In the aftermath of the events described in *Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy*, George Smiley attempts to bring the Circus back from the brink and undo the damage caused by the traitor/mole Bill Haydon while still pursuing his "arch nemesis" Karla.

In the aftermath of the events described in *Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy*, George Smiley attempts to bring the Circus back from the brink and undo the damage caused by the traitor/mole Bill Haydon while still pursuing his "arch nemesis" Karla.