What do you think?
Rate this book
Straight Jacket
'If God is too indifferent, or too non-existent to take care of His creation, then clearly it's up to Me.'
Morgen Tanjenz is a lawyer with an overactive sense of justice. His mission in life is to reward the virtuous, punish the ignorant and avenge those who won't avenge themselves. His favourite pastime is 'life sculpture' - anonymously intervening in the lives of strangers to change their destiny in ways he thinks they deserve.
But Morgen isn't the only one changing lives in the city. A serial killer is on the prowl and taunting the police in letters to the local rag. But, as the body count rises, Detective Sergeant Blacksnake Fowler can hardly focus on the job with so many his boss hates him, his deputy is trying to undermine him and the woman he loves is having an affair.
In the cicada-throbbing heat of a Sydney summer, the threads of a strange story tangle together in a wild conclusion no one will see coming.
Adrian Deans does for Sydney's leafy fringes what Irvine Welsh does for Edinburgh's council estates.
‘a ripsnorter of a ride through the dark heart of the burbs… may just be Australia’s answer to American Psycho.’ Kirsten Krauth, just_a_girl
‘Sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, and always compelling… with a super-original premise and a one-of-a-kind protagonist’. Tony Wilson, Making News
‘A disturbingly good read. Unnerving and darkly comic.’ Stuart Quin, Ealing Studios Australia
Morgen Tanjenz is a lawyer with an overactive sense of justice. His mission in life is to reward the virtuous, punish the ignorant and avenge those who won't avenge themselves. His favourite pastime is 'life sculpture' - anonymously intervening in the lives of strangers to change their destiny in ways he thinks they deserve.
But Morgen isn't the only one changing lives in the city. A serial killer is on the prowl and taunting the police in letters to the local rag. But, as the body count rises, Detective Sergeant Blacksnake Fowler can hardly focus on the job with so many his boss hates him, his deputy is trying to undermine him and the woman he loves is having an affair.
In the cicada-throbbing heat of a Sydney summer, the threads of a strange story tangle together in a wild conclusion no one will see coming.
Adrian Deans does for Sydney's leafy fringes what Irvine Welsh does for Edinburgh's council estates.
‘a ripsnorter of a ride through the dark heart of the burbs… may just be Australia’s answer to American Psycho.’ Kirsten Krauth, just_a_girl
‘Sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, and always compelling… with a super-original premise and a one-of-a-kind protagonist’. Tony Wilson, Making News
‘A disturbingly good read. Unnerving and darkly comic.’ Stuart Quin, Ealing Studios Australia
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Deans
8 books49 followersAdrian Deans is a lawyer, journalist and novelist. He has been writing seriously for 30 years and in that time has seen his darkly comic speculative fiction stories gradually morph into darkly comic crime - then back to spec fiction. His novels, Mr Cleansheets (Vulgar Press, 2010) and Straight Jacket (High Horse, 2013) received some critical acclaim and Straight Jacket was optioned by Ealing Studios in the UK. The Fighting Man was his debut historical novel (High Horse, 2017), but in 2020 he blended offbeat crime with spec fiction to produce Welcome to Ord City. His latest novel, Asparagus Grass (2023), sees Adrian on the edge of science fiction and firmly entrenched among Australia's more original storytellers.
Adrian is represented by Golvan Arts Management.
Adrian is represented by Golvan Arts Management.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 25, 2016
Straight Jacket is the third novel by Australian lawyer, journalist and novelist, Adrian Deans. Lawyer Morgen Tanjenz is confident his psychometric evaluation (tedious in the extreme, but apparently necessary) is going well and his appointment as head of the Compliance Division for Gulliman Cross will soon be confirmed. He feels he has certainly earned this promotion, after the lengths he has had to go to, to secure it.
Despite being undermined by both his superior and his staff, Detective Sergeant Pete “Blacksnake” Fowler is an honourable cop determined to catch the serial killer the press have dubbed The Gorge Killer. Ed Bartini, the editor of the local rag has been given full access to Operation George, and Blacksnake feels the only true support he has is from Detective Clair Bowyer. But when he learns of Clair’s latest crush, he finds himself behaving quite uncharacteristically.
