33 replies to this topic

[Qwerty]

'The Moneypenny Diaries' Book 1 UK Paperback Coming in 2006
'Guardian Angel' available to pre-order for 8 May release

-----UPDATE-----

'The Moneypenny Diaries' UK Paperback Now Shipping

_{Book 1 of 'Moneypenny Diaries' series shipping early}

[zencat]

Cover art for the paperback now on Amazon...

[Loomis]

Looking forward to reading this.

Funny to think that there are no fewer than two Bond literary franchises going on at the moment courtesy of IFP (three if you count the 2008 novel that's apparently in the works), but neither dealing with the adult 007, and one with someone other than Bond as the actual hero(ine) of the piece!

How come we never had official CBn reviews of this the way we did with "BloodFever", etc.? (I appreciate that the author was interviewed, and even joined CBn for a while to discuss her work.) But unless I'm overlooking some posts or threads (which is quite possible), I'm not sure that we've had much reaction from CBners re: the merits of the book. Qwert, zen, have you guys read it? Anyone else?

[Qwerty]

How come we never had official CBn reviews of this the way we did with "BloodFever", etc.? (I appreciate that the author was interviewed, and even joined CBn for a while to discuss her work.) But unless I'm overlooking some posts or threads (which is quite possible), I'm not sure that we've had much reaction from CBners re: the merits of the book. Qwert, zen, have you guys read it? Anyone else?

I've read it. Loved it. I thought I had posted a short review somewhere on the forums. If I find it, I'll throw in a link to it.

Not sure why we didn't do an official review - but I'd say the option is still open.

[Loomis]

Loved it.

Cool. A few questions, then:

- Is Bond in it? (Not a deal-breaker for me if he isn't, but it's preferable. Obviously.)

- Any other characters from the novels? M I suppose I can take as read, but who else is there? Felix? Blofeld?

- What in particular is so great about this book?

C'mon, whet the appetite of fans like me who've waited for the paperback. (Or maybe a discussion about TMD should be split off into a separate thread, if you just want this one to promote the UK paperback.)

[zencat]

You should read our interview, Loomis. Many questions answered and appetites whetted...and then click into the thread where Samantha joins CBn and talks back.

http://www.commander...=Story&SID=2983

[Qwerty]

Yeah, definitely check out that CBn Interview, Loomis, if you haven't yet. Thoroughly interesting.

But to answer your specific questions - I'm putting them all in a spoiler box for those that don't wish to know:

Spoiler

1 - Yes, Bond is definitely in it. One of the main characters. Moneypenny goes on a mission of sorts with him at one point in the novel.

2 - It's been a while since I read it (as I did when it first came out), but M, James Bond, and Tanner all make appearances. There are new characters naturally.

3 - There's just a whole new breath of fresh air in the character. I really enjoyed how the office scenes, grapevine info, and 007/M/Tanner/Moneypenny interactions went.

In my opinion, this is definitely one of the most unputdownable books of the literary 007 series.

[Jim]

It'll keep you occupied when it's raining.

[Simon]

I sort of reviewed it in the thread she joined in with for a while.

But not being a reviewer, I could never lay claim to it (the review) being definitive, creative or even that interesting.

[Aussie21]

So is there any release date in the US for the book? Just the talk I've seen here has peaked my interest, and if the US release is forever going to be listed as 'TBA', I'll just import my copy.

[Qwerty]

So is there any release date in the US for the book?

Unfortunately not yet.

[Aussie21]

Then I'll be importing mine.

Is it best to do it through Amazon.uk? Or can I get a better deal elsewhere?

Edited by Aussie21, 05 April 2006 - 04:25 AM.

[Qwerty]

Why not try searching eBay a bit? Someone might have a good Buy-It-Now deal up. If you go the amazon route, I believe the shipping cost from the UK to a US state is about $7 for one book.

[Double-Oh Agent]

So is there any release date in the US for the book?

