picking up the torch from the late Ian Fleming, but the freshness of the early Bond books is missing; also, 007's predictable heroics have begun to bore. One can accept a charmed - and charming - character just so long." The Globe and Mail crime critic Derrick Murdoch wrote that although Gardner "could outperform Fleming easily in most technical respects he lacked Fleming's gift for simple-minded razzle-dazzle extravaganzas and Penthouse-style dream girls." He called Role of Honour "something of a disappointment, although some of Bond's old admirers may welcome it." He complained that the novel was both familiar and confusing. Long-time Gardner admirer and Listener crime critic Marghanita Laski said "John Gardner has gradually worked himself into his own role as owner-creator of James Bond, but his Bond is more intelligent, more sensitive than the original." Novelist Jessica Mann, writing for British Book News, said Role of Honour "hits the spot and will give great pleasure to fans both on the page, and, presumably, on the screen." See also Outline of James Bond References 1984 British novels James Bond books Novels by John Gardner (British writer) Jonathan Cape books Novels set in Switzerland Novels set in France