61jZ2SwDl1L._SL500_About the book: “M laid down his pipe and stared at it tetchily. ‘We have no choice. We’re just going to bring forward this other chap you’ve been preparing. But you didn’t tell me his name.’

‘It’s Bond, sir,’ the Chief of Staff replied. ‘James Bond.’

The sea keeps its secrets. But not this time.
One body. Three bullets. 007 floats in the waters of Marseille, killed by an unknown hand.
It’s time for a new agent to step up. Time for a new weapon in the war against organised crime.
It’s time for James Bond to earn his licence to kill.
This is the story of the birth of a legend in the brutal underworld of the French Riviera.“

My Review

This was a fantastic audiobook! I do love a Bond audiobook and this one, the prequel to the iconic Ian Fleming series, is brilliant!

This book takes place before Casino Royale, the book that introduced the world to 007 and it’s been done so well. It’s got everything you’d expect from a Bond story, the evil mastermind with a dastardly plan, the henchman, the beautiful woman with an interesting name, a fast car and a rather slow one, plus a gorgeous location.

Anthony Horowitz obviously knows the Bond books very well, as it really did feel like it was part of the series, especially how he included Bond’s infamous Martini and his favourite cigarettes.

Matthew Goode’s narration was perfect, especially his portrayal of M, Bond, and Madam 16. He’s definitely being added to my favourite narrators list.

I definitely recommend this to lovers of the Bond books and to new readers/listeners.