Trigger Mortis by Horowitz Anthony

Suspense fiction. James Bond is back where he belongs. Anthony Horowitz's new novel is a thrilling tour de force, sure to delight fans of the original 007 novels and new readers alike. It also features previously unseen material written by Bond's creator, Ian Fleming. The story begins in the lethal world of Grand Prix and an attempt by the Russians to sabotage a race at Nurburgring, the most dangerous track in Europe. Bond is in the driving seat but events swiftly take an unexpected turn, pitching him into an entirely different race with implications that could change the world. Anthony Horowitz recreates the golden age of Bond, packed with speed, danger, strong women and fiendish villains, in this brilliantly authentic adventure.

Horowitz has pulled it off. A terrific tale, in classic Ian Fleming style. A must read for all those who loved the original Bond books.

Set in 1957 against the backdrop of the Space Race, Trigger Mortis starts a couple of weeks after the Goldfinger adventures finish. So, this is an unusual continuation novel as its set on the original Fleming timeline. Unfortunately, the name of the book didn't blow me away. But as Horowitz has done so well with other continuation books such as Sherlock Holmes I decided to overlook this and dive in. I'm glad that I did (the name makes sense when you read the book, it's actually used a couple of times albeit in different contexts).

Another uncommon feature is that a famous Bond girl, Pussy Galore, makes a return, moving into Bonds London apartment. Plus the novel contains around about 500 words of Fleming's own material. This came from an American TV series which was discussed before the success of the film, Dr. No. I believe the episode in question was called, Murder of Wheels? Anyway, the text integrated at the start of the book, when Bond has to prevent the assassination of a British race-car driver. Without giving away the exact plot it has all the usual Bond elements: the evil villain Jai Seung Sin, SMERSH, a beautiful girl Jeopardy Lane, etc.

And this is a literary Bond, not the movie Bond written into a book.

There's a particularly nail biting section where a buried alive Bond has to escape (or course he does). I don't believe I would be spoiling anything to say Bond saves the day (yet again) being the world's greatest secret agent, no surprise there.

In summary, Horowitz has done a decent job at replicating the exciting tone and atmosphere of the original Fleming books. Let hope that he's commissioned to write some more. Even better, a collaboration with Charlie Higson whose Young Bond books show a level of understanding of 007 which is second to none.

Great to have you back Mr Bond!