Odessa Sea, been awhile since I read a Dirk Pitt novel. I just finished The Pharoah’s Secret, one of the Kurt Austin novels. Though, there’s really no difference between Austin and Pitt other than Cussler doesn’t directly write the Austin novels. To be honest, I’m not sure he writes the Pitt ones anymore either. I think his writing partners do most of the heavy work. Cussler is pushing 90 after all.
I’m going to re-read Moonraker over the coming weeks. The fact it’s the next novel Dyamite will adapt has piqued my interest, and I like the fact it’s early in the Fleming timeline. I haven’t given it as much attention as some of the others, and I’ll change that.
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I re-read Moonraker and You Only Live Twice recently. Both cracking Bond novels.
And I’ve just finished the second book in Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust trilogy, The Secret Commonwealth. I loved it.
For those of you who read His Dark Materials, this is essential reading. Returning to Lyra as a disillusioned 20 year old living still at Jordon College after the events of The Amber Spyglass 8 years previously…a lot has changed! It’s heartbreaking reading really, but I lapped it all up.
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Re-reading Dracula after the BBC show inspired me to do so. Haven’t read it in twenty years, still a brilliant page turner and I’m finding it genuinely unsettling, which has surprised me.
Reading a novel called Venganza de Sangre (Vengeance of Blood). It’s an interesting novel set during the early 1300s in Spain and the Mediterranean. Though, it’s in spanish, so it’s taking awhile to get through.
I recently read and recommend the following:-
The Cabin at the end of the World - Paul Tremblay
A Head Full of Ghosts - Paul Tremblay
The Institute - Stephen King
Bird Box - Josh Malerman
Polaris and Other Stories - Fay Weldon
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A critical study of the films of Mike Nichols and an analysis of the Lotus Sutra by Thich Nhat Hanh (along with various articles I find on the web).
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. I re read a Fleming once a month just to remember how it all began.
Next I’m going to compare the telling of the Japanese cipher expert and Norwegian double agent incidents in Casino Royale,Pearson’s 007 biography, and Forever and a Day
I really enjoyed reading Dynamite’s adaption of LALD. It crystallised the following thoughts in me: this is a world where an enemy presence means something. As soon as Bond encounters Mr Big in New York he’s on the move, trying to evade a highly credible intelligence threat. Bond’s broken finger also never leaves him, which adds another degree of drama. I found his relationship with Solitaire heartwarming. He treats her nicely and by doing so is helping someone out in genuine need. All in all, it adds up to have a human and genuine spy thriller atmosphere. It shot up in my rankings.
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As a life long Bond fan and comic reader, I have to give Dynamite credit for what they are doing. The series of comics and the hardcovers of CR and LALD have been excellent reads for the Bond 007 literary fan.
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I have recently been on a binge-reading whirlwind of Modesty Blaise books. SO GOOD! Dear God, why haven’t these ever been adapted into a proper period-set film series, preferably starring Emily Blunt (just my opinion, of course!)?
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My Modesty Blaise shelf is directly below my 007 shelf.
All the Titan reprints/graphic novels from both series share the middle.
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I have my penguin edition Flemings on their own shelf. I love the trade paperback feel of them and the colorful look. I am still considering investing in the Folio editions, however. I still haven’t decided if I want to add the Quantum of Solace short story collection from 2008.
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Just finished Lethal White, having been going through the whole Cormoran Strike series and enjoying every word. I look forward to the 5th.
Now moving onto The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz…whilst I wait with fingers crossed for them to announce a third Bond novel from him.
Same. Is it weird that I’m hoping for a Fleming-timeline version of No Time To Die?
Just finished re-reading Lisey’s Story (2006) by Stephen King.
Now onto The Mammoth Book of Horror from 2013.
I´m currently reading King’s latest, THE INSTITUTE. Pretty good so far, although I notice that since he has been bitten by the crime novel-bug (visible in his Mr. Mercedes-trilogy, even THE OUTSIDER), his plots are developed very methodically and therefore a bit predictably, like a procedural. I prefer his earlier phase of complete unpredictable nuttiness.
But I’m only through 2/3 of the book - maybe the nuttiness will still commence…
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I haven’t read the book, but am currently immersed in the HBO adaptation of The Outsider. It’s absolutely fantastic and as creepy as hell. I’ve no idea how faithful it is but I’m sure much of it’s success stems from Kings source material.
It’s the true heir to season 1 of True Detective.
(Obvs no need to mention, but anyhoo please no spoilers from anyone that’s taken the time to read the novel 
)
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I recommend everyone reads The Outsider before watching the show.