Cover of The Looking Glass War

The Looking Glass War

by John le Carre · 1965

George Smiley seriesNext:Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy(1974) →

+ Want to read

John le Carre's classic novels deftly navigate readers through the intricate shadow worlds of international espionage with unsurpassed skill and knowledge, and have earned him unprecedented worldwide acclaim. THE LOOKING GLASS WAROnce upon a time the distinction had been clear: the Circus handled all things political while the Department dealt with matters military. But over the years, power shifted and the Circus elbowed the Department out. Now, suddenly, the Department has a job on its hands. Evidence suggests Soviet missiles are being positioned close to the German border. Vital film is missing and a courier is dead. Lacking active agents, but possessed of an outdated mandate to proceed, the Department has to find an old hand to prove its mettle. Fred Leiser, German-speaking Pole turned Englishman — once a qualified radio operator, now involved in the motor trade — must be called back to the colors and sent East....

Genre
spy thrillerspy thrillerMore like thisLess of thisthrillerthrillerMore like thisLess of thisBritish mysteryBritish mysteryMore like thisLess of thismysterymysteryMore like thisLess of thiscrimecrimeMore like thisLess of this
Setting
Cold WarCold WarMore like thisLess of this20th century20th centuryMore like thisLess of thisBritishBritishMore like thisLess of thisEnglandEnglandMore like thisLess of thisGermanyGermanyMore like thisLess of this
Audience
adult
Length
medium · 288 pages

Click a tag to see books like this one that share it. Point at it (on a phone, tap it) for less of it instead.

Read it? Sign in to help tag it.

BuyAmazonGoogle Books

BorrowOpen LibraryA library near you

MoreCompare pricesHardcover

Liked The Looking Glass War? Here’s where I’d start.

These suit anyone who liked The Looking Glass War. Sign in and mark a few books for picks shaped around your own taste.

  1. London Match Len Deighton · 1985 Shares spy, espionage, fiction
  2. The Miernik Dossier Charles McCarry · 1973 Shares spy, espionage, fiction
  3. Berlin Game Len Deighton · 1983 Shares spy, espionage, fiction
  4. Epitaph for a Spy Eric Ambler · 1938 Shares spy, espionage, fiction
See more recommendations →

“People who read The Looking Glass War tend to reach for these next.”

  1. The Human Factor Graham Greene · 1978
  2. Dark Star Alan Furst · 1991
  3. Agent in Place Helen MacInnes · 1976

“If you want more of the same (spy thriller), start with these.”

  1. Free Agent Jeremy Duns · 2008
  2. Spy Line Len Deighton · 1989
  3. Spy Hook Len Deighton · 1988
  4. Spy Sinker Len Deighton · 1990

“If it was the spy that hooked you, try one of these.”

  1. Mexico Set Len Deighton · 1984
  2. Sanctuary Russell Blake · 2014
  3. A Spy by Nature Charles Cumming · 2001
  4. The Ipcress File Len Deighton · 1962

“These start from a similar idea, even if they go somewhere else with it.”

  1. Truman's Spy: A Cold War Spy Story Noel Hynd · 1990
  2. Camelot's Cousin: The Spy Who Betrayed Kennedy David R. Stokes · 2012
  3. A Parcel for Prudence Hallee Bridgeman · 2014
  4. The Secret Lovers Charles McCarry · 1977

Report a problem