The man he knew as 'Control' is dead, and the young Turks who forced him out now run the Circus. But George Smiley isn't quite ready for retirement- especially when a pretty, would-be defector surfaces with a shocking accusation; a Soviet mole has penetrated the highest level of British Intelligence. Relying only on his wits and a small, loyal cadre, Smiley traces the breach back to Karla-his Moscow Centre nemesis - and sets a trap to catch the traitor.