Author Jeffery Deaver, best known for his hugely popular Lincoln Rhyme series, has stepped into Ian Fleming’s shoes and is currently at work writing the next James Bond novel. On the surface, the mild-mannered writer may seem an unusual choice to take the helm of one of the book world’s most testosterone-fueled franchises, but the Fleming family has immense faith in his abilities. “He has a great understanding and appreciation of Fleming’s original creation. We feel sure that he will produce an exciting page-turning 21st-century Bond mission — and a Bond for the present day,” says Kate Grimond, Fleming’s niece, in an interview with USA TODAY. The novel, code named “Project X”, marks a departure from the previous books, and is the first to take place in modern times. This post-9/11 reboot will also feature a younger Bond.

“Bond is a young agent for the British secret service. He’s 29 or 30 years old, and he’s an Afghan war vet,” explains Deaver. Like most of 007′s work, details about the new novel are classified, but the author did divulge a few tidbits.  “I get him into a lot of trouble in the book,” he shares. “The poor guy. I almost feel bad for him. He doesn’t get a lot of rest.” A younger Moneypenny will also be around to engage Bond in verbal sparring. The Millennial secret agent doesn’t smoke, but “martinis will make an appearance in the book.”

“I want to stay true to the original James Bond, who many people don’t know much about,” says Deaver. “People know Daniel Craig, they know Pierce Brosnan, they know Roger Moore and Sean Connery, all of whom brought a great deal to the stories of 007. But the original Bond was a very dark, edgy character.”