I have really enjoyed the first two Anthony Horowitz James Bond stories, and this latest 3rd installment is excellent

Anthony Horowitz's final book for the Bond franchise is, for me, the best of his trilogy. With "With A Mind To Kill" Horowitz l has been allowed to break the staple formula which we get with many of the continuation authors, which put me in mind of Fleming's "You Only Live Twice" in style at times. And who better to read the audio book than Rory Kinnear - Tanner from the Daniel Craig era Bond films - who helps bring the drama of the book to life. Recommended.

Bond is back in what looks to be Anthony Horowitz's final foray into the franchise. He takes Bond on a journey into a world which has put many in mind of Len Deighton. It is a refreshing change from the usual Bond continuation authors contributions and for me, the experiment works on the whole. At times I was put in mind of 'You Only Live Twice'. And this edition looks great too. Signed by the author with an exclusive edging design and, a piece by the author with an explanation of why this novel had hoped to include some previous unpublished Fleming, but ultimately why the idea was rejected. The original Fleming notes are included. This makes this edition highly desirable to Bond fans and collectors.

The third Bond book from Anthony Horowitz and, sadly, it looks like it might be his last. I say sadly because the publishers finally found an author who “gets” the character of James Bond and the appropriate plots. This is set a couple of weeks after Fleming’s “Man with the Golder Gun”, Bond is recovering from brainwashing and an intense ordeal, and he is very much a damaged man. But a mission arises that may be vital to the safety of the Western world and, despite not being ready, Bond volunteers to put himself in the hands of the Russians, acting if the brainwashing is still in place. This is very “cold war”, a bleak and controlled Russia with an anti—West attitude. Having Bond back under their control may enable the very thing Bond is trying to prevent. Bond is still very Bond, but he is older and jaded and, maybe for the first time, overconfident. There are plenty of typical Bond moments to enjoy but there is a definite theme of a man out of his depth and at the end of his career. Can he pull it together in time to not only survive intact but complete his mission, or is this the end of the line for 007? So well written and has the depth that sometimes Fleming didn’t bother with. The 60s Cold War setting works perfectly and there is that sense that Bond is struggling with the idea that his career may be coming to an end and wants to prove himself. But there also an understanding that it is his 00 status that defines him and he can’t imagine a different future. I desperately hope they convince Mr Horowitz to write more in the series.

Anthony Horowitz returns with his third outing into the world of Ian Fleming's famous 007 and believe me it is not to be missed. With A Mind To Kill well deserves it's place in the James Bond hall of fame and is an exciting thrill ride of an adventure filled with action, betrayal, misdirection and of course 007 himself, who this time is thrown in at the deep end and struggling to survive against insurmountable odds. Taking place directly after the events of Ian Fleming's The Man With The Golden Gun (no prior knowledge needed), James Bond is under arrest for the murder of his employer M after he was captured and brainwashed into killing him by the KGB. However when Bond is rescued and transported behind the iron curtain, he finds himself in the very heart of a new criminal organisation intent on using him to create a new world order. The evil forces of Stalnaya Ruka (the Steel Hand) have big plans for Bond, but has 007 really turned to the dark side and what lengths is he prepared to go to discover the truth behind there evil schemes. Facing the ruthless Colonel Boris and the seductive Katya Leonova, is this one adventure to many for the out of his depth hero? With A Mind To Kill is a powerful and highly addictive thriller that captures the world of Bond perfectly and places him so far out of his depth that as a reader you cannot help but be hooked to the bitter end. Anthony Horowitz has captured the magic of Bond perfectly and I would recommend this as an essential read, not just to fans of Ian Fleming, but to anyone who loves a good spy thriller. Filled with action and double cross, With A Mind To Kill is Bond at his best. Shaken And Stirred! Brilliant!