The full eBook of The Hook and the Eye will now be released early after serialisation model misfires.
The digital serialisation of The Hook and the Eye, Raymond Benson’s eagerly awaited return to the world of Felix Leiter, has hit a snag – prompting a change of plan that will see the entire eBook released ahead of schedule.
Originally conceived as a serialised release, with new episodes dropping regularly, the model proved a poor fit for eBook retailers who struggled to update files reliably. Fans found themselves unable to access Episode 2, leading to delays and mounting frustration. The publisher acknowledged the issue on 13th June and announced that the full eBook will now be released on 24th June instead, when Episode 3 had been scheduled to arrive.
For Bond fans, the news is mixed. While those enjoying the suspenseful rhythm of weekly instalments may be disappointed, most will welcome the chance to read Benson’s full story ten weeks earlier than expected. And with behind-the-scenes and bonus content still promised throughout the summer, there’s something to satisfy both readers and completists alike.
Benson, best known to 007 followers for his original Bond continuation novels in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has long championed Leiter as a compelling character in his own right. The Hook and the Eye marks a rare chance to see the former CIA man take centre stage, years after his last major literary outing.
A paperback edition remains scheduled for October and is available for pre-order now. And while technical hurdles may have tripped up the serial experiment, the publisher’s swift pivot has ensured that the mission continues – albeit in a more traditional format.
The Hook and the Eye is available on in its entirety Kindle from 24th June 2025
