It may be a stretch to shelve A Perfect Spy as autobiography, but John Le Carré openly acknowledged that major details of the novel are lifted from his own life. Listening to Shaun Evans's superb narration, I couldn't help but think less about espionage and more about the psychology of the characters. While my late father-in-law was no con man, he and my partner did have a fraught relationship. It is Rick's death that precipitates the events of A Perfect Spy, just as my father-in-law's death going on eight years ago still profoundly affects my partner's life. You can draw similar parallels between Magnus and Axel and my partner and his best friend (although it is my partner/Magnus that would be been found wandering the halls of the National Air and Space Museum. Axel/his best friend would probably gravitate to the National Museum of the American Indian). John Le Carré found writing A Perfect Spy to be therapeutic, and I think reading it would be good for my partner. Who am I in all of this? Am I Mary? Is Buzz Tom? Maybe. Maybe I'm Dorothy and Buzz would've been Magnus. What sets John Le Carré apart from an Ian Fleming is that the most intense action takes place between a character's ears. In that regard A Perfect Spy is John Le Carré at his finest. I would like to thank Dreamscape Media for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.

John le Carre' is a masterful writer and storyteller. The alternating time lines took some getting used to, but the book is a devastating masterpiece. In short, A Perfect Spy is a perfect book albeit not one for the most casual reader.

Classic le Carre featuring his trademark taut compelling prose and clever plotting. Not hiis best but still very enjoyable. Recommended.

Loved this book, which is a stand alone and features a different spy than John le Carre's more familiar George Smiley. "A Perfect Spy" is the story of Magnus Pym, who has left his post in Vienna, where his service as a high-level British diplomat is cover for his actual work as a spy., to attend his father's funeral in England--and promptly disappeared. Soon the chase is on, as Pym's wife Mary, his MI5 boss Jack Brotherhood, the British and the Americans all race to establish what happened to Pym, and if he is still on their side. Moving back and forth in time and told sometimes from the perspective of Pym, in the form of letters written to his son Tom and to Jack Brotherhood, and sometimes from the point of view of his pursuers as they struggle to decipher who the real Magnus Pym is, "A Perfect Spy" is gripping, witty and completely absorbing. Note: I listened to the audiobook version of this title, which was narrated by Shaun Evans, star of the tv series "Endeavour." As a fan of his work on that series, I was excited to hear his narration and I thought he did a great job.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audiobook ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

This was my first book that I had read by John Le Carré. I loved it. I love spy/espionage books and this was great. I highly recommend if this is the type of books you like.

I love spy story and I love John Le Carré. This book really have my attention. The narrator, Evans, was really exceptional and I really couldn’t stop listening. Love the tension.
Yes, I would have preferred that the book was a little shorter, because the story didn’t need so much pages, but it’s still engaging.
I really enjoy this book, the most autobiographical from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

A PERFECT SPY by John Le Carre was originally published in 1986, but through a recent acquisition, Dreamscape Media obtained exclusive audiobook rights to 13 of Le Carre's titles. This audiobook is expertly narrated by Shaun Evans.

Magnus Pym is a double agent, and this story, told across storylines, reveals how and why Pym reached this point. Pym's father is a con-artist and everything seems to coalesce when he dies. What led Pym to disappear? Why would he abandon his wife and friends and hide away? Will he be caught?

A PERFECT SPY, considered Le Carre's most autobiographical novel, is a gripping listen and demonstrates why Le Carre is considered the preeminent novelist of spy fiction.

(I received a digital ALC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

I reread John le Carré's classic novels about the intricate shadow worlds of international espionage. It's been acclaimed as one of his most compelling works, demonstrating his profound understanding of the spy genre. It's a long book that needs all the space to accommodate the complex web of espionage that Pym. The thrilling plot and deep character exploration are a testament to le Carré's unparalleled ability to blend suspense, emotional depth, and literary sophistication. His portrayal of the espionage world is not just about the cloak-and-dagger operations but also about the human element—the complex personalities, the betrayals, and the moral ambiguities that define the lives of spies.
The book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a finely crafted story that delves into the heart of espionage. Le Carré's narrative skill and his insightful examination of his characters' inner lives make this novel a standout in his illustrious career. It's a profound and gripping tale that showcases why John le Carré remains a master of the genre. I rated this book three out of five stars.

