The Blades Library Book Club: Never Send Flowers

Welcome back to The Blades Library Book Club – the place for quality discussions of the books of James Bond!

John Gardner’s Never Send Flowers

Every two months a James Bond 007 novel is chosen for the club members to read. A thread is posted in the club forums listing locations on where you can find the novel. Discussions about the book will go on as the book is read and when it is finished. Another thread will be created so that club members can post their review and give a rating on the current book.

All fans of the Literary Bond are eligible for membership. All you need to do to sign up is register on the CBn Forums (it’s free and only takes a minute) and then post your name in the sign up thread.

The Book Club’s 27th Book

Currently we are progressing though the James Bond 007 novels in chronological order, since quite a number of members are using the club as an opportunity to read the books for the very first time. The club has just finished all fourteen of the Ian Fleming novels as well as the one-time-only Bond novel by Kingsley Amis, Colonel Sun. Most recently, the club moved onto the John Gardner era, and now continues with his twelfth novel: 1993’s Never Send Flowers.

Obtaining The Book

Ordering online should be fairly easy. Never Send Flowers can be ordered online (although in used condition) from the following sources:

• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.com
• eBay

Discuss other places to buy Never Send Flowers or where you got your copy in this thread.

Discuss The Book While Reading

Want to talk about the book while reading it? Post a new thread in The Blades Library.

Review And Rate The Book

After you have finished reading Never Send Flowers, you can discuss it with other club members in The Blades Library, and give the book your personal rating out of five in this thread.

If you have any questions or suggestions just post them in a new thread. Happy reading.

*New* Archive Of All Past Read Books

Additionally, club members can review or comment on any of the past read books in the club any time they want. Click here for the full archive of the past read books in the club.

Previous Books Read

• Death Is Forever: April 2008 – May 2008
• The Man From Barbarossa: February 2008 – March 2008
• Brokenclaw: December 2007 – January 2008
• Win, Lose Or Die: October 2007 – November 2007
• Scorpius: August 2007 – September 2007
• No Deals, Mr. Bond: June 2007 – July 2007
• Nobody Lives Forever: April 2007 – May 2007
• Role Of Honour: February 2007 – March 2007
• Icebreaker: December 2006 – January 2007
• For Special Services: October 2006 – November 2006
• Licence Renewed: August 2006 – September 2006
• Colonel Sun: June 2006 – July 2006
• Octopussy & The Living Daylights: April 2006 – May 2006
• The Man With The Golden Gun: February 2006 – March 2006
• You Only Live Twice: December 2005 – January 2006
• On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: October 2005 – November 2005
• The Spy Who Loved Me: August 2005 – September 2005
• Thunderball: June 2005 – July 2005
• For Your Eyes Only: April 2005 – May 2005
• Goldfinger: February 2005 – March 2005
• Doctor No: December 2004 – January 2005
• From Russia, With Love: September 2004 – November 2004
• Diamonds Are Forever: July 2004 – August 2004
• Moonraker: May 2004 – June 2004
• Live and Let Die: May 2003 – June 2003
• Casino Royale: March 2003 – April 2003

New Bond Girl Covers Mix Literary And Cinematic 007 Together

Moonraker

As previously reported on CommanderBond.net, all 14 of Ian Fleming’s original James Bond adventures were reprinted at the end of May to tie in with the centenary of the 007 creator.

Released under the new ‘Penguin 007’ imprint and labeled as the ‘2008 Centenary Editions’, these reprints have quickly become known as the Bond girl covers thanks to the work of cover artist Michael Gillette.

In an article posted at icWales, Gillette discusses how he came to work on the project and how these new covers fuse the literary and cinematic James Bond together.

‘I was approached by Jon Grey, a designer whom I knew socially from my time in London,’ said Gillette. ‘He told me the general idea for the project–typography on naked ladies’ backs. It was hard to say no to that. And it was an iconic job, so I was very glad to be asked, quite an honour in fact.

Doctor No

‘The concept was devised by Penguin and Jon. They initially asked me to paint a girl for Casino Royale and I realised this was a great opportunity to produce the total look, as it were, for the whole collection.’

As earlier noted, the actual process of working on the covers was a very hectic time for artist, with him completing one and then moving right onto the next.

