
Member Reviews

I love John Le Carre's Smiley series and was intrigued by the audiobook, Loved the narrator who really brought this story to life.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this. The audio was well done and really put you in the story.
*Thank you netgalley and dreamscape media for an advanced free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

A classic spy-thriller full of twists, turns, and tech. At 50 years old, it's still being read. That being said, those with modern reading preferences might find the story, pacing, and style a bit dated.
Audiobook narration was good, but the nature of the story makes listening to it difficult to follow.

There is nothing I can say that hasn't been said. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is Legend. I was especially spoiled because my introduction to John le Carré was via the 2011 film. (Oldman! Cumberbatch! Firth!) Then, I saw the BBC production starring <s>Obi-Wan Kenobi</s> Sir Alec Guinness with <s>Captain Jean-Luc Picard</s> Sir Patrick Stewart. Those BBC productions are as good as a book read, imho (see their Legendary adaptation of Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder). My TBR list is so very, very long that I rarely feel justified taking the time to re-read a book. In the case of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, however, it technically counted as a first read. PLUS, the book was narrated by Simon Vance. I really liked his work on The Little Stranger. What more can I add? A Legendary book narrated by a Legend. Thank you so much, Dreamscape Media, for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook. It was sublime

John Le Carre is a master. You should read all his books. He is one of the authors I recommend when people ask me for spy novels. This book is a classic. The narrator was perfection. Read this book.

I had been meaning to read Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy since a I came to know about it at my book club so imagine my surprise that I saw it in the list and as an audiobook that too by one of my most favourite publishers Dreamscape media.
Can't thank you enough Netgalley and dreamscape media for this wonderful ARC in exchange of an honest review.
This was a real treat. TTSS is not your normal spy book but a well written espionage book which has a depth you wouldn't be grasp in single read.
I will definitely recommend reading and listening side by side to get better hang of the book. Narration is top notch and there's hardly any need to say anything more about this classic which will be a treat for those who enjoy some serious works.
Highly recommended.

This is a thriller classic I have wanted to read for a long time. So when I found out that Simon Vance was narrating the new version, I was incredibly excited. Unfortunately I struggled with this audiobook. His narration was as amazing as always.... but I found myself wishing I was reading a physical copy for the classic writing. I think this is a book I could really enjoy so I want to give it the best chance to become a favourite.
I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

It was good have a Smiley refresher. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is probably one of my favorite Le Carres. It was such good story of identifying the double agent and eliminating.

This is a common review for both Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Honourable Schoolboy. I read the books years ago and I think that Le Carrè was a master storyteller delivering complex and intriguing novel.
As it happened with books I read and love the audiobooks added layers and the voice of Smiley will always be the one of the narrator. A voice that changed some of my ideas on Smiley and I enjoyed.
Well done, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was a fantastic version of the classic story. Having read the book several times over the year, listening to it on audiobook was a great new way to experience Le Carre's masterpiece.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in audiobook format.
John Le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a masterclass in espionage fiction, and Simon Vance’s narration elevates this classic to new heights. As a book reviewer who appreciates captivating storytelling and well-developed characters, this audiobook is a treasure trove of intrigue and suspense.
Simon Vance’s audiobook performance is stellar. His ability to differentiate characters through subtle changes in tone and accent makes the complex narrative easy to follow. Vance’s portrayal of George Smiley, the unassuming yet brilliant spy, is particularly noteworthy. He captures Smiley’s quiet determination and sharp intellect, making the character come alive in a way that is both engaging and authentic.
The plot of Tinker Tailor 8 Spy is a labyrinthine puzzle, filled with twists and turns that keep the listener on the edge of their seat. The story revolves around George Smiley’s mission to uncover a mole within the British Secret Intelligence Service, known as the Circus. Le Carré’s intricate plotting and deep understanding of the espionage world are evident throughout the narrative. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually, which is perfectly suited to the audiobook format.
Le Carré excels in creating multi-dimensional characters, and this is where the audiobook truly shines. Each character, from the enigmatic Karla to the loyal Peter Guillam, is meticulously crafted. Vance’s narration adds depth to these characters, making their motivations and emotions palpable. Smiley’s internal struggles and moral dilemmas are particularly well-explored, adding a layer of psychological complexity to the story.
The Cold War setting is vividly brought to life through Le Carré’s descriptive prose and Vance’s evocative narration. The sense of paranoia and mistrust that permeates the story is palpable, immersing the listener in the shadowy world of espionage. The detailed descriptions of London and other locations add to the authenticity and richness of the narrative.
Listening to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is an immersive experience that combines the best of Le Carré’s writing with Vance’s exceptional narration. The audiobook format allows for a deeper appreciation of the story’s nuances and complexities. Whether you’re a longtime fan of spy fiction or new to the genre, this audiobook is a must-listen.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and compelling characters. Simon Vance’s narration enhances the experience, making this audiobook a standout in the genre. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking listen.

