Fleming family to cash in on 'Bond' novel

LONDON, May 18 (UPI) -- The newest James Bond novel should financially benefit the family Ian Fleming, creator of the famed fictional British secret agent, the book's author says.

Sebastian Faulks said his novel, "Devil May Care" -- the 23rd authorized Bond novel not written by Fleming -- should result in a financial windfall for Fleming's survivors, The Sunday Times of London reported.

"Ian Fleming comes from the Fleming family, who are one of the richest families in Britain," he said. "Fleming's bank was bought by J. P. Morgan for an unbelievable sum of money ... But like a lot of people they have remained very keen on making lots more money -- that's the difference between rich people and us!"

The last previous authorized Bond novel, written by Raymond Benson six years ago, only sold 5,000 copies in Britain.

Faulks said his novel, due for release May 28, could mark the iconic spy's final mission.

"Bond is damaged and aging and, in a sense, it is the return of the gunfighter for one last, heroic mission," the 55-year-old author told the Times.