Scorpius

The story, without spoilers

A young woman's body is found in the Thames with Bond's telephone number among her possessions. An attempt on his life suggests that the connection is no accident. The investigation points to a religious-looking sect and the shadowy Vladimir Scorpius.

The beginning has the shape of a crime inquiry, but the organisation behind it pushes the mission towards terrorism. For Bond, a small and troubling personal link becomes a route into a network whose outward beliefs hide a much more dangerous purpose.

Can I start here?

Yes, as a separate investigation. For the full Gardner run, begin with Licence Renewed; for a British opening with a cult-related mystery, Scorpius supplies a clear reason for Bond to become involved.

What stands out

Choose it for the movement from a Thames mystery to an extremist organisation. The initial clue belongs to Bond personally, so the case draws him in before the wider scale of the threat becomes clear.

Who wrote it

Gardner had created the comic spy Boysie Oakes before the Fleming estate invited him to bring Bond into the 1980s; he later wrote Scorpius. His run contains fourteen original novels and two film adaptations.

Where it fits in Bond’s life

Scorpius is Gardner’s original Bond novel 7 of fourteen. In Scorpius, Gardner’s updated Bond operates after the original Fleming era. No precise neighbouring Fleming mission is given.

Content notes

Adult readers. A young woman’s death, assassination attempts, cult manipulation and terrorism.

Setting

• London and Britain

Main characters

James Bond, M, Vladimir Scorpius, The sect’s members.