You can probably expect to hear quite a bit about James Bond in the next seven days as the world gears up for publication of the latest James Bond novel, Carte Blanche, which has been written by US bestseller Jeffrey Deaver (who is best known for his Lincoln Rhyme novels).
The release of Carte Blanche would appear to establish a pattern of A List guest writers being invited to follow in the footsteps of Ian Fleming, following the 2008 publication of Sebastian Faulks' novel Devil May Care. (See Material Witness review).
Despite concluding that "the adult Bond is best left to him (Fleming) and those seeking a little extra might be best served by visiting Charlie Higson's Young Bond series", I find myself predictably excited about the arrival of a new chapter in the Bond legend, and I will be hoping for an early delivery on May 26.
But you needn't necessarily wait until May 26. Bond's publishers are running a very cool competition to celebrate the launch of the book. The challenge involves visiting a number of online sites, picking up clues followed by "one final 007-style secret mission to take place in London". Details of this are available at a special Facebook page.
After completing a 007-style mission there's a Bond-esque prize to match: the winner will be picked up in a Bentley and taken to the Lanesborough for a romantic evening... reading an advance copy of the book! (It doesn't say anything about a Bond girl) The following day they will then be able to meet Deaver and take part in all the other festivities.
There are additional prizes available - 10 sets of books including a signed copy of Carte Blanche and other titles by Flemin and Higson - for those in the sticks who are unable to spend a day gadding about in London.
Good luck!