Clair is certainly a bit distracted: she is bored with her marriage to the very ordinary Tony McLoon, her teenaged daughter Stacey (insisting she now be called Alice) is associating with the wrong sort of friend, and she can’t stop thinking about Morgen. Even though she sums him up as “completely devoid of morals….you walk into an old schoolmate’s house … insult him, take drugs and screw his wife in the marital bedroom while he’s playing outside with the children…” she finds herself attracted.
As well as the completely obnoxious Morgan (who does not hesitate to sabotage his colleague’s career, enjoys something he calls “life sculpting” and feels the need to revenge certain unfortunate cicadas), Deans gives the reader a diverse cast of characters: an editor in desperate need of some sensational news, members of a semi-religious cult who purportedly worship Alpha Centauri while actively scamming the foolish, and a straight-laced hard-working lawyer whose addiction to a certain exclusive coffee becomes instrumental in his downfall.
Deans delivers a clever and original plot, renders the scene expertly and includes plenty of very black humour. Readers who can ignore their initial distaste with this (intentionally) objectionable protagonist and persist with the story as Deans sets the stage will be rewarded with a tale that has an exciting climax and a deliciously twisted ending.
Despite being undermined by both his superior and his staff, Detective Sergeant Pete “Blacksnake” Fowler is an honourable cop determined to catch the serial killer the press have dubbed The Gorge Killer. Ed Bartini, the editor of the local rag has been given full access to Operation George, and Blacksnake feels the only true support he has is from Detective Clair Bowyer. But when he learns of Clair’s latest crush, he finds himself behaving quite uncharacteristically.
Clair is certainly a bit distracted: she is bored with her marriage to the very ordinary Tony McLoon, her teenaged daughter Stacey (insisting she now be called Alice) is associating with the wrong sort of friend, and she can’t stop thinking about Morgen. Even though she sums him up as “completely devoid of morals….you walk into an old schoolmate’s house … insult him, take drugs and screw his wife in the marital bedroom while he’s playing outside with the children…” she finds herself attracted.
As well as the completely obnoxious Morgan (who does not hesitate to sabotage his colleague’s career, enjoys something he calls “life sculpting” and feels the need to revenge certain unfortunate cicadas), Deans gives the reader a diverse cast of characters: an editor in desperate need of some sensational news, members of a semi-religious cult who purportedly worship Alpha Centauri while actively scamming the foolish, and a straight-laced hard-working lawyer whose addiction to a certain exclusive coffee becomes instrumental in his downfall.
Deans delivers a clever and original plot, renders the scene expertly and includes plenty of very black humour. Readers who can ignore their initial distaste with this (intentionally) objectionable protagonist and persist with the story as Deans sets the stage will be rewarded with a tale that has an exciting climax and a deliciously twisted ending.
August 15, 2020
It's been a long time since I read a book and detested every character in it, and even though that was the case with this story, I found I could never put it down. Usually disliking all of the main characters in a book turns me off it, but in this case I really wanted to know what these horrible people were up to and found myself reading this book faster than most. There's a certain level of satisfaction in reading about the lives of such despicable characters.
There was a mystery in this novel that really built up to something quite exciting by the end. I was very impressed with how many interconnecting stories there were and how they all seemed to come together, although I do remain confused by a few smaller plotlines. I will say this book was very male-dominated, and the treatment of the only female characters in this book left a lot to be desired. That being said everyone in the book was awful, including the women, but it's just something to keep in mind if that type of thing can turn you off a book.
One thing that really did stand out for me was the setting and environment of this book. I really loved the dialogue, and felt like Deans painted a perfect picture of suburban Sydney which really helped paint a visual image while reading it.
There was a mystery in this novel that really built up to something quite exciting by the end. I was very impressed with how many interconnecting stories there were and how they all seemed to come together, although I do remain confused by a few smaller plotlines. I will say this book was very male-dominated, and the treatment of the only female characters in this book left a lot to be desired. That being said everyone in the book was awful, including the women, but it's just something to keep in mind if that type of thing can turn you off a book.
One thing that really did stand out for me was the setting and environment of this book. I really loved the dialogue, and felt like Deans painted a perfect picture of suburban Sydney which really helped paint a visual image while reading it.
June 17, 2020
This book was entirely not what I expected it to be, and I'm so happy that it was recommended to me; not being the kind of book I normally seek out, being open to new things once again proves to be a worthwhile adventure in the making as I just couldn't put this down once I got to the last 25%.
