Isleworth Councillor to Launch Debut Novel at Local Venue
Salman Shaheen's book Freebourne has seen positive reviews
Salman Shaheen and the cover of his new book
September 4, 2025
Councillor Salman Shaheen of Hounslow Council has announced the launch event for his debut novel, Freebourne, which will take place at ANIMA, a riverside bar in Brentford, on Tuesday 28 October.
The event is being organised in collaboration with Hewson Books and will include a reading, a conversation with ANIMA founder Ambika Grewal, and a book signing.
Freebourne, published by Roundfire Books, the fiction imprint of Collective Ink, has attracted early attention from reviewers and public figures. The novel, which is set in a snow-covered English town, follows the story of Dr Harry Coulson, a disgraced technology entrepreneur who becomes entangled in a murder investigation shortly after arriving in Freebourne. The narrative explores themes of science, faith, and free will, and has been described by reviewers as a philosophical thriller with a twist.
Early reviews have praised the novel’s structure and tone. One reviewer noted the book’s shift from a familiar whodunnit format to a more cerebral and unsettling exploration of technological ethics. Another described the plot as “Kafka-esque,” highlighting the protagonist’s descent into suspicion and paranoia. The setting has drawn comparisons to Midsomer Murders, while the thematic direction has been likened to Black Mirror.
Councillor Shaheen, who represents Isleworth and serves as Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, has a background in journalism and political advocacy. He has previously written for national and international publications and has led local campaigns on food education and heritage preservation. His work includes the Grow for the Future initiative and efforts to protect Park Road Allotments from redevelopment.
The book launch is open to the public, with limited tickets available through Hewson Books. Copies of Freebourne are also available for pre-order online.
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