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Hal Spacejock #3
Just Desserts
Planet Cathua has a proud history where robots are concerned. Their legendary factories produced the best, the fastest, the most efficient robots in the Galaxy ... but no longer.
Now they must go cap in hand to neighbouring planets, haggling and bartering for the very robots they used to be so famous for.
One Cathuan patriot is determined to reverse this embarrassing situation, and Hal Spacejock lands in the middle of his sinister plot ...
Now they must go cap in hand to neighbouring planets, haggling and bartering for the very robots they used to be so famous for.
One Cathuan patriot is determined to reverse this embarrassing situation, and Hal Spacejock lands in the middle of his sinister plot ...
344 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2007
57 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Simon Haynes
85 books172 followersSimon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock, Harriet Walsh and Hal Junior (MG) series. He divides his time between writing fiction and computer software, with the occasional bike ride thrown in for a laugh.
Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 2, 2023
Another fun book. Sortof silly, but I can't stop listening. Narrator is excellent.
December 25, 2015
Fun SciFi yarn somewhere between Douglas Adams and Harry Harrison.
April 23, 2018
kindle unlimited
Hal Spacejock has a problem. His cargo hold is packed with expensive food, and the freezer equipment he bought from Bent Jimmy's bargain bin has just failed ... exactly as Clunk predicted. Hal needs replacement parts before the cargo rots, and he's forced to abandon his precious ship at the spaceport to go looking for them.
Which is a pity, because a secret agent has just decided Hal's ship will be ideal for her mission. Can Hal find the new parts and return before it's too late, or will he lose his ship, his cargo and his livelihood ... again?
These novels are self-contained, with a beginning, a middle and a proper ending. They're not sequels, they don't end on a cliffhanger, and you could start or end your journey with any book in the series. Some events from earlier books are referenced in later ones, so it makes sense to read them in order, but it's not essential.
There's also a new spin-off series, Harriet Walsh, featuring the popular Peace Force character from Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch.
Hal Junior 1: The Secret Signal: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Junior 3: The Gyris Mission: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk
Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course
Hal Spacejock 3: Just Desserts
Hal Spacejock Omnibus One {Hal Spacejock Omnibus One Hal Spacejock #1-3, PLUS a bonus short story: Hal Spacejock Visit/4.2}
Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch
Hal Spacejock 4.1: Framed
Hal Spacejock 4.2: Visit
Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough
Hal Spacejock 6: Safe Art
Hal Spacejock 7.1: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.2: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.3: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.4: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.5: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.6: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.7: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.8: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.9: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.10: Big Ban
Hal Spacejock 8: Double Trouble
Hal Spacejock has a problem. His cargo hold is packed with expensive food, and the freezer equipment he bought from Bent Jimmy's bargain bin has just failed ... exactly as Clunk predicted. Hal needs replacement parts before the cargo rots, and he's forced to abandon his precious ship at the spaceport to go looking for them.
Which is a pity, because a secret agent has just decided Hal's ship will be ideal for her mission. Can Hal find the new parts and return before it's too late, or will he lose his ship, his cargo and his livelihood ... again?
These novels are self-contained, with a beginning, a middle and a proper ending. They're not sequels, they don't end on a cliffhanger, and you could start or end your journey with any book in the series. Some events from earlier books are referenced in later ones, so it makes sense to read them in order, but it's not essential.
There's also a new spin-off series, Harriet Walsh, featuring the popular Peace Force character from Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch.
Hal Junior 1: The Secret Signal: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Junior 2: The Missing Case: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Junior 3: The Gyris Mission: science fiction for ages 8-12
Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk
Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course
Hal Spacejock 3: Just Desserts
Hal Spacejock Omnibus One {Hal Spacejock Omnibus One Hal Spacejock #1-3, PLUS a bonus short story: Hal Spacejock Visit/4.2}
Hal Spacejock 4: No Free Lunch
Hal Spacejock 4.1: Framed
Hal Spacejock 4.2: Visit
Hal Spacejock 5: Baker's Dough
Hal Spacejock 6: Safe Art
Hal Spacejock 7.1: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.2: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.3: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.4: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.5: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.6: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.7: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.8: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.9: Big Bang
Hal Spacejock 7.10: Big Ban
Hal Spacejock 8: Double Trouble
December 1, 2020
This is brilliant! My favourite Spacejock to date.
