The Hook and the Eye

The story, without spoilers

In 1952, Felix Leiter has lost his CIA job and works for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. A surveillance assignment exposes a murder and a group of spies in Manhattan. Escorting the secretive Dora from New York to Texas pulls him into an increasingly dangerous journey.

Benson gives Bond's American ally his own lead adventure. The period and Felix's changed employment connect it with the consequences of Fleming's Live and Let Die, while the road journey lets the story follow Leiter beyond his usual supporting role.

Can I start here?

Read Live and Let Die first for the major event behind Felix's situation. You do not need Benson's six Bond novels: this is a new solo Leiter story, with its own central case and travelling partnership.

What stands out

Felix's job change and the American road-trip setting are the reasons to pick it. It offers a direct character-based route out of Fleming without simply giving James Bond one more mission.

Who wrote it

Benson wrote The James Bond Bedside Companion before becoming the first American commissioned to write Bond; his official work includes The Hook and the Eye. He wrote six original Bond novels and three film novelisations.

Where it fits in Bond’s life

The year is 1952, and Felix has left the CIA for Pinkerton work. The publisher places him after the shark attack in Live and Let Die; this is Felix’s next chapter rather than Bond’s next assignment.

Content notes

Adult readers. Murder, surveillance, deceit, violence and adult romantic material.

Setting

• Manhattan, New York
• The journey to Texas

Main characters

Felix Leiter, Dora, The Manhattan spies.