The best James Bond books by Ian Fleming

We all have our favorite version of the iconic British secret agent that is Bond, James Bond. But before we thank Connery or Craig for their on-screen portrayals of the spy, we need to bow to Ian Fleming, a naval intelligence officer turned novelist who gained literary acclaim for being the author of the James Bond books.

He wrote “thrillers designed to be read as literature” and, while publishing over a dozen books, cracked open a world of exotic adventure, ultimate babes, gadgets, and gear, ultimately shaping the spy genre as we know it. When you want to dive into the thrill and adventure of working for the MI6 – while in your pjs on the couch – we’ve put together a list of Ian Fleming’s best James Bond books, and what makes them live and let die.

The James Bond books you need to read

9. Live and Let Die (1954)

The second book in the James Bond series, Fleming absolutely tortures Bond in the novel Live and Let Die. It’s gripping to imagine the effortless and unstoppable secret agent crumble, and then equally as hoorah-worthy when he bounces back. Bond babe and fortune-teller Solitaire is ensnarled with the Voodoo Baron of Death, Mr. Big, who sits atop SMERSH (a fictional Russian intelligence agency) and leads Bond down a dark and dangerous journey through the Everglades, Harlem, and other moody haunts.

Be forewarned: 1) the settings throughout the book are somewhat drab and 2) this book’s major — major — flaw is its racist language. However, we wouldn’t suggest a reprint with this language removed; much like Huck Finn, it’s eye-opening to see the cultural climate the author was writing in at the time.

8. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1963)

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is Fleming’s 11th Bond novel and a surprisingly tender turn for the traditionally lust-filled secret agent. Bond’s guard is let down and we get a true sense of the man grieving behind the Beretta. It’s a twist in itself to see Fleming write about love and loss in this way, but in turn, we miss out on those elements beloved to these books: sex, action, and intrigue.

7. You Only Live Twice (1964)

After Bond’s wife is killed at the end of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, readers were due for a climactic bang between the broken-down 007 and Ernst Stavro Blofeld, one of the most iconic villains in the James Bond series. Book 12 delivers a dénouement, nearly closing up the SPECTRE trilogy as Bond gets to kill the man who killed his wife. Pay attention to the final fight scene in You Only Live Twice, because it’s wicked cool and set in a Japanese castle.

6. For Your Eyes Only (1960)

Book eight in the 007 catalog, For Your Eyes Only, is really a collection of short stories including “Quantum of Solace,” “Risico,” and “The Hildebrand Rarity.” Expect wild romps, everything from assassinations to heroin rings, and plenty of sinister women.

The 007 books are fairly short anyway, but if you don’t have time for a full spy novel, these shorts are extremely satisfying while still being complete stories. Not much to complain about here, but also not as beefy as one fully formed book. A plus? You don’t have to know the acronyms and backgrounds of any Bond baddies to understand what’s going on.

5. Dr. No (1958)

Dr. No, one of Fleming’s most vivid novels, sweeps you away to the humid island of Jamaica and carries you along for the clandestine ride as 007 investigates the suspicious Dr. Julius No. Instead of exotic globe-trotting, this story is localized and intimate (a success probably due to Fleming writing the novel at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica).

The book also features an unforgettable torture obstacle course that Dr. No subjects Bond to, including electric shocks and wrestling a giant octopus. It’s plain, good fun, and one of the sexier books that was initially hated on in the United Kingdom.

4. Thunderball (1961)

Fleming served in the Navy and this knowledge-set came in clutch when writing the aquatic spy tale, Thunderball. This engaging and high-octane adventure makes for one of Fleming’s best works. Bond babe Domino is killer, headstrong, and driven by revenge to kill Largo (who killed her brother).

Thunderball also introduced the aforementioned iconic Bond villain, Ernst Blofeld, who returns in two more novels. The writing itself is sharp and piercing, and the Bahamas setting jumps off the page.

3. From Russia, With Love (1957)

Move over Fifty Shades of Grey, because Fleming is in the sheets. From Russia, With Love is a sexy, sexy Bond book, so expect to feel flushed when Tatiana Romanov first meets James. The format is fresh and inventive — a complete jump for Fleming, who had written four 007 novels before this.

Bond doesn’t appear in the first third of the book as it’s Fleming who sets the stage and plan of the Soviet Union plot. It was a mature and risky move that signaled a refreshing pivot from the status quo. Fleming also captures our attention with other strong characters and his exotic imagination, taking Bond from to Istanbul to Paris.

2. Moonraker (1955)

Third time’s the charm, because Fleming hit his 007 stride with Moonraker. Considered the origin of the spy novel genre, this Bond book is based around an atomic bomb threat. Bond is coupled with one of the best heroines of Fleming’s writing, officer Brand, who works for Scotland Yard and never falls for James’ charms or seduction. Many will argue it’s the only good 007 book Fleming ever wrote and the only one you need to read.

1. Casino Royale (1953)

The world was introduced to James Bond upon the release of Casino Royale, launching one of the most iconic and successful spy series in history. We can’t logically recommend starting your 007 reading list with any novel other than Casino Royale, where Fleming paints the iconic man and the journey he takes us on down to every detail.

The pages are dense and rich with detail. Fleming put his blood, sweat, and time into this novel. He built a formula that most of the following works would adopt, so it’s exciting to see it unfold with fresh eyes. We’ll assume you saw the 2006 Daniel Craig movie (which in our opinion was the best Bond movie ever made). Just order the book and get your martini shaker ready for quality spy time.

Non-Bond Fleming works

The Diamond Smugglers (1957)

The Diamond Smugglers is a non-fiction mirror to Diamonds Are Forever. Fleming interviews a member of the International Diamond Security Organization (IDSO) about the corruption and crime he witnessed in the diamond trade, and most of it was pretty messed up.

Diamond jeweler company De Beers even threatened legal action after the book was released, so you know Fleming got something right. Despite its revelatory aces, be aware that in today’s light, the read is distasteful for its colonialist attitudes that are downright racist.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1964)

Yep, you read that right. The author of the James Bond books also wrote a children’s novel about a magical car. Is it our favorite of his books? No. Is it a good children’s book? Absolutely.

The premise is about a magical car that takes the Pott family on epic adventures to capture robbers. Consider it entry level James Bond preparation for babies. That’s even more true as there were several characters in the movie version of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang that were played by actors who has also starred in various Bond movies.

The works he left behind will be read by generations after us, and the films will continue as long as there’s someone ready to don the suit. While Ian Fleming’s real life is something that would make a great drama series, his James Bond books are entertaining to read almost 80 years later.

Weaving in themes beyond just good versus evil, but delving deeper into the effects of the war and male relationships – friend and foe – Fleming gave us 14 James Bond books, two collections of James Bond short stories, and three other works to give you a reading pile to last for some time. If you want to plan the rest of your year out, read a book and then watch the corresponding film to see how books and movies match up.