I'm not a big James Bond film fan but had never read a Bond novel and figured this volume looked like a good introduction. The stories are quick and easy to enjoy and turned me into far more of a fan of Bond than I expected. Particularly when I'd seen films with the titles of the short stories, and found them to bear no connection to one another.

Unlike the films, the characters in the 9 short stories in this volume are much more accessible. No over-the-top villains and when Bond gets into peril, there's no conceit of using a miracle device by Q to get him out of it. There was much more Le Carre-like tradecraft and monotony in the stories which, for me, was more believable. Don't worry, though, if the films are favorites: Bond still usually gets the girl. ( )

Excellent stories, good variety, strong writing ( )

I loved reading this again, and it was an eyeopener to go back to reading a Bond book (as opposed to watching a film) as I didnt remember (or realise maybe at the time I read all the Bond books) that Fleming not only strung a great story, but was also good at bringing the scenes to life with vivid descriptions. ( )

All nine James Bond short stories in one volume. This is not an appropriate introduction to the character or to Fleming's writing but it is probably essential to anyone who is already a convert. ( )