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The Moneypenny Diaries #1
Guardian Angel
“My heart breaks for James” – so begins the explosive, true, private diaries of Miss Jane Moneypenny, Personal Secretary to Secret Service chief M and colleague and confidante of James Bond.
From her colonial childhood in Kenya to her death in 1990, Jane Moneypenny led an extraordinary, clandestine life. But, contrary to popular belief, she was not simply a bystander while James Bond saw all the action. As her diaries make startlingly clear, Miss Moneypenny played a central role in the build-up to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the threat of all-out nuclear war.
But a life of espionage has personal as well as political ramifications. For Jane Moneypenny, the price was high. Romantic relationships with outsiders were necessarily built on lies and you could not trust the motives of anyone. The impact of Jane Moneypenny’s career on her family life was even more profound as, with access to classified information, she began to investigate the mysterious circumstances of her father’s presumed death while in service.
Guarding so many secrets and with no one to confide in, she found herself breaking the first rule of espionage. Unbeknown to anyone, she kept a diary charting her innermost thoughts and state secrets. It should never have been made public…
From her colonial childhood in Kenya to her death in 1990, Jane Moneypenny led an extraordinary, clandestine life. But, contrary to popular belief, she was not simply a bystander while James Bond saw all the action. As her diaries make startlingly clear, Miss Moneypenny played a central role in the build-up to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the threat of all-out nuclear war.
But a life of espionage has personal as well as political ramifications. For Jane Moneypenny, the price was high. Romantic relationships with outsiders were necessarily built on lies and you could not trust the motives of anyone. The impact of Jane Moneypenny’s career on her family life was even more profound as, with access to classified information, she began to investigate the mysterious circumstances of her father’s presumed death while in service.
Guarding so many secrets and with no one to confide in, she found herself breaking the first rule of espionage. Unbeknown to anyone, she kept a diary charting her innermost thoughts and state secrets. It should never have been made public…
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2005
17 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Kate Westbrook
7 books21 followersSamantha Weinberg is a British novelist, journalist and travel writer. Author of Books such as A Fish Caught in Time : The Search for the Coelacanth and the James Bond inspired trilogy The Moneypenny Diaries under the alias Kate Westbrook. She currently resides in Wiltshire, England.
In 1994 she wrote Last of the pirates: in search of Bob Denard (ISBN 0224033077), about French mercenary Bob Denard.
In 2003 she won the CWA Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction for her book Pointing from the Grave: a True Story of Murder and DNA (ISBN 0241141362), about the murder of biotechnologist Helena Greenwood in California in 1985 and the pioneering use of DNA profiling in tracing her killer 15 years later.
In 1994 she wrote Last of the pirates: in search of Bob Denard (ISBN 0224033077), about French mercenary Bob Denard.
In 2003 she won the CWA Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction for her book Pointing from the Grave: a True Story of Murder and DNA (ISBN 0241141362), about the murder of biotechnologist Helena Greenwood in California in 1985 and the pioneering use of DNA profiling in tracing her killer 15 years later.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 10, 2015
Another take on the world created by Ian Fleming. Au contraire to most recent updates of the James Bond tales this adventure takes place in the times Ian Fleming actually created James Bond 007, and this times it is through the eyes of the famous Miss Moneypenny. Like Higsons Young Bond this book got some critism by 007-fans that is was a bit too far exploiting the 007-verse. However those who took the effort reading them discovered that they were perhaps a very worthy addition to the literary world concerning 007. Those that read them praised them, so finding two hardcover books published by John Murray I decided to take the plunge. After all Higson did not dissapoint either.
And neither does Kate Westbrook, she creates a real world, namely that of the Cuban Missile crisis, and puts Moneypenny, M, Tanner and 007 straigth into that situation. It is in the book perhaps the one bit of field action with 007 that is somehow a bit incredible, albeit that we have seen Moneypenny in Skyfall in a similar situation to begin with.
The book starts with the wedding of 007, where au contraire to the movie nobody of the home-office is attending. They are more or less caugth of guard by the whole affair. Of course the death of Tracy leaves its marks as well on Moneypenny and Bonds friends. ANd we read during the book the course set for 007 towards his final showdown to YOLT. The book also talks about reallive situations like the famous traitors in the service, the Profumo affair, bay of pigs debacle. The sum of parts makes this book actually very readable and enjoyable. A lot of explanations or information are given at the bottom of the page and they add to sense of reality of those days. The book also tells about moneypenny search for the truth of what happened to her father, her lovelife, and her vunerability appaerence for the opposition and the action aimed at her.
A very good thriller on its own with touches of Fleming thrown in with good measure. I personally think that Fleming would have enjoyed this book himself and would have undoubtely taken some ideas away for future 007 books.
And neither does Kate Westbrook, she creates a real world, namely that of the Cuban Missile crisis, and puts Moneypenny, M, Tanner and 007 straigth into that situation. It is in the book perhaps the one bit of field action with 007 that is somehow a bit incredible, albeit that we have seen Moneypenny in Skyfall in a similar situation to begin with.
The book starts with the wedding of 007, where au contraire to the movie nobody of the home-office is attending. They are more or less caugth of guard by the whole affair. Of course the death of Tracy leaves its marks as well on Moneypenny and Bonds friends. ANd we read during the book the course set for 007 towards his final showdown to YOLT. The book also talks about reallive situations like the famous traitors in the service, the Profumo affair, bay of pigs debacle. The sum of parts makes this book actually very readable and enjoyable. A lot of explanations or information are given at the bottom of the page and they add to sense of reality of those days. The book also tells about moneypenny search for the truth of what happened to her father, her lovelife, and her vunerability appaerence for the opposition and the action aimed at her.
A very good thriller on its own with touches of Fleming thrown in with good measure. I personally think that Fleming would have enjoyed this book himself and would have undoubtely taken some ideas away for future 007 books.
December 9, 2012
A chance to read about Bond from Monneypenny, though still felt there should have been more to her character. Not enough of Bond either in my opinion, must admit Samantha Bond was my favourite Moneypenny. Did love her little digs in the films she appeared in with Brosnan.
It's a clever idea, to look at a character like Moneypenny, and I admit I tend not to read books which take works by other authors and then write sequels.
It's a clever idea, to look at a character like Moneypenny, and I admit I tend not to read books which take works by other authors and then write sequels.
October 15, 2020
Leading up to "No Time to Die," I've read/re-read 36 James Bond novels (14 this year).
I had heard of "The Moneypenny Diaries" before, but never read them. That was a mistake on my part. Come to find out, they were officially commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate. "Guardian Angel" is the first - and I just read it for the first time, having read everything else Bond I can get my hands on.
"Guardian Angel" is a must-read for Bond fans. Not only does it take place in 1962 amidst events from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (the best Fleming novel) and "You Only Live Twice," with a backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, but it gives us so much more of James Bond, M, Q, Bill Tanner, other folks from MI6, and, of course, Miss Moneypenny. Full of surprises, twists and turns and a handful of intertwining (and interesting) storylines, "Guardian Angel" is a tremendous read - even if you have never read a Bond novel. 5 stars out of 5.
I had heard of "The Moneypenny Diaries" before, but never read them. That was a mistake on my part. Come to find out, they were officially commissioned by the Ian Fleming estate. "Guardian Angel" is the first - and I just read it for the first time, having read everything else Bond I can get my hands on.
"Guardian Angel" is a must-read for Bond fans. Not only does it take place in 1962 amidst events from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (the best Fleming novel) and "You Only Live Twice," with a backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, but it gives us so much more of James Bond, M, Q, Bill Tanner, other folks from MI6, and, of course, Miss Moneypenny. Full of surprises, twists and turns and a handful of intertwining (and interesting) storylines, "Guardian Angel" is a tremendous read - even if you have never read a Bond novel. 5 stars out of 5.
March 2, 2024
Billed as "the explosive, true, private diaries of Miss Jane Moneypenny, personal secretary to Secret Service Chief M and colleague and confidante of James Bond," this is pretty disappointing. There's not a whole lot of Bond--except for during the far more exciting last few chapters where he and Moneypenny share a spy adventure. Most of the time he's off getting drunk and drowning his sorrows over losing his beloved Tracy. I'm not blaming him for being upset, mind you, I just don't think it's fair to make it sound like you're going to get all the inside dope on Bond when he's so conspicuous in his absence. In fact, for an espionage-adjacent book, there's not a whole lot of action going on--again, until the very end. If the entire book had been that exciting..then it would have come closer to meeting my expectations.
