Call for the Dead

Written by John le Carré

Narrated by Simon Vance

In the novel that introduced iconic spy George Smiley, a standard security check goes from routine to sinister when the subject of the inquiry is found dead by suicide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media
• Release date: May 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9781666659764

John le Carré

John le Carré was born in 1931. His third novel, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, secured him a worldwide reputation, which was consolidated by the acclaim for his trilogy: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy; The Honorable Schoolboy; and Smiley’s People. His novels include The Constant Gardner, The Little Drummer Girl, A Perfect Spy, The Russia House, Our Game, The Tailor of Panama, and Single & Single. He lives in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

Reviews for Call for the Dead

[Cameron St.Michael · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This murder mystery and spy thriller is a great introduction into the world of George Smiley. The series has been recorded by Simon Vance, who does an excellent job bringing the story to life. The events of this story lead into the excellent "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold' and finishes with the retrospective "A Legacy of Spies." Or you can go through the entire series to hear about political intrigue and what people are willing to sacrifice for a cause. John le Carre does not disappoint with this story.

[Geloblanco · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After a routine security investigation by MI6 into an employee accused of being a communist, he commits suicide despite investigator George Smiley not finding any reason for his dismissal. From there, a chain of events begins that leads Smiley himself to be attacked, and everything becomes very confusing, causing him to doubt everything and everyone. This is the first novel by Le Carre, one of the most famous writers on espionage and the "Cold War," who is well acquainted with that world since he worked in the British secret service in both MI5 and MI6; this is also the introduction of his most used character, George Smiley. Personally, it is a new attempt to connect with this writer, and as someone who is addicted to espionage novels—and John Le Carre might be the main name in this type of book—I have never been able to find a story of his that fulfilled me. I have always felt that something was missing, and I have tried; I have read quite a few of his works, and I don’t think I have ever rated one above 6. I don’t know the reason, but I much prefer Ken Follett, Tom Clancy, or Jack Higgins, with whom I have enjoyed myself much more than with Le Carre. (Translated from Spanish)

[Rosamariamarq · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Call for the Dead. John Lé Carré.

It is very noticeable that this is Lé Carré's first work... although he already captures the profile of George Smiley, which continues in all the works where he appears. In reality, I see it as a police novel where the bad guys are spies, but they could also have been hired killers or anything else. Killers always... it lacks some refinement in the theme, but he manages to pull it off... This review is a tribute to John Lé Carré, for me the master of espionage who has given me such good times.

After George Smiley carries out a routine security check, the official Samuel Fennan turns up dead in an apparent suicide. When Smiley finds Maston, head of Circus, trying to blame him for the death, he begins his own investigation by contacting Fennan's widow to find out what drove him to despair. The same day that Smiley is expelled from the investigation, he receives an urgent letter from the deceased man. Could the East Germans and their agents know more about the dead man than Circus had imagined? Call for the Dead, Le Carré’s first book, introduced the tenacious and reserved spy George Smiley in a fascinating tale of espionage and deception. (Translated from Spanish)

[JuanCasco · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First novel by the author, quite entertaining although at times the plot becomes a bit confusing. I will surely read Le Carré again, one of the masters of espionage. (Translated from Spanish)

[ReynaLoera · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book for me meant the discovery of "John le Carré" and George Smiley at the same time, and both make me want to know more about the legacy of David J. Moore Cornwell ?️... What could have happened to Ann?? (Translated from Spanish)

[Roberlo87 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A short novel, although somewhat difficult to understand at many moments, ultimately does not leave a bad impression. (Translated from Spanish)

[Alejandro00l · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

First book by Le Carre. Good despite being a short novel. (Translated from Spanish)