Thriller · Classics
Casino Royale
The first James Bond novel sends him to a French casino to bankrupt a Soviet-connected paymaster at the baccarat table. A beautiful colleague is sent to work with him.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1953
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Format
- Book 1 of 14 in James Bond (Original Series)
Read this if you want to see where James Bond began, in a lean, cold and surprisingly brooding story.
Skip this if you want the glossy gadgets and humour of the films, or modern attitudes, since the book is a product of the fifties.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Casino Royale
- What is Casino Royale about?
- The first James Bond novel sends him to a French casino to bankrupt a Soviet-connected paymaster at the baccarat table. A beautiful colleague is sent to work with him.
- Who should read Casino Royale?
- Read it if you want to see where James Bond began, in a lean, cold and surprisingly brooding story. Skip it if you want the glossy gadgets and humour of the films, or modern attitudes, since the book is a product of the fifties.
- How long and how fast is Casino Royale?
- It is a fast-paced, short read, first published in 1953.
- Does Casino Royale have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Torture, Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Casino Royale for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Casino Royale; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Casino Royale?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, The Bourne Identity.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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