This is meant to read like nonfiction--with Jane's niece supposedly going to all kinds of trouble to cross-reference and prove the validity of all these incidents. Which makes this read like a dry-as-dust historical account for about 90% of the book. It would be a heck of a lot more interesting if the story had just been told through Moneypenny's diaries and without all the footnotes and editorializing by Jane Moneypenny's niece. It has a great hook--with Moneypenny wanting to investigate what really happened to her father--but really poor execution.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
This is meant to read like nonfiction--with Jane's niece supposedly going to all kinds of trouble to cross-reference and prove the validity of all these incidents. Which makes this read like a dry-as-dust historical account for about 90% of the book. It would be a heck of a lot more interesting if the story had just been told through Moneypenny's diaries and without all the footnotes and editorializing by Jane Moneypenny's niece. It has a great hook--with Moneypenny wanting to investigate what really happened to her father--but really poor execution.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
May 13, 2025
As Bond continuations go, this is very well written, characterised and plotted. At first, I thought it was a bit much, what with the modern day narration by the neice, the mystery about Moneypenny's dad, real life events like the Cuban missile crisis and some events from the Bond novels, but as it goes on it all gels together well and ends up a compelling read.
September 5, 2021
If you like James bond you'll like this book.
March 18, 2014
This is a book I picked up in Japan airport while on holidays. It is a delightful spin off from the James Bond 007 series. On the back blurb simple one line hooks, ‘Thrilling’ Joanna Lumley, and ‘A damned good read’ Roger Moore. I took the bait and bought the tale and I’m glad to say it was worth it.
Ten years after her Aunt Jane’s death Kate, a Trinity College, Cambridge Lecturer receives her legacy from her Aunt in forty leather bound diaries. They had arrived in three packages wrapped in brown paper and string and sealed with red sealing wax. These, her Aunt’s accompanying letter explained, she had kept in secrecy in a false wall between bedroom and bathroom. If they had been discovered by our side she would have lost her job and if by anyone else much worse.
Very convincingly the reader is drawn into Kate’s discovery of her Aunt Jane’s life of subterfuge and much more about the woman she thought she knew well. Yes Aunt Jane was working for the British Government in a clerical position. She had signed her life to secrecy about every aspect of the role as she was privy to some highly classified information. And yes, she was in fact Miss Moneypenny who was portrayed in Ian Flemings James Bond 007 series.
We are only given a glimpse of the journals in a one year extract 1962 when the world was brought to the brink of war during the Cuban missile crisis. The events in the diary intertwine with the Ian Fleming versions of facts and Jane Vivien Moneypenny did indeed have some effect on the historic events through her efforts to save James Bond when he was at his lowest ebb and captured in Cuba. She went there herself to assist in the rescue in a foolhardy and dangerous act that paid off and brought information that could change the course of history.
I found myself enjoying the journey of discovery with Kate of her Aunt and her frailties and strengths. If you want to loose yourself in the world of spies and intrigue you won’t fail to enjoy taking this book and enjoying the ride.
Merged review:
This is a book I picked up in Japan airport while on holidays. It is a delightful spin off from the James Bond 007 series. On the back blurb simple one line hooks, ‘Thrilling’ Joanna Lumley, and ‘A damned good read’ Roger Moore. I took the bait and bought the tale and I’m glad to say it was worth it.
Ten years after her Aunt Jane’s death Kate, a Trinity College, Cambridge Lecturer receives her legacy from her Aunt in forty leather bound diaries. They had arrived in three packages wrapped in brown paper and string and sealed with red sealing wax. These, her Aunt’s accompanying letter explained, she had kept in secrecy in a false wall between bedroom and bathroom. If they had been discovered by our side she would have lost her job and if by anyone else much worse.
Very convincingly the reader is drawn into Kate’s discovery of her Aunt Jane’s life of subterfuge and much more about the woman she thought she knew well. Yes Aunt Jane was working for the British Government in a clerical position. She had signed her life to secrecy about every aspect of the role as she was privy to some highly classified information. And yes, she was in fact Miss Moneypenny who was portrayed in Ian Flemings James Bond 007 series.
