Trigger Mortis

Trigger Mortis. It is a James Bond novel written by Anthony Horowitz, authorized by the Ian Fleming estate and published in 2015. The story is a direct sequel to the events of Ian Fleming's original novel Goldfinger, incorporating unused material from Fleming's own notes. Set during the height of the Cold War, the narrative pits Bond against a vengeful Korean billionaire and involves a perilous Grand Prix race at the Nürburgring.

Publication history

The novel was commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate, following the success of Jeffery Deaver's Carte Blanche and William Boyd's Solo. Anthony Horowitz was selected as the author, with the book announced in early 2015. It was published in the United Kingdom by Jonathan Cape on 8 September 2015, coinciding with the release of the film Spectre. The United States edition followed from HarperCollins later that month. The publication was notable for including a previously unseen Ian Fleming short story about James Bond's car, used as a story outline.

Plot summary

Following the events of Goldfinger, James Bond is assigned by M to protect a defecting Soviet cosmonaut from SMERSH assassins. His mission intertwines with a plot by the villainous Jason Sin, a Korean industrialist and former collaborator seeking revenge for the Korean War. The central action involves Bond being forced to participate in a deadly Formula One race at the Nürburgring in West Germany, orchestrated by Sin to eliminate a rival. The plot expands to New York City, where Sin plans to detonate a nuclear weapon in the Harbor using a repulsor device, aiming to trigger a global conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Characters

The central protagonist is MI6 agent James Bond, portrayed in his classic literary incarnation. The primary antagonist is Jason Sin, a ruthless billionaire with a deep hatred for the West stemming from the Korean War. Pussy Galore, the heroine from Goldfinger, returns briefly, re-establishing her relationship with Bond. New allies include Logan Fairfax, a skilled MI6 operative who assists Bond during the Grand Prix, and Jeopardy Lane, an American CIA agent who becomes a key partner in New York City. Supporting characters from Ian Fleming's universe, such as M and Miss Moneypenny, also feature.

Critical reception

Upon release, the novel received generally positive reviews from critics. Many praised Anthony Horowitz for his faithful emulation of Ian Fleming's prose style and brisk pacing. Reviewers in The Guardian and The Telegraph commended the authentic Cold War atmosphere and the effective use of Fleming's original race track material. Some criticism focused on the villain Jason Sin being perceived as less iconic than classic foes like Ernst Stavro Blofeld or Auric Goldfinger. Overall, it was considered a successful and respectful addition to the James Bond literary canon, often favorably compared to the continuation novels by John Gardner and Raymond Benson.

Legacy and influence

*Trigger Mortis* is recognized for its unique position as a direct narrative sequel to one of Ian Fleming's own novels, a rare approach in the extended literary series. The incorporation of genuine, unused Fleming material provided a significant link to the original creator. The novel's success led to Anthony Horowitz being commissioned to write a second James Bond novel, Forever and a Day, which serves as a prequel to Casino Royale. It reinforced the viability of the literary James Bond franchise in the 21st century, distinct from the Eon Productions film series.

Category:James Bond novels Category:2015 British novels Category:Spy novels