Call for the Dead

This early '60s novel from spymaster le Carré is less well known than others that feature George Smiley (TINKER, TAILOR SOLDIER, SPY) but is the first to introduce the enigmatic Cold War intelligence officer. This brilliant mystery gets a new dimension from this BBC dramatized program. A fine cast, led by Simon Russell Beale, creates a dramatic tension that plays on all the nuance of this short work. There's not a line or pause out of place. Sound effects and silence are used to great effect. Listeners hear a splash as two men struggle along the Thames embankment, and seconds tick by before you know who survived the struggle. What is the sound of Smiley puzzling out the answer to the suicide-murder? Outstanding audio theater. R.F.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine


In his first of many thrillers, John le CarrÄ introduces premier super spy George Smiley, the seemingly bland intelligence officer with the rapier-sharp mind and tiger-like instincts. Ralph Cosham is the perfect choice to guide listeners through a web of international intrigue that sprints from Nazi Germany to Cold War Russia and England. His understated eloquence calls to mind dashing heroes in smoking jackets and the terrifying consequences of picking the wrong side. Cosham's impeccable elocution matches the author's astounding presentation of details in such a way that, while listeners might not figure out the puzzle, they'll enjoy the struggle to the end. R.L.L. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine