#11 in Fleming's Bond series, it finds our hero contemplating resigning his 007 status. His interest is piqued by Tracy, a young woman he finds is the daughter of an elite Mafia boss.

Bond is troubled by the possibility that Blofeld is still alive, and he spends his energy following up a lead on a prestigious scientist in the Swiss Alps. Could it be the despicable criminal hiding out, working on a new world domination plan?

Great fast action, with romance thrown in.

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (OHMSS) is the eleventh book by Ian Fleming in the James Bond series.

OHMSS is the second book in the loosely called "Blofeld trilogy", which follows the events of “Thunderball” concluding with the twelfth book in the series in “You Only Live Twice”. The story centres on Bond's ongoing search to find super-villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld (the brief interlude, “The Spy Who Loved Me”, refers to Bonds continued dealings with SPECTRE).

OHMSS is a welcome return to form for Fleming and the Bond series. Fleming goes back to what made the initial books in the series so good, such as:
* A ruthless and calculating villain
* Exotic locations
* High tension and tightly written action
* Beautiful women
* A conceivable storyline, and
* Incredibly high stakes for all involved

We see Bond having to rely on his physical and mental game rather than relying on gadgets from Q Branch or his trusted Walther PK 9mm. Also we definitely see the more human side of Bond and the decisions he is facing regarding his future and his career in the Secret Service.

From its intriguing opening chapter, right through to its brutal and heartbreaking ending, OHMSS is for me the best of Bond so far and gets 4 intricate family trees out of 5.

I guess if you write a number of books concerning the same character it’s almost inevitable that you’d get bored. Arthur Conan-Doyle did it, as did Agatha Christie – and here is Ian Fleming doing the same. ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ was a not overly successful attempt to fiddle around with the Bond formula; however ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ is an altogether more convincing step in a different direction. Whereas the previous book tore everything up to give a very different kind of Bond tale, this novel merely tweaks things to give - a still recognisable, but - far more affecting James Bond adventure.

This is of course the book where James Bond gets married. And I found myself convinced that in Tracey, Commander Bond had found someone he would want to settle down with. I don’t really see it as a traditional love story – it’s far too sharp and sudden for that – but I can see these characters as two lonely wanderers who want a more secure life and see in each other someone who would make that possible. Bond is getting on, he’s meeting men younger than he is (the splendidly named Sable Basilisk for one), the ‘beatnik problem’ is becoming a concern for the department (those damn kids!) and he’s thinking idly of having children and security. In Tracy he sees someone who will be there for him, who will entertain him, care for him and give him what he wants – while still letting him live his same dangerous and crazy life. And she sees someone who will keep her calm and (she thinks) make her safe. Given Bond’s more carefree and casual existence with women in previous books, this is a huge leap. And Fleming is very clever in having all roads lead back to Tracey in both the plot and in Bond’s psyche.

I wonder how much thought Fleming gave to actually keeping this couple together forever.

(Interestingly, it’s the first book to be written after Bond had been immortalised on celluloid, and it’s on film that the ‘Bond formula’ would be really set in stone. [Even if, as memory serves, this book was actually filmed rather faithfully.] 007 is given a Scottish parent to suit Connery’s lilt, while the fictional Bond encounters the original screen Bond girl Ursula Andress.)

Unlike the previous book this is a gentle pushing of the envelope. Bond, despite his imminent betrothal, remains much the same character as before – still cruel, obsessed by the job and a hot blooded male when the right moment arrives. His consumerism is again unharnessed, with watches, skis and “Pinaud Elixir, the prince of shampoos” all rhapsodised over. There is no danger of scaring off the regular reader here, even if it wouldn’t be best place to start if you’d never read a Bond novel before. It isn’t perfect by any means – descriptions of card playing, car racing and alpine sports all go on far too long – but it’s the Bond novel which aims to be emotionally affecting and largely succeeds.

