Anthony Horowitz With A Mind

 

Anthony Horowitz is the well-honored author and creator of the Magpie Murders, Midsommer Murders, Foyle’s War,  and the Alex Rider series for young adults, which have sold more than 19 million copies over the years.

 With a Mind to Kill is his third James Bond 007 knockoff novel. All have been authorized by the Ian Flemming Estate and the publishers of the original Bond books.

As we begin the book, James Bond is recovering from a long siege of brainwashing driven by a Russian scientist. He returns from Jamaica to play a part in a huge ruse that calls for him to be the faux assassin of M and then be spirited away by the Russians to be re-programmed for another killing. He meets and conquers another intriguing young Bond woman as the story works its way to a bloody end.

It is not as droll as the originals, but it is compellingly plotted and makes for a quick, easy read.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5