- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Random House UK (Aug 4 1997)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0434002976
- ISBN-13: 978-0434002979
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.7 x 3.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 658 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #362,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From School Library Journal
YA. A delightful first novel by the British actor, comedian, and author of the television series "A Bit of Fry and Laurie." In this spoof (of sorts) of the spy genre, Laurie's appealing turns of phrase will grab readers from the first paragraph. Thomas Lang, formerly of the Scots Guard and currently a freelance bodyguard/man for hire, is offered an assassination job. He indignantly refuses, attempts to warn the victim, and is soon embroiled in undercover work for the British government, CIA operatives, arms dealers, and terrorists. Those who enjoy action or spy novels will be swept along in the events. Although somewhat convoluted, the plot is so punctuated with bursts of sly humor that readers won't mind a bit of confusion. The author pokes gentle, good-natured fun at the foibles and characteristics of British and Americans alike, as well as his hero, bureaucrats, terrorists, diplomats, and just about everyone else. In a tone reminiscent of Lawrence Sanders's "McNally" series (Putnam), the light, frothy humor is infectious. A quick read, with an engaging, capable hero and lots of plot twists, for YAs looking for something pleasantly different.?Carol DeAngelo, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Thomas Lang is not exactly James Bond. He has military training and has done some bodyguard work, but on the whole he doesn't care to work too hard. When he is offered a contract on the life of a wealthy London businessman, not only does he turn down the offer, but he attempts to warn the "target" of his danger. This embroils him in a wild plot involving a notorious arms dealer, renegade CIA bigwigs, and a prototype for a military helicopter. There is mystery, intrigue, sex, and violence, all of which Lang tosses off with sarcastic wit and remarkable poise. Laurie's humor hits home. Although the subject is serious, even plausible, much of this comedy-thriller is laugh-out-loud funny and very readable. Highly recommended.?Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ of Rhode Island Coll. of Continuing Education Lib., Providence
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
Imagine that you have to break someone's arm. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Imagine that you have to break someone's arm. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
More of an homage than satire,
By
This review is from: The Gun Seller (Paperback)
Many by now have no doubt heard of, or seen, Hugh Laurie--the talented star of TV's biggest show ("House"). He's branched out into the world of literature with this (paradoxically) no-nonsense yet hilarious gumshoe yarn. Laurie--having mastered offbeat humour with his previous roles as Bertie Wooster as well as witticisms with "House" and his sketch comedy series "A Bit of Fry and Laurie"--continues to aim true with the incisive, biting humour and evocative descriptions of "The Gun Seller". This highly entertaining novel unfolds like a Hollywood hit, but with his trademark wryness and smarts to boot. Fans of Laurie, the detective genre, or a rum bloody good read will devour "The Gun Seller".
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent hard-boiled novel,
This review is from: The Gun Seller (Paperback)
Very good, well-written detective thriller. I've read many novels in this genre and really enjoyed _The Gun Seller_; it's a quick, fun, but clever homage/satire of the best kind. In the interest of full disclosure, I must mention that I have an extreme crush on Hugh Laurie. Objectively, though, it's a good read. I was relieved to find his book intelligent and recommendable.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why has this not been made into a film,
By Neil Roberts (North Wales,Great Britain) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Gun Seller (Paperback)
Just once in a while you amble around a bookshop,quite possibly because you are bored or just to get out of the rain even.You pick books up then put them down because something puts you off about them.And then a book catches your eye.You check out the author "I know this guy,he`s the silly one from Blackadder and Jeeves and Wooster!" . You pay your money and take the book home. BANG! this book hit me right between the eyes and kept me reading right thru till the early hours of the next day (well 5 a.m. to be precise).Mr Laurie has a knack of making you actually visualise this in a film like capacity and i could almost feel the sensation of sitting down to watch this as a movie.And being a motorcyclist myself his facts in the book concerning the aforementioned transport are spot on , BUY THIS BOOK YOU WONT REGRET IT. Another book as soon as you are ready Mr Laurie :)
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