James Bond Books in Order
Quick answer
Start with Casino Royale (1953), the first James Bond novel. Ian Fleming wrote twelve novels and two short story collections, For Your Eyes Only (1960) and Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966), and the books read best in publication order because Bond's story with SPECTRE and Blofeld runs across Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and You Only Live Twice. Newest: Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966).
- 1.
Casino Royale(1953)
Start here - 2.
Live and Let Die(1954)
- 3.
Moonraker(1955)
- 4.
Diamonds Are Forever(1956)
- 5.
From Russia, with Love(1957)
- 6.
Dr. No(1958)
- 7.
Goldfinger(1959)
- 8.
For Your Eyes Only(1960)
- 9.
Thunderball(1961)
- 10.
The Spy Who Loved Me(1962)
- 11.
- 12.
You Only Live Twice(1964)
- 13.
- 14.
Octopussy and The Living Daylights(1966)
Newest
Frequently asked questions
What order should I read James Bond in?
Start with Casino Royale (1953), the first James Bond novel. Ian Fleming wrote twelve novels and two short story collections, For Your Eyes Only (1960) and Octopussy and The Living Daylights (1966), and the books read best in publication order because Bond's story with SPECTRE and Blofeld runs across Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and You Only Live Twice.
How many books are in James Bond?
14 main books, published 1953–1966.
What is the latest James Bond book?
The newest book in our reading order for James Bond is "Octopussy and The Living Daylights" (1966).
Can I read James Bond out of order?
It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.