"Trigger Mortis" by Anthony Horowitz is a thrilling addition to the James Bond series, set in the 1950s and featuring original material from Ian Fleming. The story follows Bond as he races at the Nürburgring, gets involved in a rocket launch at Wallops Island, and unravels a diabolical plot in the labyrinthine railway network beneath New York City, all while facing off against the dastardly organization SMERSH.

Horowitz expertly captures the essence of Fleming's writing style, detailing everything from food and wine to motoring and weaponry with exquisite detail. The book seamlessly blends action-packed sequences with changes of scenery, creating a compelling and authentic Bond novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Characters:

The characters reflect traditional Bond archetypes, with Bond himself being both charismatic and fallible, and the supporting characters providing modern contrasts to his persona.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style accurately mimics Ian Fleming's tone and detail, successfully weaving in modern perspectives while retaining the vintage flair.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot combines elements of espionage and auto racing, centered around a mission to protect a British driver from a SMERSH assassination plot, while also involving themes of the Cold War and the space race.

Setting:

Set in the late 1950s across various locations, the story immerses readers in the historical context of the Cold War and post-war intrigue.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and engaging, combining thrilling action with character development to maintain reader interest.

James Bond opened his eyes. It was seven o’clock exactly. He knew without having to look at the alarm clock beside the bed. The morning sun was already seeping into the room, feeling its way through t...

Notes:

'Trigger Mortis' is set just after the events of 'Goldfinger,' around 1959.

The story starts with Bond living in London with Pussy Galore, who needs his protection.

Bond is sent to protect a British racing driver at the Nurburgring Grand Prix from SMERSH, a Soviet agency.

Horowitz includes original text written by Ian Fleming in the book.

The book features three Bond girls who are portrayed as capable and equal to Bond.

The villain, Jai Seung Sin, has a personal motive tied to the Korean War.

The plot involves a race that ties into the larger context of the Cold War and America's space program.

The book is praised for its faithful recreation of Fleming's writing style and tone.

Many readers enjoyed the thrilling racing scenes and the depiction of 1950s espionage.

Horowitz had previously written successful Sherlock Holmes continuations, showing his talent for classic characters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, espionage, and some outdated gender portrayals which may be sensitive to contemporary audiences.

Has Romance?

While there are romantic elements present, they do not dominate the story, making it moderate in this regard.

From The Publisher:

"Horowitz delivers an entertainment sure to please James Bond fans."

- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The heart of any good thriller is the plot, and…Horowitz doesn't disappoint."

- New York Times Book Review

Blockbuster author Anthony Horowitz delivers a riveting and stylish take on literary legend James Bond (authorized by the Ian Fleming Estate) with a story that unfolds in the 1950s-and is the first new Bond novel to feature recently discovered original material by Ian Fleming.

It's 1957 and James Bond (agent 007) has only just survived his showdown with Auric Goldfinger at Fort Knox. By his side is Pussy Galore, who was with him at the end. Unknown to either of them, the USSR and the West are in a deadly struggle for technological superiority. And SMERSH is back.

The Soviet counter-intelligence agency plans to sabotage a Grand Prix race at the most dangerous track in Europe. But it's Bond who finds himself in the driving seat and events take an unexpected turn when he observes a suspicious meeting between SMERSH's driver and a sinister Korean millionaire, Jai Seong Sin.

Soon Bond is pitched into an entirely different race uncovering a plan that could bring the West to its knees.

Welcoming back familiar faces, including M and Miss Moneypenny, international bestselling author Anthony Horowitz ticks all the boxes: speed, danger, strong women and fiendish villains, to reinvent the golden age of Bond in this brilliantly gripping adventure. Trigger Mortis is also the first James Bond novel to feature previously unseen Ian Fleming material.

This is James Bond as Fleming imagined him.

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About the Author:

ANTHONY HOROWITZ is the author of the US bestselling Magpie Murders and The Word is Murder, and one of the most prolific and successful writers in the English language; he may have committed more (fictional) murders than any other living author. His novel Trigger Mortis features original material from Ian Fleming. His most recent Sherlock Holmes novel, Moriarty, is a reader favorite; and his bestselling Alex Rider series for young adults has sold more than 19 million copies worldwide. As a TV screenwriter, he created both Midsomer Murders and the BAFTA-winning Foyle's War on PBS. Horowitz regularly contributes to a wide variety of national newspapers and magazines, and in January 2014 was awarded an OBE.

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Trigger Mortis

Anthony Horowitz

Book 30 in the series:James Bond (Extended)