Published in 1959, Goldfinger is Ian Fleming’s seventh James Bond novel. Bond first encounters Auric Goldfinger in Miami, where he exposes him cheating at cards, and later defeats him in a high-stakes golf match. British intelligence subsequently assigns Bond to investigate Goldfinger’s suspected involvement in illegal gold trading and smuggling.

Bond follows Goldfinger through Europe and discovers an extensive operation for moving gold across borders. After being captured, he learns of Operation Grand Slam, Goldfinger’s plan to raid the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox with the assistance of American criminal organisations. Bond is forced to participate while looking for an opportunity to disrupt the scheme. The novel combines espionage, organised crime and economic intrigue, while exploring themes of greed, obsession and control through Goldfinger’s fixation on gold and Bond’s efforts to prevent his plan.