007

“This is not 'writing as Fleming', it is 'plagiarising Fleming' to the point of 'mocking Fleming'.”

Sebastian Faulks apparently doesn’t have what it takes to pen a 007 novel. Although it was a commercial success, Devil May Care is drawing harsh criticism from countless Bond fans who condemn its weak story line, bumbling characterization of the hero and other unjustifiable blunders.

Letters written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming, to be sold at auction next month, reveal a close relationship with the author's typist, Jean Frampton. He frequently called on her for pointers on plot and style.

This is news to old Fleming fanatics like me.

IT COST the creator of James Bond his health and £50,000. Now, more than 40 years later, a legal battle about the authorship of Thunderball has claimed another victim with the pulping of a book about Ian Fleming.