Nobody Lives Forever

John Gardner's Bond #5

by John Gardner

'Take care 007. Take special care. The continent's a hotbed of villainy these days and you can never be too careful' Bond was supposed to be on leave. But SPECTRE leader Tamil Rahani, dying from injuries suffered at Bond's hand, is determined to make it the holiday to die for. With a price on his head, Bond must evade the world's greatest assassins in a ruthless game of cat-and-mouse across Europe, while trying to save the lives of the two women who matter to him most, his housekeeper May and Miss Moneypenny. But Bond has been a target before. And when it comes to staying alive, nobody does it better than 007. In Nobody Lives Forever, the fifth in Gardner's bestselling series, Fleming's superspy is at the top of his game.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Espionage, Action, Adventure, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Before coming an author of fiction in the early 1960s, John Gardner was variously a stage magician, a Royal Marine officer and a journalist. In all, Gardner has fifty-four novels to his credit, including Maestro, which was the New York Times book of the year. He was also invited by Ian Fleming’s literary copyright holders to write a series of continuation James Bond novels, which proved to be so successful that instead of the contracted three books he went on to publish some fourteen titles, including Licence Renewed and Icebreaker.

Having lived in the Republic of Ireland, the United States and the UK, John Gardner sadly died in August of 2007 having just completed his third novel in the Moriarty trilogy, Conan Doyle’s eponymous villain of the Sherlock Holmes series.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Gardner and his fifth 007 novel updating him for the eighties and hé clearly does a decent job. Even the place where the story ends Key Largo feels somewhat Flemingesque perhaps a bit Timothy Dalton too.
Anyhow in this 5th Gardner outing of 007 hé takes a leave to travel Europe to pick up his Scottish housekeeper May who is recovering from disease in an Austrian hospital. As soon as Bond starts his journey people start dying and this does raises his suspicion.
It turns out the latest SPECTRE leader has put a serious bounty on 007's head, literly his head is what Tamil Rahani wants before the latest leader of SPECTRE leaves this mortal lands.
To make matters worse SPECTRE has kidnapped both May and Mrs Moneypenny from the clinic knowing full well that 007 will be their white knight coming to their rescue.

A far more action driven novel than the previous novel "Role of Honor" which I both bought in Hardcover at the same time. Both a nice addition to my 007 book collection. And while Ian Fleming remains the favorite 007 writer the continuation novels remain a guilty pleasure.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had a bit more action and excitement than most of the others. Less exposition, more energy. Simple plot: There's a bounty on Bond's head (literally) and every assassin in the world is out to collect it. Good stuff.

[Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In advance of "No Time to Die", I'm re-reading as many Bond novels as I can; I started with the 14 Fleming's, and am now advancing on some "greatest hits" which certainly includes "Nobody Lives Forever."

Even in re-read, I have to list "Icebreaker" with a slight edge over "Nobody Lives Forever" on the 1-2 of Gardner's 007 novels.

In it, Gardner tackles the seemingly obvious question - Why has no one ever just killed James Bond? He has annihilated countless threats. Even been the outright target of SMERSH in "From Russia With Love." "Nobody Lives Forever" gamifies it. I will not get into spoilers, but suffice it to say that Bond is a specific target in this book and he weaves his away across the globe not only trying to avoid death, but keeping safe two people he cares for.

One of my beefs with the Gardner novels is the Americanization of a British agent; here there is a throwaway line about the Oscars, and I'm not sure James Bond would really care about the American Academy Awards.

But that's really my only beef here; Gardner presents real stakes, exciting locales, twists, turns and surprises, and a thrilling climax. 4 out of 5 stars, and the 2nd best Gardner novel next to "Icebreaker."

_____________________________________
It has been several books since we have seen James Bond both this vulnerable and vicious, but NOBODY LIVES FOREVER raises the obvious question: why, after 30 years of destroying countless baddies, has no one ever set out to simply kill 007?

Once again, Gardner has done an effective job of weaving in surprises and he effectively showcases James Bond put to the test with the few things he cares about in jeopardy and an explosive climax.

We know that James Bond never dies (without being resurrected), but watching him maneuver through action-packed sequences evading henchmen intent on killing him, keeping his wits about him and feeling more and more like Fleming's cold but passionate killer is quite rewarding and NOBODY LIVES FOREVER is a strong entry in Bond canon. Gardner's 2nd best so far (to ICEBREAKER) in my opinion, reading them in order. Maybe the best.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

* Gardner's fifth Bond book.

