Free [Paperback]

Paul Vincent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2003

Printed on the top left of the envelope was the number one. The letter inside said, 'Dear Sal, I will send just eight letters to you. By the eighth letter, you will either love me or I will have killed you.' Sal's new life in the Basque country unravelled almost instantly into distrust and fear, when he found himself being stalked by a man who claimed to be his wife's husband. 'Free' is a stylish and compelling noir comedy and a love story of sorts. Full of unexpected twists and turns. Vincent builds to a nail-biting climax, taking in murder, espionage and abduction en route.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul started his career writing comedy for Radio 4 and plays for the theatre, but has become more and more interested in thrillers.

'I am constantly amazed at how few really great books there are,' says Paul. 'Most people love a good read and yet struggle to find true page turners.'

With that in mind, Paul employs the pacy format that you would expect from American authors such as James Patterson, but adds more depth, interest and fun.

'I see no reason why a book with interesting themes shouldn't also be gripping. The 11th commandment, "Thou shallt not bore" really should be employed more often by authors.'

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Upfront Publishing Ltd. (October 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844262553
• ISBN-13: 978-1844262557
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,454,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended!, May 10, 2004

By 

Zanne Marie Gray "[e-mail]" (Monona, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Free (Paperback)

Printed on the top left of the envelope was the number one. The letter inside said,

`Dear Sal, I will send just eight letters to you. By the eighth letter, you will either love me or I will have killed you.'

Whoosh! The new novel by Paul Vincent erupts onto the page with one of the catchiest opening paragraphs ever written. And once he has your attention, he never lets go. The story is engrossing, the characters ultra-real, and the final chapters will spin your head around. Even after having read the book twice, I still sit and ponder over the ending. This is a novel that will get you thinking, and it would be a great addition to any book club. I refuse to say anything about the plot, as I don't want to spoil one delicious moment of the book for you.

We've had our eye on Vincent since his first novel, Meet The Hormones. Free is his third, and his talent continues to grow. Each of his novels has its own distinct voice and style, and reading them is like watching Vincent flex his literary muscles as the critics sigh and swoon.

Highly recommended!

Review by Zanne Marie Gray of www.BookReview.com

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Way Forward For Literature?, March 25, 2005

By 

Jill Hunt, Editor, Book Review Monthly (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free (Paperback)

This is a sensational book which I recommend without reservation. It is perfectly crafted, very exciting and above all, great literature.

As with other books from the 'LitPop' movement the aim is clear: to forge a contemporary tale that excels as a thriller, has literate sensibilities, but the accessibility that is needed to reach out to 'normal' readers who might not have a degree in English Lit or a lifetime of reading novels. The reason people are occasionally sniffy about the LitPop books is that they mistakenly imagine a 'good' book must be opaque and hard-going. If you have an interesting theme to explore, why not explore it clearly?

With Free we get a fascinating examination of how history effects us every day: our family history, our national and cultural history, the history of our closest relationship and our partner's previous relationships. Quite simply it is a joy! Even if you take the book on a superficial level it is a thrill-ride and a half.

I urge you to read it. This is where the future of good literature lies.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars NOT AN AVERAGE THRILLER, March 16, 2004

By 

Simon Hartnell (Miami) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Free (Paperback)

I could not get enough of this. It is very human and laid back and yet also a pure adrenalin rush, a combination you wouldn't think is possible. I could not recommend this any more highly.