It's official: Charlie Higson is the next JAMES BOND

Yes, it's true. Young Bond author Charlie Higson will play "James Bond" in 2013!

RadioTimes reports that Charlie Higson has adapted the Miss Marple adventure A Caribbean Mystery for ITV1, and will have a cameo role as unassuming American ornithologist, James Bond.

Of course, this is nod to the real James Bond, author of Birds of the West Indies, whose name was "borrowed" by Ian Fleming for his fictional super spy.

A Caribbean Mystery finds Agatha Christies "spinster sleuth" investigating the death of a guest at a lavish hotel on the tropical island of St Honore. It will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK in 2013.

Directed by Charlie Palmer, A Caribbean Mystery will feature Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple. Supporting players include Robert Webb, Montserrat Lombard, Daniel Rigby, Hermione Norris, MyAnna Buring, Warren Brown, Antony Sher and Higson, Charlie Higson as JAMES BOND.

First photo of the new Bond. (Note character name on window card.)

Speaking of Higson, the latest book in his popular Enemy series, The Sacrifice, has just been released by Puffin Books in the UK.

Thanks to marktmurphy at the CBn Forums for the alert. Follow Charlie Higson on Twitter @monstroso.

Second CHITTY sequel published today in the UK

The second sequel to Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is released today in the UK.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang And The Race Against Time by Frank Cottrell Boyce is the follow up to his Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again released last year. The book is again illustrated by Joe Berger and picks up with the Tooting family stranded in the Cretaceous period.

Warning: May contain dinosaurs!

From the cover art, it appears the traditional Chitty car is back. In the first book the engine of Chitty inhabited a magical VW Bus.

Purchase Chitty Chitty Bang Bang And The Race Against Time at Amazon.co.uk.

It isn't due for release in the U.S. until March 2013.

BOND ON SET: FILMING SKYFALL released

Bond on Set: Filming Skyfall has been released by DK Books. The book is a collection of candid behind the scenes photographs from the set of the latest Bond film by official photographer Greg Williams.

Previous "Bond on Set" books have covered Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

The photos are terrific, but I miss "making of" books that actually tell the story of the filming (you know, with words). Licence To Kill, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World Is Not Enough all had nicely informative official "making of" books. And, of course, the unofficial The Making of On Her Majesty's Secret Service by Charles Helfenstein is the greatest of all the Bond "making of" books, IMO.

But if you crave behind the scenes pics, then this is a must buy.

Purchase Bond on Set: Filming Skyfall from Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).

Related: IFP confirms no Skyfall novelization (dang it).

CATCHING BULLETS – MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN out now

Catching Bullets - Memoirs of a Bond Fan by Mark O'Connell has been released by Splendid Books. The book is described as "Fever Pitch meets 007 - a personal trawl through growing up as a gay Bond fan in the 1980s." It's getting great early reviews and contains a Foreword by Mark Gatiss, an Afterward by Maud Adams, and a Prelude by Barbara Broccoli.

From the offbeat vantage point of a movie-obsessed teenager whose grandfather was chauffeur to legendary 007 producer Albert R. Broccoli, CATCHING BULLETS – MEMOIRS OF A BOND FAN is a love-letter to James Bond, Duran Duran title songs and bolting down your tea quick enough to watch Roger Moore falling out of a plane without a parachute. 

 When Jimmy O'Connell took a job as chauffeur for 007 producers Eon Productions, it would not just be Cubby Broccoli, Roger Moore and Sean Connery he would drive to James Bond. His grandson Mark swiftly hitches a ride on a humorous journey of filmic discovery where Bond movies fire like bespoke bullets at a Reagan-era Catholic childhood marked with divorce, a closet-gay adolescence sound-tracked by John Barry and an adult life as a comedy writer still inspired by that Broccoli movie magic. 

“Mark O’Connell is a great new writing talent and we are delighted to be publishing his first book,” says Splendid Books’ Editorial Director Shoba Vazirani. CATCHING BULLETS is very funny and he brings a genuinely new insight into the Bond film phenomena.

“The book is a fascinating journey, in which Mark reconsiders all the Bond films as they fire into his and everyone’s cinema-going memories.”

You can purchase Catching Bullets - Memoirs of a Bond Fan at Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).

Pegasus NO DEALS MR. BOND U.S. paperback ships early

The new U.S. paperback edition of John Gardner's No Deals Mr. Bond from Pegasus has been released early. Originally scheduled for October 15, Amazon shows the book as in stock now.

Scorpius was also announced for October 15. So far that release date is holding. My question/concern is whether Pegasus will actually release all the Gardner books in the U.S. as Orion has done in the UK. So far they've not announced any books beyond Scorpius. Also, Orion's UK editions are now listing on the U.S. Amazon.

Visit our special Gardner Renewed page for links and release date updates for all the Gardner-Bond reprints in the U.S. and UK.

Thanks to Neil Bulk for the alert.

UPDATE: Word is Scorpius is now shipping as well.

007 RELOADED subway advert

Check out this sensational subway advertisement for AudioGo's new 007 Reloaded audiobooks. Bond is back indeed.

Click to enlarge

Thanks to the Bond and Beyond Facebook page.

Raymond Benson and Jeffery Deaver team up for ICE COLD

Bond authors Jeffery Deaver and Raymond Benson have joined forces and will be editing a new Mystery Writers of America anthology of short stories called, ICE COLD: Tales of Mystery and Intrigue from the Cold War. The book will be published in 2014. Here is the press release announcing the project.

The Publications Committee of Mystery Writers of America is delighted to invite our members to submit original short stories for the next MWA anthology to be published in 2014. We are very pleased to announce that this new anthology of original short stories will be co-edited by Raymond Benson and Jeffery Deaver. These two outstanding writers, the only two American authors of official James Bond novels, have joined forces to edit our annual anthology of original short stories. 

Centered on the Cold War, this book will let our members unleash their own interpretations of a tense and scary era in history. Raymond and Jeff will each write an original story for this exciting anthology and have invited other top MWA members to do so as well: Joseph Finder, John Lescroart, Laura Lippman, J. A. Jance, T. Jefferson Parker, Sara Paretsky, Katherine Neville, and Gayle Lynds with John Sheldon.
Ten new stories will be selected by an expert MWA panel from a pool of blind submissions by our current members. Members in any category of membership may submit stories -- you do not need to be previously published, but you must be a member in good standing (dues paid). 

Please consider joining these ten outstanding authors in this exciting venture. Stay within the theme, and send in your story by February 1st for consideration by our panel of judges. Here is the final title and theme for this thrilling project: 

Ice Cold:

Tales of Mystery and Intrigue from the Cold War

Edited by Jeffery Deaver and Raymond Benson 

“Spies. Femme fatales. Shady diplomats. Covert meetings in foreign cities. Nervous political leaders. Nuclear threats and brinksmanship. Paranoia. The Cold War had all of these and much, much more. The frigid time between 1945 and 1989 was a real-world maze of dead drops, double (and triple) agents, and clandestine meetings—and betrayals.
Sharpen your writing instruments to pen stories set during this terrifying time, when war between the superpowers was a frightening possibility that could be jump- started at the touch of a button. The Cold War background lends itself to a variety of stories—mystery, thriller, pulp, noir—each one highlighting the danger and fear that stalked secret agents, reporters, or even everyday citizens. So flip up the collar on your trench coat, and make sure you aren’t being followed as you step into the shadowy world of the Cold War.”

Watch Raymond Benson's official Facebook page for updates.

New SKYFALL poster is familiar

The final U.S. one-sheet for Skyfall has been released. As usual, some Bond fans are voicing their displeasure, but I really like the simple strong image and the unusual placement of the credits. But maybe I like it because it reminds me of something?

Thanks to Tanner over at the stellar Double O Section blog for reminding me that the image of Daniel Crag is reminiscent of the silhouette first used on the 1982 Berkley paperback edition of Goldfinger (below). The same silhouette later appeared on the covers of Raymond Benson's Never Dream of Dying and The Man With The Red Tattoo.

Click here to read more about the Berkley silhouette series of the 1980s. You might also be interested in reading about another cover silhouette that sparked controversy for being too similar to the films. And check out my article on the surprising similarities between the films and the books, Déjá vu Mr. Bond, soon to be updated with Skyfall.

JAMES BOND POSTER BOOK pulled from Amazon (update)

Here's a wild bit of news. It appears that DK has pulled their new book James Bond: 50 Years of Movie Posters from Amazon. The listing now says the book in "under review." So what happened?

Well, Graham Rye, editor of OO7 Magazine, posted on the CBn forums that he sent an email to DK "containing 55 separate comments concerning the errors and text omissions in the book." Graham says they "now intend to reprint it in a corrected version."

I sent an email to DK several weeks back seeing if I could get a review copy of this book, but never heard back. I took the plunge and purchased it this week. While the book does indeed contain errors and omissions typical of official publications (no Tomorrow Never Dies U.S. advance one-sheet, the poster listed as the Never Say Never Again U.S. one-sheet is clearly not), it's still a very nicely put together book with some sensational concept artwork. Certainly it is a vast improvement over the last official poster book.

It baffles me why DK didn't run a proof by any one of several readily accessible James Bond experts and collectors who could have easily flagged these problems before they became, well, this BIG problem.

What does this mean for those of us who already purchased the book? That I would like to know.

Check out this thread at the CBn Forums where the book is being discussed. Also feel free to add any new info in the Comments below.

UPDATE: Looks like the book is again available for purchase on Amazon. No word from DK about what happened or whether there will be a corrected edition. Weird.

UPDATE 2: According to Graham Rye, the book was pulled because someone complained that the book was not what it purported to be in its Amazon listing. The customer who complained to Amazon believed the book was a portfolio of pull-out posters you could hang on the wall. So...no corrected edition, etc.

Win a set of IAN FLEMING first edition replicas

To promote the release of their new 007 Reloaded audiobooks, AudioGo are giving UK residents the chance to win a complete set of first edition replicas of the 14 original James Bond novels by Ian Fleming. All you need to do is answer a simple question on their website (*cough* Goldeneye *cough*) and you'll be entered into their drawing.

These replicas were first released in the 1990s and now sell for a pretty penny on eBay. I kick myself for not buying them back in the day.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION AT AUDIOGO

Amazon reveals their new IAN FLEMING reprints and launches online store

In April it was reported that Amazon had closed a deal to publish the 14 classic Ian Fleming James Bond titles in the U.S. as both print editions and eBooks.

Today Amazon has revealed their promised "new look" series and have also launched a special online store where you can pre-order the books for an October 16, 2012 release.

The print versions will be paperbacks published under Amazon's Thomas & Mercer imprint and will be available to all retailers. The eBooks will initially only be available via Amazon's Kindle store.

Here are all the covers with thanks to our friends at Amazon Publishing and IFP. Certainly these are the most avant-garde Bond covers ever!

Click to visit Amazon's special Ian Fleming store

007 RELOADED audiobooks available NOW

Today sees the release of AudioGo's 007 Reloaded audiobooks. These are 12 original Ian Fleming James Bond novels read by major British actors, including some who have starred in James Bond films. Each audiobook also contains a bonus interview with its star reader.

They are available as both a digital download and on CD (linked below). They are currently only available in the UK.

Casino Royale (read by Dan Stevens)

Live and Let Die (read by Rory Kinnear)

Moonraker (read by Bill Nighy)

Diamonds Are Forever (read by Damian Lewis)

From Russia With Love (read by Toby Stephens)

Doctor No (read by Hugh Quarshie)

Goldfinger (read by Hugh Bonneville)

Thunderball (read by Jason Isaacs)

The Spy Who Loved Me (read by Rosamund Pike)

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (read by David Tennant)

You Only Live Twice (read by Martin Jarvis)

The Man With The Golden Gun (read by Kenneth Branagh)

IAN FLEMING: THE BIBLIOGRAPHY coming in October

With all the new Ian Fleming reprints and the 50th Anniversary books hitting shelves in the next few months, the book that I am actually most excited about is Ian Fleming: The Bibliography by Jon Gilbert. Now at last we have a release date and details about this major publication from Queen Ann Press.

IAN FLEMING: THE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Late October launch announced by
Queen Anne Press

A comprehensive 750-page guide to the work of Ian Fleming, one of the 20th Century’s greatest thriller writers and creator of the world’s most famous spy, Special Agent 007. Covering everything from the first draft of Casino Royale in 1952 to editions still in print today, Ian Fleming: The Bibliography is not only an indispensable source of information for collectors, enthusiasts, libraries and booksellers alike, but an entertaining and informative volume that will appeal to anyone interested in the James Bond phenomenon. The guide will be published in Late October 2012 by Queen Anne Press – the literary impress once managed by Ian Fleming. 

Author, Jon Gilbert, is the foremost expert on the works of Ian Fleming. He has worked for rare book experts Adrian Harrington Limited since 1990 and is an internationally renowned expert in James Bond material. 

Jon says: “Ian Fleming is best known as the creator of James Bond, an icon of 20th century popular culture, but he was also a journalist, publisher, travel writer, motor enthusiast, card player, accomplished golfer and noted bibliophile. Much has been written about Fleming and his legendary creation, but until now there has been no serious bibliographical account of his published work.” 

Jon’s research took him to the Jonathan Cape Publishing archive, Eton College Library, the Pan Macmillan archive, Penguin Books Ltd., The Imperial War Museum's Fleming Exhibition, the British Library and the 'Bond Bound' display at The Fleming Collection, London. In addition he has been able to interview colleagues, friends and family of Ian Fleming. He came across many interesting and little- known details, all of which are included in the bibliography. The result is not just a collection of literary facts and figures, but a fascinating insight into the career of one of Britain’s most famous authors. 

The bibliography covers every aspect of Fleming’s writing, from the manuscript stage, through typescripts, uncorrected proofs, advance and review copies, first and subsequent impressions, paperback printings, omnibus and collected editions, as well as periodical appearances, comic strip adaptations, young reader and large print editions published in Britain and America. 

Apart from the fourteen Bond novels there are sections covering Fleming’s non-fiction works The Diamond Smugglers and Thrilling Cities, his book for children Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, plus his more obscure articles, essays and contributions. Each main entry includes an engaging narrative on the conception, editorial process and marketing of the book, complemented by a full list of sources. Biographies of Fleming's closest confidants are provided, along with a detailed chronology of the author's life. 

The work has been compiled with the approval of Ian Fleming’s literary estate and the assistance of the Ian Fleming Foundation. As Kate Grimond, Ian Fleming’s niece explains: “Queen Anne Press's first publication in its revived form was the complete works of Ian Fleming, 18 volumes in all including the 14 famous James Bond titles. We are delighted now to publish Ian Fleming: The Bibliography, a magisterial work which includes more than 1,000 illustrations and is a must for any Bond aficionado.” 

Fergus Fleming, Ian Fleming’s nephew and author of the Bibliography’s Preface, comments: “The result of four years’ intensive research, Jon’s book is a welcome reminder of just how important Ian Fleming’s works are and how deeply they have influenced so many people.” 

The Book is available in two versions:

• Standard: bound in cloth with gold blocking (Price: £175)
• Deluxe: quarter-bound in vellum effect on black boards & gold blocking - inspired by Fleming’s own design for a limited edition of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. (Limited to 250 numbered copies/ Price: £250)

Available from Queen Anne Press and Adrian Harrington Ltd Website: www.queenannepress.com / Tel: +44 (0)207 229 0118 or via email from rare@harringtonbooks.co.uk

More information can be found on the official Facebook page. 

Vintage Classic 007 paperbacks now shipping

While the official released date is this Thursday (Sept 6), Amazon.co.uk is already shipping the new Vintage Classic Ian Fleming James Bond novels with the Saul Bass inspired cover artwork. All 14 titles now show as being "in stock."

Casino Royale

Live and Let Die

Moonraker

Diamonds Are Forever

From Russia With Love

Doctor No

Goldfinger

For Your Eyes Only

Thunderball

The Spy Who Loved Me

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

You Only Live Twice

The Man With The Golden Gun

Octopussy & The Living Daylights

Visit The Book Bond's Vintage Fleming page for release dates and pre-order links for all the new Ian Fleming paperbacks and eBooks from Vintage.