Book review: Moonraker, the third of the James Bond novels, follows the normal formula, namely Bond being despatched to defeat the physically unusual villain, this time the scar-faced Hugo Drax, with a girl in tow, this time Gala Brand (not Holly Goodhead like in the movie). The only difference here is that it is set in England so there aren't the exotic locations you normally associate Bond with, such as Brazil, Venice and outer space no less as in the movie.
The plot hinges around Sir Hugo Drax and his Moonraker, not a space shuttle but "a super atomic rocket with a range that would cover nearly every capital in Europe - the immediate answer to anyone who tried to atom-bomb London." So everyone thinks Drax is a national hero (hence his knighthood from the Queen) for building this rocket "designed exclusively for the defence of our beloved island", and that his intentions are honourable, when in fact they are not. M though has a problem with the man so confides in Bond - "There's only one thing... Sir Hugo Drax cheats at cards."
So the book starts with a high-stakes card battle between Drax and Bond, not unlike Bond's previous exploits in Casino Royale of course. Then strange going-ons at Drax's plant lead to Bond having to go there too.
There may not be laser battles, and a villain called Jaws but you do get a thrilling read all right.
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