One warm evening in September 2022, Bond fans assembled in the lobby of the British Library for the launch of a novel set within the new world of the Double O Section, and to meet the talented young writer who had brought it into being. Interviewed by Charlie Higson, the audience rapturously welcomed Kim Sherwood to the stage and into the literary world of 007.
We learned of new characters, new enemies and new adventures, and that James Bond himself was missing.
Fast forward four years to the third Wednesday in May and, once again, Kim sat opposite Charlie. This time, however, it was on the top floor of Waterstones Piccadilly, in the heart of London’s West End, for the launch of Hurricane Room. An air of conviviality masked the excitement in the room as Bond fans and literary enthusiasts mingled together. Club members chatted, rekindled friendships and renewed acquaintances, but all were filled with anticipation ahead of the discussion surrounding the final novel in Kim’s thrilling trilogy.
The conversation, led by Charlie, covered many aspects of Kim’s writing process. Thankfully, no major spoilers were revealed, aside from confirmation that Sid Bashir is indeed dead, though anyone who read the climax of the first book would hardly be surprised! Kim shared that one critic reviewing an early draft had been impressed by the structure of the novel, describing it as a mirror to Casino Royale, a layout that may or may not have been intentional… though it probably was.
Particularly fascinating was the discussion surrounding the research behind the book’s many locations. Kim revealed that her father had travelled extensively around the world and, when she needed details about a particular setting, even something as specific as the smell of a hotel lobby in Japan, the information was already there waiting for her.
The floor was then opened up for a Q&A session, including discussion around how the Double O Section might handle a threat posed by the current incumbent of the White House.
I was able to ask both authors about their writing processes. Knowing that Ian Fleming famously shut himself away each morning to write, I was curious how they approached the task themselves. Kim explained that she simply needs to sit down and get on with the writing, while Charlie prefers first to assemble a list of the ingredients he needs; once those are in place, he knows he can begin.
The evening passed all too quickly and, once the room had settled following enthusiastic applause, a queue swiftly formed for signed editions, brief exchanges with the authors and the occasional cheeky photograph. Once books had been purchased and farewells exchanged, many of us headed home, though not before a nightcap at Dukes.
As we enjoyed our Vespers, conversation naturally turned towards the future. Kim hinted during the discussion at a possible return to historical fiction, though this time with a distinctly espionage flavour. Meanwhile, we already know Charlie is deep into writing the new Bond novel King Zero, prompting the suggestion that perhaps Kim might return the favour and host his launch event in the future. If so, hopefully we won’t have to wait too long before seeing these two Bond authors sharing a stage once again.
Book Launch Charlie Higson Event Hurricane Room James Bond Kim Sherwood
Last modified: 19 July 2026