Gillette admitted he wasn’t a huge fan of the Bond novels, but would pick From Russia with Love if forced to choose a favourite. ‘I think I probably enjoyed them more as artifacts,’ he said.

When asked if there were any restrictions on what he could or couldn’t do with the designs, Gillette said: ‘The Bond Estate won’t allow nudity, so that’s why there are so many backs. No nipples for sure.’

Octopussy and The Living Daylights

‘However, Penguin and Jon were very supportive of the way I took it. The directive was to keep them filmic–they obviously reference the classic ’60s /’70s cinematic Bond rather than the ’50s literary Bond. I’m aware that there is quite a difference.’

‘The films are foremost in people’s perceptions of Bond, so it is understandable that Penguin would want something that will bring filmgoers to the bookshelves,’ he continued. ‘Only a couple are very specific to the text.’

‘In Dr. No, for instance, he describes the Bond girl of the book Honey Ryder, as the “Birth of Venus” seen from behind, but with the buttocks of a boy. I’m sure Bond purists will cough up a kidney at the inaccuracies, but it was really more about creating archetypes of Bond, rather than direct representations of the stories.’

The new Bond hardbacks sporting the Gillette covers are available now in the UK and can also be ordered online from Amazon.co.uk:

Keep watching CBn for all the latest literary James Bond news and coverage. To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more–just keep your eyes on the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

'By Royal Command' Preview By Charlie Higson At Edinburgh Book Festival

Charlie Higson will be giving readers an exclusive sneak peek into his fifth Young Bond adventure, By Royal Command, at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August.

The Young Bond Dossier reports that Higson will be appearing at the festival’s ‘Big Issue Event’ on Saturday, 23 August at 1:30pm (located at the RBS Main Theatre).

In addition to this By Royal Command preview, Higson will be available once again later that day during a panel with Bond historian (and For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming And James Bond author) Ben MacIntyre for a ‘celebration of Bond: the myths, stories, images, icons, gadgets and Bond girls.’ This event begins at 8:30pm at the Peppers Theatre.

Further information and the entire festival program can be found at the official website. The Edinburgh Book Festival runs from 9-25 August.

Higson’s By Royal Command debuts on 4 September in the UK.

• Order the UK hardback edition of By Royal Command from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK audiobook edition of By Royal Command from Amazon.co.uk

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Young Bond news.

Sir Sean Connery To Unveil 'Being A Scot' At Edinburgh Book Festival

Sir Sean Connery’s forthcoming autobiography/memoirs, Being A Scot will be launched at the Edinburgh Book Festival this August to coincide with the actor’s 78th birthday.

MSN reports that the public will get their first glimpse inside the book on 25 August, Connery’s birthday.

As previously reported on CommanderBond.net, Being A Scot mixes a ‘frank account of Connery’s life with an esoteric take on Scotland’s history and culture’. The 312-page long book will feature more than 400 photograghs from his personal collection.

Included are details on his childhood in a gaslit Fountainbridge tenement, learning golf from co-star Gert Frobe during the shooting of the third James Bond film, Goldfinger, and weekending with Billy Connolly, ‘the funniest man alive’.

‘This book has gone through more permutations than James Bond has had shaken not stirred martinis–different co-writers, different publishers,’ festival director Catherine Lockerbie said.

She said the memoir, co-written by Scottish filmmaker Murray Grigor, would share Connery’s views on ‘many aspects of Scottish culture and life, including sport, architecture and, of course, the gothic tendency in Scots literature.’

Lockerbie added that other 007-themed events would also feature at the festival as a way to commemorate the centenary of Bond creator Ian Fleming.

This year’s Edinburgh Book Festival runs from 9-25 August.

Being A Scot can currently be pre-ordered online:

• Order the UK hardback edition of Being A Scot from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK paperback edition of Being A Scot from Amazon.co.uk

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest literary James Bond news.

Collector's Edition 'Bond On Set: Filming Quantum of Solace'

In a year that has quickly become packed with many different literary James Bond releases, fans can now add yet another to the calendar.

As first reported by CommanderBond.net earlier this year, photographer Greg Williams will be returning with Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace, the newest addition to his Bond on Set series, which also includes Casino Royale and Die Another Day.

