In print: Octopussy by Ian Fleming (1966)

This week, sadly, I bring to you a review of the final 007 novel by Ian Fleming. Even though Fleming died in 1964 due to a heart attack at the age of 56 his last literary works continued to get published. This final book, Octopussy, is a collection of three short stores.

Octopussy: When a file about a murdered ski instructor comes across Bond's desk, he seeks out the man responsible who fled to Jamaica with stolen Nazi gold. This story ends up with on of the most harsh and ironic endings for a villain! (Bears no resemblance to the movie with the same title.)

The Living Daylights: When a double agent is trying to get back home, Bond is sent to be sure that the Soviets don't stop the man in his dash across the border. The title tie in will make you say, "ohhhh!"

The Property of a Lady: A Soviet double agent finally gets her payday from Mother Russia in the form of a Faberge Ruby. I think in one of the movies there was a whole plot about Faberge eggs, this must be where it came from. There is an auction so that the woman can get her money for her services. Bond figures out that the head Soviet spy will likely be in attendance to drive up the bid. They use this as an opportunity to learn his identity to have him shipped out of the country.

And with that, there were no more. While these were all charming tales, I wouldn't have expected Bond to "go away" in relative quiet. Fleming was certainly stricken down way too young and we will never know what he had intended for the career of James Bond.

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