Meet Bestselling Author: Paul Hollis

Bestselling spy fiction author Paul Hollis chats with a fan at a booksigning at Whisky River in Jacksonville, FL

From Real-World Experience to Page-Turning Fiction

While serving in the Peace Corps in 1970s Tanzania, Paul Hollis was quietly recruited by one of the alphabet agencies, launching him into a covert life that spanned continents and crises. What began as a humanitarian mission quickly transformed into a front-row seat to global espionage—an experience so surreal, it demanded documentation. Today, Paul stands among the ranks of bestselling thriller authors not just for his gripping style, but because every twist he writes is rooted in reality, stranger than fiction.

The Hollow Man series is his testament to that life—a razor-sharp blend of spycraft, geopolitics, and lived experience. As a spy fiction novelist shaped by the very shadows he writes about, Paul builds characters with depth and stories with teeth. His place among bestselling fiction authors is well-earned, not just by his talent, but by the dangerous truths he's willing to tell.

The Journey to Becoming a Writer

Early Years

Born in a small town east of Birmingham, Alabama, Paul moved to Chicago at the age of five. Shy and introverted, he was only comfortable in the company of a few friends. This served him well later, as in the alleys and cafés of distant cities, Paul mastered the art of watching without being watched, fueling the raw realism behind The Hollow Man series.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind The Hollow Man series draws directly from Paul Hollis's real-life exploits in the early 1970s, when his Peace Corps service in Tanzania led to unexpected recruitment by a U.S. intelligence agency. His travels across Europe during those years—undercover, observant, and always one step ahead—fueled the gripping, true-to-life narratives that define the series.

Writing Style

Paul's writing combines meticulous research with firsthand knowledge, creating immersive experiences that transport readers to the heart of espionage and terrorism. His novels are based on actual events, bringing authenticity to every page of his spy thrillers.

Awards | Recognition

#1

Amazon Bestseller

500K+

Books Sold Worldwide

4.8★

Average Reader Rating

3

International Awards

#1

Amazon Bestseller

500K+

Books Sold Worldwide

4.8★

Average Reader Rating

3

International Awards

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