Coming out of the darkness?

This is just a video game, but, damn, it feels great to see James Bond 007 himself back in action. Great title too.

Call me crazy, but Bond's slim build in this silhouette kind of reminds me of the 007 we see on some very early book covers.

TALK OF THE DEVIL is out now

Talk of the Devil: The Collected Writings of Ian Fleming is out now in the U.S. and UK. Conceived by Ian Fleming Publications, the book had previously only been available as part of an expensive collection of the Fleming novels. Below is the U.S. cover and a description.

A fascinating collection of rarely seen journalism and other writings by Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series. Ian Fleming was best known for bringing to life the legendary character of James Bond, one of the most beloved and enduring icons of our time, but he was perhaps even more interesting than his creation. His career in Naval Intelligence and extensive travels around the world gave Fleming a keen eye and the authority to write on a wide range of topics beyond Bond’s adventures. 

This collection contains a selection of journalism and other writings by Fleming, covering his wartime experiences, reflections on crime and espionage, and the process of writing his novels, among other topics. Readers will feel like they are right beside Fleming, immersed in his world as he works to meet the deadline for his next Bond novel, or participates in a mortifying golf tournament, or befriends an octopus in his beloved Jamaica. A black-and-white photo insert gives dimension to the man behind the myth, bringing life to his words and providing a unique glimpse into Fleming’s world.

You can purchase Talk of the Devil at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, or directly from Ian Fleming Publications.

Cover art for THE HOOK AND THE EYE

Cover art for Raymond Benson's Felix Leiter spin-off adventure, The Hook and the Eye, has been revealed, and it's pretty slick! The eBook serialization begins May 27th. The novel will be released in paperback in October.

To Live and Let Die in L.A. Podcast Episode 5: JOHN COX

I'm honored to have been a guest on the To Live and Let Die in L.A. James Bond podcast with Steve Kilcullen and Neil McNally. I was there to talk Bond books and more. Hope you enjoy.

Check out Steve and Neil's To Live and Let Die in L.A. website and Instagram. And if you're in L.A., consider attending one of their screenings at the Culver Theater.

IFP announces THE SOLDIER AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Ian Fleming Publications has announced a new publication for release in September. Below are details.

Announcing a Festive Adventure: The Soldier and the Christmas Tree

We know it’s too early to be thinking about Christmas, but with the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day today there is no better time to reveal our new title, which is set both during the war and during the most wonderful time of the year! Publishing in autumn 2025, this heartwarming tale is inspired by the true story of how Ian Fleming was instrumental in bringing the first Christmas tree to Trafalgar Square.

It wasn’t just a rescue mission anymore. It was a race.

It is 1942, three weeks before Christmas, and the war is blazing over London. Arthur Pryor is sent on a top secret mission to Germany-occupied Norway as part of a highly-trained unit. He does not know why Commander Ian Fleming has sent them, or what they will find there. All he knows is that he must make it home to his son before Christmas day. He promised.

The Soldier and the Christmas Tree is a heartwarming tale of family and war, inspired by the true story of the first Christmas tree to be placed in Trafalgar Square, due in large part to the covert actions of James Bond creator Ian Fleming and his commando unit during the Second World War.

From the streets of London to the forests of Norway, this is an adventure filled with the horrors of war and the magic of Christmas. 

Written by Ian Fleming Publications Publishing Director Simon Ward, this perfect seasonal read also includes an essay on the real-life historical incident.

You can pre-order The Soldier and the Christmas Tree HERE.