With a Mind to Kill

The story, without spoilers

The story opens at M's funeral, with Bond absent and accused of the killing. Former SMERSH agents want to use him in a Soviet operation capable of shifting the balance of power. His mission places uncertainty about his own judgement beside the danger of discovery.

Horowitz follows the brainwashing aftermath introduced by Fleming, choosing a more inward-looking threat than a race for a machine or document. The opening accusation is part of the premise; how the loyalties behind it resolve is left for the novel.

Can I start here?

Read The Man with the Golden Gun first, ideally after You Only Live Twice. Those books provide the personal and psychological background. This is Horowitz's final Bond novel, so his publication order also ends here.

What stands out

Bond's damaged confidence and the question of whose orders he is obeying make this a later-career character story. It is a strong next step after Fleming's final novel if that aftermath is what interests you.

Who wrote it

Horowitz, the Alex Rider author and Foyle’s War creator, was commissioned to write three Bond novels, including With a Mind to Kill. Fleming’s original material informed his approach to the commission.

More about Anthony Horowitz

Where it fits in Bond’s life

Horowitz places this directly after The Man with the Golden Gun, drawing on Bond’s recovery from Soviet brainwashing. Finish that Fleming novel before this one.

Content notes

Adult readers. Brainwashing, psychological coercion, accusations of murder and Cold War violence.

Setting

• Britain
• Behind the Iron Curtain

Main characters

James Bond, M, Former SMERSH agents, Colonel Boris.