Diamonds Are Forever

by Ian Fleming

Diamonds Are Forever is the fourth of Ian Fleming’s books featuring British spy James Bond, published in 1956. As the title suggests, it’s about diamond smuggling and the book opens in Africa. Most of the action, however, takes place in the United States. As with most James Bond books, the pace is slow but you’re drawn into the story. It’s a really nice snapshot of the US  in the 1950s (including New York City’s Diamond District, racing at Saratoga Springs and gambling in Las Vegas), told through the eyes of an observant and interested Brit with a feel for the sensual.