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The Hollow Man #1
The Hollow Man
A terrorist’s plot, the assassination of a prime minister, holds the key to an apocalyptic plot to destroy Europe’s economy. It’s impossible to stop, but one man doesn’t know enough to think the world can’t be saved. He’s no hero; not clever or capable, talented or tested. The Hollow Man is just trying to survive in an uncertain climate where terrorism is changing the rules of how we live.
The Hollow Man is a field analyst assigned to learn the new tactics of terror while trying to keep disaster from U.S. borders. If he fails and lets that happen, he lets down a world of people who didn’t even know he exists. Confronting his own demons along with soldiers of this new world, he is young, untrained and ill-prepared for what he finds.
Based on true events, a young man running from Vietnam finds himself in another kind of war. A new war of terror is spreading across Europe. As a naive field analyst for a U.S. government agency, he is assigned to babysit the unpopular Prime Minister of Spain, Luis Carrero Blanco. It’s easy duty for a young unskilled analyst. But the quick assassination of Blanco by the ruthless terrorist, Chaban, sets off a chase across Spain and France to stop him before he can complete his plan to destroy the economy of Europe.
Haunted by one of Chaban’s previous murder victims, a twelve year old girl, the analyst battles ruthless assassins and his own personal demons in a vicious struggle to save 5,000 innocent lives from becoming collateral damage in the terrorist’s psychotic plot. Disowned by the American government, no one can help him except Zita, MI6 agent and lover. They follow the trail from Madrid to Paris always a step behind.
The Hollow Man is a field analyst assigned to learn the new tactics of terror while trying to keep disaster from U.S. borders. If he fails and lets that happen, he lets down a world of people who didn’t even know he exists. Confronting his own demons along with soldiers of this new world, he is young, untrained and ill-prepared for what he finds.
Based on true events, a young man running from Vietnam finds himself in another kind of war. A new war of terror is spreading across Europe. As a naive field analyst for a U.S. government agency, he is assigned to babysit the unpopular Prime Minister of Spain, Luis Carrero Blanco. It’s easy duty for a young unskilled analyst. But the quick assassination of Blanco by the ruthless terrorist, Chaban, sets off a chase across Spain and France to stop him before he can complete his plan to destroy the economy of Europe.
Haunted by one of Chaban’s previous murder victims, a twelve year old girl, the analyst battles ruthless assassins and his own personal demons in a vicious struggle to save 5,000 innocent lives from becoming collateral damage in the terrorist’s psychotic plot. Disowned by the American government, no one can help him except Zita, MI6 agent and lover. They follow the trail from Madrid to Paris always a step behind.
- GenresFiction
292 pages, ebook
First published May 30, 2013
14 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Paul Hollis
4 books195 followersPaul Hollis is an American author of fictional terrorism and espionage. His bestselling trilogy, "The Hollow Man Series", follows a U.S. government analyst and his partner in an odyssey of suspense across Europe.
Paul Hollis has always had wanderlust, living in twelve states and eventually working in all fifty, luring him with the idea of touring the world at someone else’s expense. He has lived and worked in fifty-five countries across five continents while teaching companies about growing global implications.
Paul’s travel experiences inspire the novels in “The Hollow Man Series", bringing the streets and villages of Europe to life and offering a unique viewpoint to his mesmerizing thrillers.
Paul Hollis has always had wanderlust, living in twelve states and eventually working in all fifty, luring him with the idea of touring the world at someone else’s expense. He has lived and worked in fifty-five countries across five continents while teaching companies about growing global implications.
Paul’s travel experiences inspire the novels in “The Hollow Man Series", bringing the streets and villages of Europe to life and offering a unique viewpoint to his mesmerizing thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 27, 2017
The protagonist in The Hollow Man is a tormented young American agent bouncing around Europe, keeping tabs on some of the world’s most dangerous criminals. Even his non-waking hours are filled with the harsh reality of what terrorists are capable of. His nightly visits by a victim of his main quarry haunts his sleep. He knows he’ll feel no peace until he stops the maniacal Chaban before he follows through on his plan to cripple Europe with a single, carefully orchestrated act of terrorism.
We are privy to the character’s mindset as he confides in us his every move and thought. He’s somber, flippant, irreverent, wily and just plain lucky sometimes as he boxes way above his weight. His love-interest, partner in anti-crime—lovely Zita, one of the U.K.’s finest spies—schools him, tends to his wounds and watches his back in equal measures. Together they follow every lead, disrupt every nest and work tirelessly to keep the world from spinning off its axis.
I’m tempted to say The Hollow Man is just plain fun, but the truth is it’s much sturdier than that. It’s credible, intriguing, playful and even a little soulful. I’m very much looking forward to the next books in the series!
We are privy to the character’s mindset as he confides in us his every move and thought. He’s somber, flippant, irreverent, wily and just plain lucky sometimes as he boxes way above his weight. His love-interest, partner in anti-crime—lovely Zita, one of the U.K.’s finest spies—schools him, tends to his wounds and watches his back in equal measures. Together they follow every lead, disrupt every nest and work tirelessly to keep the world from spinning off its axis.
I’m tempted to say The Hollow Man is just plain fun, but the truth is it’s much sturdier than that. It’s credible, intriguing, playful and even a little soulful. I’m very much looking forward to the next books in the series!
September 24, 2017
A Tantalizing Thriller by Paul Hollis
This is my first book I've read by Paul Hollis, and I think it's fair to say I'm going to be a longtime fan of his book(s).
This adrenaline-filled thriller is complete with nail-biting suspense, action, adventure, humor, and a slight touch of romance.
Doc is a National Security Agency analyst on 'unofficial assignment' in Madrid, Spain. Thanks to his knowledge of a terrorist known as 'Chaban,' the NSA wants him to track him down and turn over the terrorist's location to MI6 so they can 'handle' matters. Things heat up when the Spanish Prime Minister is assassinated in a terrific scheme. Hot on Chaban's trail with his longtime and beautiful friend, Zita, they follow the terrorist through picturesque Spanish villages and cities, countryside, and a journey by train where Doc comes face to face with killers working for Chaban.
Managing to meet up in Paris, France, and dodging Chaban's killers along the way, after another deadly terrorist attack Doc and Zita learn the full extent of Chaban's plan. It's a plan so clever and carefully calculated, and one that could bring the European economy to its knees. Doc, however, is determined to stop Chaban, but as the terrorist has told him on previous engagements, "You're too stupid and slow to get me! I've beaten you again!"
With thousands of lives at stack and the future of Europe's economy hanging in the balance, Doc and Zita trek across Spain to Paris where the ultimate confrontation will determine not only the fate of many lives... but their very own lives too.
Taking place in 1973 before the real threat of terrorism has become clear to much of the world, this book will keep you glued to its pages from beginning to end.
