A Murder of Quality (1962)

Damn good writing, but the plot is a little boring. Still, a clever book and a fun read. I am beginning to see why George Smiley is so revered. ( )

In some ways, this is a better book than the earlier "Call for the Dead." Le Carre has learned to pace his story better (unlike "Call," which had a massive exposition session right at the end), and "Murder" doesn't have the gear shift from a mystery to a spy story halfway through. This is a murder mystery, pure and simple, with Smiley taking on a surprisingly Hercule Poirot-esque role. As with the earlier book, character detail is very rich and Le Carre easily brings his fictional public school setting to life. The book is a pleasant, quick read and I certainly don't regret the three nights I spent with it.

However, the Poirot comparison can only remind me of other, older mysteries that did this sort of story just as well, if not better. Le Carre isn't imitating anyone, but he's definitely falling into a story structure that was well-known by the early 1930s; by 1961, it's practically old hat. While he takes great care to flesh out his characters and misdirect the audience on a few occasions, the denouement is no better than an Agatha Christie of the same period, and it's fairly obvious that type of "reveal solution" isn't where Carre feels naturally comfortable as a writer. The best aspects of "A Murder of Quality" are Smiley's - and thus, Le Carre's - comments on and experiences of the classicism that pervades the bubble world of the public school. Comparatively, the mystery itself isn't nearly as interesting. ( )

This is the second George Smiley novel, and like its predecessor, “Call for the Dead,” it isn’t the spy thriller that one associates with le Carre, but a mystery. Smiley, in semi-retirement, is called by a friend to investigate allegations made at a Dorset Public School. It’s a brief work, just 146 pages, but it’s fun to see how le Carre weaves a web of lies, confusing facts, and red herrings in an excellent prelude to his more famous spy novels. The setting also gives him full reign to express his hatred for the “Public School” mentality and morality, which he was subjected to as a young man. ( )

A school story, a murder mystery with the bonus of George Smiley. The old boys and girls network alerts George Smiley to a potential murder at an exclusive public school. Before he can act the victim is dead and as a favour to a friend he goes to investigate. Not a spy story but imbued with the greyness of the spy stories. Unusual and interesting.

Smiley is always a good fellow to spend some time with. Strong in his own convictions, but not judgmental. Clever, but very understated. This is a fine, thin public school murder mystery. ( )