![Quantum of Menace teaser](images/news/quantum_of_menace_teaser.jpg) |
Ian Fleming
Publications have announced a new crime series project in
collaboration with Zaffre, the flagship commercial fiction
imprint of Bonnier Books UK. The new series, The Q Mysteries,
will be centred around the iconic character of Q from the James Bond
adventures. The first book, Quantum of Menace, will be
published autumn 2025. This top-secret project will be written by
acclaimed crime writer and Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association,
Vaseem Khan.
Filled with wit, humour and verve, Vaseem Khan brings his vibrant and
dynamic style to one of Ian Fleming’s most beloved characters.
Q Branch – the Secret Service department responsible for weapons and
gadgets – was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s groundbreaking CASINO
ROYALE and featured throughout the James Bond books. The armourer in Q
Branch, Major Boothroyd, first appeared in DR. NO, giving 007 a
Walther PPK to replace his Beretta firearm. The character and his
interactions with the super spy have entered the cultural zeitgeist.
Readers and fans of 007 will now get to spend real time with him in
the charming milieu of a crime series.
Vaseem Khan said: “I
can’t think of anything more exhilarating as a writer than bringing to
life such an iconic character, one that I have adored since childhood.
I was the kid who watched Bond films just to see what new gadgets Q
would come up with for 007. To now recreate Q in a series of
contemporary mystery novels, bringing together everything I love about
the genre, is the coolest assignment I could hope for. I cannot wait
to share my Q with readers. Move over Bond. Q is coming.”
Kelly Smith, editorial director at Zaffre, said: “I have long
admired Vaseem’s work so the opportunity to work with him on any
project, let alone one as pitch perfect as this, was one I had to
grasp. With his unique wit and flair, cosy crime readers and James
Bond fans alike will be unable to resist this series and his imagining
of Q.” |