As it's December I thought I would read (yet again!) this excellent James Bond novel.....a feeble excuse I know!
Ian Fleming's 11th James Bond novel is an adventure with a capital A. There's drama, action, romance & even a little humour here & there. High up in the Swiss Alps SPECTRE leader Ernst Stavro Blofeld hatches another evil plot & it's down to secret agent 007 to defeat him.
Once again Ian Fleming creates an array of wonderful characters. Marc Ange Draco, the extremely likable head of the Union Corse, is probably my favourite Fleming creation since Kerim Bay in From Russia With Love. His daughter, Tracy, is also a character who leaves a big impression on James Bond as well as the reader.
The author takes us inside fascinating places, such as the College of Arms in London where Bond learns about heraldry. Fleming's superb prose pulls you effortlessly into these worlds whether he is describing a location, a meal or a nerve racking ski chase.
This is still my favourite James Bond novel, from the tense opening chapter on a French beach right up to the shattering climax. Superb.

One of the great Bond books, this is the one famous for ending with Bond being married to Tracy, one of his conquests (it's also famous as the only Bond film starring the immortal George Lazenby). It also has a typically epic adventure as Bond travels to the Swiss Alps to stop Blofeld from attacking British agriculture with biological weapons.

Of all the Bond books, this is probably the one that works best as a piece of literature. We learn a lot about Bond's character: what motivates him to be an agent, what motivates him in his pursuit of women, his sense of honor, and his roguishness. The story begins with his drafting of a resignation letter, but once he is on the trail of Blofeld, we can sense his excitement and sense of duty (Bond's ski-bound escape from Blofeld's mountain is one Fleming's best adventure writing).

You could even say this book has a theme: that of "family." Bond doesn't just get married. He also acquires a hearty father-in-law (from a Corsican crime family). Bond also develops a touching relationship with Tracy, whom he comes to love, even after treating her dismissively after their initial night together. Bond's relationship with father-figure M is also explored, as is the effect on family life that a career in the Secret Service can have. Appropriately, Bond's cover for infiltrating Blofeld's organization is as a geneologist and expert in heraldry.

The relationships within the book are also well developed; I don't think there's another Bond book that delves so much into the relationship between Bond and M, for example. But everyone with whom Bond interacts - from the casino employees at Royale to Blofeld's henchmen to the women Bond encounters in Switzerland - all have fully formed interactions with Bond.

This is not to say this is a perfect book. For one thing, it gives every indication of being two books that were combined into one. Tracy disappears from the middle section of the book and has little to do with the Blofeld plot until she appears out of nowhere to rescue Bond (babeus ex machina). I don't think it would have required too much effort for Fleming to place Tracy on Blofeld's mountain (or at least the periphery); but, then again, that would mean Bond would not have been able to seduce one of Blofeld's women so...it's a wash I guess.

If you are a Bond fan, casual or serious, this is one of the essential ones. Even if you are not a Bond fan, and have perhaps been put off by the dated racism and sexism in some of his other books, there's nothing to worry about here. This is really a great book and one I can't recommend highly enough.

Those having read Ian Fleming’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, I think, had to encounter its 2-chapter tough lengthy pages on Bond’s escape by skiing, I knew their description was from the author’s expertise. However, it was not easy to visualize along his seeming stream of consciousness, especially to those who had never skied or trekked on snowy mountains; therefore, reading Chapter 16 ‘Downhill Only’ and Chapter 17 ‘Bloody Snow’ more or less hopelessly relied on imagination, in other words, those with their direct experience would definitely enjoy reading them more.

Ian Fleming's 11th James Bond book, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," was written, as was the author's wont, while on vacation at his Goldeneye retreat on the north shore of Jamaica, at Oracabessa, in the winter of 1962...coincidentally, not far from where filming for the original 007 movie, "Dr. No," was taking place at that same time. "OHMSS" is the middle segment of what has come to be known as "the Blofeld trilogy," which began with 1961's "Thunderball" (in which Bond and Blofeld do not meet) and concluded with 1964's "You Only Live Twice." (1962's "The Spy Who Loved Me," which followed "Thunderball," was practically a peaceful interlude by comparison!) I hadn't read "OHMSS" in over 40 years, but had fond memories of it being one of the best of the author's 14-book series, and a recent rereading has served to demonstrate how accurate my memories have been. This is one of the most suspenseful of the Bond outings, although not the most action packed, and features what is undoubtedly the most emotionally devastating wrap-up of all Bond novels. Ultimately released in April '63, and thus approaching its golden anniversary as I write these words, the book seems dated not one bit (unlike, for example, certain references in "Thunderball") and still retains its ability to thrill.

In the book--for those who might not be aware, at this late date--Bond meets a suicidal young woman named Tracy di Vicenzo while at the gaming tables in (the fictitious French town of) Royale-les-Eaux, whose casino had been spotlighted in the first 007 novel, 1953's "Casino Royale." Tracy's father is no less a figure than Marc-Ange Draco, the head of the Union Corse, the Corsican equivalent of the Mafia, who gives Bond a lead as to the whereabouts of his old nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. It seems that Blofeld has been applying at the U.K.'s College of Arms for confirmation that he is the heir to the hereditary title Count de Bleuville, and so off Bond goes, disguised as a bookish College of Arms researcher, to Blofeld's lair atop (the again fictitious) Piz Gloria, high in the Swiss Alps. And once there, he uncovers a fiendish plot involving biological warfare and "ten gorgeous girls"....

As mentioned above, "OHMSS" is not as action intensive as some of the other 007 titles but does yet feature two outstanding set pieces. In the first, Bond makes a dangerous nighttime escape via skis from Blofeld's lair, narrowly avoiding being engulfed by an avalanche; in the second, Bond pursues Blofeld down a treacherous run on skeleton bobs. Otherwise, this is more of a novel of suspense, as our undercover superspy investigates the master criminal's setup. The novel lets us see a 007 who is on the verge of quitting the Service; a more emotional Bond, who decides that he is ready for marriage and "fed up with all these untidy, casual affairs that leave [him] with a bad conscience"! The book introduces us to Bond's new secretary, Mary Goodnight; shows us a side of Bond's chief, M, that we had not seen before; and even, amidst the suspense and thrills, features some nice bits of humor. For example, in one scene, Irma Bunt (Blofeld's hideous "secretary") points out the many celebrities visiting Piz Gloria, including Ursula Andress (the female lead in "Dr. No," mind warpingly enough)! Also, how amusing it is when Blofeld's birthday is revealed to be May 28, 1908...the same as the author's! The novel also features what has come to be known as the "Fleming sweep"--a rapid pace that carries the reader along from chapter to chapter, and the utilization of an abundance of detail to engender a sense of absolute realism--to a marked degree; indeed, the amount of detail in the book is simply staggering. This reader encountered a good 285 references that sent him scurrying for help to the atlas, German and French dictionaries, and the assorted Interwebs for assistance; still, the result was a fuller, deeper appreciation of a page-turner that most folks would deem unputdownable. Good as Fleming is, though (and make no mistake...he is a terrific writer), a close reading will reveal some inadvertent boo-boos. For example, during Bond's southerly helicopter flight to Piz Gloria, the mountains known as the Silvretta Group are said to be "away to starboard," although a map check reveals that they should be toward Bond's left. That helicopter is said to be a "bright orange Alouette," although Bond later describes it as being yellow. One of the 10 girls says that Bond was discussing the possibility of Irma Bunt being a duchess "at lunch today," whereas that conversation had actually transpired at dinner the previous evening. Finally, Fleming gets the name of a genealogy book wrong; it should be "Burke's Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies," not "Baronetage." Of course, this is mere nitpicking. "OHMSS" is, quite simply, a tremendous addition to the Bond canon, and one whose ending should leave most readers both shaken AND stirred, if not teary eyed.

A brief word on the 1969 filmization, a picture that has been belittled and disparaged ever since its initial release. It is a wonderfully faithful adaptation, and the small changes that the filmmakers incorporated (e.g., the suspenseful safecracking scene, the courtship interlude, Tracy's presence during the avalanche) all serve the film very well. George Lazenby, in his only go at being Bond, is just fine, despite what the naysayers would have you believe; Diana Rigg is, naturally, the classiest of all the "Bond girls"; and Telly Savalas makes for an imposing Blofeld (if hardly the Blofeld described in Fleming's book). Easily the best of the non-Connery Bond films, "OHMSS" boasts some tremendous action sequences, thrilling theme music and a lovely contribution from Louis Armstrong. And, of course, it boasts the only tear-jerking finale of all 22 (to date) Bond pictures. The film was largely shot at one of the world's first revolving restaurants, which was just being constructed at the time, atop the Schilthorn (2,974 meters high), near Murren, Switzerland, in the area known as the Oberland. The restaurant, later christened the Piz Gloria, is still very much in operation today. Boy, would I love to go!

Практически год спустя после прочтения ужасной 10-й части "бондианы" я набрался смелости и решил прочитать (и прочитал) следующую. Она оказалась достаточно интересной, по крайней мере, лучше многих других книг в серии!!!

Больше всего мне понравился собственно сюжет. Он получился логичным, ясным, не затянутым и динамичным!

Из минусов это, конечно же, странная любовная линия (ну, не может этот человек писать о любви!!!!), и привычные для Ian Fleming национализм и снобизм, а также целая куча рекламы (фильмы о Бонде этим тоже знамениты)! Но в целом мне понравилось, было не скучно!!!

Movie review

Despite all the popularity and stardom James Bond gave him,Sean Connery was not happy and left the role.He would be persuaded to return but only briefly.

In the meanwhile,the makers of the films decided to cast an unkown model,George Lazenby as James Bond.This turned out to be his only outing.He could have continued and that would have been interesting,but according to some accounts,his attitude was already difficult.

He did a surprisingly good job.It is one of the best Bond films.Great stunts as usual and a beautiful location in the Swiss Alps.No science fiction gadegets for James Bond this time.A new director,and a script that very closely followed the book,unlike most of the other Bond films.

Bond's love life takes a new turn and makes for a surprising,emotional ending.

4 stars for the film.

This Bond title is probably best known for the movie version because it is the only one to star George Lazenby. While the movie is not often listed among the best-of-Bond lists, the novel itself is one of the better Bond novels. That’s a little strange, because unlike most Bond movies, this one mirrors the novel quite closely.

After the events of Thunderball, James Bond is questioning his future with the Secret Service and has, in fact, mentally prepared a letter of resignation. His future plans are considerably altered through the characters he meets and the hunt for the villain, Ernst Blofeld, who has embarked on a massive biological warfare scheme. The novel is largely known as the most emotional of the Bond novels for there is true romance and love here as well as a horribly tragic ending which will leave Bond in a state of depression at the beginning of the next book, You Only Live Twice. Bond does succeed in his mission to stop Blofeld’s scheme but one can’t help but feel he has lost far more than he has won this time around.

Only three more books to go in the series (covering 4 stories) and I look forward to each of them.

TW: conversion therapy and (again with) women's 'subconscious desire to be raped'.

This is my final James Bond. I've got to the stage where I'm reading (listening to) them with my critical intellect rather than my suspension-of-disbelief reader's enjoyment.

I really enjoyed this book. I have never read a James Bond before and am glad my Dad chose this book for me to read.
James is on the trail of Blofled, as he is heading towards what could be another lead, he is passed on the road by a young lady driving a Lancia. Now this grabs James's attention and when he rescues this young lady, Tracy, from what could be social and economic ruin, her father gives James his biggest lead yet. He finds himself on top of a mountain in Switzerland, surrounded my 10 young ladies with a very strict Matron.
What is Blofeld up too? The more James finds out the sooner he is out of there the better. Can Blofeld be stopped? Who will help James?
The plot kept me engaged, liked the dynamics between James and all he met. The book was better than the film, there was not so much sex, the gadgets were not there, James had to use his wits.
I do plan on reading James Bond books.