His third novel, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, secured him a wide reputation, which was consolidated by the acclaim for his trilogy, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley's People.
His most autobiographical novel, A Perfect Sky, was followed by The Russia House, The Secret Pilgrim, The Night Manager, Our Game,The Tailor of Panama and Single and Single.