Kim Sherwood's next Double O is HURRICANE ROOM

The title of Kim Sherwood's next (and last?) Double O novel has been revealed on Amazon as Hurricane Room. No plot summary yet, but the release date shows as May 21, 2026.

Not a typically Bondian title like her previous books, Double or Nothing and A Spy Like Me, but I kind of like it. It's intriguing. 

You can pre-order Hurricane Room at Amazon.co.uk.

Complete THE HOOK AND THE EYE eBook available now

Just a heads up that you can now read Raymond Benson's entire Felix Leiter spin-off adventure, The Hook and the Eye, from Ian Fleming Publications. The original plan was to release the book in chapters, but due to a technical issue, IFP decided to post the entire book now.

A paperback edition will be released on October 2, 2025. I'm holding out for that as I still like to hold a physical book in my hands, especially when it's Bond. You can pre-order the paperback at IFP.

I've been a little cool to IFPs spin-offs. But this is one I can get behind. I'm a huge fan of Benson's Bond novels, and I know this is a book he wanted to write. I would love to see these become a series.

Purchase The Hook and the Eye at IFP, Amazon.co.uk, or Amazon.com.

The name's Houdini, Harry Houdini

Okay, this has nothing to do with the Book Bond, but it is about the only man who has made more death-defying escapes than 007. And he was real! It's also my own first book.

Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899, reproduces every page of Houdini's very first diary, kept when he was a struggling performer playing dime museums, medicine shows, circuses, and séance chambers. It's an incredible artifact that has never been made available to the public, and an inspiring story of perseverance. The diary is annotated by Houdini historian John Cox and illustrated with previously unseen material from the world's finest magic collections.

Will Houdini escape his obscurity? Read the story in his own words.

Purchase Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 at Mike Caveney's Magic Words.

YOUR COLD, COLD HEART released today

Dynamite marks their 10th anniversary publishing original James Bond graphic novels with their new release, Your Cold, Cold Heart, written by Garth Ennis with art by Rapha Lobosco.

Codename: Stalvoda 

Translation (from Russian): Steel Water 

It kills without trace. Puts unspeakable power in the hands of a madman. Buried in its chemical formula is the means of ending the worldwide balance of power. MI6 thought they controlled it- but in fact, British Intelligence have now fallen victim to a decades-old conspiracy, reaching back into the mists of the Cold War.

James Bond is assigned to retrieve the lethal compound- and finds himself in a race against friend and foe alike, from the icy cold of Earth's orbit to the endless wastes of the deserts below. The stakes could not be higher- and as the opposition soon finds out, 007 will do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

 Writer Garth Ennis joins artist Rapha Lobosco (James Bond: Black Box) and cover artist Dave Johnson to present this deadly spy thriller, marking the 10-year anniversary of Dynamite publishing James Bond.

You can buy Your Cold, Cold Heart at Amazom.com and Amazon.co.uk.

JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY

The spin-offs keep coming! Over the weekend, Ian Fleming Publications announced James Bond and the Secret Agent Academy by M.W. Craven. This is the first in a news series of books aimed at young readers. While James Bond appears in this book, his role is somewhat different. Below is the description.

Bond’s licence to kill has ended. His licence to teach has only just begun...

Ian Fleming Publications announce a new blockbuster adventure in the James Bond literary franchise. JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY by bestselling crime writer M.W. Craven will kick-off an action-packed new series for readers aged 8-12.

Simon Ward, Publishing Director, bought UK BC rights in a two book deal from Viola Hayden and Ciara Finan at Curtis Brown, representing Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, and David Headley at the DHH Literary Agency, representing M.W. Craven.

JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY will be launched in June 2026 with a dynamic marketing, publicity and events campaign; reaching existing Bond fans and recruiting a new generation of spy thriller readers. The book will be published in paperback original, eBook and audio by Ian Fleming Publications, the in-house publishing arm of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd.

JAMES BOND AND THE SECRET AGENT ACADEMY is the first in a brand-new series, taking the world’s most beloved secret agent to a place of dread, weirdos and strange food: school. A new generation of young heroes, mentored by 007, have entered the Secret Agent Academy to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Double O's. Together with Bond can they defeat a deadly foe lurking in the shadows – and, more importantly, can they pass their exams?

Amanda Douglas, the new managing director of IFP, says: "This series represents a new and imaginative chapter for 007, introducing the world’s most famous secret agent to the next generation of readers - seen for the first time through children’s eyes. It’s a fun, fast-paced adventure that remains true to the spirit of Bond, featuring a cast of original characters who get to experience Bond not just as a legend, but as their teacher. The story opens the door for younger readers to engage with the legacy and excitement of the "Bondiverse."

Author M.W. Craven

I wish everyone luck with this news series, but as I said in my recent interview on the To Live and Let Die in LA podcast, I'm eagerly awaiting the announcement of a straight-ahead James Bond 007 novel. I'm finding it hard to get excited about these spin-offs until we have at least the promise of a new book in our future. 

In the meantime, I guess we're going back to school!

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.