Black Stiletto

Raymond Benson (1955-2014) was an American author best known for his contributions to the James Bond series. Born in Midland, Texas, he developed a passion for writing at a young age and published his first novel, "The Man with the Golden Gun," in 1987. Benson wrote a total of seven Bond novels, including "Zero Minus Ten" and "Tomorrow Never Dies," which was later adapted into a successful film. He also wrote several short stories and novellas featuring the iconic British spy. Benson's Bond novels received critical acclaim for their faithfulness to Fleming's original style and characters, as well as their exciting and suspenseful plots. He won the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award in 1997 for "Blast from the Past," and was nominated for several other awards throughout his career. Benson's literary legacy extends beyond the Bond series, as he also wrote numerous original works of fiction and non-fiction, including spy thrillers, historical novels, and biographies. His versatile writing style and meticulous research earned him a loyal following among readers and critics alike.