off.". Mel Watkins, writing in The New York Times Book Review, praised Gardner for adding "a touch of the plot subtlety of less insistently action-oriented thrillers." He also applauded Gardner's updating of Bond. "Although Mr. Gardner's Bond is less raffishly macho and arrogant than previously depicted," observed Watkins, "the spirit of the 007 series remains intact, and few Fleming admirers are likely to object. There is, in fact, something appealing about a James Bond who can react to women with some sympathy and confusion at a crucial moment." Long-time Gardner admirer and Listener crime critic Marghanita Laski believed Icebreaker'' "is one of his best yet in his 007 mode." She especially admired the book's Finnish setting which she said "has been good thriller value since Gavin Lyall introduced it." See also Outline of James Bond References 1983 British novels James Bond books Novels by John Gardner (British writer) Cold War spy novels Novels set in the Arctic Jonathan Cape books