I started this book absolutely hating the main character and wondering what I'd gotten myself into. I didn't know how I was going to end up getting involved in a book where I so desperately wanted the person I was somehow supposed to connect with to take a flying leap off a tall building - but as the story evolved and we got viewpoints from more than just one character, more and more started to come together and opinions became clearer.
I will say - I didn't really notice any of this until I was done and reflecting, so I don't think having them unanswered makes for a bad story, just some talking points for a number of us in a book club who all read this to sit and ponder anxiously together.
I really enjoyed this and hope others will as well. I think in the end, when all was said and done as the final chapter closed, all I could think was -
I started this book absolutely hating the main character and wondering what I'd gotten myself into. I didn't know how I was going to end up getting involved in a book where I so desperately wanted the person I was somehow supposed to connect with to take a flying leap off a tall building - but as the story evolved and we got viewpoints from more than just one character, more and more started to come together and opinions became clearer.
I will say - I didn't really notice any of this until I was done and reflecting, so I don't think having them unanswered makes for a bad story, just some talking points for a number of us in a book club who all read this to sit and ponder anxiously together.
I really enjoyed this and hope others will as well. I think in the end, when all was said and done as the final chapter closed, all I could think was -
June 15, 2020
This is not really the type of book I usually read, but I could not put it down! I also felt compelled to leave a review! (I never do these.)
This book is dark, twisted, humorous, and sets you through a full range of emotions by the time it is complete. I started this immediately hating the main character and wondering how I was going to get through this, but I was completely sucked in and could not put it down! This book raises some really intriguing thoughts and philosophical questions. My favorite books are ones that make you think and this one had me feeling the entire spectrum of emotions and questioning my own moral code. Adrian Deans reminds me of an Australian Bret Easton Ellis, and I will be reading all of his other works! Definitely worth the read!
Also - there is a beautiful poem in there that I wasn't expecting and completely fell in love with.
This book is dark, twisted, humorous, and sets you through a full range of emotions by the time it is complete. I started this immediately hating the main character and wondering how I was going to get through this, but I was completely sucked in and could not put it down! This book raises some really intriguing thoughts and philosophical questions. My favorite books are ones that make you think and this one had me feeling the entire spectrum of emotions and questioning my own moral code. Adrian Deans reminds me of an Australian Bret Easton Ellis, and I will be reading all of his other works! Definitely worth the read!
Also - there is a beautiful poem in there that I wasn't expecting and completely fell in love with.
December 13, 2013
I picked this book up on a whim without too much thought and how glad I am that I did. I usually steer away from books based in my home town as I love the escapism that comes from reading about a setting so far from my own.
But this book is written with such a deft sense of observation and sensory feel for the landscape and its inhabitants, that I felt the satisfaction of transportation even though the setting is less than 20 kms from my home. Super impressed!
The characters are as multidimensional as the prisms on a diamond, perfectly refined but made way more intriguing by their intrinsic flaws. In this case, a pervading darkness that becomes apparent once one peeks beneath the human veneer of acceptable sociabilities.
This combined with a taut thriller come crime come suburban satirical plot, made for a compelling read. So much so that I could not put this book down!
I have just finished reading a couple of Gillian Flynn books and to be honest, this book surpasses those reads. Maybe because this book was written by a somewhat unknown author and my expectations were low, but the truth is the story is clever, the writing is smart, and the main character is a paradox of Machiavelli meets Mother Teresa. Which one - well that's up to you to decide.
Highly recommended!
But this book is written with such a deft sense of observation and sensory feel for the landscape and its inhabitants, that I felt the satisfaction of transportation even though the setting is less than 20 kms from my home. Super impressed!
The characters are as multidimensional as the prisms on a diamond, perfectly refined but made way more intriguing by their intrinsic flaws. In this case, a pervading darkness that becomes apparent once one peeks beneath the human veneer of acceptable sociabilities.
This combined with a taut thriller come crime come suburban satirical plot, made for a compelling read. So much so that I could not put this book down!
I have just finished reading a couple of Gillian Flynn books and to be honest, this book surpasses those reads. Maybe because this book was written by a somewhat unknown author and my expectations were low, but the truth is the story is clever, the writing is smart, and the main character is a paradox of Machiavelli meets Mother Teresa. Which one - well that's up to you to decide.
Highly recommended!
June 11, 2020
Huh. Hard to say exactly what I thought of this book, it's certainly not what I normally read, but I did enjoy it.
What I liked:
The style of writing got to the point, generally. I really appreciated that because it let you really sink into it along with the character when things were slowed down and described more thoroughly. It's easy to dislike the main character (especially early on) but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment.
Some of the lines in the book were surprisingly funny, and some things are absolutely absurd. For a book dealing with a serial killer, I was expecting a different tone, but I can't say I was upset about it.
What I didn't like:
I won't say the ending seemed rushed because that's not it, but I just feel like there were some loose ends that the author didn't tie up for me.
What I liked:
The style of writing got to the point, generally. I really appreciated that because it let you really sink into it along with the character when things were slowed down and described more thoroughly. It's easy to dislike the main character (especially early on) but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment.
Some of the lines in the book were surprisingly funny, and some things are absolutely absurd. For a book dealing with a serial killer, I was expecting a different tone, but I can't say I was upset about it.
What I didn't like:
I won't say the ending seemed rushed because that's not it, but I just feel like there were some loose ends that the author didn't tie up for me.
October 28, 2019
What a read! It's not often a book lives up to the hype on the cover, and Straight Jacket certainly didn't disappoint. From the beginning right through to the last page this had me hooked.
I have favourite books which I often re-read from time to time, but this is the first time I have read a book, then immediately returned to the beginning to re-read it.
I found the protagonist Morgen Tanjenz almost lovable albeit in a DS Robertson/Filth kind of way and as the story grows, so too does Tanjenz's character. The dark humour and twisted logic of Morgan Tanjenz as his character wreaks havoc on those he deems worthy of retribution is hilarious.
I will never look at a cicada the same way again, and I look forward to reading other books by this author! There's something very satisfying when you read a book and find yourself laughing out loud at something you really shouldn't be laughing at! What is interesting is that this book is character driven as well as narrative driven, something that is all too rare with crime/thriller novels. Adrian Deans characters are believable - so much so, that you do wonder where does Tanjenz end and Deans begin?! Tanjenz's schadenfreude is heightened when the reader finds themselves laughing along at some of Tanjenz's "victims" and I wonder how many readers like myself, don't feel all together sorry for some of the life sculptor recipients in this fast paced, funny book that really was a thrill to read from start to finish.
I have favourite books which I often re-read from time to time, but this is the first time I have read a book, then immediately returned to the beginning to re-read it.
I found the protagonist Morgen Tanjenz almost lovable albeit in a DS Robertson/Filth kind of way and as the story grows, so too does Tanjenz's character. The dark humour and twisted logic of Morgan Tanjenz as his character wreaks havoc on those he deems worthy of retribution is hilarious.
I will never look at a cicada the same way again, and I look forward to reading other books by this author! There's something very satisfying when you read a book and find yourself laughing out loud at something you really shouldn't be laughing at! What is interesting is that this book is character driven as well as narrative driven, something that is all too rare with crime/thriller novels. Adrian Deans characters are believable - so much so, that you do wonder where does Tanjenz end and Deans begin?! Tanjenz's schadenfreude is heightened when the reader finds themselves laughing along at some of Tanjenz's "victims" and I wonder how many readers like myself, don't feel all together sorry for some of the life sculptor recipients in this fast paced, funny book that really was a thrill to read from start to finish.
July 8, 2014
Something about STRAIGHT JACKET could make some readers a little uncomfortable. Not the serial killing aspect in this case - although the idea that there is a killer lurking in the bush that inserts itself into the Sydney suburbs isn't a welcome one. Certainly not a killer that sends victims fingers in the mail. It's more disconcerting that Morgen Tanjenz's idea of 'life sculpture' makes sense, dare we suggest, appeals. The idea that you could, with enough money and resources, dispense your concept of justice for wrongs. Although you have to wonder if you'd draw the line at ruining someone's life on behalf of the cicadas of the world...
