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The Fix
At university Josh had dreamed of investigative journalism, exposing corruption and changing the world for the better. After a romance and friendship fail simultaneously he finishes his university studies with little motivation except a desire to head to London.
Back in Brisbane, at his brother Brett’s urging he takes on a job for law firm Randall Hood Beckett, getting some coverage for one of their employees who is to be awarded the Star of Courage. That employee happens to be university mate and girlfriend-stealer Ben Harkin.
Details of the office siege in which Ben is said to have performed ‘a conspicuous act of courage’ in saving partner Frank Ainsworth’s life when he is threatened by a crazed gunman just don’t ring true for Josh. Is he still holding a grudge or is Ben keeping something from him?
Will three days on the Gold Coast with Ben and law-student/stripper Hayley/Jett restore old friendships, begin new romances and improve their putting, or, reveal details to change all their lives?
Written with the warmth and humour synonymous with all of Nick Earls’ work and a new touch of the detective.
Back in Brisbane, at his brother Brett’s urging he takes on a job for law firm Randall Hood Beckett, getting some coverage for one of their employees who is to be awarded the Star of Courage. That employee happens to be university mate and girlfriend-stealer Ben Harkin.
Details of the office siege in which Ben is said to have performed ‘a conspicuous act of courage’ in saving partner Frank Ainsworth’s life when he is threatened by a crazed gunman just don’t ring true for Josh. Is he still holding a grudge or is Ben keeping something from him?
Will three days on the Gold Coast with Ben and law-student/stripper Hayley/Jett restore old friendships, begin new romances and improve their putting, or, reveal details to change all their lives?
Written with the warmth and humour synonymous with all of Nick Earls’ work and a new touch of the detective.
291 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
15 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Nick Earls
74 books172 followersNick Earls is the author of twelve books, including bestselling novels such as Zigzag Street, Bachelor Kisses, Perfect Skin and World of Chickens. His work has been published internationally in English and also in translation, and this led to him being a finalist in the Premier of Queensland’s Awards for Export Achievement in 1999.
Zigzag Street won a Betty Trask Award in the UK in 1998, and is currently being developed into a feature film. Bachelor Kisses was one of Who Weekly’s Books of the Year in 1998. Perfect Skin was the only novel nominated for an Australian Comedy Award in 2003, and has recently been filmed in Italy.
He has written five novels with teenage central characters. 48 Shades of Brown was awarded Book of the Year (older readers) by the Children’s Book Council in 2000, and in the US it was a Kirkus Reviews selection in its books of the year for 2004. A feature film adapted from the novel was released in Australia by Buena Vista International in August 2006, and has subsequently screened at festivals in North America and Europe. His earlier young-adult novel, After January, was also an award-winner.
After January, 48 Shades of Brown, Zigzag Street and Perfect Skin have all been successfully adapted for theatre by La Boite, and the Zigzag Street play toured nationally in 2005.
Nick Earls was the founding chair of the Australian arm of the international aid agency War Child and is now a War Child ambassador. He is or has also been patron of Kids Who Make a Difference and Hands on Art, and an honorary ambassador for both the Mater Foundation and the Abused Child Trust. On top of that, he was the face of Brisbane Marketing’s ‘Downtown Brisbane’ and ‘Experience Brisbane’ campaigns.
His contribution to writing in Queensland led to him being awarded the Queensland Writers Centre’s inaugural Johnno award in 2001 and a Centenary Medal in 2003. His work as a writer, in writing industry development and in support of humanitarian causes led to him being named University of Queensland Alumnus of the Year in 2006. He was also the Queensland Multicultural Champion for 2006.
He has an honours degree in Medicine from the University of Queensland, and has lived in Brisbane since migrating as an eight-year-old from Northern Ireland in 1972. London’s Mirror newspaper has called him ‘the first Aussie to make me laugh out loud since Jason Donovan’. His latest novel is Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight, co-written with Rebecca Sparrow.
Zigzag Street won a Betty Trask Award in the UK in 1998, and is currently being developed into a feature film. Bachelor Kisses was one of Who Weekly’s Books of the Year in 1998. Perfect Skin was the only novel nominated for an Australian Comedy Award in 2003, and has recently been filmed in Italy.