Unfortunately not yet.

That is extremely frustrating. Here we are about seven months from its U.K. release and we still don't have it here in America (and its release is not in sight). What's the holdup? It can't be that hard to work out the logistics. Surely the IFP knows that there are plenty of Bond fans on this side of the pond who are very interested in having a copy and reading it. Shoot, the way this publication timeframe is going, we're going to get Blood Fever and Young Bond 3 before we get The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel released.

[Qwerty]

-----UPDATE-----

'The Moneypenny Diaries' UK Paperback Now Shipping

_{Book 1 of 'Moneypenny Diaries' series shipping early}

[zencat]

Yep, mine shipped the other day. But I think Amazon.co.uk ships early to U.S. buyers so the book arrives on or close to the release date.

[Qwerty]

Nice to see that then rather than the delays the amazon seems to create rather often (for me at least).

I've got mine ordered.

[Double-Oh Agent]

Still no news on a U.S. release?

[Qwerty]

Nothing yet.

But if you really want the book, (it is quite good) the cost of ordering this paperback edition from amazon.co.uk and shipping it to the US comes to about $23. The hardback edition would be about $30 total for US buyers.

[Double-Oh Agent]

Thanks, Qwerty.

Knowing my luck, a day or two after I order it/receive it, news will break of The Moneypenny Diaries being released in the U.S. I may have to bite the bullet and pay for the British version anyway.

[Qwerty]

Go for it.

[zencat]

Got my paperback. Very slick. I am surprised that it doesn't mention Book 2 somewhere inside. Also surprised Book 2 has yet to show up on Amazon. Maybe we won't get Book 2 this year afterall.

[Qwerty]

Maybe we won't get Book 2 this year afterall.

That's what I'm beginning to believe as well. No adverts of news on amazon can't be a good thing...

[The diarist]

Hello there. I've been away - to a land with no internet access. Just to let you know, there definitely will be a Volume 2 out this year, in October, I believe. I am on the finishing straight.

Also, if anyone does want their book signed - please send it to my publisher, John Murray, and they will forward it on. There will be a US edition at some point, but for various reasons, we have been holding back for the time being.

I hope you enjoy Vol 2.

Best wishes,

Samantha/Kate

[Qwerty]

This is great news! Thank you for the update.

[zencat]

Hello there. I've been away - to a land with no internet access. Just to let you know, there definitely will be a Volume 2 out this year, in October, I believe. I am on the finishing straight.

Also, if anyone does want their book signed - please send it to my publisher, John Murray, and they will forward it on. There will be a US edition at some point, but for various reasons, we have been holding back for the time being.

I hope you enjoy Vol 2.

Best wishes,

Samantha/Kate

Great news. Thank you, Samantha. I really look forward to it.

[Loomis]

Hello there. I've been away - to a land with no internet access. Just to let you know, there definitely will be a Volume 2 out this year, in October, I believe. I am on the finishing straight.

Also, if anyone does want their book signed - please send it to my publisher, John Murray, and they will forward it on. There will be a US edition at some point, but for various reasons, we have been holding back for the time being.

I hope you enjoy Vol 2.

Best wishes,

Samantha/Kate

You'll be pleased to know I've just popped into a bookshop and bought "Volume 1". Looking forward to reading it.

*Wondering whether subsequent volumes will touch on the adventures of Amis' and Gardner's Bonds (Moneypenny dies in 1990, right?), or whether your work will refer only to Fleming*

*Not expecting an answer to that at this stage, for obvious reasons*

*Although feel free*

[Qwerty]

Got it today. Looks great!

[[dark]]

Spotted the paperback in bookshops here in London.

Looks good - - some great quotes on the back from a couple of UK papers and Joanna Lumley and Roger Moore!

Still hanging out for Book 2...

[Qwerty]

http://search.ebay.c...1&fcl=3&frpp=50

There are now come copies on eBay for US fans eager to obtain the book.