Hal Spacejock and his robot companion are up to no good again. After taking a cargo run of food to deliver but they were having trouble at first with the coffee maker on board their ship, which Hal took a screwdriver to fix against Clunks better advice. While Clunk was checking the device to keep the foot cargo fresh. Of course one thing led faultlessly to another and both the coffee machine and the food stasis controller are soon broken and the stasis controller desperately needs a part.
After ordering a new coffee machine, Hal accidently orders a crate of them. Clunk discovers that the part they will need for the stasis controller is on a planet nearby. However flying there is not feasible without enough credits to dock there and they need fuel too.
While they are debating what to do a young woman contacts them with an offer that is too good to turn down...with an offer of more credits than they have ever been offered before. Naturally Hal was only too happy to carry the cargo the young lady asks them too, even though they are not told what the cargo they will be carrying is. Clunk advised against the idea of carrying an unknown cargo. Of course, Hal decides to go ahead with the young lady's request.
As the story unfolds it seems that every task that Hal and Clunk undertake leads them into more and more hot water. I loved that about this story...it just escalated and escalated until it reach a really brilliant finale!
This is one of those stories that make you laugh out loud or smile the rest of the time.
Hal Spacejock and his robot companion are up to no good again. After taking a cargo run of food to deliver but they were having trouble at first with the coffee maker on board their ship, which Hal took a screwdriver to fix against Clunks better advice. While Clunk was checking the device to keep the foot cargo fresh. Of course one thing led faultlessly to another and both the coffee machine and the food stasis controller are soon broken and the stasis controller desperately needs a part.
After ordering a new coffee machine, Hal accidently orders a crate of them. Clunk discovers that the part they will need for the stasis controller is on a planet nearby. However flying there is not feasible without enough credits to dock there and they need fuel too.
While they are debating what to do a young woman contacts them with an offer that is too good to turn down...with an offer of more credits than they have ever been offered before. Naturally Hal was only too happy to carry the cargo the young lady asks them too, even though they are not told what the cargo they will be carrying is. Clunk advised against the idea of carrying an unknown cargo. Of course, Hal decides to go ahead with the young lady's request.
As the story unfolds it seems that every task that Hal and Clunk undertake leads them into more and more hot water. I loved that about this story...it just escalated and escalated until it reach a really brilliant finale!
This is one of those stories that make you laugh out loud or smile the rest of the time.
October 21, 2018
Third entry in Simon Haynes 'Hal Spacejock' series, which comes across as a sort of a cross between Red Dwarf and (maybe) Futurama.
As are the previous entries, this is largely self- contained (sure, it might reference earlier entries but is by no means beholden to them), with a distinct beginning, middle and end, and with Hal (and Clunk) getting caught up in increasingly farcical situations.
A pleasant enough read, yes, but not one to set the world alight - if I'm honest, out of the three in the compendium I was reading, I think I preferred the previous entry ('Second Course').
As are the previous entries, this is largely self- contained (sure, it might reference earlier entries but is by no means beholden to them), with a distinct beginning, middle and end, and with Hal (and Clunk) getting caught up in increasingly farcical situations.
A pleasant enough read, yes, but not one to set the world alight - if I'm honest, out of the three in the compendium I was reading, I think I preferred the previous entry ('Second Course').
January 22, 2020
The third book in the Hal Spacejock series is just as funny as the other books in this series.
This time Hal has accepted a perishable food delivery job only to find out that his refrigeration system is on the fritz. Adventures ensue with robotic spies, an upset NavCom and Clunk getting job offers. And of course the authorities are unsure of whether to charge Hal with a crime or not.
