New Bond book coming in 2008

A new James Bond novel will be published in 2008 to mark the centenary of creator Ian Fleming’s birth, but the identity of the new author is being kept under wraps.

Fleming is credited with writing 13 or 14 Bond novels, starting with “Casino Royale” in 1953 and ending with “Octopussy and the Living Daylights.” The authorship of “Thunderball” is disputed.

The announcement comes a day after Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the Bond movies, announced plans for a 22nd Bond film set for release in May 2008. English actor Daniel Craig, who stars in the upcoming “Casino Royale,” set for release in November, will return in the lead role of the suave British spy codenamed 007.

Several writers have been authorized by Ian Fleming Publications to write Bond novels since Fleming’s death in 1964, including Kingsley Amis and John Gardner.