New Bond book

Titled "Trigger Mortis," Anthony Horowitz's Bond book is set to be released in September. It picks up just where the "Goldfinger" novel ends, in 1957.

Actress Honor Blackman portrayed what is considered to be the most famous Bond girl of all time - Pussy Galore - in the 1964 film version of "Goldfinger." The mysterious blond makes a comeback in Horowitz's new novel, which is packed full of additional surprises for the wily secret agent.

The story takes James Bond into the world of motor racing and includes other familiar characters like M and Miss Moneypenny.

Ian Fleming (1908-1964), the original Bond author, wrote several episodes for a Bond television series that never came about. Portions of the screenplays were turned into short stories and are part of the collections "For Your Eyes Only," "Octopussy" and "The Living Daylights." A few of the sketches, however, have never been used and will be adapted in "Trigger Mortis."

Anthony Horowitz, 60, is one of the UK's most prolific writers and has said he is a life-long fan of Ian Fleming. He follows writers Sebastian Faulks, Jeffrey Deaver and William Boyd in picking up the Bond adventure tales. Only authors approved by Fleming's estate are permitted to accept the mission.

Horowitz has also authored the bestselling teen spy series "Alex Rider," as well as the "Midsomer Murders" and "Foyle's War" television series, and penned Sherlock Holmes novels.

Regarding the Bond project, Horowitz said in a statement on Orion Publisher's website: "It's a huge challenge - more difficult even than Sherlock Holmes in some ways - but having original, unpublished material by Fleming has been an inspiration. This is a book I had to write."

kbm/jtg (AP, dpa)