
Written by John le Carré
Book #3 in the George Smiley Novels series
A spy's final mission: trap an enemy, risking everything as the bait.
In the tense shadow of the Berlin Wall, Alec Leamas, a weary spy, faces a bleak future. Offered a chance for revenge, he becomes a pawn in a dangerous game to ensnare an East German intelligence officer. As Leamas assumes the role of a disgraced ex-agent, the stakes rise, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. With George Smiley orchestrating from the shadows, can Leamas survive the ultimate test of loyalty and deception?
From the New York Times bestselling author of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy; Our Kind of Traitor; and The Night Manager, now a television series starring Tom Hiddleston. The 50th-anniversary edition of the bestselling novel that launched John le Carré’s career worldwide In the shadow of the newly erected Berlin Wall, Alec Leamas watches as his last agent is shot dead by East German sentries. For Leamas, the head of Berlin Station, the Cold War is over. As he faces the prospect of retirement or worse–a desk job–Control offers him a unique opportunity for revenge. Assuming the guise of an embittered and dissolute ex-agent, Leamas is set up to trap Mundt, the deputy director of the East German Intelligence Service–with himself as the bait. In the background is George Smiley, ready to make the game play out just as Control wants. Setting a standard that has never been surpassed, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a devastating tale of duplicity and espionage.
5.5
out of 7
“Enjoyable Slow build Unique writing—very brief (making the book short compared to today's enormous novels; but refreshing that the author was quick and to the point and trusted the reader to fill in the blanks and add imagery) Tragic ending”
Trusted reviewer
Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.
Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.