* The third appearance of SPECTRE.

* The hope offered by Role of Honor is largely buried by this inane follow up novel. While it's true that Bond is reduced to the miniature package of Q Branch gewgaws, they are, of course, just the ones he needs in each situation, and the bad guys, naturally, only find the ones that Bond can do without.

* In terms of plot, this one is the most down to Earth of all Gardner's novels, which ought to be a good thing. But it isn't. Imagine all of Batman's enemies--the Penguin, the Joker, Catwoman, the Riddler, the whole lot--in a race to claim a bounty put, literally, on Batman's head by his most nefarious foe, Egghead. That's what Gardner gives us here, plotted on the level of the 60s TV series. Lining up to take their shot at Bond are SMERSH, the Union Course, the Mafia, and others, all spurred on by Tamil Rahani, the head of SPECTRE. Since in something approximating real life this group of killers would make short work of Bond, they are only professionals when it suits the plot; otherwise, they're inept buffoons.

* Gardner regurgitates the device he used in Icebreaker whereby the reader can never be sure that anyone is who they first appear to be. It's a dumb gimmick that rarely works, but I don't think Gardner used it for literary reasons; I suspect he figured that it would allow him to make the whole damn thing up as went along. You know, if you run into a problem, simply change a character's allegiance, and off you go again. At any rate, that's how this novel reads. It's a sloppy piece of work and then some.

* Gardner mentions a "new" branch of Bond's department: "psychos." Psychos are "mercenary killers," and they must be a little nuts because evidently they'd be quite willing to kill an innocent woman to make her husband talk. What these people are, of course, is the proof of the stupidity of Gardner's plot. One can hardly imagine a Psycho playing games with a target, particularly a target as dangerous as Bond. It's what we have to imagine the professional killers employed by SMERSH and the other organizations here must be like. But instead they're cartoon villains who would rather tie Bond to a train track and twirl their mustaches while they wait for their idiotic plot to be foiled.

* The only thing that could make this story more ridiculous than it already is if someone kidnapped May, Bond's elderly housekeeper. Oops, spoiler alert.

[Richard Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

From it’s iconic title to its relentless plotting, NOBODY LIVES FOREVER feels like it should have been destined for the big screen. You can already hear the theme song in your head, right? Probably sung by Dua Lipa. Indeed, a casual internet search will yield dozens of fan posters casting Sean Connery and Daniel Craig in the adaptation. (The Italian paperback goes one step further and puts a bearded Pierce Brosnan on the cover). Yet like most of Gardner’s novels, it remains purely a print product. It’s classic Bond in every sense of the term, and a great jump-on point for those curious about the continuation novels. 3.5 stars scaled up. My full spoiler-filled review is over at The Reel Bits as part of my ongoing 007 Case Files.

[KEVIN · Rating 1 out of 5]

A slap in the face for fans of the Ian Fleming originals. Not even worth reviewing.

[Terry Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of this series, but entertaining. I'll take a little break before reading the next in the series.

[John Peel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another James Bond novel by John Gardner. This time, SPECTRE is after Bond's head - and just his head. They've set up an elaborate game with a huge cash prize for anyone who manages to kill Bond for them. Now Bond is on the run from multiple unknown assassins...

It sounds better than it reads; there are nods to Fleming's snobbery, but more references to the films than the other novels. Bond is almost a cypher in this tale which moves at a fierce pace without seeming to get anywhere.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Bond is in serious danger here. There are times when things go wrong, always happens. There are times that he is tied up, trapped and the captors covered their tracks. He is in the room surrounded by people that want him killed. How can he get out of it? It looked really bad for Bond.
Gardner has made one good suspenseful book after another.

[Ira Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great premise. Bond's Scottish housekeeper May is recovering from an operation, and after being visited by Moneypenny is kidnapped by SPECTRE. And the only ransom wanted is Bond's head.

Bond is so cold and calculating against various bad guy teams throughout the book, that are trying to get SPECTRE's bounty on him.

Completely original and believable, Gardner continues to modernize the Bond character for the 1980s.

Good to see we're back on track with better books since Fleming's death.