Williams’ making-of books differ from the norm in that they capture the making of the newest 007 film through photographs rather than document them solely with text.

CBn now has details on a special collector’s edition of Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace, to be released alongside the normal hardback on 1 October 2008 in the UK:

Go behind the scenes of Quantum of Solace with this fantastic collector’s edition. If you’re a Bond fan or love 007 memoribilia then take a look under this luxurious cloth bound cover to spy beautiful girls, cool gadgets, explosive scenes and much, much more from Bond’s latest movie Quantum of Solace. You’ll experience the glamour of film-making on location with premier celebrity photographer Greg Williams and follow the making of Quantum of Solace.

Featuring an exclusive interview with Daniel Craig on the making of Quantum of Solace and never-seen-before shots of the cast and creators–spy them shooting spectacular scenes and relaxing between takes. Candid soundbites from the actors and revealing inside information promise intriguing insights into the making of the film. This collector’s edition packed in an eye-catching slipcase promises an unmissable personal audience with the makers of Quantum of Solace. Make it your mission to read it today.

The Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace collector’s edition will retail for £75.00.

Pre-order online:

• Order the UK hardback edition of Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK collector’s edition hardback edition of Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the US hardback edition of Bond on Set: Filming Quantum of Solace from Amazon.com

Keep watching the CBn main page all the latest literary James Bond news and coverage.

To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more–just keep your eyes on the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

'Devil May Care' Enters The US Book Charts

Sebastian Faulks’ Devil May Care

Following up its release last week, Sebastian Faulks’ centenary James Bond novel, Devil May Care, has entered various bestseller book charts in the United States.

While not matching the success of the UK counterpart, the 007 novel debuted solidly on several charts including: #8 at the New York Times, #9 on the Publisher’s Weekly list, and #9 on the Wall Street Journal list.

Devil May Care also debuted at #38 on the USA Today bestsellers list (note that this particular listing includes both fiction and nonfiction titles).

The novel is currently #44 on Amazon.com‘s bestsellers listing.

Keep your eyes glued to the CommanderBond.net main page for complete coverage of Devil May Care and all the latest literary James Bond news.

Miss Moneypenny's Final Fling

In her concluding chapter to the thrilling Moneypenny Diaries trilogy, author Samantha Weinberg fuses together the danger and suspense of Jane Moneypenny’s 1964/65 diaries along with a ring of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the current day quest of niece Kate Westbrook to create a captivating tale that truly doesn’t let go until the very last page.

Final Fling successfully follows on from 2005’s Guardian Angel and 2006’s Secret Servant in that once again, the reader is allowed to feel completely immersed in the events facing Jane during the 60’s thanks to the ‘day-to-day’ style created by the diary entries. What makes this third novel different from the previous two, however, and even more exciting because of it, is almost a full half of the 282 page-long story is dedicated to the current day affairs of Kate Westbrook–who continues on her perilous quest to uncover the details surrounding her aunt’s mysterious death in 1990. The result is an overall mix of both the adventure one would expect to find in any literary James Bond adventure, but also that added mystery element. Weinberg is so adept at keeping the pace soaring as Kate moves from location to location, questioning anyone who’ll possibly point her in the right direction for more information. Naturally, there are various forces who track her every move and seemingly have no limits when it comes to stopping her.

In Final Fling, Jane’s diaries open in July 1964 with the famous secretary more convinced than ever that there is a hidden mole, or ‘Sieve’, in the SIS, leaking secrets that could cost the lives of its agents. This paranoia eventually comes to sweep over the entire office with the usually well-respected ‘M’ becoming the subject of ridicule and Bill Tanner acting aloof and unapproachable towards Jane. Things become complicated further when Deputy Chief Christopher ‘Kit’ Linford-Hunter–someone who doesn’t exactly take a liking to Jane–and associate Percy Warren make their way into positions of leadership at the office. What eventually follows is a series of exciting investigations with ‘M’, James Bond and Jane that involves leaks of information, bitter confrontations and more.

The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling

On the other end of the spectrum, some 40 years later, Kate Westbrook continues in her search for answers regarding the death of Jane and also to discover the identity of the Sieve, the traitor she believes responsible one way or another for that act. Assisting her is Ferdy Macintyre, a man she at first despises as a result of his warnings against publishing Jane’s diaries, but then comes to admire (with some additional traces of a romance) after several meetings between the two.