A Perfect Spy by John Le Carre - narrated by Shaun Evans - a Dreamscape Production published 04 June 2024

I so so wished that Le Carre had chosen a shorter format for this story which would then have been perfect for me. As it was the length was off putting and it was only because of his good writing and the excellent narration by Shaun Evans that kept me at it.

The trails and tribulations of Magnus Pym were varied and many but they had a single source, his father, beloved and hated at the same time. This entanglement relationship and the resultant effect on the moulding of his character led Pym's choices throughout his life. His chameleon character, his need to please and be liked, his guilt. The final scene with the towels is so so emblematic and it is a picture I have fixed in my mind.

An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley

A Perfect Spy by John Le Carré and narrated by Shaun Evans is simply outstanding.

Spy novels are not usually my jam, not to say they are not action packed and well written etc, just a bit implausible (ie 007) However, to see the true grit, intrigue and ramifications of espionage on the family and the state in two timelines is enthralling

Shaun Evans is the perfect narrator for this audiobook. Dynamic yet with subtle nuances that enhance an already strong narrative, a real joy to listen to

Magnus Pym has disappeared and his story, the truth, emerges throughout the narrative, in relation to his family, those who knew him and the risk to the state. A captivating tale that had me hooked from the first chapter due to Le Carre's skilled storytelling

Brilliant

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, John Le Carre and the narrator Shaun Evans for this awesome ALC. My review is left vountarily and all opinions are my own

Thanks to the publisher for this eARC in audiobook format.

A Perfect Spy"
Narrated by Shaun Evans

In the world of espionage fiction, few names carry the weight of John le Carré. His novel “A Perfect Spy” is often hailed as one of his finest works, and the audiobook version, narrated by Shaun Evans, brings a special dimension to this intricate tale of betrayal and identity.

The story follows Magnus Pym, a British intelligence officer who disappears after his father’s funeral, leaving a trail of questions and a legacy of deceit. As the search for Pym intensifies, le Carré masterfully unravels the complexities of Pym’s life, from his childhood under the shadow of his con-artist father to his double life as a spy.

Shaun Evans’ narration is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to capture the essence of each character, from Pym’s enigmatic allure to the gruffness of his mentor Jack Brotherhood, is a testament to his skill as a voice actor. Evans’ performance adds layers of depth to le Carré’s already rich prose, making the experience of listening to the audiobook both immersive and haunting.

The novel itself is a deep dive into the psyche of a man torn between loyalties, a “divided city” of a person who is a product of his upbringing and his choices. It’s less of a traditional spy thriller and more of a character study, a reflection on the nature of trust and the cost of duplicity.

Le Carré’s writing is, as always, elegant and sophisticated. The narrative moves between the present and Pym’s past, weaving a tapestry of memories that reveal the making of a spy. The audiobook format accentuates this storytelling, with Evans’ delivery guiding the listener through the shifts in time with ease.

“A Perfect Spy” is a novel that demands attention, and the audiobook demands to be heard. It’s a journey through the life of a man who is, in every sense, the embodiment of a perfect spy—charming, intelligent, and ultimately, unknowable. Shaun Evans brings this enigmatic figure to life, ensuring that listeners are captivated from the first word to the last.

In conclusion, the audiobook of “A Perfect Spy” is a compelling rendition of le Carré’s work, enriched by Shaun Evans’ nuanced performance. It’s a must-listen for fans of the genre and a perfect entry point for newcomers to le Carré’s world of spies and secrets.

A classic book read beautifully by Shaun Evan’s. A real treat of a book. Perfect for long journeys or walking the dog.

John Le Carré's "A Perfect Spy" is by far one of the most complex works I’ve read, spanning a complex and deeply personal narrative that intertwines the intricacies of espionage with a deep exploration of identity and betrayal in a world revolving around spies and secrets. Although it was initially published in 1986, the novel was released in audiobook format, narrated through the voice of Shaun Evans. John Le Carré's story transcends the typical boundaries of spy fiction, offering its audience with a rich, multiple point-of-view narrations that is as much about human nature as it is about international intrigue.

Magnus Pym, the protagonist, is "perfect spy", possessing an ability to manipulate and deceive that is unmatched in his line of business. Le Carré crafts Pym's character with meticulous detail, revealing his psychological depth and vulnerabilities as the story evolves. The novel delves into Pym's childhood, shaped by his conman father, Rick, whose influence is both profound and damaging on the young character. The exploration of Pym's fractured identity and his struggle with loyalty and betrayal adds a layer of existential angst to the story that follows the character although his story.

