248 replies to this topic

[Simon]

Thanks for this.

So not just a new novel but 'a broad range of events and publications' in store to celebrate his life.

2008 should be a great year.

[marktmurphy]

Fascinating- thanks for the info Zen.

Well, thet're certainly hyping this author up; it'd better be an impressive name!

[Johnboy007]

Been a pleasant last few days, hasn't it?

I guess having to wait to know who's writing it makes up for the abbreviated wait for Bond 22.

[Righty007]

Now on the CBn main page...

Well-Known Writer Selected For Centenary Novel
IFP will keep the identity of the author a closely guarded secret until publication

[Trident]

Oh hell! Why the do they have to make it such a ultra confidential/eyes-only/top secret/polo step event? Now I'll be puzzling for months who it is they've got to do it.

Btw: I just checked out Lee Child due to a recommendation here on the board. And I'm already 100 pages into the book without realizing it. Ok, I know he isn't available because of his strict contract with his publisher (a shame if you ask me). But thanks all the same for pointing me in the direction of this fine writer.

Edited by Trident, 21 July 2006 - 03:42 PM.

[K1Bond007]

Oh hell! Why the do they have to make it such a ultra confidential/eyes-only/top secret/polo step event? Now I'll be puzzling for months who it is they've got to do it.

2 reasons: 1. Probably so the fans don't bug the out of him while he is writing it. 2. To make the release more special. By announcing now it kinda defuses it.

[Trident]

Oh hell! Why the do they have to make it such a ultra confidential/eyes-only/top secret/polo step event? Now I'll be puzzling for months who it is they've got to do it.

2 reasons: 1. Probably so the fans don't bug the out of him while he is writing it. 2. To make the release more special. By announcing now it kinda defuses it.

Ok, these are the obvious reasons and to tell the truth, I'd do exactly the same thing, were I in the position of IFP. It's just that I would have liked to consider the writer in question a little bit in advance. Of course I'd read his up-to-now published books and would try a guess or two on what he will deliver in the end. As would most likely every other member of this and half a dozen other boards. And that's probably what IFP wants to avoid.

Still I won't be able to stop wondering who the well-known-writer in question is...

[Bon-san]

Now on the CBn main page...

Well-Known Writer Selected For Centenary Novel
IFP will keep the identity of the author a closely guarded secret until publication

Whoo-Hoo! Very exciting. Wonder who it is? Let the specualtion begin. I guess Christopher Wood. Yes, I know, absolutely no chance. But I'm putting his name out there anyway.

[Trident]

Ok, weired (really weired!) guess from across the atlantic:

Stephen King (no chance, I know, but I want to read it!!!)

And if it's a british writer, I'd choose Ken Follet or Philipp Kerr.

Just my two cents.

Edited by Trident, 21 July 2006 - 05:01 PM.

[K1Bond007]

Ok, these are the obvious reasons and to tell the truth, I'd do exactly the same thing, were I in the position of IFP. It's just that I would have liked to consider the writer in question a little bit in advance. Of course I'd read his up-to-now published books and would try a guess or two on what he will deliver in the end. As would most likely every other member of this and half a dozen other boards. And that's probably what IFP wants to avoid.

Still I won't be able to stop wondering who the well-known-writer in question is...

They'll probably announce it a couple months before the release. Maybe right after Young Bond Book 4 is released in the UK (assuming a January 08 release) so you'll have ample time to think about it.

With all the stuff being announced for 2008, it seems so near... but it's not

[MarcAngeDraco]

Thanks for this.

So not just a new novel but 'a broad range of events and publications' in store to celebrate his life.

2008 should be a great year.

Absolutely...

Bond 22, Centenary novel, and 'a broad range of events and publications'...

Sounds awesome...

[DLibrasnow]

The best Bond year since 1983.

[David Schofield]

It's ethier Freddie Forsyth (no immediate work planned to my knowledge)...or Geoffrey Jenkins (ditto)

[K1Bond007]

It's ethier Freddie Forsyth (no immediate work planned to my knowledge)...or Geoffrey Jenkins (ditto)

They should just get it over with and release Per Fine Ounce. They could also take it one step further and include Benson's short stories as well as The Heart of Erzulie. Or separately. All of that could be released easily and people would buy it. The fans anyway.

[Loomis]

It's probably one of the following authors, with the new introductions they've written part of the audition, so to speak.

The IFP website now has a full list of who's doing introductions:

CASINO ROYALE - Jeffery Deaver
LIVE AND LET DIE - Louise Welsh
MOONRAKER - Michael Dibdin
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - Jonathan Kellerman
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - Charlie Higson
DR NO - Simon Winder
GOLDFINGER - Ben Schott
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - Barry Eisler
THUNDERBALL - David Wolstencroft
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME - Nick Stone
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - Val McDermid
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - Mo Hayder
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - Charles Cumming
OCTOPUSSY/THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS - Robert Ryan

No inside knowledge, and not quite sure why I think this, but I think it'll be Mo Hayder. Could very well be wrong, though, of course.