I've always wanted to read John Le Carré. After this, I'm sorry I did. The narrator practically auctioned off the story, speaking so quickly as to be exhausting to listen to. To be honest, I do not know if it was the story or the narrator's speed that made it nearly impossible to decipher what was going on. For the narration alone, I would avoid this one at all costs.

I'm loving John Le Carré's book. There is something about a good spy thriller that just makes me excited to read it. I need to read them all.

This was a capitvating read which I enjoyed thoroughly. I thought the narrator suited the book and kept me engaged throughout.
The story can be initially difficult to follow with interweaving characters and narratives, however in paying close attention the pay-off is worth it.

Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to listen to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carré
I had already read the book before but I wanted to listen to the audiobook as well since this is such a classic.
I already loved the story and the audiobook did add a different dimension to it.
I think overall, the narration was good.
Would definitely recommend it.

I really loved this book! I loved the movie back in the days, but I love this book more. It’s a great spy story. The rhythm is so captivating and I crave for more. I want more Smiley. Can’t wait to listen for the other audiobooks of this series. The narrator was so good (I have no doubt, tbh) and I want to continue listen to her.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook copy of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carré in exchange for an honest review. I recently saw a short documentary on Le Carré and it made me want to read his books. These are a slow burn spy novels that are great for curling up with on a long weekend.

I do understand why this book is considered to one of the most influental spy novels. Really loved the way it showed the daily operations of the work of a spy and how similar it is in many aspects to every other job.
That being said, unfortunately the plot was way too convoluted for me and I did not have a good time listening to this. I feel like it would have been less confusing for me to read the physical book, where I could go back and rearead parts, when I lost the plot.

I have had the privilege of listening to the audiobook version of John Le Carre’s brilliant novel “Tinker,Tailor, Soldier, Spy. (Can you guess how many stars I intend to rate this book?” I read this book in the mid-1970’s, watched both movie versions and found both terrific, but wondered how I would react to this story long after the Cold War had ended and I grew into a senior citizen. The result: the story’s brilliance remains intact and I now longed for the book not to finish as I marinated in the luscious vocabulary and sentence structure from the late author.
I only regret the other five-star reviews I have provided to other books, and other writers, this past decade; for Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy richly deserves the accolades. Plus, lest I forget, the all-time great Simon Vance brought all the significant characters to life with an extra star or two voicing Smiley in all his reserved anguish.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and to NetGalley for this midsummer delight.

I've listened to a number of audiobooks, but this was the first narrator for a fiction book that blew me away. There are so many characters to keep track of, but I could tell who was speaking without having to hear who said it.
Having seen the movie with the same name, I knew most of the plot, but I was still hooked on every word, wondering what was next. Getting to know the characters more and understand their motivation cleared up any questions I had from the movie. I have not read any Le Carré books, and this is part of a series. But it does well as a standalone books. I do plan to read the rest of the series.
The story is set in the Cold War, but I think the story is still relevant given the past 8 years. The only questions is it still an ideological struggle that creates spies or can anyone be bought?
This is a review of an advance copy of "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" made available by NetGalley.
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