fill them in yourself. "

" As much fun as some of the more flamboyant spy novels and films go anyone that still thinks that is real world espionage should be forced to sit down and read the George Smiley novels and this is the place to start. "

" Didn't see the twist coming! Very nice, quick read. "

" Early Smiley novel. Short but good. "

" Well written and entertaining but the twist isn't so twisty to a modern reader - that's the only reason for a three star review - that - and that there isn't very much of it (150 pages or so). "

" I enjoyed this, although it is not quite the book I expected. More a Murder mystery than espionage. A good grounding for later books and a solid plot. "

" Smiley shrugged. "They dreamed of peace and freedom. Now they're murderers and spies." "

" A very good first book for the non-James Bond spy George Smiley. I'm working up to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. "

" Terse and British. A simple thread woven intricately. Introduction to Smiley and his world. "

" My first LeCarre novel. This one is atmospheric and redolent of height of Cold War. Now I want to read more LeCarre! "

" I love a good spy novel "

" A quick read! And a good intro to Det. Smiley. "

" Pretty good book, actually. LeCarre is a decent writer, and he fills a niche between modern espionage and WW2. Think James Bond without the weapons, and Agatha Christie's Poirot with a little more firepower. "

" Fine, but not a spy novel as much as a murder mystery. And Smiley's character hasn't been fully fleshed out yet so there's not as much meat on the bones of this one as any of teh later novels. Still, an admirable Freshman effort. "

" The 1st of LeCarre's Smiley books. Much more concise than the Karla series, but pretty much just as enjoyable. "

" Much better than Tinker Tailor, very quick read, quick story. My rating 3.3. "

" Seeing the new "Tinker, Tailor" movie led me back to the books, which I own in ancient mass market paperback editions. This is a straightforward murder mystery with bits of spying thrown in. Very atmospheric and well paced. "

" Meh. Apparently I'm too American to handle classy British spy literature without any explosions at all! "

" Remarkable. Le Carre's first book, and it's focused on George Smiley's core story (many later stories refer to the events in this book). Paints a picture of a man wholly unremarkable in appearance and impression, yet hugely remarkable in sense and sensibility (borrowing Austen's title). "