This is my first book I've read by Paul Hollis, and I think it's fair to say I'm going to be a longtime fan of his book(s).
This adrenaline-filled thriller is complete with nail-biting suspense, action, adventure, humor, and a slight touch of romance.
Doc is a National Security Agency analyst on 'unofficial assignment' in Madrid, Spain. Thanks to his knowledge of a terrorist known as 'Chaban,' the NSA wants him to track him down and turn over the terrorist's location to MI6 so they can 'handle' matters. Things heat up when the Spanish Prime Minister is assassinated in a terrific scheme. Hot on Chaban's trail with his longtime and beautiful friend, Zita, they follow the terrorist through picturesque Spanish villages and cities, countryside, and a journey by train where Doc comes face to face with killers working for Chaban.
Managing to meet up in Paris, France, and dodging Chaban's killers along the way, after another deadly terrorist attack Doc and Zita learn the full extent of Chaban's plan. It's a plan so clever and carefully calculated, and one that could bring the European economy to its knees. Doc, however, is determined to stop Chaban, but as the terrorist has told him on previous engagements, "You're too stupid and slow to get me! I've beaten you again!"
With thousands of lives at stack and the future of Europe's economy hanging in the balance, Doc and Zita trek across Spain to Paris where the ultimate confrontation will determine not only the fate of many lives... but their very own lives too.
Taking place in 1973 before the real threat of terrorism has become clear to much of the world, this book will keep you glued to its pages from beginning to end.
October 26, 2013
A Benchmark for Thrillers, Belongs on Big Screen
I don’t care for most thrillers because within the genre, plot tends to drive characterization, and I prefer the reverse. I read books to find characters who seem as real as anyone I might see in real life. Fast-paced thrillers often seem one or two-dimensional to me. In HOLLOW MAN, however, Paul Hollis manages to create not just one, but several real people. The characters in this character-driven thriller are as real, as compelling, as three-dimensional as any I’ve come across in real life. And this is the mark of a great book.
As an AIA reviewer, I have the privilege and sometimes the curse of reading a lot of Indie books. As an author and a lifelong reader, I also read many traditionally-published books. Without reservation or hesitation, I would argue that HOLLOW MAN is one of the best, if not the best, novel I’ve come across in 2013. It is a benchmark of thrillers, but it’s also a new sort of thriller: tight but literate, lush but lucid, fast-paced but often pausing to drink in the gorgeous European scenery.
Hollis is a very visual writer. I could see the countryside unfurling from the train window. I could picture the blood spurting from one of the many villain’s carotid arteries. I could picture the ghost, a murdered little girl, translucent, yet lucent (for real, Hollis uses this word), forlornly gazing into a camera, or into the main character’s eyes.
Speaking of cameras, HOLLOW MAN belongs on the big screen. I’m hoping that Hollis ships this novel to either Indie filmmakers or perhaps to the titans in Hollywood. I predict that if this is adapted for film, it will be a mega hit.
What audience will enjoy HOLLOW MAN? Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the craftsmanship. Male readers will love the pacing, the action, and the likable lead. History buffs will appreciate the early 1970’s time period, which almost amounts to a separate character in itself. Former intelligence officers will likely chuckle about the author’s take on the spy world. Anyone with a pulse will enjoy reading HOLLOW MAN.
I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of HOLLOW MAN from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Five Stars.
I don’t care for most thrillers because within the genre, plot tends to drive characterization, and I prefer the reverse. I read books to find characters who seem as real as anyone I might see in real life. Fast-paced thrillers often seem one or two-dimensional to me. In HOLLOW MAN, however, Paul Hollis manages to create not just one, but several real people. The characters in this character-driven thriller are as real, as compelling, as three-dimensional as any I’ve come across in real life. And this is the mark of a great book.
As an AIA reviewer, I have the privilege and sometimes the curse of reading a lot of Indie books. As an author and a lifelong reader, I also read many traditionally-published books. Without reservation or hesitation, I would argue that HOLLOW MAN is one of the best, if not the best, novel I’ve come across in 2013. It is a benchmark of thrillers, but it’s also a new sort of thriller: tight but literate, lush but lucid, fast-paced but often pausing to drink in the gorgeous European scenery.
Hollis is a very visual writer. I could see the countryside unfurling from the train window. I could picture the blood spurting from one of the many villain’s carotid arteries. I could picture the ghost, a murdered little girl, translucent, yet lucent (for real, Hollis uses this word), forlornly gazing into a camera, or into the main character’s eyes.
Speaking of cameras, HOLLOW MAN belongs on the big screen. I’m hoping that Hollis ships this novel to either Indie filmmakers or perhaps to the titans in Hollywood. I predict that if this is adapted for film, it will be a mega hit.
What audience will enjoy HOLLOW MAN? Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the craftsmanship. Male readers will love the pacing, the action, and the likable lead. History buffs will appreciate the early 1970’s time period, which almost amounts to a separate character in itself. Former intelligence officers will likely chuckle about the author’s take on the spy world. Anyone with a pulse will enjoy reading HOLLOW MAN.
I highly recommend this book. I received a free copy of HOLLOW MAN from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Five Stars.
March 6, 2014
As a young U.S. government analyst working in Europe in the early 1970s, author Paul Hollis had a front row seat to some of the deadliest terrorists plots of that time. Lucky for us, he has writing chops to spare. His experiences are the basis for this novel—a fast-paced action thriller that gives you that same on-the-edge-of-your-seat feeling as movies like Clear And Present Danger, and Patriots Games. I can see this book being turned into a television series like 24, with an added bonus of a rich 70s retro feel. Hollis is a talented storyteller with a knack for providing a wealth of detail for period and place, enriched by his refined ear for dialogue and dialects. The plot’s dizzying twists and unbearable suspense will no doubt keep you up past your bedtime while the frenzied action sequences will leave you pleasantly drained. I particularly enjoyed the nod to the paranormal, which often had me wondering what was real and what was a psychosomatic delusion of a man pushed to the brink. I also enjoyed the numerous disguises of the protagonist, another clever storytelling tactic that kept me guessing. Here’s hoping for a sequel.
August 11, 2022
The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis is a fast-moving, well crafted espionage thriller centered on the exploits of Doc, a troubled free-lance operative obsessed with the activities of a political mass murderer. Luis Carrero Blanco, a Spanish prime minister, appeared as collateral damage during a terror attack by the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, a radical Basque organization. Doc suspects otherwise, and his research places him on the trail of the shadowy Marcus Calderon. His gal pal Zita, an MI6 agent, joins him on his quest which eventually leads to international fugitive Andrew Chaban.