If you like Red Dwarf, Hitchhikers or just oddball space books, you should really give these a try. They are laugh out loud funny!
This time Hal has accepted a perishable food delivery job only to find out that his refrigeration system is on the fritz. Adventures ensue with robotic spies, an upset NavCom and Clunk getting job offers. And of course the authorities are unsure of whether to charge Hal with a crime or not.
If you like Red Dwarf, Hitchhikers or just oddball space books, you should really give these a try. They are laugh out loud funny!
November 28, 2018
Reading is important. If Jasmin Ortiz, secret agent, had read the first two books in the series, she'd have known better than to ship mission-critical equipment with Spacejock freightlines. Now she only has herself to blame as everything goes pear-shaped.
Unlilke many others, this series goes from strength to strength, with non-stop hilarious action. Truly unputdownable.
Unlilke many others, this series goes from strength to strength, with non-stop hilarious action. Truly unputdownable.
February 28, 2021
Another great adventure with Hal and Clunk. Although the series continues beyond this third book I'm done with Hal and Clunk.
Each of the first three books shows Hal to be naive, bumbling and dumb. Whereas Clunk has a high moral inner and saves Hal so many times.
There is no growth of the characters and the only things that change are location and the opposition.
Each of the first three books shows Hal to be naive, bumbling and dumb. Whereas Clunk has a high moral inner and saves Hal so many times.
There is no growth of the characters and the only things that change are location and the opposition.
January 1, 2021
Excellent
Incredibly funny and really well written. Giving g the robots a human quality certainly adds depth to the storylines. Great development of the main characters, even the on board computer, through the three books so far. Looking forward to the next.
Incredibly funny and really well written. Giving g the robots a human quality certainly adds depth to the storylines. Great development of the main characters, even the on board computer, through the three books so far. Looking forward to the next.
July 10, 2023
Good!
So far, the best story of this series! Those two really grow on you, adventures after adventures. Viva Hal and Clunk!
So far, the best story of this series! Those two really grow on you, adventures after adventures. Viva Hal and Clunk!
June 30, 2013
This review first appeared in the now-defunct webzine, The Specusphere, in Jamnuary 2008.
Hal and Clunk are back! (Did they ever go away? Their fans would say not.) Again they create inter planetary mayhem and somehow manage to come out unscathed. Well, almost unscathed. Simon Haynes is a master of the close shave, contriving to rescue his unlikely heroes from all manner of danger, including their own stupidity, with nothing worse to show for the adventures than the odd bruise or blazing headache.
As usual, it is Hal, the human half of the partnership, who is the stupid one: his metal off-sider, Clunk, is both the brains and brawn of this outfit. Without Clunk and good ol’ Navcom, Hal would no doubt be drawing the dole on some obscure planet while he drinks his coffee and dreams his Walter-Mittyish dreams. But with the help of his long-suffering nursemaids, Hal actually manages to live out his dreams, albeit precariously, and that is perhaps half the charm of this series. There is a bit of Hal in all of us. He often embarrasses us, frequently annoys us and repeatedly amuses us. And in the end, he saves the day, convincing us that no matter how limited we seem to be, we might, one day, win out over forces more powerful than we are.
In this episode, Hal and Clunk are pitted against a robot enemy who engages hit men to see them off. In fighting for their lives and their cargo, they find themselves stewarding aboard a shuttle, risking arrest for impersonating army officers, enjoying all the fun of the fair while shying at coconuts and making utter fools of themselves at a formal dinner. How Haynes dreams up his improbable scenarios is a mystery to an unimaginative clod like me, but I’m glad he does it.
This is the third book in the series and there is a strong possibility of more. This brings one to wonder just how long a writer can get away with the same formula. Mind you, this is a formula that works – and it sells, too. Many a writer would like to dream up such a formula. Yet now Haynes has really hit his stride, one feels that perhaps he could start to take the odd risk; to play with the formula and subvert it – or lift it to greater heights than even Hal might dream of. The potential is certainly there. But meanwhile, enjoy another fast and furious ride with Haynes's zap-happy, zany rapscallions.
