John Gardner

John Gardner was a highly respected author from the United Kingdom, best known for his contributions to the James Bond series and his original crime fiction novels. Born on November 20, 1926, in Seaton, Delaval, Northumberland, Gardner served in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines before finding success as a writer.

Gardner is the most prolific of the Bond authors, having written 16 novels in the series, including two novelizations. He took over the series after the death of its creator, Ian Fleming, and is considered the most successful author to continue the franchise. Prior to his work on the Bond series, Gardner wrote his original series, Boysie Oakes, and three novels featuring Professor Moriarty, the popular fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Before becoming an author, Gardner worked as a stage magician, a Royal Marine officer, and a journalist. He wrote over 50 fiction novels, including "Maestro," which was named the New York Times Book of the Year. Gardner's writing career was marked by his versatility and productivity, having written in various genres such as crime, mystery, and thriller. He passed away in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in August 2007, after completing his third novel in the Moriarty trilogy.