Bond Is Back: Jeffery Deaver Is The New 007 Author

The literary version of James Bond is back! Following the Ian Fleming centenary 007 novel 'Devil May Care', penned by Sebastian Faulks in 2008, Ian Fleming Publications (IFP) have announced that best-selling American thriller writer Jeffery Deaver has been commissioned to write a new James Bond novel, which will be published on May 28th, 2011.

The author has apparently already started work on the new adventure, currently given the working title of 'Project X'. But whereas 'Devil May Care' was set in the 1960s, IFP have revealed that the new book will be set in the present day, covering a 'short period of time', the plot of which will see James Bond operating in three or four exotic locales around the world.

A press release issued to the media from IFP points out that Jeffery Deaver has written 26 novels and sold more than 20 million books worldwide: 'His books have topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic', and Corrine Turner, Managing Director of IFP Ltd, added that, as well as being a master of the contemporary American thriller, Deaver can write 'compelling novels of period suspense within a European setting'. 

The author himself commented: 'I can't describe the thrill I felt when first approached by Ian Fleming's estate to ask if I'd be interested in writing the next book in the James Bond series'. He also said: 'The Bond books were important parts of my life - both literarily and personally. They appealed to me as wonderful stories but they also stood as singular examples of a thriller writer's craft'.

Jamie Hodder-Williams, CEO of Hodder and Stoughton, which will handle the book in the UK, said: 'Hodder and Stoughton is delighted that Jeff has been chosen to write the next James Bond novel, which we will be proud to publish. He's a total professional, who has been with us for over 17 years and he's immensely popular with booksellers and readers across all our markets. He's such a great choice because his blend of fast-paced action with meticulous research will produce a thriller that will both honour Ian Fleming and at the same time be utterly contemporary. I can't wait to read it'.

Jeffery Deaver, in a personal statement released by IFP, added: 'The novel will maintain the persona of James Bond as Fleming created him and the unique tone the author brought to his books, while incorporating my own literary trademarks: detailed research, fast pacing and surprise twists'.