New Bond novel to be released

A new James Bond novel is being written - 40 years after the superspy's last outing.

The estate of the late 007 author Ian Fleming has commissioned a "well-known and highly respected" writer for the task. The writer's identity is being kept secret until publication.

The 15th Bond adventure will be published in May 2008 to mark the centenary of Fleming's birth.

Fleming wrote 14 books about the suave secret agent, beginning with Casino Royale in 1953. The last, Octopussy and the Living Daylights, were published in 1966, two years after his death.

There is speculation that the new book will be by John le Carre or Frederick Forsyth.