Blood Fever

The story, without spoilers

In summer 1933, a schoolmate's family disappears at sea and James discovers a secret society at Eton. The investigation leads towards Sardinia, where an Italian count has a remote fortress. James must work out how the school, the island and the missing family connect.

The second Young Bond novel moves from the first book's Scottish landscape into a Mediterranean adventure. School friendships still matter, but the danger reaches well beyond the boundaries of Eton and involves rescuing another young person.

Can I start here?

Read SilverFin first for James's introduction and early school relationships. Blood Fever is the second Young Bond novel, followed by Double or Die; publication order is the simplest first route.

What stands out

Sardinia gives this instalment a different atmosphere from SilverFin. The link between a hidden school society and danger abroad is the useful hook for readers who want the schoolboy mysteries to expand in scale.

Who wrote it

Higson, a novelist and co-creator of The Fast Show, was commissioned for the Young Bond books before writing Blood Fever. His official Bond work covers both childhood adventures and adult missions.

Where it fits in Bond’s life

Blood Fever is book 2 in Charlie Higson’s Young Bond run. These adventures take place during Bond’s youth, before his adult career and Casino Royale.

Content notes

Older children and teenagers. A missing family, threats to children, murderous enemies and rescue peril.

Setting

• Eton, England
• Sardinia, Italy

Main characters

James Bond, His schoolfriend and the friend’s sister, The Italian count.