The new novel by the classic of the spy genre John Le Carré (b. 1931) is unanimously recognized by the public as another masterpiece of the writer. The book is based on a top-secret operation in Gibraltar, carried out by British and American troops and allegedly directed against a major terrorist. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its successful outcome, and the participants were awarded honors... But what was it really like? What is the truth about this operation, which is so carefully hidden? Two ministerial employees take charge of the investigation - both of them are not at all heroic people, but they consider it a matter of honor and conscience to bring to light the truth about a secret operation that turned out to be a failure and disgrace, and they risk their careers, freedom and even lives.