*Casino Royale* was Ian Fleming’s first novel, and the book that launched the global, iconic, legendary action adventure, espionage franchise that is James Bond/007. JAMES BOND PLAYS A DEADLY GAME OF CHANCE IN IAN FLEMING’S UNFORGETTABLE FIRST NOVEL “Le Chiffre” is a ruthless operative and the money-man for a Soviet cell in France, but he’s on the verge of disaster after gambling away his client’s money. Taking the last of his stash to the casino, he lures a dozen wealthy players to a high-stakes game, hoping to hustle his way whole. The British Secret Service would like to see this red thorn plucked from the hide of Europe, and sends their best card sharp, James Bond, to the baccarat table to bankrupt Le Chiffre for good. With the cards running against him and SMERSH operatives threatening to kill him and his beautiful counterpart, Vesper Lynd, 007 needs his luck to turn before he loses their lives to the mission.