A MURDER OF QUALITY George Smiley, Book 2

The name John le Carré brings to mind spy novels. Yet A MURDER OF QUALITY is more of a murder mystery than a tale of espionage. Regardless, fans of le Carré, or those who want to become more acquainted with his work, will be pleased. Michael Jayston's performance adds to the novel by bringing to life George Smiley, one of le Carré's earliest and most intriguing protagonists. Jayston gives a seriousness to Smiley that meshes well with the plot. His portrayal is most effective when Smiley must come to terms with the perception that he is somehow the wrong spouse for his unfaithful, upper-class spouse. But at its core, the story highlights le Carré's literary prowess--and how an adept narrator make such stories even better for the ear. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2013]