Hollis' attention to detail is a key factor in the narrative as we are taken to the 11th Arrondissement of Paris, a diverse cultural district where Doc suspects Calderon is hatching Chaban's diabolical plan. The crepuscular activity of the terrorists' associates confirm the duo's suspicions, and soon they pick up a trail that leads them to a fleet of state-of-the-art DC-10s at Charles De Gaulle International Airport. Doc and Zita race against time in thwarting a disaster that can make the Blanco killing seem as a dumpster explosion.
For espionage lovers, European thriller buffs and his growing legion of fans, The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis is one you won't want to miss.
Hollis' attention to detail is a key factor in the narrative as we are taken to the 11th Arrondissement of Paris, a diverse cultural district where Doc suspects Calderon is hatching Chaban's diabolical plan. The crepuscular activity of the terrorists' associates confirm the duo's suspicions, and soon they pick up a trail that leads them to a fleet of state-of-the-art DC-10s at Charles De Gaulle International Airport. Doc and Zita race against time in thwarting a disaster that can make the Blanco killing seem as a dumpster explosion.
For espionage lovers, European thriller buffs and his growing legion of fans, The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis is one you won't want to miss.
September 26, 2013
Like a movie unfolding across the big screen, the Hollow Man draws you into a war of terrorism that spreads across Europe. A true, literary work of the highest caliber, Hollow Man engages the reader and keeps them enthralled until the closing credits.
With a deft intertwining of fact and fiction, this action thriller tells the story of a young field analyst from the U.S. who's assigned to study emerging terror tactics and keep a watchful eye over the prime minister of Spain. A deadly explosion kills the primeminister and a wild chase ensues as the analyst attempts to uncover the master mind behind the assassination.
"The buildings were battered and bruised, the rupture
in the street was still bleeding, and thick dust had buried the dead."
Hollis brings the world of war torn Europe to life in intricate and believable detail. The analyst, with the assistance of his lover, who is also an British agent race against time to thwart what they believe to be more than just an assassination attempt.
Hollis is a master storyteller with a keen eye for detail. His professionalism is demonstrated in this work by the expert editing, complex characters and a very well managed plot. It was a pleasure to read such a well developed literary work.
AIA Reviewers
With a deft intertwining of fact and fiction, this action thriller tells the story of a young field analyst from the U.S. who's assigned to study emerging terror tactics and keep a watchful eye over the prime minister of Spain. A deadly explosion kills the primeminister and a wild chase ensues as the analyst attempts to uncover the master mind behind the assassination.
"The buildings were battered and bruised, the rupture
in the street was still bleeding, and thick dust had buried the dead."
Hollis brings the world of war torn Europe to life in intricate and believable detail. The analyst, with the assistance of his lover, who is also an British agent race against time to thwart what they believe to be more than just an assassination attempt.
Hollis is a master storyteller with a keen eye for detail. His professionalism is demonstrated in this work by the expert editing, complex characters and a very well managed plot. It was a pleasure to read such a well developed literary work.
AIA Reviewers
November 3, 2013
A fast-paced thriller that kept me reading through the night. The visual writing style draws one in to the streets and alleys of Paris, with which the author is clearly very familiar, as the unnamed hero and his English colleague/lover track down a terrorist bent on destroying the economy of Europe in the 1970s.
The action is relentless, and there’s plenty of blood and gore as the pair race to discover the terrorist’s target and prevent a cataclysmic disaster.
While he’s a handy man with his fists and knife, and a master of disguise, the hero also shows himself to be vulnerable and sensitive, and he is haunted by the spirit of a dead child. His background is something of a mystery, and I suspect and hope that there will be a sequel to The Hollow Man, in which we will learn more about him.
I would definitely read more works by this author.
The action is relentless, and there’s plenty of blood and gore as the pair race to discover the terrorist’s target and prevent a cataclysmic disaster.
While he’s a handy man with his fists and knife, and a master of disguise, the hero also shows himself to be vulnerable and sensitive, and he is haunted by the spirit of a dead child. His background is something of a mystery, and I suspect and hope that there will be a sequel to The Hollow Man, in which we will learn more about him.
I would definitely read more works by this author.
August 18, 2016
There are some books that draw the reader in so quickly that you can almost hear the character's voices in your head. For me this was one of those books.
The book is a tale of good versus evil. Told in the first person and narrated by the hero, this book makes him likeable right away. It is fast paced and has a touch of humor. There is even a little bit of a history and a geography lesson slipped in and it educates without the narraror sounding like a professor. It was exciting enough to allow me the guilty pleasure of reading all night.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.
The book is a tale of good versus evil. Told in the first person and narrated by the hero, this book makes him likeable right away. It is fast paced and has a touch of humor. There is even a little bit of a history and a geography lesson slipped in and it educates without the narraror sounding like a professor. It was exciting enough to allow me the guilty pleasure of reading all night.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author.
October 1, 2013
There’s no shortage to action in this book. It’s my first Paul Hollis read and my goodness, I am yearning to experience more of what he has to offer in his future works. It is brilliant how an author can take you on a journey that keeps you so engaged you almost don’t want the story to end. I especially love the way he built and maintained the momentum of characters and kept you guessing as they inched closer to catching Chaban. From chapter one you can tell that this is going to be an epic journey that is only for the brave.
May 18, 2025
The Hollow Man has BOTH fast pacing and deep characterization occurring within vividly cinematic scenes. The author’s descriptions left me feeling as though I were in the scenes with Doc, especially the intriguing moments with his dream-ghost-girl.
Doc’s efforts to save Europe are unique in that he is an inexperienced field analyst, who has no substantive support. In his own words, “Effectively, I was simply a tourist whose prime mission was to explore Europe’s underbelly on the government’s tab?” In spite of his lack of training and weapons, Doc fights in a life-or-death role doing his best to survive and save Europe. One character aptly summarizes Doc’s situation. “You are on a road with no exits.”
Zita, Doc’s lover and accomplice, reflects on his endearing persona when he asks her if he’s ever let her down. Zita answers, “Amaze me, yes. Bewilder me, certainly. Infuriate me, absolutely, but let me down, never.”
I love it that Doc is not your typical super hero, and, besides being determined to save lives, he is quirky, relatable and loveable even in the most violent scenes. Above all, with his dream-ghost-girl, he delivers universal truths about terrorism more poignantly than a non-fiction report. It is no surprise that the popularity of this book has sustained overtime and that there are more books in the series. Definitely 5 STAR stuff!
Doc’s efforts to save Europe are unique in that he is an inexperienced field analyst, who has no substantive support. In his own words, “Effectively, I was simply a tourist whose prime mission was to explore Europe’s underbelly on the government’s tab?” In spite of his lack of training and weapons, Doc fights in a life-or-death role doing his best to survive and save Europe. One character aptly summarizes Doc’s situation. “You are on a road with no exits.”