He has written five novels with teenage central characters. 48 Shades of Brown was awarded Book of the Year (older readers) by the Children’s Book Council in 2000, and in the US it was a Kirkus Reviews selection in its books of the year for 2004. A feature film adapted from the novel was released in Australia by Buena Vista International in August 2006, and has subsequently screened at festivals in North America and Europe. His earlier young-adult novel, After January, was also an award-winner.
After January, 48 Shades of Brown, Zigzag Street and Perfect Skin have all been successfully adapted for theatre by La Boite, and the Zigzag Street play toured nationally in 2005.
Nick Earls was the founding chair of the Australian arm of the international aid agency War Child and is now a War Child ambassador. He is or has also been patron of Kids Who Make a Difference and Hands on Art, and an honorary ambassador for both the Mater Foundation and the Abused Child Trust. On top of that, he was the face of Brisbane Marketing’s ‘Downtown Brisbane’ and ‘Experience Brisbane’ campaigns.
His contribution to writing in Queensland led to him being awarded the Queensland Writers Centre’s inaugural Johnno award in 2001 and a Centenary Medal in 2003. His work as a writer, in writing industry development and in support of humanitarian causes led to him being named University of Queensland Alumnus of the Year in 2006. He was also the Queensland Multicultural Champion for 2006.
He has an honours degree in Medicine from the University of Queensland, and has lived in Brisbane since migrating as an eight-year-old from Northern Ireland in 1972. London’s Mirror newspaper has called him ‘the first Aussie to make me laugh out loud since Jason Donovan’. His latest novel is Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight, co-written with Rebecca Sparrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 14, 2015
While I did enjoy reading this novel there were a few things that stopped this book from being exciting. I love the whole blogging element in this book; as a blogger I can relate to the way his mind worked when it came to possible blog posts. There were enough little quirks in this book to make it a light and enjoyable read. I would say this felt like a transition book between YA and adult fiction more than anything else. I’ve only read one of Nick Earls’ short stories before reading this book so I can’t really judge this book in any way, shape or form. I think this book would be a great Summer read for someone on holidays and wants something quirky and easy to read.
You can read my review on my blog;
http://literary-exploration.com/2012/...
You can read my review on my blog;
http://literary-exploration.com/2012/...
November 6, 2011
Australian author Nick Earls is best known for his light hearted contemporary lad lit with young male protagonists making their way into adulthood. The Fix is new direction for the author as while this novel, his thirteenth, is set in Brisbane as are his previous books, this is in essence a low key crime novel.
Josh Lang, an unemployed journalist, has returned to Brisbane after a lacklustre career in London. He makes a living of sorts with some freelance writing and an opinion blog but money is tight so when his older brother offers him some simple PR work coaching a reluctant hero who is nominated for the Star of Courage he accepts. When the hero is revealed to be Ben Harkin, an old friend of Josh's, the situation becomes complicated and as Josh prepares for the media he becomes suspicious of the events that occurred in the room where one man emerged a hero and another a dead psychopath.
The Fix is not a traditional crime novel with an ever increasing body count and danger at every turn but is underpinned by an enigmatic mystery. The tension builds slowly over the course of the novel ending with an unexpected twist. Adding to the appeal of the story is plenty of wry humour, a fortune cookie addiction and a touch of romance for Josh with a stripper slash law student. Narrated by Josh, who is an easy going protagonist, The Fix has a deceptively casual tone and pace.
Josh Lang is a likeable character, while only in his mid twenties, he is discouraged by his lack of success to date in both his personal and professional life. He is more than capable of the job his brother offers but discovering Ben Harkin, the man who Josh holds responsible for breaking up his serious relationship, is the hero in question complicates the job. Josh is not sure if it his resentment of his former friend, or his experience as a journalist that is telling him something is not right with the situation and when Josh eventually discovers the truth, the conflict of the personal and professional weighs heavily on him.
