As a James Bond adventure, the film version of Goldfinger is very well known. However, the book by Ian Fleming (Hodder, £5.99 in UK), first published in 1958, is even better, with its fast and pacy writing combined with subtle wit, and a dose of black humour. Written at a time when Bond had become well established, it has all the usual elements, revolving around a plot to rob Fort Knox. The villains are suitably sinister, led by the gold-loving title character and his accomplice, the oriental Oddjob. A very compelling and quick read.