Zita, Doc’s lover and accomplice, reflects on his endearing persona when he asks her if he’s ever let her down. Zita answers, “Amaze me, yes. Bewilder me, certainly. Infuriate me, absolutely, but let me down, never.”
I love it that Doc is not your typical super hero, and, besides being determined to save lives, he is quirky, relatable and loveable even in the most violent scenes. Above all, with his dream-ghost-girl, he delivers universal truths about terrorism more poignantly than a non-fiction report. It is no surprise that the popularity of this book has sustained overtime and that there are more books in the series. Definitely 5 STAR stuff!
January 31, 2025
I was gifted the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I loved the book so much that I had to buy the kindle version. If I could get a signed copy of the paperback, I’d buy that too.
Mr. Hollis, does an incredible job of bringing this story to life. It made me wonder if, in fact, it wasn’t a true story. That being said, the characters were believable, the plot dramatic, filled with suspense, and it kept me enthralled from the first words to the last page.
The haunting of a ghost child gave an element of truth, for I’d imagine that someone in Docs position would be held by the image of this child.
As a spy thriller, I’d put it up with the best writers of our time, and better than many well-known authors.
The action is unyielding, there is blood and violence at every turn, as they race to discover the fanatic’s target and prevent a catastrophic disaster.
The protagonist has both strength, resolve, and a gentleness that makes him more real.
After reading Mr. Hollis’ book The Hollow Man, I found myself wondering if I’d be up to the task, if it were me. It was a thrilling ride, and a book that I will hold dear.
I truly loved this story, and I will be rereading it over the years.
The narrator is superb and pulls you into the story too.
Mr. Hollis, does an incredible job of bringing this story to life. It made me wonder if, in fact, it wasn’t a true story. That being said, the characters were believable, the plot dramatic, filled with suspense, and it kept me enthralled from the first words to the last page.
The haunting of a ghost child gave an element of truth, for I’d imagine that someone in Docs position would be held by the image of this child.
As a spy thriller, I’d put it up with the best writers of our time, and better than many well-known authors.
The action is unyielding, there is blood and violence at every turn, as they race to discover the fanatic’s target and prevent a catastrophic disaster.
The protagonist has both strength, resolve, and a gentleness that makes him more real.
After reading Mr. Hollis’ book The Hollow Man, I found myself wondering if I’d be up to the task, if it were me. It was a thrilling ride, and a book that I will hold dear.
I truly loved this story, and I will be rereading it over the years.
The narrator is superb and pulls you into the story too.
October 29, 2017
It was a decent read overall. The story is interesting and he is believable with the foreign locations he uses - obviously he has been in those locations and has intimate knowledge of them (as indicated on his book jacket). The story is motivating enough to keep one reading to the end.
I'd like to have given it 3 1/2 stars, however, because the characterization is a bit shallow, especially with his partner and lover, Zita, who is a little cliched. Also, transitions are bumpy and sometimes missing so, as a reader, I struggled at times to understand what was happening. This is especially true in his dream sequences and with the voices in his head.
If you love action/mystery and are less discerning, this book will do it for you. I know this is his first book in the series and I hope he has grown as a writer and the rest of the books in the series are better.
I'd like to have given it 3 1/2 stars, however, because the characterization is a bit shallow, especially with his partner and lover, Zita, who is a little cliched. Also, transitions are bumpy and sometimes missing so, as a reader, I struggled at times to understand what was happening. This is especially true in his dream sequences and with the voices in his head.
If you love action/mystery and are less discerning, this book will do it for you. I know this is his first book in the series and I hope he has grown as a writer and the rest of the books in the series are better.
March 7, 2021
I bought this book after viewing a podcast featuring author Paul Hollis. He brought the story to life through his discussion about his past and the reasons he wrote the book. From page one I was taken on a dangerous, compelling ride.
The characters are so well-drawn I felt like I knew them. The settings are used almost as characters--they are so diverse and full of their own circumstances that, in many cases, they drive the story. Moving to book two in the series now!
The characters are so well-drawn I felt like I knew them. The settings are used almost as characters--they are so diverse and full of their own circumstances that, in many cases, they drive the story. Moving to book two in the series now!
March 6, 2022
A very well written thriller with all the qualities needed to keep the pages turning. Set in 1970’s Spain, a greenhorn American agent works alongside an experienced English MI6 (lady) agent to bring an arch criminal to justice. Full of action, the only criticism I have is that much of the dialogue is in Spanish, spoiling the continuity for those of us that do not speak the language. 5-stars for bilinguists, but otherwise 4-stars for my limited intellect.
September 24, 2023
I love how the author takes the reader with him in a story especially one like the main character, a US government field analyst. Every heart stopping piece of action he and Zita experienced, I felt the tension, and my heart raced, hoping he, or in some instances both of them, made it through each dire predicament alive. What a thrill ride! I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Well done!
August 11, 2019
Good read
March 3, 2017
If you enjoy international intrigue, action and adventure with a deadly plot as much as I do, then Hollis' book is for you. A definite page turner. Start it early in the day because it'll keep you up.
July 16, 2016
An excellent and exciting page turning thriller!
This was one of the best gripping suspense thrillers I've read in a long time and it is more like a movie revealed as if across the big screen. However, the writing is excellent and exceptional.
Readers could very well find more descriptive choreography, in places. The story begins in Madrid further en-routes to Paris with a fast paced non stop thrilling action, as Doc the main lead character who is an analyst assigned field job who happens to works for the NSA. The story keeps the pace running as the author, Paul Hollis, treats his readers with mesmerizing European tour, with precisions included to describe every minute details and historical facts, and a usage of various language and phrases in between with french and spanish albeit with subtle translations.
The book engages your acquaintance into a war of terrorism that is indeed spread across Europe dated 70's to collapse the economy.
The author skilfully depicts this true thriller into a beautiful literary work in the form exciting page turner which keeps the readers hooked through out!
The main character the assigned analyst who’s task was to monitor the activities of Chaban a dangerous assassin and terrorist who assassinates the Prime Minister of Spain. The mysterious plot to destroy Europe’s economy gets more or less successful and now Doc finds himself trapped all the simultaneous dangerous situation one after another as he tries to flee across Spain and France in search of the answers to all the sudden events accompanied by yet another British agent Zita who is fearless and keeps motivating him.
I recommend 'The Hollow Man' as a must read for everyone also the detailed descriptions and the mysterious characters plus the suspenseful events keeps the readers enthralled till the end!
I appreciate that Paul Hollis the award winning author for this book has included a lot of action suspense and adventure with sudden inclusion of humour at places and that's incredible!!!
