Book Review: Trigger Mortis by Anthony Horowitz

Trigger Mortis

by

Anthony Horowitz

Trigger Mortis is the latest James Bond novel. This one has been written by bestselling author Anthony Horowitz. Growing up one of my favourite film franchises was the James Bond movies. I, as well as my brothers used to watch them all the time, we still do in fact. There are so many TV channels to choose from nowadays that you probably could not go a whole week without one of the Bond films being on. I was aware that the family of James Bond's creator Ian Fleming was allowing new books to be written but I have yet to read one. Each new Bond book that is written is by a different author which I think is a great idea. I like the idea of different people putting there own twist on how they see James Bond whilst keeping this in the style of Fleming. This was a Christmas present from my sister in law Pam.

"Classic Bond from the golden era of the 1950's"

Précis (taken from the cover):

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 meeting between SMERSH's driver and a sinister Korean millionaire, Jai Seong Sin.

Soon Bond is pitched into a entirely different race with implications that could change the world. Thrown together with American adventurer Jeopardy Lane, Bond uncovers a plan that will bring the west to its knees in a heart-stopping climax.

Review:

I really liked the start of this book as it follows straight on from the film Goldfinger. It does not mean you have had to have watched the film at all as the book explains what happened. Pussy Galore made famous in the film by Honour Blackman is still with Bond and as soon as he is back in London his next case is waiting for him.

This is my first Anthony Horowitz book I have read. My wife has read a few and always loved them. I really liked how it was written. The words just flew off the page and this made it easy for you to get stuck into the action. I read this book in two weeks which for me is really quick. I will definitely be reading more books by Anthony Horowitz.

The story for this book was brilliant. It had all the usual Bond attributes from fast cars, intelligent, strong minded & beautiful women, a powerful and enjoyable to read "evil baddy", lots of action in numerous countries around the world and of course James Bond saving the world from destruction. The only thing I thought was missing was Bond having interaction with Q branch, which was always one of my favourite parts of any film. This is where all of Bond's specialist cars and gadgets are created. As this is my first James Bond novel I have read I don't know if this part of the story was in the original books or just put in for the films.

The characters in this book were very enjoyable to read. Jai Seong Sin was the main baddy and I really liked how he was portrayed. He had a very dark and evil mind which left people scared to be around or work for him. There was also the greatly named female characters which were made famous in the James Bond novels. Pussy Galore was there in the beginning but Jeopardy Lane became the main ally for Bond and without her he would not have been able to save the world. I really enjoyed how her character grew throughout the book.

Was there anything I did not like? Apart from the missing Q branch story lines then not really. I fully enjoyed this book and can't wait to read my next James Bond novel. I have been and bought Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks and Solo by William Boyd which I will review when the time comes.

I scored this book a 4.5 out of 5. It's a great action packed book which keeps you on the edge all the way to the end. Even if you are new to the James Bond Character you will be able to read this as in the first 1/4 all things are explained too you.

Has anyone else read Trigger Mortis? What do you think? do you agree with me at all? who was your favourite James Bond in the movies? Let me know. I would love to find out.

Speak soon

CBailey31