The Cold War is at its most chill. Alec Leamas, a spent spymaster, leaves West Berlin for London. His informants are either exposed or dead; his operational usefulness is over.

Control, however, believes Leamas has one last job in him. It is daring, highly speculative and very, very dangerous. But for Leamas, the opportunity to revenge himself on those who, one by one, took out his people, is irresistible...