The Fix is as funny and sharp as in the works he is most well known for but is tempered by the more adult context. Fan's of Earls who have aged along with him will likely appreciate the shift that perhaps demonstrates the Gen X author is finally growing up. Entertaining and an easy read The Fix is a satisfying read.
Josh Lang, an unemployed journalist, has returned to Brisbane after a lacklustre career in London. He makes a living of sorts with some freelance writing and an opinion blog but money is tight so when his older brother offers him some simple PR work coaching a reluctant hero who is nominated for the Star of Courage he accepts. When the hero is revealed to be Ben Harkin, an old friend of Josh's, the situation becomes complicated and as Josh prepares for the media he becomes suspicious of the events that occurred in the room where one man emerged a hero and another a dead psychopath.
The Fix is not a traditional crime novel with an ever increasing body count and danger at every turn but is underpinned by an enigmatic mystery. The tension builds slowly over the course of the novel ending with an unexpected twist. Adding to the appeal of the story is plenty of wry humour, a fortune cookie addiction and a touch of romance for Josh with a stripper slash law student. Narrated by Josh, who is an easy going protagonist, The Fix has a deceptively casual tone and pace.
Josh Lang is a likeable character, while only in his mid twenties, he is discouraged by his lack of success to date in both his personal and professional life. He is more than capable of the job his brother offers but discovering Ben Harkin, the man who Josh holds responsible for breaking up his serious relationship, is the hero in question complicates the job. Josh is not sure if it his resentment of his former friend, or his experience as a journalist that is telling him something is not right with the situation and when Josh eventually discovers the truth, the conflict of the personal and professional weighs heavily on him.
The Fix is as funny and sharp as in the works he is most well known for but is tempered by the more adult context. Fan's of Earls who have aged along with him will likely appreciate the shift that perhaps demonstrates the Gen X author is finally growing up. Entertaining and an easy read The Fix is a satisfying read.
October 19, 2011
When I first moved to Brisbane, Nick Earls's books helped me understand the identity of my new city and I've felt safe and comforted by his writing ever since. He also has a way soothing my own doubts about myself through the strikingly familiar faults and pet peeves he gives his characters.
Considering my emotional connection to his work, it seemed almost apt that his latest book, The Fix, has a character named after me. And she's a stripper. So, if nothing else I had to read The Fix just to be sure my namesake wasn't going to ruin my stellar reputation. ;)
It was an interesting story, but not a substantial one. It did all the right things, kept me guessing in all the right places, and still managed to surprise me at the end. However, through all that, I just found it lacking in any great depth. Nick pieces his books together from snippets of newspaper articles and random thoughts and while he has found an effective way to make all the pieces fit snuggly together, it feels like he has done so without any real passion for it. Perhaps this is because because the emphasis of the idea was originally more filmic than literary so it's full of locations and events that would look great on screen, but which aren't emotionally engaging - although the right actors could certainly breathe life into it.
I also found some sections confusing. Being Brisbane's publishing darling, I wonder if his editors have become a little reluctant to suggest structural change and I think some of the writing could have been re-worked to be a touch sharper.
Other than that, it's a fun summer read and a thrill to have lent my name to it. 3.5*
Considering my emotional connection to his work, it seemed almost apt that his latest book, The Fix, has a character named after me. And she's a stripper. So, if nothing else I had to read The Fix just to be sure my namesake wasn't going to ruin my stellar reputation. ;)
It was an interesting story, but not a substantial one. It did all the right things, kept me guessing in all the right places, and still managed to surprise me at the end. However, through all that, I just found it lacking in any great depth. Nick pieces his books together from snippets of newspaper articles and random thoughts and while he has found an effective way to make all the pieces fit snuggly together, it feels like he has done so without any real passion for it. Perhaps this is because because the emphasis of the idea was originally more filmic than literary so it's full of locations and events that would look great on screen, but which aren't emotionally engaging - although the right actors could certainly breathe life into it.
I also found some sections confusing. Being Brisbane's publishing darling, I wonder if his editors have become a little reluctant to suggest structural change and I think some of the writing could have been re-worked to be a touch sharper.
