Quick

by Steve Worland, Sean Mangan (Reading)

Hang on tight as Quick catapults you from Melbourne to Monaco and into a thrilling chase.

Melbourne, Australia: Round one of the Formula One World Championship. Billy Hotchkiss no longer races a V8 Supercar, but that doesn't mean he's lost the need for speed. When the young cop uncovers a diamond heist in progress he leaps into action and almost captures the thieves.

Lyon, France: Interpol are convinced the thieves are connected to Formula One. And they think this Australian ex-race driver is just the guy to stop them.

Sent undercover with an unwilling French partner, Billy is thrust into the glamorous world of international motor racing as the diamond heists continue. But as Billy closes in on the thieves a far more sinister threat is revealed.

With the fate of a city and the lives of half a million people in the balance, Billy will need to drive like never before to stop the worse act of terror since 9/11.

Genres: Thriller, Action

MP3 CD

First published August 27, 2014

Reviews

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was beyond fantastic! What a thrill ride! Fast-paced, action-packed adventure from the first page until the last.

This is set in the world of car racing which I’m not a fan of however, in books and movies they are bloody well AWESOME. Huge, HUGE, HUGE fan of the Fast and Furious franchise and a lover of Holden cars, therefore this book was ace.

Billy and Claude…best (thrown together) partners EVER! Their banter had me in stitches.

Steve Worland certainly has a flair for writing dialogue and action scenes. Love his books, wish he had a massive backlist! Sadly, he’s only written a mere few.

Narrated by the amazing Sean Mangan, he brings the characters/story to life.

Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Duration: 11 hrs, 47min. 1.25x Speed

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

QUICK is high octane action delivered at breakneck speed; at no time does protagonist, Aussie cop and former V8 driver Billy Hotchkiss, get a moments reprieve as he tracks down a crafty gang of thieves responsible pulling jewellery heists from Melbourne to Monaco.

Accompanied by a reluctant Interpol Agent, Billy forms an unlikely partnership that at once complements the plot while also providing a dose of humour. Billy’s dry Aussie wit is lost on his French counterpart, making their exchanges all the more enjoyable. The lighter perspective of Billy’s banter is refreshing and contributed to the cheeky nature of the Aussie.

I haven’t read a book set in the high money, high speed world of F1 racing and quickly found myself immersed in the place-setting. I like the fact that the reader gets to see Billy as a driver as well as a cop (of which he’s both highly competent). Additionally, there is a lot of technical elements to racing which provided further insight into the spot – the good thing is it was well within context of the story and rather than distract from the plot, it enhanced the action (some of the racing scenes are excellent to read and made me feel like I was there on the track with Billy).

It is evident author Steve Worland went to great lengths to research QUICK and the reader gets all the benefit as it adds considerable atmosphere and believability to the book.

Readers should note that QUICK is a new book that doesn’t directly link into Steve Worland’s previous action novels in COMBUSTION and VELOCITY, yet, like those two, it is one action junkies shouldn’t miss.

Review @ http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Worland's newest novel, Quick, is a fast paced, octane fuelled thrill ride set in the exciting world of international motor sport.

After a spectacular career ending crash, former V8 Supercar driver Billy Hotchkiss joined the police force hoping for opportunities to sate his craving for the adrenalin rush racing once gave him and when he stumbles across a diamond heist in action, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the fray. Billy's heroics captures the attention of Interpol who think he is the ideal candidate to track down the diamond thieves, convinced the Melbourne heist is connected to a series of diamond thefts by a crew associated with the Formula 1 World Championship. Billy, along with his reluctant partner, Claude, is sent in undercover, joining the 'Iron Rhino' racing team, and they begin closing in on the criminals, only to uncover an explosive secret. Suddenly, Billy and Claude find themselves racing along the streets of Monte Carlo to save thousands of spectators before everything crashes and burns.

Though I am not generally a fan of motor sport, I was caught up in the fast paced excitement from the opening pages of Quick. From Billy's spectacular crash on Mount Panorama to his surfing an armoured truck being dragged down Melbourne's busy streets and later sliding down the roof of the Mall of Emirates while being chased by a Uzi wielding diamond thief, the action is non stop both on and off the track. There are explosions, gunfights, car chases and car races, plus a black panther and a damsel in distress.

Worland's fearless hero, Billy, is a likeable protagonist, forthright with a dry Aussie sense of humour. He misses the adrenaline rush of racing and, having survived a near fatal accident, isn't afraid to take risks as he tries to stop 'The Three Champions' in their tracks. Billy is teamed with veteran Interpol agent Claude, a dour Frenchman who is initially unhappy with the assignment and his reckless new partner, but eventually see's things Billy's way.

I compared Worland's Velocity to Con Air and Combustion to Die Hard 4, Quick could perhaps be described as a cross between The Fast and the Furious and Speed Racer, but there really isn't anything quite like this on the big screen and there probably should be.

Quick is the perfect Father's Day gift for race fans or anyone who appreciates a rip-roaring and racy adventure thriller. Take Quick for a spin, and enjoy!

