The Man with the Golden Gun

The story, without spoilers

Francisco Scaramanga is a professional killer known for his gold-plated revolver. Bond is sent to Jamaica to deal with him, and has to get close to the man and his business partners without revealing why he is there.

The assignment is also a test. Bond's superiors are watching to see whether he can still do the job. Mary Goodnight, now posted to the island, is his contact, but for much of the book Bond is working almost within arm's reach of his target.

Can I start here?

No. It closes the series and makes most sense read last, after You Only Live Twice.

What stands out

It is shorter and tighter than most of the novels, and the tension comes from proximity rather than a chase across continents.

• Published in 1965, the year after Fleming's death.
• The 2025 Audible recording is read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.

Content notes

Suggested age 16+. Shootings, threats, sexual content and dated racial and gender attitudes.

Book and film

The 1974 Roger Moore film keeps Scaramanga but expands and changes the plot considerably.

Where it is set

• Jamaica: Kingston and a resort development (invented)

Real and fictional Bond places

Main characters

James Bond, M, Francisco Scaramanga, Mary Goodnight, Felix Leiter.