Overall rating of book series:
1 - Casino Royale / On Her Majesty' Secret Service
2 - Goldfinger / For Special Services
3 - From Russia with Love / License Renewed
4 - Live and Let Die
5 - Diamonds are Forever / Dr. No / Icebreaker / Nobody Lives Forever
6 - Moonraker
7 - Colonel Sun
8 - Thunderball
9 - James Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me (Wood)
10 - You Only Live Twice
11 - For Your Eyes Only / Octopussy & The Living Daylights
12 - The Man with the Golden Gun
13 - The Spy Who Loved Me
14 - James Bond and Moonraker (Wood)
15 - Role of Honor

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite Gardner 007 book thus far. It has has all the elements of a great Bond story and a ridiculous plot. It’s fun and that is the primary reason to come to a Bond novel.

[Druss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Recommended on James Bond Radio. Hope this ends up as the basis for the next Bond movie.

[Saskia (Smitie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mijn eerste 007 boek en ik vond het best aardig. Mooie vrouwen die meteen voor Bond vallen: check, drank: check, actie: check, dubbelagenten en plot twists: check.

[F.R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a quality of FanFic to all these books, but having SPECTRE kidnap Moneypenny really does take the biscuit. It's a lot of fun though.

[Kost As · Rating 4 out of 5]

Λίγα λόγια για την πλοκή του βιβλίου... Ο James Bond κάνει roadtrip στην Ευρώπη κα του την πέφτουν όλοι οι κακοί. Τελεία και παύλα! Όσο διαβάζω John Gardner, τόσο μου θυμίζει τον κινηματογραφικό James Bond. Το Nobody lives forever μπορεί να μην έχει καμία φοβερά πρωτότυπη πλοκή, έχει, όμως, αρκετές ανατροπές και δράση! Απλά δράση! Διαβάζεται ευχάριστα χωρίς, όμως, να καταφέρει να μείνει στον αναγνώστη ως μία ανεξίτηλη ανάμνηση. Παρόλα αυτά, του βάζω 4 αστεράκια, γιατί το διάβασα άνετα και με κρατούσε και σε μία κάποια εγρήγορση.

Υ.Γ.: Λοιπόν, όσοι έχουν διαβάσει τις προηγούμενες κριτικές μου σχετικά με τη σειρά James Bond του John Gardner θα θυμούνται ότι έχω ένα θέμα, αντιπάθεια να το πω, άσβεστο μίσος να το πω, με την επιλογή του αυτοκινήτου του James Bond στα πρώτα βιβλία. Οδηγούσε τότε ένα Saab 900 Turbo. Οκ. Στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο, αν δεν κάνω λάθος, το Role of honour, ο συγγραφέας αποφάσισε (ορθώς) να το αντικαταστήσει με μία Bentley Mulsanne Turbo. Σε κάποια φάση στο Nobody lives forever, o ήρωάς μας αναγκάζεται να νοικιάσει ένα αυτοκίνητο. Και τι αυτοκίνητο τον βάζει ο θεούλης John Gardner να νοικιάσει;;; Φυσικά ένα Saab 900 Turbo. Δεν περιγράφω άλλο.

[Rob Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nobody Lives for Ever, first published in 1986, was the fifth novel by John Gardner.

The story isn't all that complex. En route to retrieve housekeeper, May, from a health clinic, Bond receives some news. British Secret Service tells him that Tamil Rahani, the leader of SPECTRE, is dying. Why? Because Bond wounded him in their last encounter. There is a price on Bond's head. Bond should "trust no one". Mysterious!

Bond learns that May and Miss Moneypenny, who had been visiting his housekeeper, are missing. Bond finds himself dodging would-be assassins while searching for his friends. Assisting him is a young débutante and her capable, yet enigmatic, female bodyguard.

The price on Bond's head is a competition organised by Rahani and SPECTRE. Its known as 'The Head Hunt'. An open contest to capture or kill Bond so he can be decapitated. While Bond tries to rescue Moneypenny and May he has to dodge betrayal, murder, kidnapping by any number of organisations and individuals.

In this twisting tale, Bond is both violent and vicious. The plot is straightforward enough. No plans for world domination here, sharks with lazers, or atomic space weapons. Its simply about henchmen, goons and assassins out to kill Bond, and get a bounty for doing so. Along the action-packed way we get a few surprises, and of course some sticky situations to test 007's skills. The ending is climatic and explosive. Not a perfect novel by any means, but a strong Bond continuation novel nonetheless. It mixes vintage Fleming with 80s culture pretty well. I for one would be more than happy to read another of Gardner's Bond novels. Recommended for anyone who wants to kill a couple of hours in an entertaining and undemanding way.

