A beleaguered and betrayed Secret Service has been put in the care of George Smiley.
A mole has been uncovered at the organisation's highest levels, and its agents across the world are put in grave danger.
But untangling the traitor's web gives Smiley a chance to attack his Russian counterpart, Karla.
Part-time spy Jerry Westerby is the weapon at Smiley's disposal.
The Honourable Schoolboy is remarkable and thrilling.