'The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling' Paperback Due 30 October

The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling will be released in paperback next week, just five months after its hardcover release.

The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling

The third book in Samantha Weinberg’s James Bond spin-off trilogy (written under the alias, Kate Westbrook) ties up all the loose ends in the first two instalments of the series, Guardian Angel and Secret Servant.

The paperback edition, which was brought forward from a March 2009 release and then from November 2008, will feature the same stunning Stina Persson artwork that adorned the hardcover release.

The first book, Guardian Angel, was published in the United States in May.

At the risk of editorialising, I can’t recommend The Moneypenny Diaries highly enough. While it helps that the books are set within the timeline of Fleming’s original stories (often providing an alternate viewpoint or filling the gaps between significant events), Weinberg creates a palpable atmosphere in weaving a story that spans over 40 years. It is, however, a trilogy in the truest sense, so I strongly advise beginning with the first book. If you’re craving more Fleming, Weinberg delivers, while still giving James Bond fans a set of completely unique page-turners. Ultimately, the books are full of milestone moments in the literary 007 canon. The entire trilogy is available at a nice discount via the Amazon links below.

In related news, Weinberg, a self-professed environmentalist, wrote an article in Sunday’s Observer, in which she fascinatingly discusses her decision to give up unnecessary shopping.

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