This week, Scott and Karl read the first book in the James Bond series, Casino Royale. Written by British author Ian Fleming and published in 1953, you'll find traces of the rising tensions of the Cold War mixed in with this spy thriller.

The story opens with James Bond gambling at the casino in Royale-les-Eaux to bankrupt the treasurer of a French union and a member of the Russian secret service known as Le Chiffre. What ensues is a tense but effortlessly stylish story packed with intrigue (not to forget Bentleys and gorgeous women).

Scott warns, "This [James Bond] is not the debonair Roger Moore, Sean Connery character here. He's a blunt instrument."

Karl adds later, "He's not an action hero. This is about being clever."

Tune in to learn more about Fleming’s inaugural James Bond adventures that launched the lethal and dashing 007 into a pop icon for generations of readers and movie-watchers.

#90- The First James Bond Novel: Ian Fleming's Casino Royale