Moonraker (novel)

Moonraker is the third novel in Ian Fleming's James Bond series, first published in 1955. The story follows Bond as he investigates Sir Hugo Drax, a wealthy businessman who is funding the construction of a missile defense system, the "Moonraker." Initially presented as a national hero, Drax is later revealed to be a former Nazi with a plot to destroy London with the very missile he's supposedly building to protect it.

The novel departs somewhat from the globe-trotting adventures of other Bond stories, being largely set in England, specifically around the Kent coast. Moonraker explores themes of national identity, postwar anxieties, and the perceived threat of foreign enemies within British society.

The book is notable for its detailed descriptions of bridge, which plays a significant role in the early part of the narrative. Bond uses his skills at cards to expose Drax's cheating, sparking the initial suspicion that leads to a deeper investigation.

Important characters besides Bond and Drax include Gala Brand, a Special Branch officer posing as Drax's personal assistant, and Krebs, Drax's ruthless and efficient second-in-command. The novel features a climax involving a race against time to disarm the Moonraker missile before it reaches its target.