We are only given a glimpse of the journals in a one year extract 1962 when the world was brought to the brink of war during the Cuban missile crisis. The events in the diary intertwine with the Ian Fleming versions of facts and Jane Vivien Moneypenny did indeed have some effect on the historic events through her efforts to save James Bond when he was at his lowest ebb and captured in Cuba. She went there herself to assist in the rescue in a foolhardy and dangerous act that paid off and brought information that could change the course of history.
I found myself enjoying the journey of discovery with Kate of her Aunt and her frailties and strengths. If you want to loose yourself in the world of spies and intrigue you won’t fail to enjoy taking this book and enjoying the ride.
Ten years after her Aunt Jane’s death Kate, a Trinity College, Cambridge Lecturer receives her legacy from her Aunt in forty leather bound diaries. They had arrived in three packages wrapped in brown paper and string and sealed with red sealing wax. These, her Aunt’s accompanying letter explained, she had kept in secrecy in a false wall between bedroom and bathroom. If they had been discovered by our side she would have lost her job and if by anyone else much worse.
Very convincingly the reader is drawn into Kate’s discovery of her Aunt Jane’s life of subterfuge and much more about the woman she thought she knew well. Yes Aunt Jane was working for the British Government in a clerical position. She had signed her life to secrecy about every aspect of the role as she was privy to some highly classified information. And yes, she was in fact Miss Moneypenny who was portrayed in Ian Flemings James Bond 007 series.
We are only given a glimpse of the journals in a one year extract 1962 when the world was brought to the brink of war during the Cuban missile crisis. The events in the diary intertwine with the Ian Fleming versions of facts and Jane Vivien Moneypenny did indeed have some effect on the historic events through her efforts to save James Bond when he was at his lowest ebb and captured in Cuba. She went there herself to assist in the rescue in a foolhardy and dangerous act that paid off and brought information that could change the course of history.
I found myself enjoying the journey of discovery with Kate of her Aunt and her frailties and strengths. If you want to loose yourself in the world of spies and intrigue you won’t fail to enjoy taking this book and enjoying the ride.
Merged review:
This is a book I picked up in Japan airport while on holidays. It is a delightful spin off from the James Bond 007 series. On the back blurb simple one line hooks, ‘Thrilling’ Joanna Lumley, and ‘A damned good read’ Roger Moore. I took the bait and bought the tale and I’m glad to say it was worth it.
Ten years after her Aunt Jane’s death Kate, a Trinity College, Cambridge Lecturer receives her legacy from her Aunt in forty leather bound diaries. They had arrived in three packages wrapped in brown paper and string and sealed with red sealing wax. These, her Aunt’s accompanying letter explained, she had kept in secrecy in a false wall between bedroom and bathroom. If they had been discovered by our side she would have lost her job and if by anyone else much worse.
Very convincingly the reader is drawn into Kate’s discovery of her Aunt Jane’s life of subterfuge and much more about the woman she thought she knew well. Yes Aunt Jane was working for the British Government in a clerical position. She had signed her life to secrecy about every aspect of the role as she was privy to some highly classified information. And yes, she was in fact Miss Moneypenny who was portrayed in Ian Flemings James Bond 007 series.
We are only given a glimpse of the journals in a one year extract 1962 when the world was brought to the brink of war during the Cuban missile crisis. The events in the diary intertwine with the Ian Fleming versions of facts and Jane Vivien Moneypenny did indeed have some effect on the historic events through her efforts to save James Bond when he was at his lowest ebb and captured in Cuba. She went there herself to assist in the rescue in a foolhardy and dangerous act that paid off and brought information that could change the course of history.
I found myself enjoying the journey of discovery with Kate of her Aunt and her frailties and strengths. If you want to loose yourself in the world of spies and intrigue you won’t fail to enjoy taking this book and enjoying the ride.
March 27, 2016
I found myself torn with this particular novel. This story has two concurrent stories emerging from it. The first is that of the author, Kate, as Jane Moneypenny's niece and confidant. The second is that of Jane Moneypenny, one of my favorite characters from James Bond.
The novel is written with great care, detail, and research bringing in and deftly weaving history with Fleming's tales and branching into a new story. The stories being told about Jane and her experiences with Bond and the 00s in Secret Intelligence are colorful and written in a way to keep the reader on even when distracted by the constant annotations and notes. The tale of Kate and her adventure in research, discovering truths about the shady world her aunt occupied is also nicely written. And as these two stories are distinctly different in style and voice, I must applaud the author on her ability to separate voices.
