Peter Corris - Appeal Denied

Review by Brian Lowen on 8th Jan 09
A Cliff Hardy novel, one of a series featuring this Australian private investigator.
It starts with appeal being denied for some misdemeanor (we are not told what) and he is stripped of his private detective licence.
Things get much worse as Hardy's girlfriend is murdered and he sets out to find out who did it. He is helped by a policewoman Jane Farrow, who wants to spill the beans about the corrupt group she is working in - the Northern Crimes Unit in Sydney. Hardy is also assisted by Lee Townsend, a vertically challenged (dwarflike) but charismatic media star of an investigative TV programme. Hardy encounters corrupt cops, bereft wives and computer geeks before a final showdown at Balmoral Beach.
The 'Cliff Hardy' novels are obviously quite well known in Australia. It did not grip me like a good detective novel should but it was an enjoyable read. The gritty language might put off some people.