"The Amateur" is a spy thriller novel written by Robert Littell. Published in 1981, the book follows the story of Charlie Heller, a young American intelligence officer stationed in Berlin during the height of the Cold War. Heller becomes embroiled in a complex web of espionage and betrayal when he is tasked with tracking down a Soviet mole within the ranks of the CIA. As he delves deeper into the world of espionage, Heller discovers that the lines between friend and foe are often blurred, and he must navigate a treacherous landscape where nothing is as it seems. The novel is known for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and realistic portrayal of the intelligence community during the Cold War era. It offers readers a thrilling and suspenseful glimpse into the shadowy world of espionage, where trust is a rare commodity and danger lurks around every corner.