It’s not the first time another author has filled in for Ian Fleming, but Jeffery Deaver is the latest to take on reviving Fleming’s popular spy. Deaver is well known for his own crime novels, notably his quadriplegic forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme. “The Bone Collector” was made into a film starring Denzel Washington as Rhyme.

In 2004, Deaver won the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award and it was his enthusiasm for all things Bond that attracted the Fleming estate. His Bond novel is as yet untitled, but promises to take place in three or four exotic locations.

Deaver intends to stay true to Fleming’s James Bond which should please Bond fans. I personally think it would be more interesting to see Deaver bring Bond into the modern world. Bond’s time has quite literally passed and maybe this new Bond novel is an opportunity for a Bond reinvention rather than a recreation.

The first Bond novel was released in 1953 and let’s face it, times have changed and Bond should get up to speed. The early films with Sean Connery are entertaining as a product of their time. The franchise became increasingly bloated but revived a bit with Daniel Craig stepping into the role. He brought an edge to Bond.

My favorite part of Craig’s first Bond film, Casino Royale, is the black and white “How Bond Became Bond” introduction. I would have loved it if the entire film had been filmed in that lean, gritty style. Bond as assassin, Bond as ambitious and in for the kill. That mood was broken with the usual over done opening credits and really awful theme song.

I know people love Bond stuck in a fantasy of bikini babes, exotic locations and tuxedos. And maybe the people should get what the people want. Still, I can’t help thinking that Deaver could come up with a Bond that could exist in 2010 and beyond and that Daniel Craig could get the chance to play a Bond not burdened with so much cinematic bloat.

Bond meets The Spy That Came in From the Cold?

Deaver’s Bond novel is scheduled for release in 2011.

What do you think?