Calvin Dyson reviews HIGH TIME TO KILL

Calvin Dyson is back with a review of Raymond Benson's High Time To Kill. Once again we are in sync. This is also my favorite Benson novel and possibly my favorite continuation novel of them all. Enjoy.

IFP announce "Q" spinoff series, QUANTUM OF MENACE

Some big news from Ian Fleming Publications today. Press release below.

Zaffre to launch brand-new series expanding the Ian Fleming literary franchise.

Zaffre, the flagship commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has won a three-way auction for a brand-new crime series expanding the Ian Fleming literary franchise, centred around the iconic character of Q from the James Bond adventures. The first book, Quantum of Menace, will be published autumn 2025. This top-secret project has been created in conjunction with Ian Fleming Publications, written by acclaimed crime writer and Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, Vaseem Khan.

UK & Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) in a two-book deal were acquired by editorial director Kelly Smith from Ciara Finan at Curtis Brown.

Filled with wit, humour and verve, Vaseem Khan brings his vibrant and dynamic style to one of Ian Fleming’s most beloved characters.

Q Branch – the Secret Service department responsible for weapons and gadgets – was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s groundbreaking Casino Royale and featured throughout the James Bond books. The armourer in Q Branch, Major Boothroyd, first appeared in Dr No, giving 007 a Walther PPK to replace his Beretta firearm. The character has been a mainstay of the James Bond films and his interactions with the super spy have entered the cultural zeitgeist. Readers and fans of 007 will now get to spend real time with him in the charming milieu of a crime series.

Vaseem Khan said: “I can’t think of anything more exhilarating as a writer than bringing to life such an iconic character, one that I have adored since childhood. I was the kid who watched Bond films just to see what new gadgets Q would come up with for 007. To now recreate Q in a series of contemporary mystery novels, bringing together everything I love about the genre, is the coolest assignment I could hope for. I cannot wait to share my Q with readers. Move over Bond. Q is coming.” 

Kelly Smith, editorial director at Zaffre, said: “I have long admired Vaseem’s work so the opportunity to work with him on any project, let alone one as pitch perfect as this, was one I had to grasp. With his unique wit and flair, cosy crime readers and James Bond fans alike will be unable to resist this series and his imagining of Q.” 

Corinne Turner of Ian Fleming Publications said: “We at Ian Fleming Publications could not think of a better partner to breathe new life into the beloved character of Q. Vaseem’s mystery novels have enthralled me for many years, and I am thrilled with what he is crafting for Q’s first solo missions. This is a modern and exceedingly clever crime series.”

Blurb:
Q is out of MI6 . . .
. . . and into a new world of deceit and death
After Q (aka Major Boothroyd) is unexpectedly ousted from his role with British Intelligence developing technologies for MI6’s OO agents, he finds himself back in his sleepy hometown of Wickstone-on-Water. His childhood friend, renowned quantum computer scientist Peter Napier, has died in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a cryptic note. The police seem disinterested, but Q feels compelled to investigate and soon discovers that Napier’s ground-breaking work may have attracted sinister forces . . . Can Q decode the truth behind Napier's death, even as danger closes in?

Quantum of Menace will be published in hardback, eBook and audio in October 2025. It's avalible for pre-order now at Amazon.co.uk and Watersons. 

LINK: Deciphering Fleming: Uncorrected proofs

Here's an excellent article by Peter Crush about Ian Fleming proofs. Click the headline or the image below to have a read at James Bond First Editions.

JAMES BOND AND MOONRAKER at 45

Last weekend saw the 45th anniversary of the release of MOONRAKER on June 29, 1979. This is a Bond film I love more and more with every passing year. It was Cubby at the peak of his powers and pure fun. As with The Spy Who Loved Me, an original novelization by screenwriter Christopher Wood and released in hardcover by Jonathan Cape. Below is my Cape copy of James Bond and Moonraker.

The book also saw a paperback release with tie-in movie cover art. Below is the U.S. edition from Jove. I've always thought the way Bond is illustrated here kind of matched the then-current Jove series.

Take the IFP survey

Ian Fleming Publications is conducting a survey asking fans what they'd like to see next. You know what to do!

We want to hear from you! Take our survey to tell us about what books and products you’re interested in seeing from us in the future. Plus, enter your name & email at the end of the survey to be in with a chance of winning one of two prize bundles (open internationally, closes 14/7/24). Take the survey here 👉 https://bit.ly/IFPLsurvey

GARDNER LIVES FOREVER

Here's a full page from the June 15, 1986, Muncie Star with a review of John Gardner's Nobody Lives Forever. This beautifully captures the world in which the book was released. The review even says that Pierce Brosnan will soon be making his first Bond film, The Living Daylights. Yep. And check out those movies! Like paging through my old Bond fanzines, I love seeing my favorite OO7 books and films frozen in time like this.

Click to view and save full size.

OO7 MYRMIDON collected edition released

Dynamite has released a collected edition of their latest "OO7" series, Myrmidon by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with artwork by Marco Finnegan.

OO7 is back in action!

After a high-stakes rescue mission is mysteriously, violently sabotaged, Bond’s future at MI6 hangs in the balance. As he awaits his fate, James Bond is urgently contacted by an old flame and mentor: Gwendolyn Gann, formerly Agent OO3, who warns Bond of an existential threat to England and the global balance of power. But before they can meet, OO3 turns up dead, sending Bond on the most personal mission of his career: find Gwendolyn Gann’s killers, and expose the shadowy organization known only as “Myrmidon.”

Purchase Myrmidon at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Dynamite's next collected edition will be For King and Country.

Thanks to Double O Section for the alert.

ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE paperback released

The UK paperback edition of Charlie Higson's On His Majesty's Secret Service is released today by Ian Fleming Publications. The paperback features revised text, exclusive content, and dynamite new cover art. The book supports the National Literacy Trust.

On His Majesty's Secret Service was a special one-off Bond novella to celebrate the coronation of King Charles. Higson authored the popular and acclaimed Young Bond series and really delivered with his first adult Bond novel.

My hope is that IFPL and Charlie will settle down together in a marriage that was always meant to be, and Charlie Higson will become the new official continuation novelist. I so miss the days of Gardner and Benson when we got a new Bond book every year. I'd love nothing more than a decade of regular James Bond adventures from Charlie Higson.

In the meantime, On His Majesty's Secret Service can be purchased from IFPL, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

Spybrary interviews Charlie Higson

Spybrary's Shane Whaley is joined by special guests Charlie Higson and Mark Ashby to discuss the revised paperback edition of On His Majesty's Secret Service, and what could have been for Young Bond.

LINK: ‘Bond’s gone woke!’ Charlie Higson on the row around his ‘metrosexual’ 007

Nice article by Charlie Higson in The Guardian for those who care to read and think. Click the headline above.

"I believe that as long as Bond can remain an outrageous fantasy he will endure. No Time to Die experimented with grounding Bond and giving him a reality. I prefer the cocktail-fuelled rush of the night before."

Higson's superb On His Majesty's Secret Service is released in paperback in the UK this week.

New IAN FLEMING hardcovers coming in October

Ian Fleming Publications announced today, Ian Fleming's birthday, new hardcover editions of the Fleming books with cover art by Michael Gillette. Below is the full press release.

New 007 Hardbacks Coming This year

Today, May 28th, is Ian Fleming’s birthday and to mark the occasion we’re thrilled to share news of an exciting project with you.

On October 3rd later this year, we’ll be publishing new hardback editions of all fourteen of Fleming’s original Bond stories. From Casino Royale right through to Octopussy, get ready to clear some space on your shelves for these beautiful tomes. 

The covers (to be revealed at a later date) for these prestige hardback editions will feature brand new art from legendary designer Michael Gillette, as well as bonus content. Publishing Director Simon Ward says, “I remember seeing Michael Gillette’s James Bond cover designs in a bookshop window in 2008. They were instant classics and became defining editions for a whole generation of fans. We’ve long wanted to partner with Michael again and we’re thrilled that day has finally come. We believe he’s put together something very special and can’t wait to share these all-new designs with the world.”

Speaking about this project, Michael shared the following:

“I’m very excited to see this set released. It was wonderful to make the 2008 set, and to get a second opportunity is a great honour. I hope that fans and new readers will sense the love and thought with which they were created.”

Michael shared this image as a taste of what’s to come. © Michael Gillette 2024.

All fourteen hardbacks are available to pre-order now from the links below, and we look forward to sharing the covers with you soon…

Casino Royale - IFPL | Amazon UK
Live and Let Die - IFPL | Amazon UK
Moonraker  - IFPL | Amazon UK
Diamonds are Forever - IFPL | Amazon UK
From Russia with Love - IFPL | Amazon UK
Dr. No - IFPL | Amazon UK
Goldfinger - IFPL | Amazon UK
For Your Eyes Only - IFPL | Amazon UK
Thunderball  - IFPL | Amazon UK
The Spy Who Loved Me - IFPL | Amazon UK
On Her Majesty's Secret Service - IFPL | Amazon UK
You Only Live Twice - IFPL | Amazon UK
The Man with the Golden Gun - IFPL | Amazon UK
Octopussy and the Living Daylights - IFPL | Amazon UK

ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE limited paperback sells out in an hour

If there was ever a reason to subscribe to the Ian Fleming Publications newsletter, it was today. IFP offered 200 special signed paperback editions of Charlie Higson's acclaimed On His Majesty's Secret Service with sprayed 007 edges. They were available exclusively through the IFP online store and appear to have sold out within the hour.

You can still buy the regular paperback edition of On His Majesty's Secret Service via Amazon.co.uk. Release date is June 6.

Here's hoping Charlie and IFP are working on a deal for more books. Higson + Bond. This works!

HIGH TIME TO KILL turns 25

Happy to join in the celebration of Raymond Benson's third original James Bond continuation novel, High Time To Kill, which turns 25 today. One of my all-time favorites!

You can read my review of the book that I wrote on the 5th anniversary HERE. Wow, how time flies.

Calvin Dyson reviews THE FACTS OF DEATH

My favorite Bond fan Calvin Dyson is back with a review of Raymond Benson's second original Bond novel, The Facts of Death. Enjoy!

A SPY LIKE ME releases in the U.S. and UK this week

This week sees the release of Kim Sherwood's second Double O novel, A Spy Like Me, in the U.S. (April 23) and UK (April 25).

The stunning new spy thriller that blows the world of James Bond wide open!

Six days.

A bomb goes off at the BBC. The country is in chaos, but this is just the start. A global terrorist organisation is plotting a series of deadly attacks. MI6 has just six days’ warning for when the next one will strike.

Three agents.

With James Bond missing, three of MI6’s toughest Double O agents race across the world to stop the attacks. From Venice to Australia to Dubai, they soon uncover a vast network of terror.

One chance to find James Bond.

As the Double Os close in, they find themselves unexpectedly inching closer to 007. Now the race is on to stop the terrorists – and save Britain’s finest spy.

Purchase A Spy Like Me by Kim Sherwood at Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).

IFP and Penfold mark GOLDFINGER anniversary

Ian Fleming Publications announced today new tie-in merchandise to mark the 65th anniversary of Ian Fleming's Goldfinger. Details below.

Goldfinger took out his driver and unpeeled a new ball. He said, “Dunlop 65. Number One. Always use the same ball. What's yours?” “Penfold. Hearts.”

Today marks a full 65 years since the first publication of Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger. A tale that revolves around of some of the finer things in life beginning with ‘G’ (gold, golf and Galore, Pussy), Fleming’s seventh Bond story features perhaps the most famous game of golf in literature.

In celebration of its anniversary, the team at Ian Fleming Publications have partnered with Penfold, the iconic British golfing brand, to create two products that celebrate Fleming’s love of the sport.

Featuring both a golf journal and a writer’s pouch, both are designed with functionality and style in mind, whether you’re using them out on the green before cocktail hour or at your writing desk in Jamaica.

As you know, James Bond has a handicap of 9. Perhaps these tasteful new products from Penfold will help you do even better.

You can read more about the collection here.

RAYMOND BENSON eBook omnibus released today

James Bond: The Raymond Benson Years is released today from Ian Fleming Publications. This eBook-only omnibus collects all six original Raymond Benson James Bond novels for the first time: Zero Minus Ten, The Facts of Death, High Time to Kill, Doubleshot, Never Dream of Dying, and The Man with the Red Tattoo.

You can purchase James Bond: The Raymond Benson Years on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, or directly from Ian Fleming Publications.

Cover for paperback ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE revealed and it's a beauty!

Cover art for the paperback edition of Charlie Higson's On His Majesty's Secret Service has been revealed, and it's FANTASTIC! (imho) IFP has also posted an interview with the designer Mark Ecob of Mecob.

BOND SAVE THE KING

It's the 4th of May, two days before the coronation of King Charles III and the world's favourite spy has his work cut out for him.

Bond is sent at the last minute to thwart an attempt to disrupt the coronation by the deadly megalomaniac Æthelstan of Wessex, who is on a mission of his own to rule the United Kingdom and rewrite history.

Can Bond thwart his plans by infiltrating Æthelstan’s private army and ending his reign of terror before it begins?

In support of the National Literacy Trust.

THE NEW PAPERBACK EDITION FEATURES REVISED TEXT AND EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT.

The On His Majesty's Secret Service paperback will be released on June 6, 2024, and can be pre-ordered from IFP or Amazon.co.uk.

Seeing a proper cover like this just makes me want MORE! More traditional Bond adventures like this. More Charlie Higson! Let him take us into the next era of The Book Bond.

Calvin Dyson reviews ZERO MINUS TEN

I enjoy Calvin Dyson's YouTube videos. I also enjoy Raymond Benson's James Bond books. So I'm happy to see Calvin beginning his reviews of Benson's Bonds! Enjoy the first installment, Zero Minus Ten.

UK cover art for A SPY LIKE ME

Cover art for the UK edition of Kim Sherwood's A Spy Like Me has appeared on Amazon. Nice, but this is a rare case in which I prefer the U.S. cover, which is exceptional. This second Double O book will be released in the UK under Harper's new crime imprint Hemlock Press on April 25, 2024. 

Pre-order the UK edition of A Spy Like Me by Kim Sherwood at Amazon.co.uk. 

IFP announces releases for 2024

Ian Fleming Publications have announced their plans for 2024. Full press release below.

IFPL Announcement – What We Have Planned For 2024

As we make our way through the cold and blustery days of January, instead of lighting our 70th cigarette of the day, let’s instead look ahead to what’s coming in 2024. We’re very excited to share with you our plans for the year ahead and stay tuned for some surprises in the months to come…

Our first 2024 title to announce is a new eBook-only omnibus that collects Raymond Benson's six original Bond novels together into a single eBook.

James Bond: The Raymond Benson Years includes the classic books Zero Minus Ten, The Facts of Death, High Time to Kill, DoubleShot, Never Dream of Dying and The Man with the Red Tattoo.

James Bond: The Raymond Benson Years will be published on 26 February. It is available for pre-order HERE.

Next up, we're thrilled to announce that on 6 June, just in time for King Charles' official birthday, we'll be publishing a paperback edition of Charlie Higson's Sunday Times bestselling On His Majesty's Secret Service. The paperback edition will feature some exclusive new content, and we'll be sharing the new cover soon. As with the hardback, all royalties from the new edition will continue to go to support the work of the National Literacy Trust.

2024 marks 60 years since the publication of Ian Fleming's classic children's story about a flying car and the adventure of a lifetime, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. To celebrate this anniversary, we'll be publishing a new paperback edition of this beloved tale on 13 June. Aimed at young readers and featuring brand new illustrations, it's not the only thing we have planned this year to celebrate the world’s most famous flying car... Keep an eye on the skies, as we'll be revealing both the illustrator and cover of the new paperback version soon!

In time for James Bond Day in October, we'll be releasing fourteen beautiful new hardback editions of Ian Fleming's original Bond stories. From Casino Royale to Octopussy, start clearing some space on your shelves! Stay tuned for word on some exciting surprises, including the artist of the new covers...

That concludes the titles we'll be publishing ourselves, but we'd be remiss not to mention the titles coming from our partners too.

The first issue of a new blockbuster Bond comics run, penned by superstar writer Garth Ennis (The Boys, Preacher) was published 17 January.  In Your Cold, Cold Heart the humour is black, the blood is red and the drinks are crystal clear. Order your copy of James Bond: 007 (2024) #1 online or from your local comic shop, and issue #2 will be out in February.

Don't miss the second instalment in Kim Sherwood's explosive Double O series, A Spy Like Me, publishing in the US on 23 April and the UK on 25 April from HarperCollins. Johanna Harwood, Agent 003, is on the hunt – for revenge and for James Bond…

Our friends over at the Folio Society also have something special in store for you this year, but our lips are sealed for now.

Finally, our team is working hard to improve our online web shop. This year we'll be adding the option to buy eBooks of our titles direct from us - after purchase these will be distributed by email via BookFunnel, and will be available to download and send to your preferred device. We're also working to expand the areas we ship to, beyond just the UK & USA. Keep an eye on our socials for announcements of when both eBooks and expanded shipping options are live.

P.S. We recommend you start work on your golf game…

Thank you, IFP, for keeping the Bond flag flying!

Anniversary BONDS for 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome to another year of The Book Bond. Here's a rundown of the Bond novels that will be celebrating notable anniversaries this year. Break out the bookmarks and champagne!

70th Anniversary

Ian Fleming's second Bond novel brings 007 to the United States on the trail of gangsters and pirate treasure. Live and Let Die was published by Jonathan Cape in the UK on April 5, 1954.

60th Anniversary

Ian Fleming sends James Bond to Japan in You Only Live Twice, published by Jonathan Cape in the UK on March 26, 1964. It was released in the U.S. in August by the New American Library.

40th Anniversary

John Gardner planned to take a break after his inital three book contract, but 1984 saw the suprise publication of his fourth Bond, Role of Honor, relased by Putnam in the U.S. in September and Jonathan Cape in the UK on October 4.

30th Anniversary

John Garder nears the end of his run with his 13th orginal Bond adventure, SeaFire, first published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton in August 1994 and by Putnam in the U.S. in September. 

25th Anniversary

My favorite Raymond Benson Bond novel, High Time To Kill, turns 25 this year. The book was published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton on May 6, 1999. The U.S. edition from Putnam (pictured here) was published on June 7, 1999.

10th Anniversary

Steve Cole continues the Young Bond series with his debute novel, Shoot To Kill, which finds young James in action in Hollywood. The book was released in the UK by Random House on November 6, 2014. There was no U.S. release.

Happy reading!