Well deserved 5 star to this exciting and enthralling suspense thriller and excellent page turner and looking forward to read
'London bridge is falling down'
Inderjit Kaur
Author (A living series)
For all inspirational reads visit my Amazon author page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00TJHMCH4
Inderjit Kaur
This was one of the best gripping suspense thrillers I've read in a long time and it is more like a movie revealed as if across the big screen. However, the writing is excellent and exceptional.
Readers could very well find more descriptive choreography, in places. The story begins in Madrid further en-routes to Paris with a fast paced non stop thrilling action, as Doc the main lead character who is an analyst assigned field job who happens to works for the NSA. The story keeps the pace running as the author, Paul Hollis, treats his readers with mesmerizing European tour, with precisions included to describe every minute details and historical facts, and a usage of various language and phrases in between with french and spanish albeit with subtle translations.
The book engages your acquaintance into a war of terrorism that is indeed spread across Europe dated 70's to collapse the economy.
The author skilfully depicts this true thriller into a beautiful literary work in the form exciting page turner which keeps the readers hooked through out!
The main character the assigned analyst who’s task was to monitor the activities of Chaban a dangerous assassin and terrorist who assassinates the Prime Minister of Spain. The mysterious plot to destroy Europe’s economy gets more or less successful and now Doc finds himself trapped all the simultaneous dangerous situation one after another as he tries to flee across Spain and France in search of the answers to all the sudden events accompanied by yet another British agent Zita who is fearless and keeps motivating him.
I recommend 'The Hollow Man' as a must read for everyone also the detailed descriptions and the mysterious characters plus the suspenseful events keeps the readers enthralled till the end!
I appreciate that Paul Hollis the award winning author for this book has included a lot of action suspense and adventure with sudden inclusion of humour at places and that's incredible!!!
Well deserved 5 star to this exciting and enthralling suspense thriller and excellent page turner and looking forward to read
'London bridge is falling down'
Inderjit Kaur
Author (A living series)
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Inderjit Kaur
October 4, 2015
The Hollow Man won 2nd place for World’s Best Story and I can see why. Hollis delivers a taut, gritty and suspenseful novel with a plot that takes place in the 70s, centered on international terrorism and a troubled young agent who is stubbornly determined to put an end to it.
Doc, the main character known only by his nickname, is an analyst who works for the NSA, National Security Agency with the Wikipedia definition of: an intelligence organization of the United States government, responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. Doc is told to observe and monitor Chaban, a known terrorist. The story begins in Madrid and moves on to Paris with non-stop action, as Doc enlists the help of Zita, who is a British agent and his lover.
The story is well-written and Hollis’ knowledge of Europe’s history, culture and architecture interspersed throughout the story is a welcome relief from the graphic violence that made me cringe and gag as I read. The title clues us into Doc’s troubled personality, making him a mysterious character. We don’t know much about him except that he is deeply affected by his past and his father. He is a loner who has a compassionate heart for the innocent and oppressed but who has a boiling rage within him that surfaces during and propels his lethal hand-to-hand combats with the enemies.
Zita provides some humour and a feminine touch throughout, and we can see her strength gives Doc the motivation to go on. We don’t know much about Zita either, except that she is a fearless agent and has affection for Doc.
The Hollow Man seems to take place within a week and much happens in that time frame. The ending is satisfying but left me wondering about Doc and his past. This story could end there or it could be turned into a series where readers will get to know Doc’s story and why he seems to want to punish himself with a career that puts him in constant danger with no assistance from the organization he works for.
If you like well-written pre-Internet thrillers with lots of action and mystery but don’t mind crude language, religious profanity and excessive graphic violence, then The Hollow Man will take you on a rough ride, making you question how much terrorism has changed the way we live.
Doc, the main character known only by his nickname, is an analyst who works for the NSA, National Security Agency with the Wikipedia definition of: an intelligence organization of the United States government, responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. Doc is told to observe and monitor Chaban, a known terrorist. The story begins in Madrid and moves on to Paris with non-stop action, as Doc enlists the help of Zita, who is a British agent and his lover.
The story is well-written and Hollis’ knowledge of Europe’s history, culture and architecture interspersed throughout the story is a welcome relief from the graphic violence that made me cringe and gag as I read. The title clues us into Doc’s troubled personality, making him a mysterious character. We don’t know much about him except that he is deeply affected by his past and his father. He is a loner who has a compassionate heart for the innocent and oppressed but who has a boiling rage within him that surfaces during and propels his lethal hand-to-hand combats with the enemies.
Zita provides some humour and a feminine touch throughout, and we can see her strength gives Doc the motivation to go on. We don’t know much about Zita either, except that she is a fearless agent and has affection for Doc.
The Hollow Man seems to take place within a week and much happens in that time frame. The ending is satisfying but left me wondering about Doc and his past. This story could end there or it could be turned into a series where readers will get to know Doc’s story and why he seems to want to punish himself with a career that puts him in constant danger with no assistance from the organization he works for.
If you like well-written pre-Internet thrillers with lots of action and mystery but don’t mind crude language, religious profanity and excessive graphic violence, then The Hollow Man will take you on a rough ride, making you question how much terrorism has changed the way we live.
October 9, 2015
GIVEAWAY: For a chance to WIN 1 of 5 copies of The Hollow Man, visit Create With Joy and enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway by 10/16/15. Full details on blog; giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada, except where prohibited by law.
If you enjoy classic spy stories like Three Days Of The Condor, then The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis – the 2nd Place recipient of the 2014 World’s Best Story Award – is bound to interest you!
The Hollow Man is a suspense thriller that’s set in the 1970s and told from the vantage point of Doc – an NSA analyst who’s tasked with monitoring the activities of Chaban – an extremely dangerous assassin and terrorist.
When Chaban assassinates the Prime Minister of Spain and plots to destroy Europe’s economy, Doc finds himself in one dangerous situation after another as he traipses across Spain and France in search of the madman.
Of course, Doc's analytical training has not thoroughly equipped him for the dangerous situations he now finds himself faced with out in the field. Fortunately, he has one friend he can trust – the beautiful and highly skilled M16 agent named Zita – who is more than capable of handling herself in dangerous situations and keeping him safe as well!
The Hollow Man is a well-written story that weaves historical events and characters into a tale of international intrigue that’s full of unexpected twists and turns – and even moments of dark humor!
Although sensitive readers will not appreciate the elements of violence and profanity that the book contains, fans of thrillers like Three Days Of The Condor will enjoy The Hollow Man!
To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
If you enjoy classic spy stories like Three Days Of The Condor, then The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis – the 2nd Place recipient of the 2014 World’s Best Story Award – is bound to interest you!
The Hollow Man is a suspense thriller that’s set in the 1970s and told from the vantage point of Doc – an NSA analyst who’s tasked with monitoring the activities of Chaban – an extremely dangerous assassin and terrorist.
