Moonraker

By: Ian Fleming

Narrated by: Bill Nighy

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

The Moonraker project has a millionaire backer, the war hero Sir Hugo Drax - a man who, it seems, cheats at cards. With a ballistic rocket at stake, Sir Hugo’s exposure could threaten Britain’s latest defence system, so James Bond is asked to investigate. Moving from London’s most exclusive gambling club to a missile silo on the Channel coast, 007 and his Special Branch assistant, Gala Brand, discover there’s more to Drax than meets the eye.

Includes an exclusive bonus interview with Bill Nighy.

Ian Fleming was born in London in 1908. He was educated at Eton and worked as a journalist in Moscow and a banker and stockbroker in London before becoming personal assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence during the Second World War. He wrote his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1952 at Goldeneye, his home in Jamaica. Since then James Bond has gone on to become a global phenomenon.

Bill Nighy is a multi-award-winning actor who has appeared in many TV dramas, including State of Play, The Girl in the Café and Page Eight, for which he received a Golden Globe Best Actor nomination. He won Best Supporting Actor BAFTA for his role as Billy Mack in Love Actually, while his other films include Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and the smash hit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

©1955 Ian Fleming Publications Ltd (P)2013 Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. © AudioGO Ltd, 2012. James Bond and 007 are registered trademarks of Danjaq LLC, used under licence by Ian Fleming Publications Ltd.

Critic reviews

"I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished." ( Daily Telegraph
"Mercilessly readable." ( The Listener)
"Moonraker establishes its author as Mr. Eric Ambler’s rival or successor." ( Tablet)
"It’s all utterly disgraceful and highly enjoyable." ( The Spectator)
"Astonish me!” the addict may challenge; Mr Fleming can knock him sideways." ( The Scotsman)

Wonderful Reading of a Classic Story

This is a superb presentation by Bill Nighy of this classic early James Bond tale. The story itself is rather comically dated in terms values and culture we are after all a long way from the early 1960's. However in terms of a ripping yarn superbly presented you really couldn't go much better than this. Bill Nighy covers all the characters superbly, giving each one life without ever entering into parody. I look forward to investigating others in this series, all read by experienced actors which make such works a pleasure.

I like it

Realistic boys own adventure where JB doesn't always gets who he wants but saves the day. A fun listen even though Bill Nighy is a little different to the other narrators. Come to think of it, should super spies play Bridge?

love 007

James bond was always my favorite franchise, red the whole book set Back in high school and fall in love ever since, Ian is an amazing writer.

The strongest book so far

I thoroughly enjoyed this third entry in the Fleming Bond novels. I think that it’s clear that by this point, Fleming really had become comfortable with character development. I also like the unexpected setting with Bond having to save his own country from within rather than from overseas. Finally, Bill Nighy’s reading was brilliant, and although Dan Stevens and Rory Kinnear are excellent, I think Nighy just edges over for me with his clever realisation of characters and strong narrative technique. Highly recommended.

Original story. Do not compare to the film

This the the first James Bond Book I’ve ever heard. I assumed the story would be the same as the film. It is not. But. It’s a great story and very much of its time. Well read and easy to follow.

Bill Nighy is exquisite. A fantastic listen from s

Bill Nighy is exquisite. A fantastic listen from start to finish with excellent characters, excitement and animation throughout.

Great

excellent, not a fan of the female voice but otherwise amazing performance and engaging story.

great listen

The movies seem to have damaged 007 stories too much. Almost like these stories are other stories.
Lots of period,1950's drama and really enjoyable. Surprised me I loved this one so much.I liked Bill Nighy reading as he gave Bond a maybe less than macho super hero persona and more lovable, in spite of his cold eyes. I have to look at Flemming again.
The little Nighy 'take' at the end could have been deleted. not an interview, just comment.

Bond as it should be.

What a great story. One of my favourite Bond adventures. Great 50's settings and the story unfolds in a brilliant way with a good story line and people in it. It's good just to close your eyes, listen and travel back in time.
Why does Bond no longer drive Bentleys?
I am starting to realise how good these books are and how poor some of the films are in comparison. This bears no relation to the Moonraker film other than character names. Why didn't they just make this book into the film?
Bill Nighy is an excellent narrator and I hope he does more Bond.

Sublime narration

Ian Fleming's original plot varies quite considerably from the film version, in a good way. It is more plausible - although still pretty far-fetched - but moreover is brought to life by an absolutely brilliant narration by Bill Nighy.

Whatever you may have thought of the film, if you are a Bond fan or just enjoy a good thriller, you'll love this.

Bond at his best. Moonraker is a masterpiece.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Moonraker (with Interview)?

The entire last quarter seemed so fluid I could imagine it all perfectly in my mind. But the explanation Drax gives for his motivations was very memorable and perfect for his character.

What about Bill Nighy’s performance did you like?

Bill Nighy's performance was sumpremely elegant as Bond himself. Perfect for the card plot at the beginning of the novel and the sequences with Gala Brand. On the other hand his Drax was amazing - an excellent example of the boorish pseudo-gentleman - and as the book itself phrases it 'Prussian militarism'. I have to admit I could easily imagine Nighy's Drax on a battlefield in the War of 1870.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Hugo Drax: War Hero, British Gentlemen, Card Cheat, Murderer."

Any additional comments?

An excellent book very well read and worth your time. Nighy is definitely one of the better narrators of the Bond series and up there with Toby Stephens my personal favourite.

Brilliantly written. Brilliantly read.

As Bill Nighy says in his interview, the descriptions of characters are detailed, and beautifully worded. There is a different, tender, human James Bond. His reputation does not precede him in his book.

Narration makes it

I must say that this is one of my favourite Bond books but Bill Nighy makes it even better, would definitely recommend.

fast paced action and romance

A gorgeously dangerous read with hart stopping action and romance ,atension to detail is perfect will blow your mind

My favourite Bond, read by a great actor!

If your expecting something like the Roger Moore film from the 1970s your going to be in for a surprise, no space shuttles, no Jaws and no foreign exotic locations. However what you do get is a story which is both gripping, realistic and will have you on the edge of your headphones from start to finish. Bill Nighy gives an epic performance as Bond and the rest of the characters, his calm cool voice is perfect for the role. Although the story may have been written back on the late 1950s it's still as sharp today. 10/10

50 years on and still a good read

Would you listen to Moonraker (with Interview) again? Why?

This has always been one of my Fleming favourites. I read all the James Bond books when they were first published and loved them. In fact I remember being a bit put out by the films because they didn't stick to the story. After a while I realised that the films and the books were on different planes entirely, and you had to accept that.

What did you like best about this story?

Loved the bridge game at Blades.

What about Bill Nighy’s performance did you like?

For me the weakest part of the story was the narration. Bill Nighy's depiction of Bond really didn't convince me at all. Most the other readers of the Bond series have done a better job.

Any additional comments?

A really good tale!!

Pleasant surprise

So much better than the movie.
Bill Nighy's voice is perfect for the nuances required to make this book come alive.
This entire series of Bonds read by wonderful actors is a treasure.

Oh Oh Dear

One of my favourites books, brilliantly read, but would someone PLEASE ask Bill Nighy not to refer to Bond as "oh oh seven".