New Star Trek novel, “Identity Theft”, puts Chekov in the spotlight

By John Freeman on February 6, 2025

On its way in November from Simon & Schuster is a new Star Trek: The Original Series novel, Identity Theft, by Greg Cox.

This all-new Star Trek novel celebrates the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, continuing the legacy of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. The cover has yet to be revealed.

Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek: The Original Series season two episode, "Catspaw". Yes, the one with the obvious wig — *Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek: The Original Series season two episode, “Catspaw”. Yes, the one with the obvious wig*

2269: The prospect of peace had seemed unattainable until the assistance of the Federation. Finally, countless ancient enemies have stopped their conflicts simply by listening to one another. On the planet Voyzr, Captain James T. Kirk and his crew aided the planet to realise peace.

2289: Invited to celebrate twenty years of peace, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701-A is returning to Voyzr as honoured guests. Security Chief Pavel Chekov remembers his visit to the planet as a green ensign. He has always believed the negotiations were too easy, and he wondered if there are people on the planet who still long for war – and have been waiting for just the right moment to upend the peace.

Unfortunately, Chekov discovers he is right when he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous ploy.

Author Greg Cox | https://www.gregcox-author.com/ — *Author Greg Cox*

Star Trek - Lost to Eternity by Greg Cox — *Check out some of the previous Star Trek books by Greg Cox (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)*

Star Trek: The Antares Maelstrom by Greg Cox — *Check out some of the previous Star Trek books by Greg Cox (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)*

Greg Cox, who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous Star Trek novels and short stories. A regular contributor of short stories to Star Trek Explorer during the magazine’s run, he’s also written the official movie novelisations of War for the Planet of the Apes, Godzilla, Man of Steel, The Dark Knight Rises, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, and the first three Underworld movies, as well as books and stories based on such popular series as Alias, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CSI, Farscape, The 4400, Leverage, The Librarians, Roswell, Terminator, Warehouse 13, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Zorro.

He has received six Scribe Awards from the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers, as well as the Faust Award for Life Achievement. He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

• Visit Greg at GregCox-Author.com

• Identity Theft (Star Trek: The Original Series) by Greg Cox is available to preorder from all good bookshops | On Sale 18th November 2025 | ISBN: 978-1668096628 | Preorder from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

• TV Insider: ‘Star Trek’s Walter Koenig On Chekov’s Haircut and Other Decades-Old Rumours – 2016 interview with Michael Young

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.