When Chaban assassinates the Prime Minister of Spain and plots to destroy Europe’s economy, Doc finds himself in one dangerous situation after another as he traipses across Spain and France in search of the madman.
Of course, Doc's analytical training has not thoroughly equipped him for the dangerous situations he now finds himself faced with out in the field. Fortunately, he has one friend he can trust – the beautiful and highly skilled M16 agent named Zita – who is more than capable of handling herself in dangerous situations and keeping him safe as well!
The Hollow Man is a well-written story that weaves historical events and characters into a tale of international intrigue that’s full of unexpected twists and turns – and even moments of dark humor!
Although sensitive readers will not appreciate the elements of violence and profanity that the book contains, fans of thrillers like Three Days Of The Condor will enjoy The Hollow Man!
To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 15, 2015
This Paul Hollis thriller is told mostly from the first-person perspective of a man identified simply as Doc, his full real name not given at any point in the novel, the first chapter opening with him at a sixteenth-century cathedral where the funeral of a child is occurring. The initial setting is the twilight years of Generalissimo Francisco Franco’s Spain, with terrorists assassinating his Prime Minister, Luis Carrero Blanco, with the last major murder of a European head of state having occurred back in 1934. It is said that Franco was merely ruling as Spain’s regent since the last monarch before he came to power never officially abdicated, and true to history, the country’s royal restoration is imminent.
Throughout the novel, Hollis gives occasional historical tidbits of his story’s various settings, including Navarre in Spain, spread on both sides of the Alba River and at the time of the novel is home to 140,000 citizens with summer tourism peaking at 20,000 tourists. He moves to Pamplona, with those responsible for the Prime Minister’s death supposedly being a Basque nationalist terrorist group, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA). The novel ultimately reveals that Doc earned his nickname due to his work at keeping a mortuary clean, and he is ultimately paired with a woman named Zita.
The setting eventually shifts to France, specifically Paris, with more occasional tidbits such as the city’s Gate du Nord being among the busiest train stations in Europe, with French President Georges Pompidou to be a keynote speaker at the imminent opening of the Charles du Gaulle Airport, specifics given about its capacities. The novel ultimately reaches a satisfying conclusion, although Doc himself remains something of an enigma, and the book is regularly peppered with Spanish and French conversations, sometimes with translations, but at other times without. Even so, this thriller is recommended reading.
Throughout the novel, Hollis gives occasional historical tidbits of his story’s various settings, including Navarre in Spain, spread on both sides of the Alba River and at the time of the novel is home to 140,000 citizens with summer tourism peaking at 20,000 tourists. He moves to Pamplona, with those responsible for the Prime Minister’s death supposedly being a Basque nationalist terrorist group, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA). The novel ultimately reveals that Doc earned his nickname due to his work at keeping a mortuary clean, and he is ultimately paired with a woman named Zita.
The setting eventually shifts to France, specifically Paris, with more occasional tidbits such as the city’s Gate du Nord being among the busiest train stations in Europe, with French President Georges Pompidou to be a keynote speaker at the imminent opening of the Charles du Gaulle Airport, specifics given about its capacities. The novel ultimately reaches a satisfying conclusion, although Doc himself remains something of an enigma, and the book is regularly peppered with Spanish and French conversations, sometimes with translations, but at other times without. Even so, this thriller is recommended reading.
June 22, 2014
This is a five-star worthy book for which I am giving four and a half stars because the genre of extreme thriller with explosions and killings is not to my taste in novels.
Aside from that element, I loved Paul Hollis' highly competent, sophisticated craft of writing. At times, it felt outstanding, brilliant, like beautiful choreography. I enjoyed Hollis' use of several languages - that was fun - with always a bit of translation. The travel around France, Spain, Portugal was great, as were the train rides. I didn't find the paranormal element to be necessary, but maybe that's a thing the author likes to write about.
The details, descriptions, observations, were wonderful, showing a great deal of knowledge, experience and /or research on Hollis' part of people and places.
Those who enjoy espionage genre should love this book!
A sample of the writing:
'I wanted to see a total lack of empathy. I wanted to see the black bottom of fourth-world paranoia. I wanted to see swamp alligator crazy. Instead, the crystal-clear sanity of reason and right was staring back at me. I saw the calm intelligence he used to calculate and recalculate every brush stroke in his masterpiece. I saw the untroubled conscience allowing him to pull the trigger without another thought.'
Even I got caught up in this!
I liked the following type of simple, smooth action:
'I nodded. He took one last drag on the cigarette and flicked the butt at my feet. I stepped on the burning ember.'
And one more:
"You and I are two sides of a coin, aren't we? I love to see people die, and you love to try to save them. What a perfect pair. Nothing else would be as much fun, would it?
Well done, Mr. Hollis!
Aside from that element, I loved Paul Hollis' highly competent, sophisticated craft of writing. At times, it felt outstanding, brilliant, like beautiful choreography. I enjoyed Hollis' use of several languages - that was fun - with always a bit of translation. The travel around France, Spain, Portugal was great, as were the train rides. I didn't find the paranormal element to be necessary, but maybe that's a thing the author likes to write about.
The details, descriptions, observations, were wonderful, showing a great deal of knowledge, experience and /or research on Hollis' part of people and places.
Those who enjoy espionage genre should love this book!
A sample of the writing:
'I wanted to see a total lack of empathy. I wanted to see the black bottom of fourth-world paranoia. I wanted to see swamp alligator crazy. Instead, the crystal-clear sanity of reason and right was staring back at me. I saw the calm intelligence he used to calculate and recalculate every brush stroke in his masterpiece. I saw the untroubled conscience allowing him to pull the trigger without another thought.'
Even I got caught up in this!
I liked the following type of simple, smooth action:
'I nodded. He took one last drag on the cigarette and flicked the butt at my feet. I stepped on the burning ember.'
And one more:
"You and I are two sides of a coin, aren't we? I love to see people die, and you love to try to save them. What a perfect pair. Nothing else would be as much fun, would it?
Well done, Mr. Hollis!
September 25, 2015
Paul Hollis in his new book, “The Hollow Man” published by Wavecrest introduces us to The Hollow Man.
From the back cover: A terrorist’s plot, the assassination of a prime minister, holds the key to an apocalyptic plan to destroy Europe’s economy. It’s impossible to stop, but one man doesn’t know enough to think the world can’t be saved. He’s no hero; not clever or capable, talented or tested. The Hollow Man is just trying to survive in an uncertain climate where terrorism is changing the rules of how we live.
