The Spy Who Came in from the Cold cover art

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

By: John le Carré
Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Alex Leamas is tired. It's the 1960s, he's been out in the cold for years, spying in Berlin for his British masters, and has seen too many good agents murdered for their troubles. Now Control wants to bring him in at last - but only after one final assignment.

He must travel deep into the heart of Communist Germany and betray his country, a job that he will do with his usual cynical professionalism. But when George Smiley tries to help a young woman Leamas has befriended, Leamas's mission may prove to be the worst thing he could ever have done.

In le Carré's breakthrough work of 1963, the spy story is reborn as a gritty and terrible tale of men who are caught up in politics beyond their imagining.

'A portrait of a man who has lived by lies and subterfuge for so long, he's forgotten how to tell the truth' TIME

'He can communicate emotion, from sweating fear to despairing love, with terse and compassionate conviction. Above all, he can tell a tale' Sunday Times

©1963 le Carré Productions (P)2025 Penguin Audio

 Espionage Mystery Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense

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All stars
Most relevant
Great book. You can see it mapped out but it still is invigorating and a good read. G Smiley is not a main character but you see his influence in the background. Very subtile and enthralling

Not directly about G Smiley but he’s in the background

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like many Le Carré's before it hooks you in and spits you out, keeps you guessing... the beginning felt slow but soon got burning.

Hooks you in

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A gripping albeit fairly short story reinforced by excellent narration! I enjoyed Simon Russell Beale's performance

Excellent Listen

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Simon Russell Beale is the perfect choice of narrator for this twisting spy thriller. He does a brilliant job of creating distinct voices and imbuing every scene with the right pathos and drama. A great audio version of a gripping book, I recommend it highly.

First class

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Had Richard Burton in my head whilst listening to this book.strong characters, plot and tight writing. Excellent and well worth a credit.

Cold Spy

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