This story is based on the life of young James Bond who is fourteen years old and off to boarding school at Eton. 

When James arrived at the school, the first person he met was Mr. Codrose who was the housemaster.  Mr. Codrose made James aware that he would be his father, priest and God for the duration of his stay at the school. 

James then met Pritpal Nandra, an Indian boy, who had the room next door.  Pritpal informed James about many of the traditions around Eton.  When James asked "why" regarding so many traditions, Pripal answered "Nobody knows why we do the things we do.  We just do." 

It was soon time for the Easter holiday.  James boarded a train to spend the holiday with his aunt and uncle in Scotland.  His uncle was not feeling well and the aunt did not feel she could leave him so she wanted James to come there for the holiday. 

As James was about to board the train, a young boy approached him and asked if he would detour the guards so he could "get on the train".  The boy told James he lost his ticket and suggested James keep the guards busy so he could sneak on the train.  James did as he asked and the boy managed to get past the guards and on the train. 

This is where young James Bond finds his first adventure.  The young boy informed James that his cousin, Alfie Kelly, was missing.  The family did not know what happened to Alfie.  They assumed he went fishing because his gear was gone from the house. 

What happened to Alfie?  Did he drown while fishing?  Did some foul play take place? 

It is soon discovered that Alfie's disappearance is linked to a madman who has a plot to create a genetically altered race of men and beasts.       

What is discovered during the investigation?

If the reader wants to know what the young James Bond was really like, this is the book to read.  It is written for readers ten and up but all readers (especially James Bond fans) will find this book an adventure to read.  The author does an excellent job in setting the stage for a very young James Bond right from the very beginning with the introduction of him at Eton.   The author has created a clever novel and he makes you want to use your imagination as you picture this young lad growing up to be the brilliant James Bond that we all know of today.                       

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON