'Colonel Sun' (1958) by Kingsley Amis

Colonel Sun is the first James Bond continuation novel written after Ian Fleming's death, and it stays true to the spirit of Fleming’s original works. In this thrilling story, Bond faces betrayal, abduction, and a deadly political plot that could spark global conflict.

The novel begins with the mysterious kidnapping of 'M', the head of MI6, from his home in England. Bond narrowly escapes an assassination attempt and quickly sets out to rescue his boss. His mission takes him to Greece, where he discovers a conspiracy led by Colonel Sun Liang-tan, a rogue Chinese officer. Sun plans to disrupt a Soviet Union summit by framing Britain for a brutal attack, intending to ignite tensions between the Western and Eastern blocs.

With the help of Ariadne Alexandrou, a courageous Greek resistance fighter, Bond uncovers Sun's hideout on a remote island. The plot escalates with high-stakes action, including sea battles and deadly traps, as Bond infiltrates Sun's lair. He faces intense physical and psychological torture at the hands of the sadistic Colonel Sun but uses his resourcefulness and courage to turn the tables.

Ultimately, Bond thwarts Sun’s plans, saves M, and prevents an international crisis. The novel concludes with Bond reflecting on the dangerous nature of his work and the enduring battle against forces that threaten global stability.

Colonel Sun retains the hallmarks of a classic Bond adventure, exotic locales, a ruthless villain, espionage, and Bond's unyielding determination, while showcasing Kingsley Amis's unique literary style and deeper character exploration.