The novel's structure is uneven, constantly shifting between Pym's present predicament and flashbacks to his past, thus creating a compelling and intricate narrative tapestry. This non-linear approach allows readers to piece together Pym's life and the events that led to his ultimate downfall. The slow pacing and the extensive character introspection require patience and careful reading. Despite this, for those who appreciate Le Carré's skilful storytelling and the psychological depth of his characters, these elements are what make "A Perfect Spy" an exceptional work.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #APerfectSpy #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great mystery and was very well done. I really enjoyed this story and was in awe of the writing.

Loved the book

I read the print book when it was first released and loved it. I was really looking forward to listening to the audio book. But I have started it three times and have not gotten much more than a quarter through. It is just too slow (even though I am listening to it a 1.75 speed), I started reading my old hard copy again and, while I am not as enthralled as I remember being a few decades ago, I am liking it much more than the audio version.

I first read this decades ago, and when offered the opportunity to listen to the audio, I simply could not resist revisiting this, such a rewarding decision, the best of John le Carre, and whilst it is a long audio, I was enticed even further when I realised the narration is by the splendid Endeavour actor, Shaun Evans. Evans is so good, making the experience of listening to this so engaging and enthralling. This is superior, smart, and complex storytelling that draws on the author's personal life, drawing on his relationship with his father that informs this multilayered psychological tale, character driven, a world of shadows, a richly descriptive and detailed international espionage drama.

As you can probably imagine, I had forgotten just how great this is, there are 2 distinct threads, we explore Magnus Pym, son of Rick, a pivotal father-son relationship that is to lay the foundation of his future life, both personal and professional, as he carves out a stellar career in British Intelligence, that is to shape him to become the 'perfect spy'. It shifts from different time frames and differing perspectives, never less than fascinating and captivating, although occasionally jarring, this is more about a spy than a espionage novel in itself, of what made and drove Pym, a chameleon when it comes to his connections with others. We learn of the cold war, secrets, love, deception, memories and so much more.

le Carre writes ably and beautifully and the narrator, Evans makes the prose come alive, making this 'reread' largely a refreshing and fresh emotional immersion, underlining what it is to be human, so brilliant that I can highly recommend the audio to other readers thinking of either reading this for the first time or thinking of revisiting a espionage classic. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for an ALC.

John Le Carré is one of the greatest spy novelists of all time. This audiobook version of A Perfect Spy was exactly that: perfect. It was timeless in its wit and descriptions of humanity and what is deep within all of us and what can be broken: our true selves, sometimes what we call our soul.


In A Perfect Spy, the book opens as Magnus Pym has learned that his estranged father, Rick Pym, has died. This book is written in vignettes of several timelines that coalesce to give us all the reasons behind Pym Canterbury’s actions. One of the historical timelines follows the earliest fraud that con-man Rick Pym committed and got away with. From there, we learn all about his life and the life of his family, including his son.

In other vignettes, we learn all about Magnus Pym’s job, his journeys, and his choices, including marrying his wife. We also learn about her choices and choices that were thrust upon her without her consent, mainly as a sign of the times and the people around her.

This book is just as powerful and relevant as it was in its original release in the 1980’s, as it deals more with psychology, family dynamics, trust, and love than spycraft. Its every page is worth beyond its weight in gold.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this powerful and intense audio ARC that I really love!

This was my first Le Carré's novel and I was pleasantly surprised. I liked how it was written and how the plot developed. I have to say I kinda failed to connect with the main character, I felt very distant from him but aside from that, I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and the narrator was really good. 4.5 stars

I have read and own every single John Le Carre book. I will always regret not being able to meet him or get an autograph in person. That being said, this book was first published in 1986. This is my first LeCarre book that I have ever listened to. I happened upon in on NetGalley and of course I had to jump on it because - really - who wouldn't. Argue every single point you ever want in espionage, or spy thrillers - I said what I said. This man is my favorite. Being able to listen to this and getting the correct accent and the names of the towns etc said correctly just makes it that much better. Thank you for the opportunity.

I found the book to be absolutely devastating. It's clear to me that John is a master of his craft. The book delves into the boy's relationships, and I particularly enjoyed the use of British slang and humor throughout. It's a brilliant book, and having early access to the audiobook made the experience even more enjoyable for me. While it's not a typical spy novel, I found it to be marvelous. John's work stands out from cliché spy books, and I appreciate his refined writing style, character development, and interactions. The world-building and analysis of the characters' minds are truly impressive and contribute to what makes his books so good.