- Published: 29 July 2025
- ISBN: 9781405969833
- Imprint: Penguin General UK
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 272
- RRP: $22.99
Karla's Choice
A John le Carré Novel

















- Published: 29 July 2025
- ISBN: 9781405969833
- Imprint: Penguin General UK
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 272
- RRP: $22.99
Tense and atmospheric, meditative and moving. Fans of le Carré will have much to rejoice about
Tan Twan Eng
Gripping, clever, and full of tension, Karla’s Choice bridges the gap in the Smiley saga perfectly. Fans of John le Carré will not be disappointed.
Lisa Hall
It’s thrilling to be back with old friends and enemies. Smiley’s tested, essential goodness sings through the pages. I couldn’t put it down.
S J Bennett
Every reader of John le Carré will love this brilliant book
Tony Parsons
We have witnessed the rebirth of an icon
Scott Mariani, Number One Sunday Times Bestselling author of the Ben Hope series
Elegant as smoke, ruthless as steel, Karla’s Choice is a love letter to fans of Smiley, but it’s also got le Carre’s furious humanity and Harkaway’s playful intellect. A genuinely surprising treat.
Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls
‘Is this new ‘le Carré’ novel even better than the master himself? Harkaway has done an extraordinarily good job with his father’s legacy. Karla’s Choice is note-perfect.’
Jake Kerridge, The Telegraph
A loving tribute as well as an excellent novel in its own right
Anthony Cummins, The Observer
Karla’s Choice breathes new life into the murky world of the Circus. If you haven’t read any Smiley books, then this wouldn’t be a bad place to start
David Mills, Sunday Times
It is difficult to encapsulate what a remarkable achievement this novel is. Karla’s Choice is absolutely first rate, as both a homage to le Carré and as a work in its own right
Stuart Kelly, The Scotsman
Harkaway is a fine writer and he has resurrected his father’s books brilliantly
The I
What a treat! Karla's Choice expertly evokes the atmosphere of the originals
Guardian
An accomplished and welcome addition to le Carré's oeuvre. Harkaway has drawn on his deep knowledge of his father's work to produce a tale faithful to the originals, while subtly adding a lighter, more modern touch.
The Financial Times
A satisfyingly intricate tale filled with intrigue and suspense. Karla's Choice is an accomplished homage and a captivating thriller.
Economist - Best books of 2024
Brilliant – every bit as suspenseful and knowing as the original, and often more humorous
The Spectator – Books of the year II