According to the author “The Hollow Man” is based on true events during the early 1970s. Chaban is the mastermind assassin that kills the unpopular Prime Minister of Spain. Now the analyst assigned to protect that Prime Minister begins a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe with Chaban. As the hunt progresses our hero narrowly escapes death again and again in this fast-paced thriller. “The Hollow Man” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Take the phone off the hook and make yourself a big bowl of popcorn because once you get started you will not want to put this book down until you actually finish. By the way this book ends it looks as though Mr. Hollis is working on a sequel. I, for one, hope so because this is a great way to begin a series and I am looking forward to more.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from IRead Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: A terrorist’s plot, the assassination of a prime minister, holds the key to an apocalyptic plan to destroy Europe’s economy. It’s impossible to stop, but one man doesn’t know enough to think the world can’t be saved. He’s no hero; not clever or capable, talented or tested. The Hollow Man is just trying to survive in an uncertain climate where terrorism is changing the rules of how we live.
According to the author “The Hollow Man” is based on true events during the early 1970s. Chaban is the mastermind assassin that kills the unpopular Prime Minister of Spain. Now the analyst assigned to protect that Prime Minister begins a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe with Chaban. As the hunt progresses our hero narrowly escapes death again and again in this fast-paced thriller. “The Hollow Man” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Take the phone off the hook and make yourself a big bowl of popcorn because once you get started you will not want to put this book down until you actually finish. By the way this book ends it looks as though Mr. Hollis is working on a sequel. I, for one, hope so because this is a great way to begin a series and I am looking forward to more.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from IRead Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 25, 2015
I started out really liking this book. It is a funny, complex, fast-moving, light-hearted novel about terrorism and international intrigue.
"Doc" - we never do find out his name - is a "government tourist" aka field analyst for the U.S. Government. "Be invisible or be dead. There was no in-between when one was finding people who did not want to be found, watching people who do not want to be watched , and learning from those who did not want to teach." His job is to study terrorism and keep an eye on Spain's Prime Minister. When a deadly explosion kills the Prime Minister, the real story begins.
I love the descriptions of Pamplona, Spain and the brief history of the main plaza. I could see myself sitting at a cafe in the old city. I recognized a number of places the author refers to in Paris and added a few tidbits about the Eiffel Tower to my file of information on that city. The author is very detailed in his descriptions, even supplying the reader with the address of Galeries Lafayette in the 9th arrondissement!
I love the funny bits. "He wore an expensive cream-coloured business suit and had a flamboyant stride but what impressed me most were his bushy eyebrows which preceded him by two paces."
On the other hand, I didn't quite understand why the author included the scene of a meeting in the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask.
So, humour, detail, fast pace, complex plot are all excellent features of this book. However, what started out well soon descended into violence, blood and gore, so the reader should be prepared. Apart from that, it is an interesting read all the way around.
"Doc" - we never do find out his name - is a "government tourist" aka field analyst for the U.S. Government. "Be invisible or be dead. There was no in-between when one was finding people who did not want to be found, watching people who do not want to be watched , and learning from those who did not want to teach." His job is to study terrorism and keep an eye on Spain's Prime Minister. When a deadly explosion kills the Prime Minister, the real story begins.
I love the descriptions of Pamplona, Spain and the brief history of the main plaza. I could see myself sitting at a cafe in the old city. I recognized a number of places the author refers to in Paris and added a few tidbits about the Eiffel Tower to my file of information on that city. The author is very detailed in his descriptions, even supplying the reader with the address of Galeries Lafayette in the 9th arrondissement!
I love the funny bits. "He wore an expensive cream-coloured business suit and had a flamboyant stride but what impressed me most were his bushy eyebrows which preceded him by two paces."
On the other hand, I didn't quite understand why the author included the scene of a meeting in the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask.
So, humour, detail, fast pace, complex plot are all excellent features of this book. However, what started out well soon descended into violence, blood and gore, so the reader should be prepared. Apart from that, it is an interesting read all the way around.
September 23, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Hollis sets vivid scenes in every chapter. Each scene of the book holds a dedicated chapter; so the chapters are rather short. While there may be few pages in each chapter, Hollis uses each page to its fullest! He creates very visual scenes depicting, with strong detail, the settings of each event--and the emotions and actions of his characters. Hollis' writing really puts readers into the story with the characters. Readers will feel the chaos, the suspense, the anxiety and experience the darkness and significance of the locations.
The Hollow Man doesn't deliver the story in a neat little package. Mystery and suspense surround the storyline in The HollowMan and the author pulls the reader through the story with his characters. Readers will be left with some questions and will find that every loose end isn't neatly tied and packed away. The Hollow Man himself evolves with the story--and is still evolving at the end.
Would I recommend The Hollow Man? I loved the detailed settings and the mysterious characters and suspenseful plot twists. Hollis includes a lot of action and adventure--with a lot of detailed scenes. One is never sacrificed for the other. The author's writing style still leaves a bit for the imagination even as he creates a well rounded thriller. I would recommend this to fans of international thrillers who enjoy more than action and dialogue in their thrillers.
Hollis sets vivid scenes in every chapter. Each scene of the book holds a dedicated chapter; so the chapters are rather short. While there may be few pages in each chapter, Hollis uses each page to its fullest! He creates very visual scenes depicting, with strong detail, the settings of each event--and the emotions and actions of his characters. Hollis' writing really puts readers into the story with the characters. Readers will feel the chaos, the suspense, the anxiety and experience the darkness and significance of the locations.
The Hollow Man doesn't deliver the story in a neat little package. Mystery and suspense surround the storyline in The HollowMan and the author pulls the reader through the story with his characters. Readers will be left with some questions and will find that every loose end isn't neatly tied and packed away. The Hollow Man himself evolves with the story--and is still evolving at the end.
Would I recommend The Hollow Man? I loved the detailed settings and the mysterious characters and suspenseful plot twists. Hollis includes a lot of action and adventure--with a lot of detailed scenes. One is never sacrificed for the other. The author's writing style still leaves a bit for the imagination even as he creates a well rounded thriller. I would recommend this to fans of international thrillers who enjoy more than action and dialogue in their thrillers.
September 21, 2015
I found the Hollow Man a great surprise. It's listed as a mystery/suspense/thriller and technically that is true. There is a terrorist plot afloat, numerous attempts to kill Doc (the main character), numbers on a slip of paper to decipher and changing disguises as the main character draws ever near the final confrontation. Many, many side characters get offed along the way. Throughout, Doc doggedly continues to follow the illusive trail of the truly evil enemy he has been trailing for awhile and tries to figure out how to stop a tragedy he senses coming - one that will affect the world on a global scale.
The surprise came in the fact that Doc is no hero. An idealist at heart, he is but an observer sent in by a secret government agency to observe, to discover the truth of a situation - to find people and learn from them - and then just report the facts. This is no James Bond. Plagued by haunting nightmares that end up having relevance to the story, and without a weapon, he still chooses to doggedly move forward despite constant danger. There are two things he brings that even the odds. First there is a female acquaintance - Zita - who IS a very capable agent and steps in to assist when he gets over his head. Then there is the fact he has some serious skills when it comes to a real face-to-face fight.