The story runs two concurrent character lines cleverly. Morgen Tanjenz's life is gloriously over-the-top. Professionally successful, wealthy, attractive, he's got a moral compass that's more than a bit north-west of nowhere. On the other hand Detective Sergeant Fowler (Blacksnake to his friends) means well. Tries hard. Slogs it out. Wondering why the woman he loves is okay with an extra-marital affair, just not with him. With a boss that hates him, and colleagues trying to shaft him, life for Blacksnake is all lows and not a lot of highs. The contrast between these two men is obviously on purpose and it works. You can barrack for Blacksnake without feeling guilty, but we all know we're going to be barracking for the bad guy as well.
There's a strong sense of humour, and distinct feeling of taking the wee wee in STRAIGHT JACKET which soothes the angst ridden soul. Just as the heat of a Sydney summer lulls the senses, the way this story evolves lulls the reader into accepting the seemingly unacceptable. Whilst there "should" be nothing whatsoever good or positive to be found in Tanjenz's behaviour and attitude, somehow it's not too much of an effort to "forgive" him, or understand him.
Of course STRAIGHT JACKET is ironic and trying to distort acceptable reality. And it does that with an enormous sense of fun, with a tongue firmly rammed in the cheek. Sure you might question your own sanity - but don't we run the risk of taking ourselves way too seriously too often?
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
The story runs two concurrent character lines cleverly. Morgen Tanjenz's life is gloriously over-the-top. Professionally successful, wealthy, attractive, he's got a moral compass that's more than a bit north-west of nowhere. On the other hand Detective Sergeant Fowler (Blacksnake to his friends) means well. Tries hard. Slogs it out. Wondering why the woman he loves is okay with an extra-marital affair, just not with him. With a boss that hates him, and colleagues trying to shaft him, life for Blacksnake is all lows and not a lot of highs. The contrast between these two men is obviously on purpose and it works. You can barrack for Blacksnake without feeling guilty, but we all know we're going to be barracking for the bad guy as well.
There's a strong sense of humour, and distinct feeling of taking the wee wee in STRAIGHT JACKET which soothes the angst ridden soul. Just as the heat of a Sydney summer lulls the senses, the way this story evolves lulls the reader into accepting the seemingly unacceptable. Whilst there "should" be nothing whatsoever good or positive to be found in Tanjenz's behaviour and attitude, somehow it's not too much of an effort to "forgive" him, or understand him.
Of course STRAIGHT JACKET is ironic and trying to distort acceptable reality. And it does that with an enormous sense of fun, with a tongue firmly rammed in the cheek. Sure you might question your own sanity - but don't we run the risk of taking ourselves way too seriously too often?
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
July 9, 2020
I have just read this book for the second time.
My rating doesnt do this book justice, I wish I could rate it higher. It was already one of the best books I had ever read and my second read confirmed in my mind that it really is a fantastic book.
The first half sets the stage for a wonderful cast of terrible people and the second half confirms they are terrible people, but ones you cant stop reading about.
It is a gripping story that is hard to put down once you hit the final third. The setting is very homely and comforting.
I cant recommend this book enough and it should be studied in schools.
My rating doesnt do this book justice, I wish I could rate it higher. It was already one of the best books I had ever read and my second read confirmed in my mind that it really is a fantastic book.
The first half sets the stage for a wonderful cast of terrible people and the second half confirms they are terrible people, but ones you cant stop reading about.
It is a gripping story that is hard to put down once you hit the final third. The setting is very homely and comforting.
I cant recommend this book enough and it should be studied in schools.
January 16, 2021
this is a hugely enjoyable, darkly amusing novel set in Sydney with amoral but likeable corporation lawyer, Morgen Tanjenz, indulging in his ‘life sculptures’, destroying the lives of those he dislikes or finds offensive. A serial killer is haunting North Sydney and a detective investigates as Tanjenz links up with a new woman who soon connects with the case. A story where you didn’t know where it was going until the surprising, although appropriate, ending. This had some great lines, nasty but funny fates and was refreshingly original
January 25, 2018
A really fascinating book. Kept me guessing to the end and still gives me a lot to think about. Can’t get Morgen out of my head. Loved the imagery of the Australian bush as described by Deans throughout the book, as it led me further into the mystery and intrigue of the book. Very highly recommended as a good holiday book and one to have on the bedside table as the next book to read.
June 3, 2019
I couldn't put this down. The main character, lawyer Morgen Tanjenz, is richly complex and disturbingly intriguing. The interaction of a collection of characters from all walks of life makes this book hard to put down. I always enjoy a good crime novel and this one does not disappoint. I highly recommend this book.
