In Diamonds are Forever, the fourth book to feature James Bond, Ian Fleming has hit his stride once again. This isn't a case where Bond is in the middle of a big spy-busting, world-threatening escapade, but something a little more low key. He finds himself assigned to breaking a diamond-smuggling ring which has a start point in Africa and an end point in America. To infiltrate the gang and get to "Mr Big", he encounters the beautiful Tiffany Case (great name and not a simpering female foil who instantly falls at Bond's feet). She sets him up as one of the couriers for the gang, and he merrily smuggles a shipment into the USA. As his budding career as a smuggler goes smoothly, he offers his services to the gang for future trips or anything else they think he'll be good for. He hooks up with Felix Leiter, ex-CIA colleague who now works for the Pinkerton Agency and who is also investigating the same target - the Spangled Mob - a mafiosa-type outfit. With things going too slowly, Bond forces the issue by getting himself noticed winning big at the Mob's casino in Las Vegas. From this point on, there is plenty of action and edge-of-the-seat set pieces ... with Tiffany now having switched sides of course! There is plenty to keep the thrill-seeker occupied, and although there isn't a larger than life baddy on show, there are two henchmen who provide enough menace to see you through. Wint and Kidd are both ruthless and relentless in their pursuit of Bond - even across the Atlantic on an ocean liner. I read the audio, narrated by Damien Lewis, who brought plenty of his own stardust to the proceedings. He seemed to be relishing reading the book, which he ably transfers to the reader, enhancing the story by bringing bags of energy and great characterisation to the story. Don't watch the film, read this book. Thoroughly enjoyable.
My STAR rating: FOUR.
Length: 320 print pages.
Price I paid: £5.99.
Formats available: print; unabridged audio CD; unabridged audio download; ebook.
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