A Murder of QualityA Murder of Quality by John le Carre. First impression of this Hodder hardback edition from 2001 in as new condition (not the true 1st), flat signed by Le Carre to title page. No markings, the book is as new and unread. About A Murder of Quality is the second novel by John le Carr, published in 1962. It features George Smiley, the most famous of le Carr's recurring characters, in his only book set outside the espionage community.