John le Carré, the bestselling author of more than two dozen Cold War-era spy novels, rose to fame in 1963 with the creation of the British secret agent George Smiley in THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD. This bombshell novel was promptly turned into a movie (still available for streaming) starring Richard Burton. His filmography contains more books-to-movies and TV series over decades than we can list here, starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Who better to cast a discerning eye on the current state of spycraft than a former British undercover agent? Le Carré (née David John Moore Cornwell) spent a few years himself as a spy for MI6 in its early days. If the Cold War as we know it is over, espionage is not. At age 88, le Carré rewards us with a new character as he speaks to the current state of affairs in 2018. Brexit is on the verge of success, with Boris Johnson ready to take power, Donald Trump is attempting to gut NATO, and influence by two of the most powerful nations in the free world appears to be waning.

"Refreshingly, le Carré avoids the current crutch of cell phone traces, high-tech computer bugs, and the bells and whistles of electronic embellishments. Instead, he relies on the wizard’s deception of nuance and characterization to lure us into the final stark betrayal."

British agent Nat has been in the spy game since college, plying his craft in primarily Eastern European countries. He has perfected his German and Russian language skills, and his contacts are indispensable. But the years have taken its toll. Now, at 47, he has reached that awkward age of “up or out,” so when he is recalled by London to return to his home country, he is mildly relieved. Perhaps he can comfortably retire on his pension with his wife, Prue, a successful attorney, and he looks forward to renewing a strained relationship with his college-age daughter. He expects at least the inevitable handshake and medal for service or, perhaps at best, a promotion to a position at the Russia House out of London. Instead, he is appointed in a lateral move to head up a remote substation overseeing a group of young spies in training.

Nat works off his frustration by perfecting his semi-retirement skills at badminton and becomes a club champion. There he is contacted by Ed, a young man who seeks to challenge him, and they strike up an acquaintance. They brood over the current state of the world over beers after each encounter and form a shallow relationship.

Only le Carré could draw the reader into the finely tuned web of intrigue and betrayal that follows. Gone is the spycraft of old --- the folded newspaper, that lamp in the attic window (Is it lit? Is it on the left or right side? Was I seen covertly clearing that drop?). As a longtime spy thriller fan, I almost missed those tricks of the trade, stock deceptions used by so many of this master’s followers in the genre.

Refreshingly, le Carré avoids the current crutch of cell phone traces, high-tech computer bugs, and the bells and whistles of electronic embellishments. Instead, he relies on the wizard’s deception of nuance and characterization to lure us into the final stark betrayal.

Enjoy!