DECATUR — Bond, James Bond.

Few statements have made such an impact in pop culture since the fictional British Secret Agent introduced himself in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel Casino Royale.

Now, some of that Bond flair will be coming to southwest Michigan.

Since Fleming’s death in 1964, eight writers have carried on the Bond tradition, including Southwest Michigan Reads 2019 visiting author, Raymond Benson. The author of six original 007 novels will present “The James Bond Phenomenon,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Lawton Community Center, 646 N. Nursery St., Lawton, Michgian.

Benson was the third — and first American — writer to be commissioned by the James Bond copyright holders between 1996 and 2002. His titles include “Zero Minus Ten,” “The Facts of Death,” “High Time to Kill,” “DoubleShot,” “Never Dream of Dying,” and “The Man with the Red Tattoo.”

Readers of suspense novels are likely to recognize Benson’s name for his Black Stiletto saga, “The Secrets on Chicory Lane,” and “In the Hush of the Night.” His newest book, “Blues in the Dark,” is scheduled for release in October.

Benson has also written under the name of “David Michaels,” the author of Tom Clancy’s “Splinter Cell” and its sequel, Tom Clancy’s “Splinter Cell – Operation Barracuda.”

Southwest Michigan Reads, formerly Van Buren Reads, has hosted visiting authors since 2014. Previous authors in the series include Steve Luxenberg, Loreen Niewenhuis, Kelly Fordon, Wade Rouse and William Kent Krueger.

Copies of Benson’s books are available at each of the sponsoring libraries: Dowagiac District Library, Hartford Public Library, Lawton Public Library, Marcellus Township Wood Memorial Library, Paw Paw District Library, South Haven Memorial Library and Van Buren District Library.

The Dowagiac Ladies Library Association and the Friends of the Van Buren District Library have provided additional support for the event.

For updated information about related activities, look for Southwest Michigan Reads on Facebook, contact the nearest participating library or email info@vbdl.org.