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Paul Mathews
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We Have Lost The President: A Funny English Comedy-Thriller-Mystery Kindle Edition

by Paul Mathews (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.7 out of 5 stars 2,661 ratings

London, 2044. Britain is a Republic. President Jan Polak has vanished overnight from Buckingham Palace, just weeks before an election. Has he been kidnapped? Killed? Or just overdone it with the vodka? One man is determined to find out – as soon as he's eaten his breakfast. His name is Pond. Howie Pond – the President’s official spokesperson and wannabe secret agent.

With only a love of James Bond films and London pubs to guide him, Howie sets out on a mission to solve the missing-President mystery, while consuming at least three meals a day. But with his journalist girlfriend, Britt, soon onto the story, the race is on to see who gets to the truth first..!

Amazon #1 Best Seller in British Humor & Satire, Comedy, Dark Comedy and Political Humor

This debut comedy-thriller novel from English author Paul Mathews is packed with sharp British humor, crazy characters, dynamic dialogue and a mystery that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. You'll be transported to a low-tech, high-comedy, post-revolution Britain where the royals aren't welcome and Buckingham Palace is now the centre of government. As well as painting an intriguing vision of the future, the story also casts an eye to the present – mixing satire with traditional British comedy around the trials, tribulations and absurdities of everyday life.

What The Reviews Say:

◆ "If you like British humor and still love a good suspense story, that's the book you are looking for. I'd say it has a very 'Douglas Adams meets John Grisham in a pub' kind of plot."

◆ "So much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, laugh out loud funny, and keeps you wanting more."

◆ "Fantastic read! Two stories run parallel with each other until the final chapters. Great how the paths of the two characters intertwine. Part of a series so can't wait for the next one."

◆ "We Have Lost the President is an hilarious, un-put-downable book that is guaranteed to have you gripped and laughing!"

◆ "A brilliant, witty, debut novel from Paul Mathews...it's a great read and Paul's witty take on a future Britain will have you in stitches."

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  1. Book 1 of 5
    We Have Lost
  2. Print length
    344 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 26, 2016
  6. File size
    4.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Before giving up his job in London for a life of writing, Paul Mathews was a government press officer for sixteen years. He has also worked in public relations and as an accountant.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01J57WVEQ
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 26, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ We Have Lost
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 out of 5 stars 2,661 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Paul Mathews

Paul Mathews

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Paul Mathews is a quite funny British guy whose sharp, satirical – often surreal – sense of humour has been honed during nearly half a century of not taking life too seriously. He gains inspiration from his love of good food, Earl Grey tea, four-legged animals & the quirks and quibbles of British life. You can visit his website at www.quitefunnyguy.com. Or not. Whatever.

Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
2,661 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book a funny comedy-thriller-mystery that makes them laugh multiple times, with an interesting plot that balances sci-fi elements without overdoing them. They appreciate the 3-dimensional character development, unusual style, and view of the future, describing it as a perfect light read. While some customers read it at a fast clip, others find it a little slow, and several customers consider it a waste of time.

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HumorPlotReadabilityCharacter developmentStylePerspectivePaceValue for money
109 customers mention "Humor"82 positive27 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as a funny comedy-thriller-mystery that made them laugh several times.

"...What makes this book readable is the underlying sense of humor, satire, and ... oh wow! This could happen...that threads throughout the tale...." Read more

"...It was all very fun. I also got to like the characters and character development...." Read more

"...All very clever. What I disliked was the tendency of the book's author to prolong the action unnecessarily...." Read more

"...same blah blah blah on and on it got very boring, repetitive, humor quite childish and dull. I was hoping for a better ending...." Read more

65 customers mention "Plot"48 positive17 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it interesting with fun storylines and a well-balanced sci-fi element that doesn't overwhelm the narrative.

"...The near future world developed, with all it's foibles and tech issues is great. I liked in the UK for a while, and enjoy reading books set there...." Read more

"It was an interesting plot and i appreciated his imaginative approach...." Read more

"Very clever futuristic book. No cell phones. No internet. The king and queen have fled to Florida...." Read more

"...notice it was the same blah blah blah on and on it got very boring, repetitive, humor quite childish and dull. I was hoping for a better ending...." Read more

53 customers mention "Readability"45 positive8 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, describing it as a perfect light read.

"...This novel takes the reader, via Howie's viewpoint, to a frantic search to find President Polak before his crucial announcement on Independence Day,..." Read more

"...Get the first book out of this incredible miniseries. Photo courtesy of Andrew Joslyn and Chris Kattan from the music video "Desiderata"...." Read more

"...all three of the "We Have Lost the ..." books, and they started out good and are getting better...." Read more

"...I figured out the style and the multitude of characters, it was good reading. The conclusion was excellent even though drawn out. Long book...." Read more

24 customers mention "Character development"20 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, finding them funny and well-developed, with one customer noting they are three-dimensional.