Other than that, it's a fun summer read and a thrill to have lent my name to it. 3.5*
August 1, 2014
This book had a sticker on it saying 'guaranteed can't put down read!' or something, which I think made me judge it more harshly than I would have otherwise. The plot moved along at the pace of a snail, and had next to no conflict or action. To sum up: Josh tries to get Ben and the other boss lawyer guy whose name I've forgotten to admit they lied. When they finally do, nobody is surprised, least of all the reader. The end.
The only thing that saved it was an interesting writing style. I quite liked the small details that Nick Earls added, little observations about the characters' mannerisms or gestures or expressions. Perhaps that's what made it move so slowly, but they did seem realistic and not contrived. I guess it was also a fairly funny/witty book, but I didn't like that so much. I thought it was a bit too slick, the characters all spouting these clever, rehearsed-sounding lines ultra casually. Nobody's that effortlessly articulate.
My final gripe was that Hayley was a bit too perfect - she's a stripper, so she's super hot! But not in a fake way, her boobs are real! Also she's studying law and is super smart! She's really cool and funny and hangs with the guys! She listens to their conversations and adds in a few funny comments, but never bores them by talking about her own interests! Also she's unaccountably fascinated by Josh and asks him out, then sleeps with him on like their second date! But it's like, true love and he is going to introduce her to his mother!
Ummm.... yeah, she doesn't in any way sound like the author's dream girl.
The only thing that saved it was an interesting writing style. I quite liked the small details that Nick Earls added, little observations about the characters' mannerisms or gestures or expressions. Perhaps that's what made it move so slowly, but they did seem realistic and not contrived. I guess it was also a fairly funny/witty book, but I didn't like that so much. I thought it was a bit too slick, the characters all spouting these clever, rehearsed-sounding lines ultra casually. Nobody's that effortlessly articulate.
My final gripe was that Hayley was a bit too perfect - she's a stripper, so she's super hot! But not in a fake way, her boobs are real! Also she's studying law and is super smart! She's really cool and funny and hangs with the guys! She listens to their conversations and adds in a few funny comments, but never bores them by talking about her own interests! Also she's unaccountably fascinated by Josh and asks him out, then sleeps with him on like their second date! But it's like, true love and he is going to introduce her to his mother!
Ummm.... yeah, she doesn't in any way sound like the author's dream girl.
February 14, 2014
Maybe it's because I'm a SE Queenslander that I love Brisbane town. And also possibly why I feel so at home when immersed in a Nick Earl's world be it of chickens, doctors, adolescents or in this case, villainous lawyers and exotic dancers. The Fix only lost a star because it delivered slightly less than the gripping little blurb on the back promised and although I completely sympathised with Josh and all of his foibles and shining successes, I never completely 'got' exactly what it was he did. Or rather, I was always waiting for his role to involve something more sinister. None the less I enjoyed him as the protocol PA in sticky situations, whose job it is to make the good bits of a person's story outshine the less desirable bits. The Fix is a rock solid example of the wry wit, authentic sense of place, and pure and honest voice Earls is able to weave into his stories. I love the conversational, instantaneous, killer-response, one-liners that, unfortunately, often only happen inside Josh's head, just like in real life. He's a likeable nobody really whose useful abilities (to fix situations) offset any misgivings he may have about himself in an attractive way, if you find an obsession with fortune cookies attractive. At least Hayley (aforementioned exotic dancer) does. This is a fun, humourous read with enough local favour to keep you firmly in the moment and a seductive little twist at the end to keep the grin on your face.
August 11, 2011
This was a pretty good read. The story unfolded well and kept me interested throughout the entire book, but it was by no means a page turner. The characters were well developed, and I always enjoy reading novels set in Brisbane - there is such pleasure in reading descriptions of places you know well.
I felt that the biggest shortcoming of The Fix was the dialogue. Nick Earls used to create fantastically real Gen X characters, with dialogue that sparkled off the page, but he doesn't have the same knack with Gen Y. There is a saying "write what you know" and I guess Nick has grown up but his characters haven't, and he just can't quite capture the voice of a younger generation.
Earls' first book, Zig Zag Street, remains one of my favourite novels but I think he peaked too soon and nothing he's written since has been as good.
