Paul Kelly
Paul grew up in 1970s High Wycombe when sherbet flying saucers cost 2½ p a hundred weight and platform shoes were both cool and great for toe-punting footballs.
He lays no claim to having books published in multiple languages. He’s taught karate in Tibet and Bolivia, half-built swimming pools in Sydney and recently worked as a surveyor in Soho.
The Man on the Rubber Balloon or Optimism is the first book in The Colombian Connection, a series of narco thrillers set in South America. All proceeds from sales of the first book go to Young Minds (the UK's leading mental health charity). The sequel – The Man with the Silver Beretta or Redemption is now out (25th Nov 2023). The last book, The Man who ruled the World or Downfall is taking shape.
Paul lives in the Chilterns with his wife and ancient cat. When he finds time he also mixes music and plays his Yamaha U30 piano.
Published books
The Man with the Silver Beretta
or Redemption
Nov 2023
The sequel to The Man on the Rubber Balloon or Optimism. Follow Jhon 'Popeye' Velásquez as he hunts down an enemy of the Medellín cartel in the Bolivian rainforest and aims to chalk up kill #200.
Inspired by the life of Pablo Escobar's top hit-man and based on events that shaped South America in 1992. Essential reading for anyone who enjoyed Netflix's Narcos series.
The Man with the Silver Beretta or Redemption is book #2 in the Colombian Connection series
The Man on the Rubber Balloon
or Optimism
April 2022
The first book in The Colombian Connection series is an explosive globe-spanning thriller that takes you on an adventure from recession-hit '90s London to the Bolivian rainforest.
Graham Greene meets Narcos, with a bit of Frank Zappa thrown in. Essential reading for anyone looking for a bit of optimism OR who simply enjoys a gripping adventure with a backdrop of intrigue, and a bit of dark humour.
All net proceeds go to the Young Minds mental health charity.
