The Man on the Rubber Balloon
or Optimism
April 2022
Straight in at the top slot in Amazon's Hot New Releases (Latin America). All net proceeds go to the charity Young Minds


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.
Plata o Plomo
(A Bullet or a Bribe)

December 2021
Paul Kelly's first short story. Enjoy the decline of Colombia's most wanted criminal, Pablo Escobar in a comedic re-telling of his final days.
Check out the e-book, or sign up to the mailing list to get it for free!