Still, a good, solid book - easy to read and easy to enjoy.
I felt that the biggest shortcoming of The Fix was the dialogue. Nick Earls used to create fantastically real Gen X characters, with dialogue that sparkled off the page, but he doesn't have the same knack with Gen Y. There is a saying "write what you know" and I guess Nick has grown up but his characters haven't, and he just can't quite capture the voice of a younger generation.
Earls' first book, Zig Zag Street, remains one of my favourite novels but I think he peaked too soon and nothing he's written since has been as good.
Still, a good, solid book - easy to read and easy to enjoy.
January 1, 2012
This was listed as a book you can't put down, well I finished it but I wouldn't really put it in the can't put down category, it's a pretty light general fiction read but I did like the fact that I recognised the places in Brisbane having lived there, I wouldn't rush to recommend it.
May 16, 2021
I enjoyed this and read it quite quickly. The main character Josh is a classic Nick Earls protagonist - intelligent, witty, awkward, over-thinking and self-deprecating. The Brisbane setting featuring West End, the Valley and the inner city is also what I expect and love when reading Nick Earls, and the funny minor disaster situations about his sister-in-law's early lingerie modelling career, the Korean business dinner turned strip-club night and mini golf adventures were reminiscent of some of his more outrageous scenes in earlier books. This story was a bit darker with more suspense in it though, as Josh uncovers the truth behind a supposedly heroic crazed gunman story involving his ex-best friend while simultaneously spinning it for the best press coverage. I liked its unpredictability and typical Nick Earls quirkiness and Brisbane setting.
December 26, 2017
Nick Earls is easy to read as always and the Brisbane descriptions are engaging, but the narrative of “The Fix” is somewhat of a departure from the usual Earls fare. It’s a bit of a crime novel in its tell of an unemployed journalist undertaking PR work for an old friend, now reluctant public hero, whose story Josh becomes increasingly suspicious about.
July 20, 2017
A first Nick Earl's book for me, a reading group book.
An interesting story. Different slant on crime/detective, with journalist priming old friend for receiving a bravery award. Started slowly, but pace speeds up at the end.
A good read. I found the descriptions a little overdone at first, but I was amused at some of his human foible observations.
An interesting story. Different slant on crime/detective, with journalist priming old friend for receiving a bravery award. Started slowly, but pace speeds up at the end.
A good read. I found the descriptions a little overdone at first, but I was amused at some of his human foible observations.
August 2, 2025
Great satire for fans of Carl Hiassen, John Boyne. A failing journalist is hired by his brother’s PR firm to manage a lawyer being presented with a bravery award when a crazed gunman takes one of the partners hostage. Some hilarious moments (strip club boss, Korean clients) and a good moral twist at the end.
May 8, 2021
I wanted to like this book, set in contemporary Queensland, but found it hard work. There was much to like about the writing style and anecdotes, but the plot dragged. At the end, I was not attracted to any of the characters. Sorry Nick.
September 15, 2011
Book blurb
The Fix coverJosh Lang went to London with investigative journalism on his mind, but he carved out a reputation as a fixer instead and mastered the art of spinning any client out of a crisis.
Now he’s home in Brisbane, and this time the job is supposed to be good news. The client is a law firm, the talent is Ben Harkin, and the story is the Star of Courage Ben is about to be awarded for his bravery in a siege.
But it was Josh’s messy part with Ben that was a big part of his move to London in the first place, and the closer he gets to Ben’s story the more the cracks start to show.
Throw in a law student who’s an exotic dancer by night, and a mini-golf tour of the Gold Coast, and Josh’s pursuit of the truth becomes way more complicated than he’d ever expected.
My thoughts
Nick Earls is one of my favourite authors, and although he strayed from familiar territory with The Fix, it definitely didn’t disappoint. For me, one of Nick’s major strengths is creating believable, relatable characters. This has been the case for every single one of his books I’ve read, including this one.
The main character Josh is dissatisfied with his life but not prepared to do much about it. This may sound like a dull protagonist, but Nick’s sharp and witty narrative makes you empathise with Josh from the get-go and root for him to put the fortune cookies down and make something of his life.
