Latest Bond book called 'Carte Blanche'

LONDON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The next James Bond novel is called "Carte Blanche" and set in the present, it was announced in the United Arab Emirates, where some events in the book are set.

Author Jeffery Deaver's entry in the Secret Agent 007 franchise is to be published in the United Kingdom May 26, the BBC said Tuesday.

Sebastian Faulks and John Gardner are among the other writers who have penned Bond books authorized by creator Ian Fleming's estate. Fleming died in 1964.

Daniel Craig is the current big-screen portrayer of the suave secret agent. The "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" star is to reprise his role in a third, as-yet-untitled Bond film to be released in 2012. The movie will be the 23rd in the series.