The Gun Seller

April 28, 1997
In his debut as a thriller writer, the longstanding partner of British comedian Stephen Fry treats the genre of John Buchan, Eric Ambler and Frederick Forsythe with as much reverence as Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy did science fiction. His blend of comedy and suspense has some truly hilarious moments. The hero, Thomas Lang, an ex-officer of the Scots Guards now aimlessly drifting between dead-end jobs, is such a decent bloke that he not only turns down a 50,000 hit job but also warns its intended victim, the CEO of an interior decorating firm, who turns out to be its originator. At the heart of a plot so twisted that it risks spraining itself is an arms-selling conspiracy beyond Ollie North's wildest schemes, involving renegade CIA agents and the U.S. military-industrial complex. Though this scenario flags once Lang has untangled it, culminating in a staged hostage crisis that shows off an anti-terrorist helicopter, Laurie's droll patter enlivens Lang's bemused narration throughout. Besides motorcycle chases, unarmed combat and sharpshooting, Lang wittily fetishizes weaponry and personal injury. As a good Brit, however, he is terribly, terribly reticent about sex ("When it comes to sex, it seems to me, men really are caught between a rock and a soft, limp, apologetic place."). Author tour; rights: Harold Ober; film rights to United Artists.

April 15, 1997
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

June 1, 1997
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

Starred review from April 15, 1997
Occasionally, the publisher's hype gets it right, and this is such an occasion. British actor Hugh Laurie's writing debut is a skillful mix of Bertie Wooster and James Bond. Laurie's hero, Thomas Lang, once an officer in the Scots Guards, is now an amiable underachiever. He's also a decent chap, so when he is offered a contract to assassinate an American industrialist, he goes to the American's London home to warn him of the danger. In short order, he's in trouble with British intelligence, rogue CIA crazies, and international arms merchants and is forced to infiltrate a small terrorist cell to protect the American's gorgeous daughter. Thomas is alternately feckless and heroic and always arch, puckish, or ironic. Author Laurie employs a glibly discursive Wodehousian style that works as a charming counterpoint to the moments of Bondian derring-do. "The Gun Seller" is a thoroughgoing pleasure from beginning to end, and Laurie, who has a series of movie roles all lined up after his work in the remake of "101 Dalmations," is a very talented writer. ((Reviewed April 15, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)