And I can say with great honesty that while the stories were good, I greatly disliked the book. I am not sure if it was the constant chatter of the annotations, or the switching of voices which came even more often at the end and beginning of the book. But I actually found it quite difficult to finish this novel. I did finish it, and there were certainly parts that I enjoyed and felt myself getting lost in the story. But the distractions were enough for me that I am giving this a lower rating. I understand where this author was going with the story, and I think there are going to be plenty of readers who will really enjoy it as it is. The story is good. And if you are a fan of Ian Fleming and the Bond tales, you might enjoy it for all of the intersections and the surprising twists. If you are a fan of true history annotated stories, this one will appeal. For me, though I do like the occasional true history annotated biography, I think this was just not my style of book.
The novel is written with great care, detail, and research bringing in and deftly weaving history with Fleming's tales and branching into a new story. The stories being told about Jane and her experiences with Bond and the 00s in Secret Intelligence are colorful and written in a way to keep the reader on even when distracted by the constant annotations and notes. The tale of Kate and her adventure in research, discovering truths about the shady world her aunt occupied is also nicely written. And as these two stories are distinctly different in style and voice, I must applaud the author on her ability to separate voices.
And I can say with great honesty that while the stories were good, I greatly disliked the book. I am not sure if it was the constant chatter of the annotations, or the switching of voices which came even more often at the end and beginning of the book. But I actually found it quite difficult to finish this novel. I did finish it, and there were certainly parts that I enjoyed and felt myself getting lost in the story. But the distractions were enough for me that I am giving this a lower rating. I understand where this author was going with the story, and I think there are going to be plenty of readers who will really enjoy it as it is. The story is good. And if you are a fan of Ian Fleming and the Bond tales, you might enjoy it for all of the intersections and the surprising twists. If you are a fan of true history annotated stories, this one will appeal. For me, though I do like the occasional true history annotated biography, I think this was just not my style of book.
January 9, 2015
I knew when I selected this book that it would be a cheesy knockoff of a spin off. In that respect, I was not disappointed. However, in capturing the spirit of the MI6 office and Moneypenny's role there, I was more disappointed than I expected. Not only was Jane Moneypenney in these diaries not consistent with that of the character in Fleming's books, but there were plot/developmental inconsistencies within the Diaries themselves. For instance, M insists that untrained agents not participate in the field; he then arranges for Moneypenny to receive field training. However, this line of character development peters out without reason.
Most disappointing, though, was the fact that this story ignored the fact that the reason Bond and Moneypenny were able to flirt so intimately in Fleming's stories was that there was a very clear, broad line drawn between their lives. Flirtation was exciting, yet safe, because of that line. Each was definitely allured by the other in Fleming, but both clearly understood that nothing could come of their desires. However, this did not frustrate this aspect of their relationship, but heightened what they could do to the utmost.
Diaries did not understand this line and, therefore, tried to blur it.
I haven't even mentioned the absurdity of sending Moneypenny on any kind of mission.
Anyway, this book fit into my Bond studies for the year, but definitely did not enhance them. Vive Fleming!
Most disappointing, though, was the fact that this story ignored the fact that the reason Bond and Moneypenny were able to flirt so intimately in Fleming's stories was that there was a very clear, broad line drawn between their lives. Flirtation was exciting, yet safe, because of that line. Each was definitely allured by the other in Fleming, but both clearly understood that nothing could come of their desires. However, this did not frustrate this aspect of their relationship, but heightened what they could do to the utmost.
Diaries did not understand this line and, therefore, tried to blur it.
I haven't even mentioned the absurdity of sending Moneypenny on any kind of mission.
Anyway, this book fit into my Bond studies for the year, but definitely did not enhance them. Vive Fleming!
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May 14, 2021My friends, this is a weird one: The first of three officially-sanctioned novels starring Moneypenny from the James Bond series.
The setup is gloriously metatextual: Our fictitious author/editor Kate Westbrook (prof. of international studies at Oxford) receives a package in 2008, some ten years after her dear aunt Jane Vivien Moneypenny passed away.