As Josh begins work at the law firm and is forced into close quarters with Ben, a friend who betrayed him years earlier, Josh must determine whether it’s his past with Ben that’s causing him to question the siege story’s truthfulness, or whether something really is suspect. And if you’re anything like me, you will have as much trouble uncovering the truth as Josh.
My favourite part of this book was not any particular scene, or any particular character. Rather, it was the overall ‘vibe’ of the book – that truth is a fluid notion and that just when you think you’ve pinned it down, it changes shape again. At the book launch, Nick said that he read the Great Gatsby numerous times before writing The Fix, in order to see how F Scott Fitzgerald managed to create such an enigmatic character. I believe his research paid off – although Ben Harkin plays a large role in this book, he remains mysterious and unknowable right to the end.
Another aspect of The Fix that I really enjoyed was the Brisbane setting. There’s nothing like reading scenes set in places you’ve been in the past few weeks, places you can picture with absolute clarity. South East Queensland is such a beautiful part of the world, it’s a perfect setting for all types of fiction, and I love that Nick consistently chooses to set his novels here in his home town.
My only gripe with The Fix is that I found it a little wordy at times. There were a few instances where I felt the phrasing could have been tighter, but this may be because I’m currently in editing mode so I’m analysing each word choice a lot more closely than usual.
Would I recommend this book? Most definitely, but only to those who enjoy a character-based novel that doesn’t have a twist every ten pages. If you enjoy a leisurely plot that builds its tension subtly, rather than hitting you over the head with it, then make sure you get your hands on The Fix. And when you do, say hello to Josh for me. I miss his self-depreciating wit already.
The Fix coverJosh Lang went to London with investigative journalism on his mind, but he carved out a reputation as a fixer instead and mastered the art of spinning any client out of a crisis.
Now he’s home in Brisbane, and this time the job is supposed to be good news. The client is a law firm, the talent is Ben Harkin, and the story is the Star of Courage Ben is about to be awarded for his bravery in a siege.
But it was Josh’s messy part with Ben that was a big part of his move to London in the first place, and the closer he gets to Ben’s story the more the cracks start to show.
Throw in a law student who’s an exotic dancer by night, and a mini-golf tour of the Gold Coast, and Josh’s pursuit of the truth becomes way more complicated than he’d ever expected.
My thoughts
Nick Earls is one of my favourite authors, and although he strayed from familiar territory with The Fix, it definitely didn’t disappoint. For me, one of Nick’s major strengths is creating believable, relatable characters. This has been the case for every single one of his books I’ve read, including this one.
The main character Josh is dissatisfied with his life but not prepared to do much about it. This may sound like a dull protagonist, but Nick’s sharp and witty narrative makes you empathise with Josh from the get-go and root for him to put the fortune cookies down and make something of his life.
As Josh begins work at the law firm and is forced into close quarters with Ben, a friend who betrayed him years earlier, Josh must determine whether it’s his past with Ben that’s causing him to question the siege story’s truthfulness, or whether something really is suspect. And if you’re anything like me, you will have as much trouble uncovering the truth as Josh.
My favourite part of this book was not any particular scene, or any particular character. Rather, it was the overall ‘vibe’ of the book – that truth is a fluid notion and that just when you think you’ve pinned it down, it changes shape again. At the book launch, Nick said that he read the Great Gatsby numerous times before writing The Fix, in order to see how F Scott Fitzgerald managed to create such an enigmatic character. I believe his research paid off – although Ben Harkin plays a large role in this book, he remains mysterious and unknowable right to the end.
Another aspect of The Fix that I really enjoyed was the Brisbane setting. There’s nothing like reading scenes set in places you’ve been in the past few weeks, places you can picture with absolute clarity. South East Queensland is such a beautiful part of the world, it’s a perfect setting for all types of fiction, and I love that Nick consistently chooses to set his novels here in his home town.
My only gripe with The Fix is that I found it a little wordy at times. There were a few instances where I felt the phrasing could have been tighter, but this may be because I’m currently in editing mode so I’m analysing each word choice a lot more closely than usual.
