Warm Praise for Isleworth Councillor's First Novel
Salman Shaheen's 'Freebourne' a 'speculative murder mystery'
Salman Shaheen and the cover of his new book
July 31, 2025
A debut novel by Isleworth councillor Salman Shaheen has attracted praise from a range of public figures, including broadcaster Nick Ferrari, entrepreneur Lord Bilimoria, and BAFTA-winning director Sarah Gavron. The book, Freebourne, is set for release on 28 October by Roundfire Books, an imprint of Collective Ink.
Described by its publisher as a speculative murder mystery, Freebourne follows Dr Harry Coulson, a MindTech entrepreneur who arrives in the fictional town of Freebourne seeking a fresh start. Upon arrival, he discovers the body of a young woman in the snow, triggering a series of events that draw him into a complex investigation involving science, faith, and free will.
The novel has already made an impact in pre-release sales, entering Amazon's Hot New Releases at #54 and ranking #13 among new thrillers overtaking Martina Cole and Ken Follett's new books.
Commenting on the book, broadcaster Nick Ferrari said, “This races off in top gear from the start and the pace never slackens. A true page-turner.” Lord Bilimoria described it as “a standout debut” that explores “the intersection of technology, morality, and justice with incredible nuance.”
BAFTA-winning director Sarah Gavron noted the novel's setting in a “future all too close to our own,” adding that it was “impossible to put down.”
Other endorsements came from TV presenter Daisy Donovan, Booker-shortlisted author Trezza Azzopardi, and MPs Ruth Cadbury and Seema Malhotra. Ms Malhotra called the book “mind-bending” and praised its “twist that will knock you sideways.” Ms Cadbury said the story's stakes were “highly personal and of huge national and political importance.”
Cllr Shaheen, who serves as Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces on Hounslow Council, has a background in journalism and political activism. He has written for national and international publications and led local campaigns on food education and environmental sustainability.
Reflecting on the novel's early success, he said, “I've always been drawn to dark, speculative stories that shock you sufficiently to question the pace of technology we take for granted and what it means for the human condition.”
He credited author Jill Paton Walsh with encouraging him to embed deeper themes within a murder mystery format.
Freebourne is available for pre-order and will be released in paperback and e-book formats.
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