The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

by John le Carré
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold cover
Good Books rating 4.34
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £8.99–£10.99 Hardback • £16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3430
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-20
  • ISBN: 9781350512221
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2024-09-06
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 4

At the height of the Cold War, Alec Leamas, a weary and disillusioned British spy, is recruited for one final, high-stakes operation against the formidable leader of the East German Secret Service. As he navigates the treacherous world of international espionage, Leamas finds himself falling in love, a complication that threatens to unravel his carefully crafted facade. The novel delves into the moral ambiguities and personal sacrifices demanded by the shadowy world of intelligence work, questioning whether humanity can survive in such a ruthless environment. /n/n The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a modern masterpiece that has been adapted for the stage, showcasing the timeless relevance of its themes. This edition, published to coincide with its world premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre in August 2024, offers a gripping theatrical version of the award-winning 1963 thriller.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-22
intelligent 4.10

The book features well-developed characters and intelligent writing, with a minimalistic prose style that enhances the story. It is highly regarded by readers.

This reviewer appreciates the well-developed characters and intelligent writing in the book, noting its minimalistic prose style. They highlight how the book's realistic portrayal of espionage sets it apart from other spy novels. The reviewer also mentions the book's high regard among readers, suggesting it is a must-read for fans of the genre. The minimalistic style is praised for its effectiveness in conveying the story's depth and complexity.

Quick quotes

    Moreover, the book features well-developed characters and intelligent writing, with one customer noting its minimalistic prose style.

    Additionally, they praise the book's realistic portrayal of espionage.

    The book is highly regarded by readers.

BBC Culture · Adam Scovell · 2023-08-31
gritty 4.50

The novel is celebrated for its gritty power and disillusioned protagonist. It is considered a classic of the spy genre, rooted in the author's own experiences.

Adam Scovell highlights the gritty power of the tale, focusing on the disillusioned British agent at its core. He celebrates the novel as a classic, rooted in John le Carré's own experiences, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the realistic portrayal of espionage, making it a standout in the genre. The novel's enduring appeal is attributed to its ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era.

Quick quotes

    As it turns 60, Adam Scovell celebrates the gritty power of this tale of a disillusioned British agent.

    Which was rooted in Le Carré's own ...

    The novel's enduring appeal is attributed to its ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era.

Vishy the Knight's Blog · Vishy · 2021-12-21
fascinating 4.00

The story is captivating, especially in the first 50 pages, and has influenced many subsequent works. The reviewer finds it fascinating and well-crafted.

Vishy finds the initial part of the book particularly fascinating, noting that the story has been borrowed by many other works. They appreciate the engaging narrative and the way the author crafts the espionage elements. The reviewer also highlights the book's impact on the genre, praising its ability to captivate readers from the very beginning. The depth of the characters and the intricate plot are also noted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    The story told in this book is very interesting and the first 50 pages are very fascinating.

    The story told in that part has been borrowed so many times in ...

    The story is captivating, especially in the first 50 pages.

The Guardian · 2013-09-30
excellent 4.75

The book is rated highly for its excellent plot and profound understanding of British intelligence during the Cold War. It is praised for its depth and complexity.

This reviewer gives the book a very high rating, praising its excellent plot and deep understanding of British intelligence operations during the Cold War. They highlight the book's complexity and the way it delves into the moral ambiguities of espionage. The reviewer suggests that the book is a masterclass in spy fiction, offering a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the intelligence world.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I'd rate this book nine point five out of ten for its excellent plot and profound understanding of British intelligence during the Cold War.

    It is praised for its depth and complexity.

    The book is a masterclass in spy fiction.

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