THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN

The story feels as if (like Bond himself in this novel) author Fleming were just coming off a rough patch, both mentally and physically. The one-dimensional plot, the clichéd henchmen, the overwrought title character all churn through a formulaic 007 tale set in sunny Jamaica. Bond occasionally redeems himself with suaveness, but if it weren’t for the restrained and very British performance by Robert Whitfield, this would be a “must-miss.” Whitfield, as usual, nails dialect, mood, and pace so well that some listeners might overlook the weak story. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]