Moonraker

Starred review from December 22, 2008
One of Ian Fleming’s most notable Bond novels, and one of the worst film adaptations of the series, the story of Sir Hugo Drax and his apocalyptic Moonraker missile program is revisited in this spirited reading by Simon Vance. With his classical yet smooth British dialect, Vance is more reminiscent of Timothy Dalton than any other Bond actor. His delivery is strong and commanding; Bond has never been more debonair than he is here. Vance creates compelling and realistic characters aside from the protagonist, leading to a thrilling listen that will captivate fans of the genre and newcomers alike as the film never could. A Penguin paperback.