The Looking Glass War
John Le Carré Audio Book

Once upon a time, the distinctions were clear. The Department handled military matters and the Circus focused on those of political relevance. Yet the Circus, led by ‘Control’ and le Carre readers’ favourite bespectacled oddity George Smiley, has long been outperforming the clumsy Department and gaining increased influence over military assignments.

In this captivating CD audiobook read by Michael Jayston (also available as an MP3 audiobook download), evidence that suggests Soviet missiles are being placed near the German border. This leads LeClerc - the chief of the Department - to seize the opportunity for his team to relive their glory days, unmatched since their successes against the Nazi’s in World War II. The Department enlist one of their high performing ex-agents, Fred Leiser, hoping that he will help regain their credibility. But Leiser’s merits don’t necessarily match his capabilities. When he enters into the dangerous world of espionage and deception, there is no telling what his fate will be.

‘The Looking Glass War’ is one of le Carre’s earliest novels, and is a perfect addition to any audiobook collection. It demonstrates how the author’s writing changed and adapted to the times, mirroring events and the mood of the era in a way that other authors failed to capture. Since his career as a novelist began in 1961, he has remained prolific in the field of thriller and espionage writing, and these audiobooks are a superb introduction for anyone new to his work.