James Bond: Death is Forever (John Gardner’s Bond #12)

Still not quite the old John that I grew to admire with the first half of his canon. Bond is back in savage form, as opposed to the humdrum behind the scenes Bond who investigates and dawdles about with poor plotting. Great beginning, for once a non-fizzled out conclusion, but the middle work is where Gardner once again flounders with overcomplicated and unnecessary spy game depth. Too many flat characters and too few memorable ones. Lets see what his next book has in store!

I didnt think Gardner had it in him. No absurd criminal organization bent on world destruction. A believable villain with realistic motives. No outlandish spy gadgets. Actual intrigue. The only far fetched subplot is Bond falling in love. That is out of character. IMO this is the best Gardner Bond novel. Not quite Flemingesque but closer than most.

One of Gardner’s better Bond novels. Lots of tradecraft in the first half. Dragged a little towards the end but very good overall.

Action around every corner and death knocking at every door in the adventure as Bond goes after the notorious Poison Dwarf. I simply couldn’t put this book down. Out of all the previous Gardner novels this one is my favorite. If you only read one Gardner Bond novel then Death is Forever should be your choice!

Features elements of his past stories features a more mission impossible vibe then bond vibe, the villain is sub par and a minor part. And the story feels as if it drags even the finale is wanting on a massive scale. Skippable only to be read by completist.

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