When was Raymond Benson born and where was he born?
Raymond Benson was born in 1955 in Midland, Texas. This location is known for its oil fields and wide-open skies, which contrasts with the settings of his later spy thriller work.
Common questions about Raymond Benson
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Ian Fleming Publications choose Raymond Benson to write James Bond novels?
Ian Fleming Publications chose Raymond Benson in 1996 after John Gardner resigned from writing the James Bond novels. They needed a successor who could honor the legacy of the British author while keeping the franchise alive despite initial controversy among purists.
What short stories did Raymond Benson write for the James Bond series?
Raymond Benson wrote the short story Blast from the Past in January 1997, Midsummer Night's Doom in January 1999, and Live at Five in the 13th of November 1999 issue of TV Guide. These stories were integral to the Bond canon and were later collected in anthologies published in 2008 and 2010.
Under what pseudonym did Raymond Benson write Splinter Cell novels?
Raymond Benson wrote books based on the Splinter Cell video game series under the pseudonym David Michaels. He published the first novel, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, in 2004 and Operation Barracuda in 2005.
What is the title of the first Felix Leiter novel written by Raymond Benson?
The first Felix Leiter novel written by Raymond Benson is titled The Hook and the Eye. This novel was announced in 2025 and set in Fleming's 1950s timeline to focus on James Bond's American friend and ally.