Scorpius

John Gardner wrote this, his seventh James Bond novel, a year before the on-screen Bond faced a similar plot in Licence to Kill. These books are always a balancing act. Don't let the story stray too far from the original Fleming story-line, but also try something new. Its interesting to read a 1980s story where suicide bombing features. Especially when its fuelled by religion and takes the Western intelligence agencies by surprise.

The story sees Bond becomes connected to the death of a woman in London. M asks him to help in the investigation. Returning from Hereford, a Sergeant Pearlman tags along by driving Bond back. An attack follows then a high-speed chase on an English motorway. Upon returning to headquarters, M briefs Bond on the investigation. She is a member of a cult society known as "The Meek Ones", operated by a Father Valentine. With extra information from the CIA, the British Secret Service learn that Valentine is an alias for Vladimir Scorpius. Scorpius is an arms dealer for several terrorist organisations.As the country's general election approaches, by the use of brainwashed cult members, Scorpius has begun a "holy war". The cult members, thinking themselves to be pure, moral, and unsullied, sacrifice their lives for "the greater good of humanity". They believe that by performing this "death task" that they will achieve paradise. Throughout the novel, The Meek Ones commit several acts of terrorism. This includes several terrorist bombings and assassinations of British politicians.Bond meets Harriett Horner, an IRS agent working undercover in England. She's investigating a credit card company run by Scorpius. The two work together along with Pearlman to attempt to track down Scorpius. After an interrogation of a captured cult member, Horner is taken captive by Scorpius' men. Pearlman confesses to Bond that he was giving Scorpius information for the benefit of his brainwashed daughter. Together the two set out for Scorpius' base of operations in South Carolina. The plan is making Scorpius believe Pearlman was taking Bond captive.At Scorpius' island, Bond meets up with Horner once again. The two marry at the behest of Scorpius. Knowing that the marriage is invalid, Bond agrees to go ahead with it thinking it would buy him time until he can escape. On the night the two decide to escape, a water moccasin kills Harriett. At the same time the FBI is conducting a raid of Scorpius' island, which further angers Bond since her death was in vain. Bond returns to the island, finding Scorpius attempting to flee. After giving chase, Bond gets the upper hand. He forces Scorpius to die in a similar manner to that of Horner's death.

So, in summary an enjoyable, but forgettable read. Scorpius had the potential to be as iconic as Auric Goldfinger. Although the story never quite panned out like that. There was a nice nod to Sean Connery in the middle of the tale.

Pulpy fun.