Reviews with content warning for Murder - Call for the Dead

Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Call for the Dead by John le Carré

5 reviews

srm's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The first George Smiley book, this was a delightful introduction to the world of the books. Simon Vance's reading is wonderful. Also, there are some surprisingly funny lines. Very much enjoyed this and will likely listen to more.

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noonjinx's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this one. I’ve heard people say Le Carre is too complicated but I thought this one was a really accessible. A great story, full of humanity and pathos with great characters full of depth.

As a spy, George Smiley is an anti-bond; brave and resourceful when he needs to be, but old, short an tubby and thinking his way out of trouble rather than fighting. At one point he considers taking a gun with him, but decides against it because he’s not actually sure where he’s put it and there would be a frightful fuss if he actually used it.

The plot is meticulously revealed throughout the novel, but then there is a chapter of explanation at the end which I could have done without. Apart from that I thought it was terrific

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