A great read. This award winning novel is sure to keep you glued to the pages into the wee hours of the morning.
The surprise came in the fact that Doc is no hero. An idealist at heart, he is but an observer sent in by a secret government agency to observe, to discover the truth of a situation - to find people and learn from them - and then just report the facts. This is no James Bond. Plagued by haunting nightmares that end up having relevance to the story, and without a weapon, he still chooses to doggedly move forward despite constant danger. There are two things he brings that even the odds. First there is a female acquaintance - Zita - who IS a very capable agent and steps in to assist when he gets over his head. Then there is the fact he has some serious skills when it comes to a real face-to-face fight.
A great read. This award winning novel is sure to keep you glued to the pages into the wee hours of the morning.
September 14, 2016
In December 1973 in Madrid, Spain, a young NSA agent is attempting to track down on his own information on an unknown one-named terrorist assassin responsible for an earlier embassy attack, when his superiors demand he change his mission and follow the new Spanish prime minister, recently appointed by the Spanish dictator Generalissimo Franco. Our NSA agent is haunted by dreams of a young girl who died in the embassy attack and is not pleased by this distraction, but an explosive assassination winds up crossing his path with his antagonist, drawing crosshairs back toward him. As our agent escapes attempts on his life, connects and partners with a fellow MI6 female agent, and tracks down clues about his nemesis’ plans, he uncovers a plot threatening the entire European economy. Deftly told mainly from the deep mental perspective of the novel’s hero, whom readers only learn his nickname of Doc halfway through the story, the author masterfully creates a thrilling historical suspense thriller. It is, in essence, a slightly hyped-up spy thriller without the gadgetry, only disguises on the fly, guns and knives weaponry, and simple C4 explosives. I felt more engrossed in the story with an unnamed hero dealing without the super-training of a Jason Bourne or the super-gadgetry of a James Bond that fit well within the mid-70’s time frame.
May 8, 2014
Like a movie unfolding across the big screen, the Hollow Man draws you into a war of terrorism that spreads across Europe. A true, literary work of the highest caliber, Hollow Man engages the reader and keeps them enthralled until the closing credits.
With a deft intertwining of fact and fiction, this action thriller tells the story of a young field analyst from the U.S. who's assigned to study emerging terror tactics and keep a watchful eye over the prime minister of Spain. A deadly explosion kills the primeminister and a wild chase ensues as the analyst attempts to uncover the master mind behind the assassination.
"The buildings were battered and bruised, the rupture
in the street was still bleeding, and thick dust had buried the dead."
Hollis brings the world of war torn Europe to life in intricate and believable detail. The analyst, with the assistance of his lover, who is also an British agent race against time to thwart what they believe to be more than just an assassination attempt.
Hollis is a master storyteller with a keen eye for detail. His professionalism is demonstrated in this work by the expert editing, complex characters and a very well managed plot. It was a pleasure to read such a well developed literary work.
Jeannie Palmer
AIA Reviewer
With a deft intertwining of fact and fiction, this action thriller tells the story of a young field analyst from the U.S. who's assigned to study emerging terror tactics and keep a watchful eye over the prime minister of Spain. A deadly explosion kills the primeminister and a wild chase ensues as the analyst attempts to uncover the master mind behind the assassination.
"The buildings were battered and bruised, the rupture
in the street was still bleeding, and thick dust had buried the dead."
Hollis brings the world of war torn Europe to life in intricate and believable detail. The analyst, with the assistance of his lover, who is also an British agent race against time to thwart what they believe to be more than just an assassination attempt.
Hollis is a master storyteller with a keen eye for detail. His professionalism is demonstrated in this work by the expert editing, complex characters and a very well managed plot. It was a pleasure to read such a well developed literary work.
Jeannie Palmer
AIA Reviewer
January 29, 2014
The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis is a top-notch, exciting, action filled thriller that from the very start draws you in with its haunting and powerful opening, weaves itself into your thoughts and keeps you fully immersed in the storyline and page turning to its brilliant conclusion.
It’s the 1970’s, and our nameless protagonist is in Spain .Employed as a US government field analyst and studying terror tactics, he is given the task of watching over the arrogant and overbearing Prime Minister, Luis Carrero Blanco, but with the assassination of Blanco he is set off on a dark and dangerous mission to catch Chaban, the deranged and evil perpetrator, and to stop an act of terrorism that would have monumental and far reaching ramifications.
With only the help of Zita, an MI6 agent, and his friend and lover, the two now begin a deadly game of cat and mouse.
With its vividly and graphically described details of actions, events, people, places, sites, sounds and atmosphere you will quickly become engrossed in the exciting and intriguing world Paul Hollis has created for us. The Hollow Man is a great read and one I would definitely recommend.
Happy reading everyone.
It’s the 1970’s, and our nameless protagonist is in Spain .Employed as a US government field analyst and studying terror tactics, he is given the task of watching over the arrogant and overbearing Prime Minister, Luis Carrero Blanco, but with the assassination of Blanco he is set off on a dark and dangerous mission to catch Chaban, the deranged and evil perpetrator, and to stop an act of terrorism that would have monumental and far reaching ramifications.
With only the help of Zita, an MI6 agent, and his friend and lover, the two now begin a deadly game of cat and mouse.
With its vividly and graphically described details of actions, events, people, places, sites, sounds and atmosphere you will quickly become engrossed in the exciting and intriguing world Paul Hollis has created for us. The Hollow Man is a great read and one I would definitely recommend.
Happy reading everyone.
September 4, 2015
Let me catch my breath! This story takes place in the 1970's where the European economy is under threat from terrorists. Doc, as the Hollow Man, is an inexperienced, young analyst who is thrust into one dangerous situation after another racing across Europe to eliminate terrorists, using only his wits and his fighting skills to survive. We don't know much about him, bits and pieces of his history are revealed as the story progresses. As our protagonist flees across Europe, the author colourfully weaves interesting details of his trip by train from Madrid, Spain to Paris, France. His "compadre" Zita, a M16 agent, is one of the few persons he can trust. We aren't quite sure when or where she will show up but the chemistry between the two adds an interesting element into the plot.
This was one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time, the suspense was nail-biting, and the situations believable. You could feel Doc's sweat. This HAS to be made into a movie and I have a hard time trying to decide who I want in the lead role.
I look forward to reading more of Paul Hollis' work in the future.
This was one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time, the suspense was nail-biting, and the situations believable. You could feel Doc's sweat. This HAS to be made into a movie and I have a hard time trying to decide who I want in the lead role.
I look forward to reading more of Paul Hollis' work in the future.
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