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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN num: 9780671020828
ISBN number: 067102082X
Label: Washington Square Press
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 368
Printing Date: October 01, 1998
Publishing house: Washington Square Press
Sale Popularity Level: 2681
Studio: Washington Square Press
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
Hugh Laurie concocts an uproarious cocktail of comic zingers and over-the-top action in this 'ripping spoof of the spy genre' (Vanity Fair) -- the irresistible tale of a former Scots Guard-turned-hired gun, a freelance soldier of fortune who also happens to be one heck of a nice guy.
Cold-blooded murder just isn't Thomas Lang's cup of tea. Offered a bundle to assassinate an American industrialist, he opts to warn the intended victim instead -- a good deed that soon takes a bad turn. Quicker than he can down a shot of his favorite whiskey, Lang is bashing heads with a Buddha statue, matching wits with evil billionaires, and putting his life (among other things) in the hands of a bevy of femmes fatales. Up against rogue CIA agents, wannabe terrorists, and an arms dealer looking to make a high-tech killing, Lang's out to save the leggy lady he has come to love...and prevent an international bloodbath to boot.
Amazon.com Review:
British actor and comedian Hugh Laurie's very first book is a spot-on spy spoof about hapless ex-soldier Thomas Lang, who is drawn unwittingly and unwillingly into the center of a dangerous James Bond-like plot of international terrorists, arms dealing, high-tech weapons, and CIA spooks. You may recall having seen Laurie in the English television series Jeeves and Wooster; Laurie played Bertie Wooster, the clutzy hero of the P.G. Wodehouse comic novels that originated those characters. The lineage from Wodehouse's Wooster to Laurie's Lang is clear, and, if you like Wodehouse, you'll probably love The Gun Seller.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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The Gun Seller is an enjoyable book and a parody of most spy thrillers. Hugh Laurie writes in the very first person about a reluctant hero, with dry humour that will have you laughing out loud. The characters come to life throughout the story and there are some unexpected twists. This is a good read for any mystery fan. Here's hoping Hugh Laurie writes a sequel.
Rated by buyers 
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The Gun Seller is a fun, quick read that keeps you interested and entertained. It feels like typical HOUSE; wit and intelligence, with a bit of cynicism. I loved it.
Rated by buyers -
I'm reading it on tour and enjoying it immensely. I grew up in the U.K. digging his stuff in Black Adder, Fry and Laurie etc. Got to meet him briefly once and he was a gentleman. I'm looking forward to the subsequent one. Good job Hugh.
Jon Cleary.
Rated by buyers -
I love Hugh Laurie For his acting, humur and sencerity
the book indeed was as good
Rated by buyers -
I actually had no idea this was the same Hugh Laurie as the actor who plays House M.D. when I picked up this book. I'm a huge fan of the comic crime caper type of book which is why I bought this 1996 published story. It was only when researching what other stuff this author has written that I discovered this book is actually written by the same guy, and not just an author who shares his name. Incidentally in case you're interested there is one other fiction book by this author - Paper Soldiers (which at the time of this review is not on Amazon). Laurie also has four non fiction books (all co written with Stephen Fry) out there, all written before The Gun Seller, which are - 1990's A Bit of Fry and Laurie, 1991's A Bit More Fry and Lorry (doesn't seem to be on Amazon), 1992's Three Bits of Fry and Laurie and 1995's Fry and Laurie Bit No. 4.
It's a shame in some ways Hugh Laurie went on to become such a huge sucess in the acting field, which has obviously taken away the time needed to write more novels as The Gun Seller, is very, very good!
So anyway this is a very good comic crime turns into comic spy novel. Sort of reminded a lot of Donald E Westlake's The Spy in the Ointment. Laurie certainly knows how to twist the plot and throw out surprises. Plus his main character Thomas Lang, is a very likeable character whose commentary of what's happening certainly adds to the enjoyment of the book.
Basic plot is Thomas Lang is approached by a man to murder the American Alexander Woolf, owner of a plastic's industry company, living in the UK. Although prepared to break the law, Lang has some morals and leaves the offerer in pain, and with no doubt, he's not into that type of thing. Lang decides he will warn Woolf so visits his house only to find himself in a struggle with his arm about to be broken by a large thug (which is where the novel begins). Once that problem is over his subsequent is Woolf's beautiful daughter who demands on knowing what he's doing in the house. Soon intelligence agencies wants to know what his interest in Woolf is as well, plus he seems to be being framed for a crime he did not commit. Lang's world turns upside down when he actually meets Woolf and his confusing ride will not end until the final page of this sensational humorous plot, involving business men, terrorists, the CIA and all kinds of fun people. A great read, check it out!
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