A Deadly Business
Lenny Bartulin
'This is a witty, clever debut, full of in-jokes and colourful characters. The author is clearly a fan of the noir classics — particularly Raymond Chandler — and he negotiates the tricky path between homage and pastiche better than many more seasoned writers of the genre. (4 STARS)'
Tim Coronel (Bookseller & Publisher)'A witty, engaging romp, stuffed full of beguiling characters and bulging with wry humour. Charming, cheeky and immensely readable.'
Max Barry'Susko is a welcome new character on the Aussie crime fiction scene. Refreshing.'
(Weekend Gold Coast Bulletin)Jack Susko is trying for a quiet life in his second-hand bookshop in downtown Sydney. It’s more tin mine than gold mine, yet it’s his and that’s something. But when a wealthy businessman hires Jack to locate some books for him, life starts to get a little more complicated.
Soon he’s up to his neck in family secrets, corruption and murder, plunged into a world he thought he’d left behind. Making a play for the businessman’s beautiful daughter doesn’t help matters. And as the bodies start piling up, Jack can’t help but wonder when second-hand book dealing became so dangerous.
A Deadly Business introduces a new crime hero who’s not a detective and whose motives aren’t always pure, but he’s sure got a talent for finding trouble.
'A Deadly Business is a load of fun with the required sexpot dame, crooked copper, eccentric millionaire, bloody bodies and many twists and turns before the surprise revelation of whodunit. Bartulin wrote poetry before this and he will find a darn sight more readers with this.'
Frank Walker (Sun Herald)'I suspect Mr Susko will brush himself down and be getting into more trouble in the stacks very soon – a sequel which I'll definitely look forward to.'
Martin Shaw (Readings Monthly)'In a crowded field Bartulin stands out as one to watch - fans of crime fiction will find this an atmospheric and very entertaining reading experience.'
Gordon Bain (Good Reading)'There's wisecracking humour, sticky situations and dark fun. I can hardly wait for the promised sequel.'
Ian Nichols (West Australian)Lenny Bartulin
Lenny Bartulin was born in Hobart in 1969, and lives in Sydney. He has previously published poetry in Heat and Meanjin. He is currently working on his second Jack Susko novel.
Lenny is the presenter of Book Stop, a book review show on the Ovation Channel.
Extent: 256pp
Size: 210mm x 135mm
ISBN (13): 9781921372025
RRP: $27.95
Pub date: May 2008
World
Rights sold:North America (Thomas Dunne Books)
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