[Gary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last Gardner Bond book that I read was "Seafire" and being one of the worst books that I have ever read, I was in no hurry to repeat the experience. However, having been told that the earlier books in the series are stronger and with "Seafire" being among the last *and* following a recommendation by a guest of the James Bond Radio podcast, I thought I would give it a try. What an unfortunate mistake that was. Apart from it being even less Bond than usual, the writing is often so clunky that one is left wondering how it ever got published. The concept is a good one, SPECTRE puts a contract on Bond that pits competing assassins against one another and Bond to deliver his head to Blofeld's successor. However it requires a far superior writer than the late Mr. Gardner to do it justice. Mercifully, the book is a fast read and Ian Fleming Publications is far more selective about the authors whom they invite to write continuation novels in the modern era.

[Jeff Mayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fifth Bond book by Gardner was his best to date at that point. Bond's loyal housekeeper and Miss Moneypenny are kidnapped by SPECTRE and the ransom is Bond's head. It brings to question after thirty years and dozens of novels, short stories, and movies, why nobody killed Bond. Just hire the best assassin and have him shot through the head. But the evil geniuses always go big, wanting to kill Bond in a way that the world will remember. Here the plan is to take his head, literally, by guillotine. While it has the typical plot holes of Bond if you apply real world logic, it is a quick read, has a sense of humor, however dark it may be, and is almost entirely action. Gardner started to really get a footing in the series here. Not the greatest series, nor even a great series, it is entertaining even when it is ridiculous.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vintage Bond blended pretty well into the 80s by Gardner. Nice mix of sultry and lethal babes who may or may not be allies. Kidnapped May and Moneypenny. Plenty of murderous goons stalking Bond for the huge reward for his head on a silver platter.
Pretty decent plot but some weak points along the bloodied path. Not the best Gardner Bond but fun. A deadly giant bat was a bit much and the finale on Shark Island with a dangerous Bond enemy and lots of bodies and narrow escapes. And a room with a guillotine made just for James. How will he escape? Will he come to the rescue? How can Bond escape a roomful of armed killers? Well, it is Bond.

[Kyraia Padua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a little twist on the normal story of a princess being saved by a knight. This knight, however, is actually the dashing secret agent James Bond. Bond is in a race against Rahani and SPECTRE in a chase he calls: "The Head Hunt". It's no wonder the price to saving the Italian Princess Sukie Tempesta is his head- literally. I enjoyed this book due to the incredible use of dialogue and mystery, and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little gushy romance now and then. Good detail improved a reader's interest in the book, and the hilarious/sarcastic remarks of Bond made me crave for more.

[Jeff Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bond being chased with two female companions through Europe to Miami and Key West because of a warrant on his head literally. The story is entertaining, the plot is tightly constructed, and the writing is economical. It makes novel lean and fast moving—a chase with bad guys shooting from cars. There is surprising double cross, confusion, hostages, SPECTRE, lots of intrigue. So far in my reading of Gardner’s Bond books, this is one of his best.

[Sean Helms · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent adventure novel of James Bond. The plot was good with 007's head as the trophy in a contest among assassins. Although no Ian Fleming, Gardner keeps the ultimate spy alive minus a bit of his old personality. Worth reading, but don't expect 'Diamonds are Forever' or 'From Russia With Love' caliber writing.

[David]

More brain candy. Gardner introduces Sukie Tempesta--to whom he will return-- and Nanette 'Nannie' Norrich, another pair in a long line of femmes fatales. 007 is the target of SPECTRE vengeance yet again, and, yet again, escapes. A very bloody book. Not for the squeamish.

[John Yelverton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent enough story, but it was more of a personal James Bond store than an international spy caper which we've come to expect from the character. The plot devices are extremely predictable, but if you just want a light, fun and easy read, this will do nicely.

[Mark C. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one; a lot of excitement! SMERSH and SPECTRE in the same novel! And I'm glad it didn't have the rapid ending like Gardner's first two Bond books had. I recommend this book.

[John Huyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not up to Ian Fleming's standards. I finished it only because I don't like to stop reading a book I've started.

[Peter O'Brien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good premise, lousy execution, maybe they'll make a vastly better Bond film out of it one day...

[Benjamin Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favorite 007 adventure. Filled with twists, battles, espionage, and excitement. Could not put it down. Wish they would make this one into a film.

[Paul Lyons · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of the better John Gardner James Bond novels. Compared to the author's previous four 007 books, "Nobody Lives Forever" offers up the least amount of intrigue, thrills and all around logic. Though the idea of the attempt is admirable, the author's attempt at a James Bond novel without the benefit of 007 having a specific mission to attend to is lackluster affair through and through.

The time around, James Bond's vacation is cut short before it even begins as he learns that a ten million Swiss franc price has been literally placed on his head by Tamil Rahani, the dying head of S.P.E.C.T.R.E. On his guard on the way to check on his housemaid May (who is recovering at an Austrian health clinic) Bond picks up a faux Italian Principessa Suki, who in turn has Bond pick up her good friend and bodyguard-protector Nannie Norrich. With the two women in tow, Bond races to Austria to see May, and also Miss Moneypenny ,who just happens to be in Austria as well. With millions of Swiss francs on the line, every criminal in the world is out to capture and kill James Bond. NO ONE is to be trusted, not even the two "innocent" women sitting in Bond's car. Many evil men do their best to catch 007, yet somehow Bond has a guardian angel protecting him through each and every assassination attempt. As James Bond gets closer to locating S.P.E.C.T.R.E., and stopping the deadly game where the winner gets his head, 007 puts himself in more danger than he ever suspects...

...and the reveal is: Nannie Norrich, despite have 10,000,000,000 chances to capture and kill James Bond, waits until James Bond is actually at the Key West, Florida S.P.E.C.T.R.E. headquarters, standing in front of the ailing Tamil Rahani, before she finally pulls a gun on 007, and show her true, evil self as a freelance (!) agent of S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Turns out S.P.E.C.T.R.E hired Nannie to protect James Bond through all of the murderous killers and double-agents, so that they could save money and not have to pay the ten million Swiss francs. Nannie will just get a fee for her services. Um...what? Good thing Bond had those special trousers from Q-branch! Whatever.

Usually, my suspension of disbelief goes well with John Gardner's novels...to certain degree. I can forgive a large amount of coincidence, contrivance and clever outrageousness. Yet with "Nobody Lives Forever" went too far with its creative liberty on truth, and what's possible...to the point where the story no longer held much weight...to the point where I was bored, and was more inspired to put the book down than pick it up.

"Nobody Lives Forever" is not a bad novel, it's just not that good, and doesn't measure up to the quality of John Gardner's previous works. I found myself more annoyed than intrigued with the back and forth questions of which woman in Bond's world was good, and which worked for the KGB, or S.P.E.C.T.R.E. The author held out too long, and by the time I found out I just didn't really care anymore.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

Nobody Lives Forever by John Gardner finds James Bond, agent 007, evading assassins all over Europe who are attempting to collect a bounty on his head. This is the fifth book in the John Garnder’s Bond series.

James Bond is on his way to pick up his faithful housekeeper, May from a European health clinic. Double-0 Seven is warned by MI6 that the dying head of SPECTRE, Tamil Rahani, has put a price on his head. The prize is available to anyone who will kill James Bond.

Both May and Miss Moneypenny have been kidnapped by assassins looking for leverage on Bond. Aided by a young heiress, Principessa Sukie Tempesta and her female bodyguard, Nannette ‘Nannie’ Norrich, Bond is trying to save the important women in his life while staying alive.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book even though Mr. Garnder has made 007 more in tune with pop-culture. I don’t think James Bond, nor Ian Fleming for that matter cares, as his quip about The Beatles in Goldfinger.

The basic premise of Nobody Lives Forever by John Gardner is “Why didn’t anyone kill James Bond yet?” It’s an excellent premise for a book, to be honest. In this globetrotting adventure Bond gets close to death, while in a race to save the only two women he cares about.

I appreciate that taking over for Ian Fleming is a big job, and I think that this is the best Bond book Gardner wrote so far. Giving Bond a reason to get angry and personally involved works and it seems like something the author was happy to chew on.

The book has several surprises in it, and Bond is put to the test. The fact that the lives at stake are May and Monypenny put different stakes on him than a random person he meets in the beginning and never sees again after the last page.

Of course, it’s not a spoiler to say that Bond survives. How he survives, maneuvering around Europe’s best assassins and henchmen while keeping calm is what makes the novel a page-turner.

For me, getting back the cold-blooded, but passionate, agent that Ian Fleming created is worth the cover price. Bond gets back his distinct personality, and his hard-hitting observations about the world are always fun to read, whether you agree with them or not.