In this episode, Javi Trujillo and Bill Koenig sit down with James Bond continuation author Raymond Benson for a lively, wide-ranging conversation. Best known for carrying the literary torch after John Gardner, Benson returns to the world of 007—this time through the eyes of Felix Leiter.

They delve into The Hook and the Eye, Benson’s forthcoming novel focused on Bond’s CIA ally. Set shortly after the events of Live and Let Die, the story explores what happens to Leiter in the aftermath of his encounter with a shark. Serialised digitally via Kindle and slated for paperback release later this year, the book promises mystery, period detail, and a fresh perspective on a familiar character.

Benson talks about the challenges of writing a one-armed protagonist, the meticulous research behind capturing mid-century America, and how the road trip from New York to Texas has changed since 1952. The episode also covers the contrast between writing Bond and writing Leiter, how first-person narration reshapes the storytelling, and why Fleming’s Leiter has never truly made it to the screen.

A must-listen for Bond fans and anyone interested in the craft of spy fiction.

Recorded on 16th May 2025 in the United States.

Raymond Benson

https://raymondbenson.com/

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig and Javier Trujillo and David Leigh sit down with author and researcher Jeremy Duns to explore two little-known chapters in Bond lore. First, Jeremy delves into the early attempts to adapt Casino Royale for the screen, revealing the strange paths the story might have taken.

Then, we discuss his recent research into James Gunn: Secret Agent , a television concept developed by Henry Morgenthau III to which Ian Fleming contributed. Jeremy uncovered previously unreferenced correspondence between the two men, which led him to track down Fleming’s synopsis and pilot episode outline—held in the Lilly Library and on their way to him at the time of recording. A treasure trove for Bond fans curious about the road not taken.

Recorded on 5th May 2025 in the United States, Sweden and Spain.

Where to find us:

Jeremy Duns

⁠https://www.jeremy-duns.com/needtoknow⁠

• Rogue Royale (on Hecht's Casino Royale script material): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/rogueroyale
• Catch-007 (on Heller's Casino Royale material): Catch-007 — Jeremy Duns
• Agent of Chaos (Anthony Burgess' TSWLM material): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/agentofchaos
• Uncut Gem (Diamond Smugglers screenplay): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/uncutgem
• Gold Dust (Per Fine Ounce pages): https://www.jeremy-duns.com/bond/b6y7tznrhhg6cmdjglb7dsxelb9zw7

• 
  

The name is Gunn. James Gunn.

• https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/jamesgunnpart1
• https://www.jeremy-duns.com/blog/jamesgunnpart2

Bill Koenig

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Javi Trujillo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

David Leigh

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/⁠

In this episode of The 007 Files, Scott and Cam from SpyHards podcast join Bill Koenig to explore the wider world of spy fiction—and how James Bond sits squarely at its centre. The trio discuss why the spy genre offers so much more than just 007, while recognising how deeply the Bond franchise owes its DNA to earlier classics like North by Northwest.The conversation ranges from John le Carré’s gritty realism to tales from interviews with Bond alumni, including Luciana Paluzzi and Lana Wood. It's in these personal moments that the human side of Bond truly comes to life.They also reflect on Jeff Kleeman’s behind-the-scenes efforts to get Goldeneye made, and share thoughts on Amazon’s grip on the future of the franchise.Whether you're a die-hard Bond fan or simply fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes, this is a deep dive you won’t want to miss.

Recorded on 1st May 2025 in the USA, Canada and UK.

Spyhards

https://www.spyhards.com

Bill Koenig

https://hmssweblog.wordpress.com