Traveling to various London locations as well as the Outer Hebrides island chain off the west coast of Scotland, Kate questions several locals who were in the vicinity when Jane’s boat tragedy was officially announced as an ‘accidental death’ in October 1990. A much older Bill Tanner, other SIS officers who had worked alongside Jane and additional acquaintances also share their thoughts on the matter with Kate, including Randall Macallan, a man full of secrets and surprises.

The question of ‘Who is the Sieve?’ does finally get answered and it comes in one of the very last diary entries by Jane. This is a particularly strong move by Weinberg. With the latter half of the novel switching back and forth between Jane diaries and Kate’s present day story, it is fitting that the full details of the Sieve’s actions and this person’s ultimate fate should come directly from Jane, since she experienced the consequences of this traitor first-hand.

In terms of timeline structure, The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling is a bit of an oddity. Examining the status of several of the main characters at the end of the story and depending on how much importance one places on the dates, this continuation novel can be looked up as not only the final chapter of the trilogy, but also the entire literary James Bond canon. Even when it appears that the story has reached its finale, there’s one more surprise to be found on the last page. The entire trilogy really is a rollercoaster ride of mystery, suspense and action and Samantha Weinberg could not have brought it to a more spectacular end than she does here.

Purchase The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling from Amazon.co.uk.

Win 'Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories'

Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories

CommanderBond.net is giving forum members the chance to win a a copy of the recently released literary 007 collection, Quantum of Solace: The Complete James Bond Short Stories.

Acting as a tie-in to the forthcoming Quantum of Solace, due out later this year, this collection brings together the nine stories that make up For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy & The Living Daylights into one single volume.

This competition is open to all members of CBn. You must be a registered member of the CBn Forums and answer the following question correctly to be eligible to win. Not yet a member of CBn? Register here now–it is free and only takes a minute!

How To Enter:

To enter, fill out the following questionnaire and send a Communiqué/Private Message on the CBn Forums to ‘CBn Competition’ (Subject: CBn Quantum) by Midnight EST on 23 June 2008 (simply click on the link in this paragraph).

1. In which of the following Ian Fleming short stories does James Bond come across a villain named von Hammerstein?:

1. From A View To A Kill
2. For Your Eyes Only
3. The Hildebrand Rarity
4. The Property Of A Lady

2. What is your CBn Forum Screen Name?
3. What country/state do you live in?

Unabridged 'Hurricane Gold' Audiobook Now Available

The unabridged audiobook edition of Charlie Higson’s fourth Young James Bond novel, Hurricane Gold, is now available.

While not listed at any of the Amazon websites, the Young Bond Dossier notes that copies can be obtained online at BBC Audiobooks.

This 8-CD unabridged edition, released by Chiver’s Children’s Books in the UK, is read by Nathaniel Parker, who previously read the US audiobooks of Higson’s first three Young Bond novels.

The original (abridged) UK audiobook was released alongside the hardback novel this past September and read by Higson.

• Order the unabridged audiobook edition of Hurricane Gold from BBC Audiobooks

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest Hurricane Gold and Young Bond coverage.

2008 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award Shortlist Announced

As in the past, Ian Fleming Publications Ltd sponsors the Crime Writers’ Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger; an annual award for the best thriller published in the UK.

The winner author is awarded £2000 and also receives a unique ‘steel dagger’, which is handcrafted and based on the weapon used by Special Forces during World War II.

The shortlist for this year’s Steel Dagger award has been revealed and consists of:

• Mo Hayder – Ritual (Transworld)
• Gregg Hurwitz – I See You (Little, Brown)
• Michael Robotham – Shatter (Little, Brown)
• Tom Rob Smith – Child 44 (Simon & Schuster)
• David Stone – The Echelon Vendetta (Penguin)

The Ian Fleming Steel Dagger judges for 2008 include literary agent Gordon Wise, crime novelist Michael Jecks, Young James Bond author Charlie Higson, and Zöe Watkins, Publishing Manager of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. The panel is chaired by Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd.

The winner will be announced at the Four Seasons Hotel in London on Thursday, 10 July 2008.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.