Rating: 3.3/5
"With a Mind to Kill" is the third and final Bond novel to be penned by Anthony Horowitz. Having covered 007's first assignment in "Forever and a Day" and then shown him in mid-career in "Trigger Mortis", this shows Bond as he moves towards the tail end of his life as a government operative. Once again, Anthony Horowitz displays his chameleon-like talents to authentically recreate the style of Ian Fleming. The story is set in 1964 and, chronologically, the events of this novel take place shortly after "The Man With the Golden Gun", which was the final Bond novel written by Fleming.
If you are coming to this novel from having recently watched more recent screen adaptations of James Bond, then you may find the depiction of the lead character to be somewhat different to what you are accustomed to. Horowitz not only remains true to Fleming's version of Bond, but in mimicking that author's approach he also conveys social attitudes and activities that would be deemed very out of place in a 21st century setting. This is never more clearly illustrated than in the depiction of, and attitudes towards, women. Readers who feel ill at ease with outdated gender stereotyping - and even outright misogyny - may be best advised to pass this book by, or else be prepared to have their hackles raised.
In some ways it is difficult to appraise this novel as a 2022 publication. Taken at face value, it could easily be dismissed as a fairly ordinary action story with simplistic, predictable plotlines. However, that judgement would do the author a disservice. There is a real skill in being able to convincingly recreate such an iconic character in the manner in which his original creator intended. Personally, I prefer to read Anthony Horowitz's entirely original work, rather than seeing him pay homage to the exploits of characters conjured up by the likes of Ian Fleming or Arthur Conan Doyle - but I have yet to come across another author who can pull that off with the aplomb as Anthony Horowitz.
This won't be a book for everyone - and I don't think it is this author's best - but it is still skilfully written and enjoyable to read.
With a Mind to Kill
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Customer reviews
Top reviews from other countries
The Cookster @ Reviewer ranking #49
Authentic, old style Bond adventure - skilfully written and enjoyable to read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 May 2022Verified Purchase
Jim J-R
A satisfying - Fleming-like - conclusion
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 June 2022Verified Purchase
Mr. Shaun Gregory
A Great addition to the James Bond Series of Novels.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2022Verified Purchase
Zenorac
Beware of Colonel Boris
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 May 2022Verified Purchase
Nik Morton
Bond needed death
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 June 2022Verified Purchase