[Leiter]

Cross off Higson though.

[Blofeld's Cat]

It's probably one of the following authors, with the new introductions they've written part of the audition, so to speak.

The IFP website now has a full list of who's doing introductions:

CASINO ROYALE - Jeffery Deaver
LIVE AND LET DIE - Louise Welsh
MOONRAKER - Michael Dibdin
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - Jonathan Kellerman
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - Charlie Higson
DR NO - Simon Winder
GOLDFINGER - Ben Schott
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - Barry Eisler
THUNDERBALL - David Wolstencroft
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME - Nick Stone
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - Val McDermid
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - Mo Hayder
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - Charles Cumming
OCTOPUSSY/THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS - Robert Ryan

No inside knowledge, and not quite sure why I think this, but I think it'll be Mo Hayder. Could very well be wrong, though, of course.

I totally agree, mate.

Something in my water suggests it could be Barry Eisler. Don't know why I think that though.

[Jack Spang]

This is great news. It sounds like it's going to be a period piece. I hope it takes place after <!-- CBN - BOOK TAG BEGIN tmwtrt --><a target='_blank' href='http://www.commanderbond.net/index.cgi?action=Category&CID=185'><i class='book'>The Man With The Red Tattoo</i></a><!-- CBN - BOOK TAG END -->.

That wouldn't be much of a period piece. It should take place either after Colonel Sun or Octopussy and TLD. Someone mentioned, it would be set back in these days. I hope so! Frustrating not hearing who the author will be. Frederick Forsythe or Ken Follett would be great choices.

So, Bond 22 and the new novel will be both be released in May 2008. Great news!

Edited by Jack Spang, 21 July 2006 - 11:04 PM.

[Double-Oh Agent]

It's probably one of the following authors, with the new introductions they've written part of the audition, so to speak.

The IFP website now has a full list of who's doing introductions:

CASINO ROYALE - Jeffery Deaver
LIVE AND LET DIE - Louise Welsh
MOONRAKER - Michael Dibdin
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - Jonathan Kellerman
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - Charlie Higson
DR NO - Simon Winder
GOLDFINGER - Ben Schott
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - Barry Eisler
THUNDERBALL - David Wolstencroft
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME - Nick Stone
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - Val McDermid
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - Mo Hayder
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - Charles Cumming
OCTOPUSSY/THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS - Robert Ryan

No inside knowledge, and not quite sure why I think this, but I think it'll be Mo Hayder. Could very well be wrong, though, of course.

I totally agree, mate.

Something in my water suggests it could be Barry Eisler. Don't know why I think that though.

The three I think that are most likely are Jeffrey Deaver, Michael Dibdin, or Barry Eisler. And like you, Blofeld's Cat, I lean toward Eisler as the man. His writing resume definitely has a Bondian feel to it. The one drawback I'd see with him is that he is and American and most Bond fans would probably prefer a Britisher. Still, if IFP can get past that (as they obviously did with Raymond Benson), then my money's on him.

[MrDraco]

To be honest i havent picked up the Young Bond because i dont want to get caught up in some harry potterish rubbish LOL But if this turns out to be good...I'll pick them up.

[K1Bond007]

To be honest i havent picked up the Young Bond because i dont want to get caught up in some harry potterish rubbish LOL But if this turns out to be good...I'll pick them up.

I think you'll be surprised. The first novel is a decent starter, but the second novel is on the same level, and for a lot of the books, actually exceeds some of the other Bond novels in terms of violence and gore. I was pretty shocked. I loved it. The more I think about Blood Fever, the more it just smacks of Fleming, specifically Dr. No.

[Trempo]

In the article on the new Bond book on ianflemingcentre.com is a line "For further information about the centenary, please contact: Lucy Chavasse at Colman Getty"
On the Colman Getty side (www.colmangettypr.co.uk) is under Clients a list with writers.

Celia Brayfield
Stephen Carter
Sam & Sam Clark
Mary Contini
Patrica Cornwell
Edwina Currie
Sebastian Faulks
Ranulph Fiennes
Marilyn French
Cornelia Funke
Germaine Greer
Philippa Gregory
Sophie Grigson
Janey Jones
Robert Harris
Jack Higgins
Charlie Higson
Stuart Hill
Kelly Holmes
Barry Humphries
Annabel Karmel
Kitty Kelley
Julia Langdon
Nigella Lawson
Kathy Lette
Madonna
Janet Morgan
V S Naipaul
Christopher Ondaatje
Alan Parker
Wendy Perriam
Jenny Pitman
Angela Rippon
J K Rowling
Pamela Stephenson
Sir Roy Strong
GP Taylor
Scott Turow
Ruby Wax
Clive Woodhall
Antony Worrall Thompson

Maybe one of these is the new author. Charlie Higson has already a connection to Bond.
But when it should be "a very well-known and highly respected author" there are also Robert Harris, Jack Higgins, J K Rowling, Scott Turow (that are the ones that I know).
From this list I would prefer Robert Harris.