January 4, 2024
Wow this was amazing! Excellent plot, fascinating characters, great writing, and I LOVED the descriptions of Sydney in the height of summer
September 19, 2013
A rollicking read! Compelling and bleakly amusing!
Morgan is a clinically intelligent avenger (or deceiver)of justice - a sort of Waugh like Saint/Bond meets Humbert Humbert (without those obvious connotations). Probably not a typical North Shore kind of guy really but the place clearly pumps through his veins as do an abundance of sex and drugs.
I loved the first/third person transitions and the crafting of time from the beginning to end. The multilayered narratives all come together delightfully. Speaking of which, the hunt for the Gorge Killer leads to a reader's crisis of faith in Morgan and the Claire climax scene with its 'anonymous' participant is sensuous but disturbingly resonant.
The book's great strength is its secular, reductive and observational humour. Deans cuts through the crap and is intolerant of pretension. His plot is crackling and he's an author way in charge of the controls: no doubt he thoroughly enjoys Morgan's delightful deceptions.
After reading this my only disappointment is that I missed out on growing up on the North Shore. Where I grew up there didn't seem to be such a thing as a sex cave in the local environs...or maybe I just never found it. I'm grateful to Deans for letting me know there could have been one...
Morgan is a clinically intelligent avenger (or deceiver)of justice - a sort of Waugh like Saint/Bond meets Humbert Humbert (without those obvious connotations). Probably not a typical North Shore kind of guy really but the place clearly pumps through his veins as do an abundance of sex and drugs.
I loved the first/third person transitions and the crafting of time from the beginning to end. The multilayered narratives all come together delightfully. Speaking of which, the hunt for the Gorge Killer leads to a reader's crisis of faith in Morgan and the Claire climax scene with its 'anonymous' participant is sensuous but disturbingly resonant.
The book's great strength is its secular, reductive and observational humour. Deans cuts through the crap and is intolerant of pretension. His plot is crackling and he's an author way in charge of the controls: no doubt he thoroughly enjoys Morgan's delightful deceptions.
After reading this my only disappointment is that I missed out on growing up on the North Shore. Where I grew up there didn't seem to be such a thing as a sex cave in the local environs...or maybe I just never found it. I'm grateful to Deans for letting me know there could have been one...
September 3, 2013
I had previously read Deans book Them which prompted me to pick up a copy of his new book Straight Jacket.
Straight Jacket is a different style of book to Them. It is certainly a page turner!
I was intrigued by the main character, Morgen's penchant for "life sculpture" and I have to confess at times I admired the creative ways that he affected other people's lives(without them knowing).
The various sub plots are woven together so that the tension rises as the book reaches it's unexpected conclusion.
A very enjoyable read.
Straight Jacket is a different style of book to Them. It is certainly a page turner!
I was intrigued by the main character, Morgen's penchant for "life sculpture" and I have to confess at times I admired the creative ways that he affected other people's lives(without them knowing).
The various sub plots are woven together so that the tension rises as the book reaches it's unexpected conclusion.
A very enjoyable read.
February 13, 2015
Loved this book. Adrian Deans is clearly a twisted person, and he lets it all go here. But there's something gleeful in his venom too, and, at heart, it's the story of a very creative character looking for a suitable outlet. The themes are big and powerful, the characters work for the story, and the intrigue drips from every page. My only quibble would be the ending - I guess I was expecting something bigger and more horrific. But that's just me - it was still a good ending!
May 7, 2014
What an impressive and fascinating book! It takes the genre of thrillers to another level. And Morgen Tanjenz, a character that you love to hate. "He's evil...pure evil". Dean's style is portrayed through dark comical and sexual undertones, which keeps the reader intrigued right to the very end with a very unexpected and surprise ending. A must read!
January 26, 2016
I read this book because I know the author - a past colleague - so was naturally curious. It was a great read - unpredictable, gripping and well written. It would make a great movie. I found it easy to imagine all the scenes, as it's set in a familiar environment and the characters were so well portrayed.
Looking forward to reading some more of Adrian's work.
Looking forward to reading some more of Adrian's work.
