
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 his first novel. It’s a narco thriller set in South America. He has ‘previous’ with Plata o Plomo - a short story about Pablo Escobar’s last days, trapped in a Medellín bunker.
He lives in the Chilterns with his wife and ancient cat.
Published books
The Man on the Rubber Balloon
or Optimism

April 2022
This new, explosive globe-spanning thriller 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 sprinkle of humour!
All net proceeds go to the Young Minds mental health charity.
Order your copy today.