Between books, readers can continue to follow Hal and Clunk on their blog: http://haldiary.blogspot.com/ Their official biographer also has a blog: http://halspacejock.blogspot.com/ and a website http://www.spacejock.com.au/ They are all worth checking out.
Hal and Clunk are back! (Did they ever go away? Their fans would say not.) Again they create inter planetary mayhem and somehow manage to come out unscathed. Well, almost unscathed. Simon Haynes is a master of the close shave, contriving to rescue his unlikely heroes from all manner of danger, including their own stupidity, with nothing worse to show for the adventures than the odd bruise or blazing headache.
As usual, it is Hal, the human half of the partnership, who is the stupid one: his metal off-sider, Clunk, is both the brains and brawn of this outfit. Without Clunk and good ol’ Navcom, Hal would no doubt be drawing the dole on some obscure planet while he drinks his coffee and dreams his Walter-Mittyish dreams. But with the help of his long-suffering nursemaids, Hal actually manages to live out his dreams, albeit precariously, and that is perhaps half the charm of this series. There is a bit of Hal in all of us. He often embarrasses us, frequently annoys us and repeatedly amuses us. And in the end, he saves the day, convincing us that no matter how limited we seem to be, we might, one day, win out over forces more powerful than we are.
In this episode, Hal and Clunk are pitted against a robot enemy who engages hit men to see them off. In fighting for their lives and their cargo, they find themselves stewarding aboard a shuttle, risking arrest for impersonating army officers, enjoying all the fun of the fair while shying at coconuts and making utter fools of themselves at a formal dinner. How Haynes dreams up his improbable scenarios is a mystery to an unimaginative clod like me, but I’m glad he does it.
This is the third book in the series and there is a strong possibility of more. This brings one to wonder just how long a writer can get away with the same formula. Mind you, this is a formula that works – and it sells, too. Many a writer would like to dream up such a formula. Yet now Haynes has really hit his stride, one feels that perhaps he could start to take the odd risk; to play with the formula and subvert it – or lift it to greater heights than even Hal might dream of. The potential is certainly there. But meanwhile, enjoy another fast and furious ride with Haynes's zap-happy, zany rapscallions.
Between books, readers can continue to follow Hal and Clunk on their blog: http://haldiary.blogspot.com/ Their official biographer also has a blog: http://halspacejock.blogspot.com/ and a website http://www.spacejock.com.au/ They are all worth checking out.
August 5, 2011
The reason I bought this book was because I could get one more on the sale and it seemed like the most ridiculous one judging by it's cover.
I gotta say though, from the moment I started reading it I didn't want to stop.
Since I haven't read that many books to compare this too, I can only compare it to what I have seen on the screen. Eventhough it's better then both it seems like a mix of "Futurama" and "Heavy Metal" making it a lot of fun to read.
The beauty of this book is the fact that it never gets boring, stuff just keeps happening and keeps the adventure going.
This is a great read and heaps of fun.
Now I just have to read the first two and all the ones that come after the third.
I gotta say though, from the moment I started reading it I didn't want to stop.
Since I haven't read that many books to compare this too, I can only compare it to what I have seen on the screen. Eventhough it's better then both it seems like a mix of "Futurama" and "Heavy Metal" making it a lot of fun to read.
The beauty of this book is the fact that it never gets boring, stuff just keeps happening and keeps the adventure going.
This is a great read and heaps of fun.
Now I just have to read the first two and all the ones that come after the third.
Read
July 31, 2011Fantastic! Great humour!
June 21, 2012
another great read in the HAL Spacejock series
October 12, 2014
I was a little disappointed with this one, left a few unanswered questions at the end.. but overall was a very good read :)
July 26, 2013
Actually hilarious. Devoured the series in a weekend, and I think it's time for a reread.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews