Best spy books, from timeless classics to new releases

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From Bond to Argylle: how spy fiction has evolved

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How to read the James Bond books in order

The spy story is the perfect formula for a gripping read.

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Reading lists

The greatest spy thrillers in literature

Ian Fleming

Imogen Stubbs

Alex Jennings

Full Cast

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation

A BBC full-cast dramatisation of Ian Fleming’s much-loved children’s classic, brought to life on radio for the first time. 
 
When the Pott family save Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the terrible fate of being crushed to the size of a matchbox at the scrapyard, she repays Caractacus, Jeremy and Jemima with the best road trip ever. For Chitty is no ordinary car: she can talk – and float – and fly! 
 
The amazing automobile takes the Potts on a trip to the seaside followed by a fantastic journey across the Channel to France, where two cunning criminals are planning to rob Paris’s most famous chocolatier, Monsieur Bon Bon. Can Chitty and the Potts find the secret hideout of terrifying gangster Joe the Monster and his sidekick, Man-Mountain Fink, and foil their evil plans? 
 
Jump aboard for a magical story full of adventure, fun and excitement, starring Imogen Stubbs as Chitty and Alex Jennings as Caractacus Pott. 
 
Cast: 
Chitty...Imogen Stubbs 
Caractacus Pott...Alex Jennings 
Jeremy Pott...Bertie Gilbert 
Jemima Pott...Kerry Ingram 
Joe the Monster...David Fleeshman 
Lord Skrumshus/Garage Man/ Monsieur Bon Bon/Man-Mountain Fink...Eric Potts

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

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Ian Fleming

Articles featuring Ian Fleming

From Bond to Argylle: how spy fiction has evolved

How to read the James Bond books in order

The greatest spy thrillers in literature

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