John Gardner Books | Licensed Renewed | For Special Services |

In 1981, John Gardner was given the OK to begin where Ian Fleming had left off, on the adventures of Her Majesty's Sir James Bond. Licensed Renewed was the first of a 14 book series for John Gardner, and two novelizations that became films.

Characters

Sir James Bond MI5's loyal agent (no longer 007) M Head of MI5, or the British Secret Intelligence Service Miss Moneypenny M's personal secruitary Bill Tanner MI5 Chief of Staff "Franco" An International Terroist, wanted all throughout Europe and Middle East Dr. Anton Murik Former Nuclear Physicist, disregarded for his beliefs. Now works for a global meltdown Mary Jane Mashkin Murik's mistress. Attempts to make love with Bond to see if Bond truely wants to work for Murik. Carber Murik's personal body guard

Plot Overview

The 00 sections has been finished by M, but M keeps Bond on aboard stating: "You will always be 007 to me."

M puts Bond on his first new mission - to track the nuclear physicist, Dr. Anton Murik. MI5 has reason to believe that Murik has been planning a diabolical scheme with the international wanted terrorist, Franco. With the help of MI5, Bond tracks down Franco in a secluded Scottish village codenamed: Murcaldy.

When MI5 is dismissed by Scottish authority to survey and scan Murcaldy, M sends Bond out secretly to track Franco a bring him down at any cost. Along the way, Bond is to gain Murik's trust, and press him for information.

Bond makes contact with Murik at the Ascot Racecourse. He tells Murik,

Bond: "I am the deadliest mercenary in the west, and looking for work." Murik: "The best?" Bond: "Yes." Murik: "We shall see."

Puzzled, Bond travels with Murik and Carber to his castle near Murcaldy. There, Bond is hired to kill Franco by Murik. Confused, Bond ask why, but Murik does not crack and tell. But Murik also hires hires Franco to kill his young ward, Lavender Peacock. Lavender is the heir to the Murik family fortune, which could only be used with documents inside the castle itself. (Confusing, isn't it?) But there is a plan to it all.....................

Anton plans to infiltrate six nuclear power plants at six key points around the globe, using a terroist group along with Franco. Franco and his men successfully hijack all six plant, and begin operation meltdown. Bond is quick to act though, contacting Franco and pretending to be Murik, tells Franco to stop the nuclear meltdown. Bond, still acting as Murik, gives them the abort code. Murik, sensing defeat, quickly flees but is killed by Bond.

James Bond will return in: For Special Services