[Trident]

But when it should be "a very well-known and highly respected author" there are also Robert Harris, Jack Higgins, J K Rowling, Scott Turow (that are the ones that I know).
From this list I would prefer Robert Harris.

Harris would be just the guy for a period piece, his works usually have a historic background/dimension. But I seem to remember that he stated in an interview some years ago, he wasn't too fond of the continuation business. Not sure, but I think the Bond continuations were mentioned in that respect. But I may be wrong and mix that up, could also have been Philipp Kerr who stated this.

Edited by Trident, 22 July 2006 - 03:20 PM.

[Trident]

Corinne Turner of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd comments, "We are delighted to have secured this particular author who we have had in mind for some time now. He is the perfect writer for this project and we are greatly looking forward to his take on James Bond, in what we are convinced will be a stunning novel."

Reads as if IFP wanted this specific he/she for longer. Could it be they have approached him/her before? Perhaps after the decision was made to quit with Benson? And maybe this person wasn't available at that particular time, due to contractual reasons? I'm starting to wonder who was a busy bee at that time and has a bit more freedom now?


But then again, mere speculation.

PS:

from The Times:
http://www.timesonli...,2-2280538.html

Ian Fleming Publications announced yesterday that it had commissioned a

Edited by Trident, 22 July 2006 - 04:45 PM.

[zencat]

I think there is no doubt this book will be a period piece. With the Young Bond series (and Moneypenny Diaries) IFP has made it a point that their Bond is firmly rooted into Fleming's timeline. But I don't think "picked up where Fleming left off" means it will take place right after TMWTGG. Could be set anytime within the Fleming timeline.

[marktmurphy]

My selected list of authors:

In the article on the new Bond book on ianflemingcentre.com is a line "For further information about the centenary, please contact: Lucy Chavasse at Colman Getty"
On the Colman Getty side (www.colmangettypr.co.uk) is under Clients a list with writers.


Edwina Currie


Germaine Greer


Kelly Holmes
Barry Humphries


Nigella Lawson

Madonna



Angela Rippon
J K Rowling
Pamela Stephenson


Ruby Wax

Antony Worrall Thompson

Maybe one of these is the new author.

Fingers crossed!

[Johnboy007]

Madonna?!

Do we really want her near anything Bond again?

[K1Bond007]

I think there is no doubt this book will be a period piece. With the Young Bond series (and Moneypenny Diaries) IFP has made it a point that their Bond is firmly rooted into Fleming's timeline. But I don't think "picked up where Fleming left off" means it will take place right after TMWTGG. Could be set anytime within the Fleming timeline.

This is all possible. I hope it isn't a "death of Bond either" (or retirement, etc). I don't think they'd ever do this, but it is a one-off and a 'very important and special book' where they're going so far as to get a "well-known" author to write it. The thought has crept up in my mind. It doesn't mean they can't do future adventures later on; they could just disregard it like Benson did with Gardner. It came to me the other day because how do you make an adult Bond book special these days - even if written by someone world renown? Yeah, I suppose it could be written for the fans, but if they really wanted to make headlines, it'd be like the Death of Superman, you know. If it's Bond saves the world from another madman then it's not going to be that special, don't you think? That'll go over like a typical Gardner, Benson, and even Higson - successful perhaps in their own right, but largely overlooked by the general mass and I think it's clear they've been trying to expand their audience. Isn't that the point of Young Bond? To attract new readers to the world of Bond (and no doubt it has been successful to a degree), but how do you achieve that with a one-off?

I'm not advocating this (though it may be interesting to read). Fans may want to kill me for thinking of it, though.

Maybe (from a certain point of view) it will be the first in a new series by a rotating author. The resurrection of Robert Markham with a new and renown author everytime. They tried doing it with Young Bond (although not Markham).

[Nimsworth]

Maybe (from a certain point of view) it will be the first in a new series by a rotating author. The resurrection of Robert Markham with a new and renown author everytime. They tried doing it with Young Bond (although not Markham).

That would be quite fitting I think if the new novel was credited to "Robert Markham". What better way to celebrate 100 years of Bond with a new novel "written" by the man who took over for Ian Fleming.

[Qwerty]

To be honest i havent picked up the Young Bond because i dont want to get caught up in some harry potterish rubbish LOL But if this turns out to be good...I'll pick them up.

I think you'll be surprised. The first novel is a decent starter, but the second novel is on the same level, and for a lot of the books, actually exceeds some of the other Bond novels in terms of violence and gore. I was pretty shocked. I loved it. The more I think about Blood Fever, the more it just smacks of Fleming, specifically Dr. No.

Agreed. Give them a try, Draco.