Would I recommend this book? Most definitely, but only to those who enjoy a character-based novel that doesn’t have a twist every ten pages. If you enjoy a leisurely plot that builds its tension subtly, rather than hitting you over the head with it, then make sure you get your hands on The Fix. And when you do, say hello to Josh for me. I miss his self-depreciating wit already.
December 6, 2011
Nick Earls is the ambassador for Brisbane sunshine. Many moons ago he produced 'After January' to set him on his writerly course, and I’ve been in his fandom ever since, avidly awaiting each novel. He’s produced some real corkers – 48 Shades of Brown, Zigzag Street, The True Story of Butterfish (his last) – mostly set in his beloved Brissy and reeking of that city’s laconic warm sub-tropical hedonism. I love them.
This offering I found harder to get going with. Maybe it was the time of year as I have been grinding through a seemingly never-ending spring school term and, after a couple of paragraphs, I’d inevitably drift off. I should have left it for the summer. So my lack of original enthusiasm was definitely not a case of Earls losing his mojo – he almost did that with Head Games- but my timing. Gradually I got into the Earls’ groove and by the halfway point he had me totally hooked.
Set mostly in the mini-golf paradise that is the Gold Coast, this novel features a spin doctor come minder to our country’s latest hero. The relationship between the two goes way back, but is fractured and, as usual, there is a woman to blame. But hero Matt may stumble in the bright glare of publicity and it is a gig Josh cannot afford to pass on, so he is employed to smooth the way. Our hero has secrets though – all is not as it seems and, as in the best ‘whodunits’, the plot twists away till the very end.
For this reader the most engaging character is the lawyerly stripper, the brazen Hayley. The course of her romance of Josh is the book’s true delight. A strength of Earls is his repartee between the protagonists – always glossy and wry – and in The Fix he continues the joy. Earls rarely lets you down – he’s the Hugh Grant of Australian literature – decidedly not an insult. He doesn’t produce high art, but it is always quality fun, and there must be skill in that. Hope it’s not too long before there’s another dose of Mangoland frippery
This offering I found harder to get going with. Maybe it was the time of year as I have been grinding through a seemingly never-ending spring school term and, after a couple of paragraphs, I’d inevitably drift off. I should have left it for the summer. So my lack of original enthusiasm was definitely not a case of Earls losing his mojo – he almost did that with Head Games- but my timing. Gradually I got into the Earls’ groove and by the halfway point he had me totally hooked.
Set mostly in the mini-golf paradise that is the Gold Coast, this novel features a spin doctor come minder to our country’s latest hero. The relationship between the two goes way back, but is fractured and, as usual, there is a woman to blame. But hero Matt may stumble in the bright glare of publicity and it is a gig Josh cannot afford to pass on, so he is employed to smooth the way. Our hero has secrets though – all is not as it seems and, as in the best ‘whodunits’, the plot twists away till the very end.
For this reader the most engaging character is the lawyerly stripper, the brazen Hayley. The course of her romance of Josh is the book’s true delight. A strength of Earls is his repartee between the protagonists – always glossy and wry – and in The Fix he continues the joy. Earls rarely lets you down – he’s the Hugh Grant of Australian literature – decidedly not an insult. He doesn’t produce high art, but it is always quality fun, and there must be skill in that. Hope it’s not too long before there’s another dose of Mangoland frippery
October 14, 2013
This is my second Nick Earl book and seems vastly different to the other one I read (48 shades of Brown). He won me over with 48 Shades and I was really looking forward to reading another of his. This is a novel that sits between YA and Adult. It is a light crime story that is easy to read. Nick has filled it with clever twists and turns which certainly kept me reading and wanting more. His characters (Ben, Josh and Hayley) were well developed and believable.
I enjoyed Josh - a blogger who has returned to Australia after a stint overseas - with his outlook on life. I think this is an area that Nick excels in. He takes us into the head of a young male and we are able to see the sensitive side of them that they have difficulty showing. Hayley, a law student/erotic dancer & stripper, was a great touch. Having her in this was great to challenge our ideas of people & first impressions. She was a wonderfully strong character. Ben, a lawyer and childhood friend of Josh, was a slightly frustrating character - I kept waiting for him to step up - and then Nick gave a fabulous twist.