January 30, 2016
The author writes well ... At first the book was a bit of a chore to read, but as I pushed on, was quite a twisted read ... Ending is a bit messy, I mean, I think I know who is responsible for the murders, but so much remains unexplained ! Overall, I love a good, twisted thriller and this is one of them
July 15, 2014
fascinating - a random library pick, I was lured by a blurb that compared it to both 'American Pyscho' and 'Trainspotting'. Chilling portrait of Sydney's north shore through the eyes of a 'psycho' with a 'creative' bent
August 13, 2014
What a read! Kept me guessing to the end, and now that I'm done I'm sad it's over. Very glad I picked it up.
January 28, 2014
Really great read, exploring the Sydney underbelly in a funny edgy way, with a great twist.
April 25, 2020
I decided to read this book because someone had mentioned it in a Facebook group i belong to in the area I grew up in, in Sydney. So I thought it would have more environmental reminders of the North Shore but it didn’t, so I was a little disappointed and only read it lightly. That said I thought the second half of the book was more interesting and compelling and I wanted to find out what happened, but I did not like the main character at all.
April 2, 2021
Over rated, egostical elitist, the author describes himself so well
Predictable and sad that crime and rape are used to try to entertain the reader. This is written with pride? How women are objectified, tortured and raped? How ‘life sculpture’ instead of empowering is the cruel destroying of others for narcissistic entertainment. At least you have included some half decent wine ..but I wouldn’t rank the cloudy bay! Hope your next book I bought it better!
Predictable and sad that crime and rape are used to try to entertain the reader. This is written with pride? How women are objectified, tortured and raped? How ‘life sculpture’ instead of empowering is the cruel destroying of others for narcissistic entertainment. At least you have included some half decent wine ..but I wouldn’t rank the cloudy bay! Hope your next book I bought it better!
October 15, 2018
I got really into it and had to find out what happened! Very enjoyable.
April 20, 2024
This book is like Amèlie if Amèlie was a literal psychopath. Brilliant.
January 30, 2016
This is an edgy crime novel set in Sydney – dark and interspersed with moments of humour. The protagonist and other characters are quirky and believable, a twist from the usual crime novel characterisations. And what’s with the cicada on the book cover…and the reference throughout to these insects prominent in the Sydney-scape in summer?
Deans once again has enthralled his readers with his dark sense of humour and unusual perspectives. A book for those willing to explore difference and open to the less than beautiful side of life – its sexual overtones and drugs usage. Morgen is not a lovable character, I don’t think, but captivating. I want to be on his side. Compelling read as I begin to invest in Morgen’s life – curious to know what happens to him, not wanting anything negative to occur to him.
Definitely a worthwhile book to read, especially if you enjoy intense dark crime novels with drama and humour.
Deans once again has enthralled his readers with his dark sense of humour and unusual perspectives. A book for those willing to explore difference and open to the less than beautiful side of life – its sexual overtones and drugs usage. Morgen is not a lovable character, I don’t think, but captivating. I want to be on his side. Compelling read as I begin to invest in Morgen’s life – curious to know what happens to him, not wanting anything negative to occur to him.
Definitely a worthwhile book to read, especially if you enjoy intense dark crime novels with drama and humour.
January 9, 2014
I know the author personally so was thrilled when I was given this book (signed by the author) for Christmas. I found Adrian's writing intriguing and intense. I enjoyed the character development however I struggled to connect with Morgan and Clair as I found them difficult to understand there motive (like how completely twisted Morgan is with screwing around people's life?!?) however I found this interesting and gave the read more of a twist. I loved the connections between the characters and I enjoyed the difficult vocab (even if I did have a dictionary by my side!)
August 30, 2013
I ended up not wanting it to finish! It's a difficult book to pigeonhole - crime? Drama? Psychological thriller? It has dark sexual undertones and some startlingly flawed, yet strangely familiar characters. Once the characters and plot lines connect, it's a real race to the finish. Without giving anything away, when it finishes, you still want more.
September 2, 2013
I have followed this writer’s career with interest and that interest has now paid off in spades.
His earlier work showed great promise but Straight Jacket is the full flowering of an amazing talent. I absolutely hated getting to the end of this book, and am almost ready to read it again straight away.
Wow!
Just wow!
His earlier work showed great promise but Straight Jacket is the full flowering of an amazing talent. I absolutely hated getting to the end of this book, and am almost ready to read it again straight away.
Wow!
Just wow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews