A Hard Man To Kill (Young Bond, #4.5)

by Charlie Higson

James is tired. Although he and his Aunt Charmian have been enjoying a cruise, courtesy of Jack Stone (in thanks for saving Precious Stone in Hurricane Gold) James is more than ready for a bit of dullness. A chance to relax and restore his spirits - which he believes he'll get when they board the French liner, Colombie, to take them back home before James joins up with his Eton friends on their Austrian skiing trip (detailed in By Royal Command). Even better, James meets a friend on board - Wilder Lawless (who he met in Silverfin) who is working with her dad to transport horses across the ocean.

Unfortunately for James, even his rest and relaxation are interrupted by mystery, intrigue and danger. The Colombie is playing host to the Caiboche - a criminal who escaped his crimes by joining the French Foreign Legion and then proceeded to be promoted up the ranks until he had deserted with a bunch of loyal men, took over some land and declared himself King. The French ignored him until he slaughtered an entire town for trying to stand up to him. Then he was declared a threat, his army destroyed and himself captured. Leading to him boarding the Colombie to be sent back to France to stand trial.

Things go wrong and James and Wilder find themselves in the middle of a plot to free the Caiboche and take control of the ship. With some help from Wilder, James Bond, once again, saves the day by thwarting the bad guys. Although short, this novella is action packed and an enjoyable read. 3 stars.