"...Howie is a believable character...." Read more

"...It was all very fun. I also got to like the characters and character development...." Read more

"...It almost seemed like a visual experience. They characters seemed to come alive and I could.visualize each one of them which made It even more fun...." Read more

"...The characters are 3-dimensional, well developed, likable and consistent throughout...." Read more

10 customers mention "Style"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style, describing it as whole-hearted and unusual, with one customer noting it has a similar feel to Janet Evanovich's work.

"...The depiction of the US is also interesting and really seems true to me in the way the British view it...." Read more

"It was an interesting plot and i appreciated his imaginative approach...." Read more

"...It almost seemed like a visual experience. They characters seemed to come alive and I could.visualize each one of them which made It even more fun...." Read more

"...The third, I thought, looked really funny, so I bought all three. I'm glad I did...." Read more

6 customers mention "Perspective"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's perspective, finding it an interesting view of the future, with one customer noting it serves as a much-needed diversion from real life.

"...make gentle fun of themselves, their government, and their conventions is refreshing and shows a healthy national self confidence...." Read more

"...Good characters and plots, and I like the vision of the UK in the future. Paul paints a great picture of how the world is evolving." Read more

"This book was just fun to read. A nice escape and a peek at what the future with too much tech could be like...." Read more

"Refreshing and humorous with just the right amount of seriousness to balance it all out. Next step is to read the next in the series. Cheers!" Read more

18 customers mention "Pace"6 positive12 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's pace, with some finding it fast and good, while others say it's a little slow.

"Thought this started out slow, but as it got going I really liked it...." Read more

"If you're like me and you're looking for a quick and easy read to relax, then this is the perfect book for you!..." Read more

"...So I thought I'd try it. The action started off a bit quickly but it wasn't until I got a grasp of Howie and Britts personalities that I got into it..." Read more

"The beginning was slow and rather difficult to follow. The plot taking place in 2044 seemed possible, certainly interesting...." Read more

19 customers mention "Value for money"0 positive19 negative

Customers find the book not worth the money, describing it as a waste of time and unrealistic.

"...blah on and on it got very boring, repetitive, humor quite childish and dull. I was hoping for a better ending...." Read more

"...Skipped to the end, same old. Do not waste your time, this is not a good book." Read more

"Not great literature but a lot of fun! British near future humor with a number of twists. The following Pelican book is fun, as well...." Read more

"...Not bad but not terrific." Read more

His Name is Pond! Howie Pond!
5 out of 5 stars
His Name is Pond! Howie Pond!
Very clever futuristic book. No cell phones. No internet. The king and queen have fled to Florida. Britain is on the edge of re-electing a new president only he has disappeared. Has he been kidnapped, has he fled the country? It's up to one man, Howie Pond, to find him before the Election Day deadline. This book will tickle your funnybone. Howie, along with his girlfriend Britt are both working to find out what happened although, Howie, does know that his investigative journalist girlfriend is also on the case. Get the first book out of this incredible miniseries. Photo courtesy of Andrew Joslyn and Chris Kattan from the music video "Desiderata". Chris seems to completely capture the essence of Howie Pond.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Cozyreaders
    4.0 out of 5 stars A View Of Britain As A Democracy In Crisis
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It is the year 2044 in London. Post crash of the Internet and more. The President of the Republic, is Jan Polak. To the extreme dismay of President Polak's numerous Vice Presidents, and Head of the National Security and Intelligence Service, Martha Blake, and even more concerned Press Secretary, Howie Pond, the President is 'Lost.'

    This novel takes the reader, via Howie's viewpoint, to a frantic search to find President Polak before his crucial announcement on Independence Day, of whether he will run for office again or the Republican Party needs a new nominee.

    Britain has, in this version of the 21st Century, gone to a form of Democracy. Russia has it's tentacles in the nomination process, and some of the Vice Presidents are beyond description, even a former movie star...

    What makes this book readable is the underlying sense of humor, satire, and ... oh wow! This could happen...that threads throughout the tale. America is now 'The New States" and yes, there is hope still of a better world.

    Howie is a believable character. He has his girlfriend, Britt who is a journalist running parallel trying to get 'The Story." Another notable character is the President's wife...who loves to make her mark on the World by writing endless 'self-help' books. The latest being getting in touch with the inner American in us all.

    A bit lengthy for me but, I did enjoy the novel.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • David Garcia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Our dinner was late because of this book!!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    It was my turn to cook dinner tonight. I had started reading the book over the weekend. And, as Monday night dinner hour approached, I was just at the point in the story where All Would Be Revealed At Last.

    The sensible thing to do would have been to set the Kindle aside, get dinner ready, and read it after the meal was over. But like a lunatic, I sat on the sofa, reading page after page, just to find out what caused the president to disappear like that. And finally I was able to set aside the book long enough to cook, even though dinner was over half an hour late by then. Of course, as soon as that was done, I went scrambling back to see what finally happened with The Rest Of The Story.

