Over the years, a variety of authors – from Kingsley Amis to Anthony Horowitz – have created new exploits for the late Ian Fleming’s superspy James Bond, with varying levels of success. But it’s safe to say that King Zero by Charlie Higson is unquestionably in the upper 007 echelons, a colourful, adroitly constructed adventure for a latter-day Bond that nevertheless cannily incorporates traditional elements of the franchise. Bond fans need not hesitate – not least for the fact that in the eponymous King Zero, the multi-talented Higson has created a truly memorable villain. ‘