It is a great fast paced 'boy read'. I have passed onto my hubby and 14 year old son who are enjoying it immensely.
I enjoyed Josh - a blogger who has returned to Australia after a stint overseas - with his outlook on life. I think this is an area that Nick excels in. He takes us into the head of a young male and we are able to see the sensitive side of them that they have difficulty showing. Hayley, a law student/erotic dancer & stripper, was a great touch. Having her in this was great to challenge our ideas of people & first impressions. She was a wonderfully strong character. Ben, a lawyer and childhood friend of Josh, was a slightly frustrating character - I kept waiting for him to step up - and then Nick gave a fabulous twist.
It is a great fast paced 'boy read'. I have passed onto my hubby and 14 year old son who are enjoying it immensely.
June 24, 2017
A book about the slipperiness of truth and morality. A deep distrust of bullshitters is played out in the plot, the characters, and the writing style. Just as interesting thematically, much funnier and less heavy-handed than The Slap. It is lad lit, so the main female character is a stripper, but the book adds a bit of dimension and deobfuscation to that profession, and that has to be a good thing.
December 6, 2011
Ah Nick, I've loved him since his first novel. At first I thought that this was predictable, but without giving anything away, I was wrong. It's fun goofy guy territory. Josh is very likeable even if some times you do role your eyes at his antics. An easy read set in the gold coast. Probably 3.5 stars, but have to give 4 rather than three as I'll always read a Nick Earls novel, love his optimism and light touch.
April 6, 2013
Part of my summer reading blitz, The Fix had me hooked. Earls fills his pages with interesting and believable characters who have their own problems... while our main character tries to tackle the problems of others. The plot kept me guessing and it has a very satisfying ending. Nick Earls continues to please.
December 20, 2012
While I wasn't overly impressed with his latest short story collection (Welcome To Normal), Earls' novels just keep getting better! I read this in one sitting, staying up until two am. Very highly recommended!
October 5, 2012
Unexpected twist at the end. Full of Nick Earls' regular plot themes; some romance, an oddball trying to figure out what he's doing with his life interspersed with images of Brisbane. not a bad read, but not an edge of your seat read either.
February 8, 2016
I had forgotten how much I enjoy Nick Earls books. A fab read, certainly an entertaining, lightweight holiday read. I'm inspired by his writing, how he paints the picture of a story and of Brisbane. The Fix kept me entertained til the end.
January 6, 2014
absolutely boring horrid read, went nowhere, tried and tried to read it, had to laugh when the cover describes it as a book "you cannot put down" I had trouble picking it up to persevere in the hope it got better. Fancy naming 2 of the main characters in the book Ben and Brent-!!
December 29, 2014
I'm not a fan of typical crime books, but this was really cool. Funny in parts and some unique scenes that probably haven't appeared in a story before. All up an easy read with a couple of well hidden surprises in store at the end.
February 19, 2015
For the first few chapters I wasn't sure I would like this book, I thought it might be boring. In the end I did enjoy the characters, and I found I wanted to know the answer to all the mysteries that were popping up. At the end - talk about a last minute plot twist! I did not see that coming.
October 7, 2011
This one had a bit of a different voice to Nick Earls other novels - a bit less light hearted, more serious. It was interesting reading though.
January 29, 2012
Can't wait to read the next book by Nick Earls
A good complex story executed well
With glimpses of Earl's trademark humor.
Lacks the grip of his previous works
A good complex story executed well
With glimpses of Earl's trademark humor.
Lacks the grip of his previous works
May 7, 2012
Easy and interesting read with flawed but relatable characters.
May 27, 2012
I got half way through this book and to me, nothing happened. I mean I think i did pretty well pushing myself to halfway.
Best bit, it was based in brisbane and I live there. Seriously that was it.
Best bit, it was based in brisbane and I live there. Seriously that was it.
May 24, 2012
Love Nick Earls but this did not make me laugh like his other books have. Even 'The Thompson Gunner' had me laughing uncontrolably at times. Good book but not that funny.
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