    I was hoping for a Douglas Adams type of story, and it came rather close. Certainly there was lots of wry humor throughout the book. But this book that I bought (yes, I paid the full Kindle retail price, after seeing an ad for the book on the Kindle screen saver) for the British humor, kept me reading just to see what would happen next.

    And the afterword said that another novel is on the way at year's end? Maybe I should stock up on some frozen dinners, just in case...
    22 people found this helpful
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  • Alice
    3.0 out of 5 stars What I disliked was the tendency of the book's author to prolong ...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    It was an interesting plot and i appreciated his imaginative approach. His present was actually a few decades ahead from now and the international roles of both the UK and the US were quite different from our reality. The two main characters, male in a political role and female as a news reporter, were roommates but with quite different schedules. Political upheaval was the focus of the plot with the news reporter acting at cross purposes with her roommate. All very clever.
    What I disliked was the tendency of the book's author to prolong the action unnecessarily. I got the impression that he was aiming for a certain number of chapters or words as his goal for the book. I did finish it but i was tempted more than once to forget it. It did detract from my enjoyment though.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • T Keating
    4.0 out of 5 stars More fun than I expected
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I chose this book. It was said that it was a mystery filled with English humor and I have always enjoyed the British type of humor that I learned to love through older movies from the fifties and sixties. So I thought I'd try it. The action started off a bit quickly but it wasn't until I got a grasp of Howie and Britts personalities that I got into it and couldn't put it it down. It almost seemed like a visual experience. They characters seemed to come alive and I could.visualize each one of them which made It even more fun. It was like going back in time to an era that was more innocent and lighthearted.
    I enjoyed it immensely. Best to read it at a fast clip. Can't wait to see what comes next.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Louis Giokas
    5.0 out of 5 stars but as it got going I really liked it. The near future world developed
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Thought this started out slow, but as it got going I really liked it. The near future world developed, with all it's foibles and tech issues is great. I liked in the UK for a while, and enjoy reading books set there. The UK has lots of lots of humorous quirks. It also feels like a small place to one who has lived in the US which has very broad differences between regions. The depiction of the US is also interesting and really seems true to me in the way the British view it. Also, the whole Republic theme is interesting considering how politics has evolved in the UK. It was all very fun. I also got to like the characters and character development. I usually don't like books that cover and event in a short time, but Paul kept my interest and kept things going. I think the two character point of view helped in this regard. Well done!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • ASellares
    2.0 out of 5 stars NOT worth the time
    Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It’s a waste of time. The only way I could finish it was by skipping from paragraph to paragraph and reading a few word to notice it was the same blah blah blah on and on it got very boring, repetitive, humor quite childish and dull. I was hoping for a better ending. I gave it 2 stars because the idea was good and could have been enjoyable to read, but no. Frustrating. Won’t read book 2.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Book Worm
    3.0 out of 5 stars Lost the plot
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Having fallen for the advertisement as Mathews being a sort of combo between Douglas Adams and Ian Fleming, I bought it. Admittedly there are a few witty and funny dialogues and the end comes a bit as a surprise, but I was still disappointed. It seems that political correctness and trying to make the world a better place as laudable as it may be just don't make good comedy material.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • GeoY
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    If you are looking for a pleasant ,relaxing , funny read this is the one for you. It met my requirements, even though it was perhaps obvious in places and the likeable bumbling hero. I will probably buy book 2 . enjoy your read.
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  • Shilpa
    1.0 out of 5 stars poor
    Reviewed in India on June 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    poor presentation
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  • cmonmila
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic, funny, and very british!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    If you like british humor and still love a good suspense story, that's the book you are looking for. I'd say it has a very "Douglas Adams meets John Grisham in a pub" kind of plot. Even though I've only read a preview of the book, the way the story is told is very unique, making you able to relate with every single character as we become one with them in narrators place. In addition, the whole fictional future with a past technology is so far from the common idea of a fully high-tech future that it does not only add an extra dose of curiosity, but also the lack of our everyday gadgets made it all surprisingly more dynamic.
    It's a great literature for when you're feeling extra investigative but still wanting to read something fun. Howie Pond is maybe the hero you just needed and didn't know yet. Or maybe that's Brian. Still, super worth the reading!
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  • Patricia O. Ferreira
    1.0 out of 5 stars Não é engraçado
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Não gostei, achei bem fraquinho e desinteressante, não vi nada de engraçado, mas é só a minha opinião, que pode não ser a sua.
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  • Books R Best
    4.0 out of 5 stars MADE ME SMILE
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Not a serious book by any means but the twists and turns keep coming, as one character after another digs deeper and deeper into more trouble. On one hand, they are trying to conceal the president of the new republic of England and on the other, as a journalist uncover his abduction and share the news with the world. It stretches the imagination, but an enjoyable read.
    Report

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