The arch villain is determined to salvage an alien war machine on the bottom of the ocean. Two problems with that…. One is that the salvage operation breaks the treaty we have with the horrors who claim the depths of the ocean as theirs – and they aren’t the type you want to piss off. Two is that the arch villain plans to rule the world. That is, of course, what arch villains do.

There is typical English deadpan humor throughout the book. No out-loud chuckles for me but there were a few smirks and grimaces – not the least of which was the evil PowerPoint presentations that the bad guys use to infiltrate and kill the mid-level managers in The Laundry. That was actually a hoot.

The James Bond compulsion/geas that drives our hero was cleverly done. The plot was convoluted and a bit confusing – but isn’t that typical of a James Bond plot? There are tantalizing hints about the kind of work engaged in by The Laundry and our hero, Bob, that might make a decent series. In fact, there is a short story at the end of the book that shows what a more typical day is like for Bob.

Despite the glowing reviews, I was not that entertained. It was mildly amusing and I enjoyed the clever use of James Bond. Certainly, James Bond aficionados should not miss this. ~~ Catherine Book