Call for the Dead

"Call for the Death by John LeCarré is the first novel in the George Smiley series. Though Smiley is a British operative, this one reads more like a mystery novel and not espionage. <br/><br/>Smiley is charged with interviewing Samuel Fennan after an anonymous letter accuses Fennan of being a Communist in his college days in the 30's. Smiley investigates and closes the case. Or so he thinks, until Fennan is found dead and police rule his death a suicide. Smiley sets out for answers, knowing that the reason his wife gives for the man's suicide is wholly inaccurate. <br/><br/>The pacing in this one is a bit slow and at times it drags. I found myself occasionally spacing off or just not excited to continue. Granted, that's my own fault for thinking this would be a faster paced book with more action. The character of Smiley is very well drawn out. In fact, Chapter one is entitled "A Brief History of George Smiley." I didn't really find many red herrings as to the answer to the mystery, but was rather surprised as to the final wrap up, which was very thorough and left no loose strings in the case. The writing is excellent, but points of view would change without warning and it was rather jarring for me. I wouldn't know whose point of view we were seeing the story through sometimes for a couple sentences.<br/><br/>If you are looking for a James Bond hero type in a novel full of action, gadgets, and beautiful women that our hero beds, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for a more accurate portrayal of espionage from a hero is more your "every man" (as far as a spy can be) who is very cerebral and thorough in his investigation, then check this one out."