Imagine Westbrook's shock to learn that Moneypenny not only worked for MI6, but secretly kept a diary the whole time — and that Ian Flemming's Bond novels were based more in reality than we ever knew! She hones in on a particularly action-packed section: when Moneypenny herself (somewhat accidentally) went on a mission with 007 to gather critical intel about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Westbrook introduces each section of the diary, and provides lengthy footnotes filling in historical context. The overall effect is like reading a solid fanfic in parallel with several Wikipedia pages. From what I gather, the series gets even more meta: ie Westbrook herself gets wrapped up in some modern-day spy intrigue?
I doubt I'll get to the other two any time soon, but honestly I'm chuffed that these books are out there, and hope that aspiring authors will carry the torch and write more novels about the other secretaries in the 00 section.
The setup is gloriously metatextual: Our fictitious author/editor Kate Westbrook (prof. of international studies at Oxford) receives a package in 2008, some ten years after her dear aunt Jane Vivien Moneypenny passed away.
Imagine Westbrook's shock to learn that Moneypenny not only worked for MI6, but secretly kept a diary the whole time — and that Ian Flemming's Bond novels were based more in reality than we ever knew! She hones in on a particularly action-packed section: when Moneypenny herself (somewhat accidentally) went on a mission with 007 to gather critical intel about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Westbrook introduces each section of the diary, and provides lengthy footnotes filling in historical context. The overall effect is like reading a solid fanfic in parallel with several Wikipedia pages. From what I gather, the series gets even more meta: ie Westbrook herself gets wrapped up in some modern-day spy intrigue?
I doubt I'll get to the other two any time soon, but honestly I'm chuffed that these books are out there, and hope that aspiring authors will carry the torch and write more novels about the other secretaries in the 00 section.
March 18, 2016
I DUNNO! It's a cool little Moneypenny story in the 007 universe. Except that it has this terrible framing device that implies that the Bond novels were all actually really real and that Bond was a real guy and Ian Fleming was hanging out with Moneypenny's dad and it really took me out of it. I just wish the book was presented as fiction and not some phoney historical document.
It really drove me nuts in an otherwise fun story.
It really drove me nuts in an otherwise fun story.
February 27, 2011
I loved this. Its James bond with a Moneypenny twist. Great story with historical facts mixed with a fictional story. Can't wait to read the other two books in the series!!
June 21, 2022
An interesting riff on the Bond stories, this one is from the perspective of Miss Moneypenny via her diaries which she left to her niece. The concept of the books is that the James Bond stories are in fact real, and that Fleming wrote about his life without changing many details, if any at all! There are lots of references to the books and the films (at times probably too much) and so we hear about the action from Moneypenny's P.O.V. In her won right she's more than they desk bound secretary we all think we know, and this first in a series is set firmly within the world of 1960s espionage. It was enjoyable and easy to read, and something attempting to be a bit different.
April 16, 2022
I found this in a second hand bookshop in Beaufort, VIC on our last road trip. The title intrigued me. Being a 007 fan, I wanted to read of his adventures from Moneypenny’s point of view. A good page turner. initially I looked at the extensive footnotes, but unless the reference was completely unknown I ignored them for the most part because they interrupted the flow of the narrative. Certainly engaging enough for me to be keen to get to the end. Will keep an eye out for the other titles in the series.
June 29, 2024
The Moneypenny Diaries really is a gem of a book. It takes the world of James Bond and puts a really unique & fun spin on it. The whole premise boils down to 'what if the Ian Fleming novels were only thinly fictionalized accounts of the real James Bond adventures'. Except this book covers them from Moneypenny's point of view! She is a fully realized character here, fully fleshed out. Though it's not required to fully understand the book (as it pertains to Bond's character), it helps to be familiar with "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (a great & underappreciated Bond film).
March 21, 2019
Once you get used to the format of the book your enjoyment of it improves. This is a clever idea that mixes real historical events with the fictional events of Fleming. It is really well executed.
This book will be very enjoyable for Bond fans (there’s plenty of 007 and Tanner as well as M) but I’m not sure how the casual reader would fare considering how deeply it dives Into the Fleming novels and characters.
This book will be very enjoyable for Bond fans (there’s plenty of 007 and Tanner as well as M) but I’m not sure how the casual reader would fare considering how deeply it dives Into the Fleming novels and characters.
