This is the second George Smiley novel, and like its predecessor, Call for the Dead, it isnt the spy thriller that one associates with le Carre, but a mystery. Smiley, in semi-retirement, is called by a friend to investigate allegations made at a Dorset Public School. Its a brief work, just 146 pages, but its fun to see how le Carre weaves a web of lies, confusing facts, and red herrings in an excellent prelude to his more famous spy novels. The setting also gives him full reign to express his hatred for the Public School mentality and morality, which he was subjected to as a young man.

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