The Man Who Sold Death — James Munro

The best-selling thriller which introduced John Craig who, in 1964, was seriously tipped as the logical successor to James Bond following the death of Ian Fleming. Craig is a man hardened by war, as a decorated officer in the elite Special Boat Section and subsequently as a gun-runner along the North African coast. Attempting to go straight he becomes a successful businessman back in England, but his past catches up with him, literally, with a bang as fanatical French soldiers resisting the move for independence for Algeria mark him for death. A crack pistol shot and a karate black belt, Craig is well-equipped to take the fight to the enemy but only with the help of the sinister Loomis, head of British Intelligence's ruthless 'Department K'. James Munro was the pen-name of James Mitchell, who went on to even greater success with his novels, short stories and television scripts for his iconic spy Callan.