December 31, 2020
I bought this years ago as a Bond fan but assumed it was frivolous chick lit focusing more on the fashion and romance in Moneypenny's life but while there was a bit of that, I was pleasantly surprised by how Flemingesque it was. The other big surprise was how she was able to weave actual historical events (and how Bond and Moneypenny affect those events!) into the narrative as Fleming always kept the novels more apolitical and bigger than life.
June 24, 2019
Ten years after her Aunt Jane's death, a Cambridge lecturer receives her long hidden diaries. Aunt Jane was Miss Moneypenny, and it is great to read about James Bond and all his exploits from her point of view. High drama, adventure, intrigue, and good old-fashioned misogyny; this book is a lot of fun.
August 14, 2019
Fun take on the James Bond series told through a reading of Jane Moneypenny’s diary. Love the idea and the story line. The footnotes though tended to breakup the read making it choppy. If you know the Ian Fleming series you may want to skip them and go back and read them later. If you like the Bond books you will find this a fun take on the spy series as it brings Moneypenny to life.
October 12, 2020
I have loved James Bond for as long as I can remember. So when I stumbled on the Moneypenny Diaries is was intrigued.
This does not disappoint. What a wonderful read from a different perspective. I am eager to read the others now
This does not disappoint. What a wonderful read from a different perspective. I am eager to read the others now
June 28, 2021
This was an interesting blend of historical facts, the Ian Fleming novels and a new story involving Miss Moneypenny. Although this stretched credibility at times, this was a good read and one not to be missed by Bond fans.
May 12, 2017
Fun & Insightful!
July 21, 2017
Story of what happened to James Bond in Cuba in 1962 as related by Moneypenny's niece.
March 15, 2018
Super enjoyable! I love the format of diary entries with editorial notes and additions. And as someone who's never seen a full James Bond movie, very accessible and engaging.
May 18, 2020
A really fun read in a world full of well-known and loved characters! I really enjoyed it!
September 1, 2021
Enjoyable book to read linking bond stories well with also factual information of Cuba crisis . Will definitely read sequel
February 1, 2022
Enjoyable read.
August 27, 2025
I'm done with the literary world of 007. If it involves the films, sure. The literary world of 007 has been greatly disappointing for me.
December 13, 2025
Bond fan fiction from Miss Moneypenny's point of view. Presented in diary form by her niece, who inherited her aunt's diaries. The first in a trilogy with definite cliff hangers.
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February 2, 2008I was lucky to have found a copy of The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel, by Kate Westbrook, as it s not even published in the States. I was able to find a fairly inexpensive, used copy on Amazon. But it was obviously published in England. I only found out about it, because I was researching the James Bond novels on Wikipedia. It sounded interesting, so I hunted down a copy.[return][return]This was written mainly as journal entries from Jane Moneypenny, the secretary to M at MI6, and colleague of James Bond. In the book, her niece, Kate Westbrook (the supposed author of the book), has been sent Moneypenny s journals many years after her death. Kate learns by reading the journals that her aunt actually worked for the Secret Service. She then tries to find out if the journals are real, and in doing so, proves that Ian Fleming s Bond novels were based on fact as well. [return][return]This was a clever idea, written from both Kate s and Moneypenny s points of view to make this work of fiction appear as non-fiction. There was even an overload of history tied in to the stories to make it appear genuine. My only complaints are the long history lessons throughout the book, mainly on the Cuban Missile Crisis, as this set of journal entries were from 1962. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.[return][return]Besides the cleverly written story, it was incredibly fun to read stories from Moneypenny s point of view. She was written as a deep and complex character. The men in her life are mysterious, and she gets thrown into dangerous situations. And best of all, Moneypenny gets to go on a couple exciting adventures with 007. [return][return]This is the first in a supposed trilogy. Wikipedia states this about The Moneypenny Diaries:[return][return]The Moneypenny Diaries is a planned trilogy of novels chronicling the life of Miss Moneypenny, M s personal secretary. The novels are penned by Samantha Weinberg under the pseudonym Kate Westbrook, who is depicted as the book s editor . The first instalment of the trilogy, subtitled Guardian Angel, was released on October 10, 2005 in the UK. A second volume, subtitled Secret Servant is scheduled for publication on November 2, 2006 in the UK.[return][return]Weinberg is the first woman to write officially licenced Bond-related literature&
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