IFP admit `The Moneypenny Diaries` book was official from start, Samantha Weinberg true author

11-Oct-2005 • Literary

Ian Fleming Publications have finally come clean and admitted that the latest literary spin-off, `The Moneypenny Diaries`, was their project to begin with - despite numerous contradictory press pieces and flip-flopping internet rumours.

An official press release today said, "The first volume of the Moneypenny Diaries, edited by Dr Kate Westbrook, is published today by John Murray. This project has been the source of much speculation and counter-intelligence, but the full story has now been cleared for public release: The Moneypenny Diaries is and has always been an official IFP project.

Dr Kate Westbrook is the pseudonym of Samantha Weinberg, award-winning author of LAST OF THE PIRATES - THE SEARCH FOR BOB DENARD, the international bestseller A FISH CAUGHT IN TIME - THE SEARCH FOR THE COELACANTH and POINTING FROM THE GRAVE which won the 2003 CWA Gold Dagger for Non-fiction.

The Moneypenny Diaries, in which fact flows seamlessly into fiction, beautifully and intelligently create a fascinating picture of a world with which we are already familiar from Fleming's novels. What is not familiar is the unique voice of the woman who was at the heart of that world.

The Moneypenny Diaries were launched last week with a party at Smythson's in Bond Street."

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.