A little more than a week before the release date for Grey, a re-telling of E.L. James’ popular Fifty Shades of Grey, publisher Random House told police someone lifted a copy of the book from its offices in England.

Kent Police have launched an investigation after the publisher realized a copy of the spinoff had either walked away on its own or had been lifted by thieves, reports the BBC.

For those of you wondering why a story about a shy virgin falling in love with a rich guy who’s into some kinky stuff needs a retelling, the book narrates the events of the first installment of James’ trilogy from the viewpoint of the S&M-inclined brooding billionaire Christian Grey. James says she decided to write another Grey book because “as anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows, there are two sides to every story.”

It was originally slated for release on the character’s birthday, June 18, prompting worries that thieves might leak the novel or sell parts of it to the media.

“Officers are making inquiries after receiving a report that a book had been stolen on 8 June,” a police spokesman said, while Random House said it had no comment due to the ongoing investigation.

Grey: New Fifty Shades book ‘stolen’ [BBC News]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.