#3334

Mentioned in 12 episodes

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold

Book • 1963

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a gripping Cold War novel by John le Carré, focusing on Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer tasked with a final mission before retirement.

Leamas is sent to East Germany as a faux defector to sow disinformation about Hans-Dieter Mundt, a powerful East German intelligence officer.

The novel explores themes of espionage, loyalty, and the moral complexities of spy work during the Cold War era.

Mentioned by

William Dalrymple

Mentioned in 12 episodes

Mentioned by

Robert Barnes

in a discussion about the mythology behind intelligence agencies.

'Imminent defeat' and push for a deal w/ Robert Barnes (Live)

Mentioned by

John Lechner

as his favorite book, describing the Cold War and current geopolitical tensions.

Death Is Our Business

Mentioned by

Andy Greenwald

in the context of emotion, relevance, and entertainment.

The Top 10 TV Shows of 2025

Mentioned by

Rick Spence

as a book that is probably his favorite book and spy film.

CIA, Mossad, Epstein, MK Ultra, Cults & Secret Societies | Rick Spence

Mentioned by

Tom Keene

as one of the books he is reading by John le Carre.

AI Jitters Cloud Market Optimism Over Shutdown Resolution

Mentioned by

James Butler

as a 1963 novel by John le Carré that Clive James suggested could be turned into an opera.

On Politics: The Online Right (and Left)

Mentioned by Georgian Dahl, who is halfway through, as a tale of old school spycraft set during the Cold War.

Escape the EU Bubble: Expert Summer Book Picks

Mentioned by

William Dalrymple

as similar to the setting where Heinrich Hoffmann was interviewed.

316. Hitler's Photographer: Nazi Secrets, Eva Braun, & Escaping Justice

Mentioned by

Chris Ryan

as one of the books that will be adapted into a series called Legacy of Spies.

‘Pluribus’ Episode 6 and ‘The Chair Company’ Season 1 Finale

Recommended by

John C. Dvorak

as one of the greatest movies in terms of spycraft and bullcrap ideas.

1820 - "Tokyo Rose"

Mentioned in comparison to the actions of Warren Beatty's character in 'The Parallax View'.

Alan J. Pakula: A Master Director (and Derailer) of American Mysteries [Be Reel]

Mentioned by

David Farr

when discussing John le Carré's work in espionage.

Classic Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré

Mentioned by

David Farr

when discussing John le Carre's novels.

The Sunday Debate: Ian Fleming vs John le Carré

Mentioned by

Sam Briger

as a novel by John le Carre, setting the time period for Carla's Choice.

John le Carré's Son Revives His Late Dad's Beloved Spy

Mentioned as the latest installment in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series.

S.J. Bennett, "The Queen Who Came in from the Cold" (Crooked Lane Books, 2025)

Recommended by

Lawrence Ware

as a classic book that he loves.

PEL Presents PMP#211: Slow Horses and Predecessors

Mentioned as a novel by John Le Carré that was adapted into a film starring Richard Burton.

Syria to join US-led coalition fighting IS group

Mentioned by

Richard Spence

as one of the best spy stories, where the lead character is a drunk.

Weaponized Magic: Aleister Crowley to MK Ultra

Mentioned as perhaps the most celebrated work by John le Carré, master of post-war espionage fiction.

Iron Curtain Call – How The Spy Who Came In From The Cold still tells the ugly truth about espionage

Mentioned by Andrew Rosenheim as one of Le Carre's best works.

Spectator Out Loud: Nick Boles, James Ball, Andrew Rosenheim, Arabella Byrne & Rory Sutherland

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