[A Reader's Heaven]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Melbourne, Australia: Round one of the Formula One World Championship. Billy Hotchkiss no longer races a V8 Supercar, but that doesn't mean he's lost the need for speed. When the young cop uncovers a diamond heist in progress he leaps into action and almost captures the thieves single-handedly.
Lyon, France: Interpol are convinced the criminals are somehow connected to Formula One. And they think this Australian ex-race driver is just the guy to stop them.
Sent undercover with an unwilling French partner, Billy is thrust into the glamorous world of international motor racing. But as the duo closes in on the thieves they soon expose a far more sinister threat.
With the fate of a city and the lives of one hundred thousand people in the balance, Billy must drive like never before to stop the worst act of terror since 9/11.

A book straight from the motor-racing world in Australia, this high-octane thriller has a little bit of everything. Adrenaline, mystery, action, thrills and spills...right up my alley, really.

The basic premise is that Billy Hotchkiss, a former V8 Supercar driver, is now a police officer trying to retain that need for action. He gets involved in investigating a diamond heist that throws him head-first into the glamorous (and not so simple) world of Formula One racing. International intrigue based around motor sport. I love that combination.

Billy is an excellent character - so very "Australian" with his dry wit, he was very easy to like. His interaction with French Interpol agent, Claude, were excellent. They were a combination that worked extremely well.

The highlight of this book was the action - non-stop gun fights, car chases (and car races) and explosions makes this a fabulous action novel.

Highly recommended!


Paul
ARH

[Tien · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the book first arrived, my son tore open the package and said that this must be for him. There was a racing car on the cover so it mustn’t be mummy’s. He’s 4 and can’t read yet but persisted that he will read it when he’s 5. I myself would have said that Quick isn’t my usual cup of tea though now that I’ve read all 3 of Steve Worland’s blockbuster action works, I really can’t say that anymore... especially since I’ve enjoyed them all.

As I begin reading, I really thought that my ignorance of motor racing or of anything motor would be a detriment in understanding this book. The only think I can boast of is driving manual –which hubby (God bless him for his patience!) first taught me to drive in his Peugeot 206 then let me drive his Colt RalliArt then Legnum (all turbo-charged, I think –or is that even the right term / usage?). Even knowing the sound or how it felt when turbo engages, I really do NOT feel the need for speed. Thankfully, Quick really isn’t about speed... though it provided a very exciting background to this story.

Billy Hotchkiss is an easily likeable character. I felt though that he is quite similar to Corey Purchase ([book:Velocity|15824903)) in that down to earth, easygoing type of Aussie bloke. He is a Good Samaritan –he just can’t help himself from jumping in though he would usually end up in a scrape. Sometimes though, it’s totally worth it or so it seems as each scrapes landed him on greener grass anyway. His Aussie-ness, I found, to be underscored quite heavily especially in terms of his speech with lots of Aussie terms / phrases thrown in. This was slightly annoying though at times, it can be humorous. On the other hand, I found it slightly inexplicable that his French partner barely sounded “French” at the start and it was only a bit later that French expressions were introduced into the story.

The mystery, though large scale, isn’t the main feature of this novel either. Again, it provided a great background, diamond heists which spanned the globe with a more sinister agenda behind it all, but the actions in the effort of capturing these criminals were the highlights of the story. Thankfully, Billy isn’t a bumbling amateur in the fast lane so each encounter really was high in tension and very exciting. The term “action-packed” cannot be more apt when applied to Quick. Don’t worry about not knowing motoring terms; you’ll still enjoy the humour, the explosive actions, and the fight for justice. Oh, let’s not forget that bit of romance too! Fairly sweet for this lady’s perspective

There were many sceptical moments though I think reading an action adventure blockbuster novel is just like watching an action adventure blockbuster movie... you know certain things just aren’t going to happen like that in real life but you suspend belief and enjoy the ride. It was a blast of a ride –one I’ve come to expect of Steve Worland. A perfect read for those with a need for speed or those who love their action blockbusters.

Thank you, Steve Worland & Penguin Books Australia, for copy of paperback

[Balthazar Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set against the world of the F1 grand prix, this is an action packed story of revenge and the hero of the book, an ex-race driver and ex-cop, out to stop it all from happening. I enjoyed the action, the laid back characters and the easy flowing writing.

Of course, the events in this book are highly in probably, but this is fiction so anything can happen. It's an action movie on paper.

Well worth a distracting read.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that had me hooked from the first chapter. Set in the world of professional motor racing, you don't need to be an F1 fan to enjoy this book. It's really about the mystery and the thrills - of which there are many! This book was faultless in terms of pace, storyline, and reveal. The characters are enjoyable to read and play off each other well, with the humorous dialogue I've come to expect from Steve Worland. Hands down his best book yet.

[Denise MF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook
Was OK, not to my taste, so much motor racing description. But the police investigation had lots of twists & turns.
I read this for the title - Q is now done.

[Dark Matter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was reviewed on Dark Matter Zine; for more reviews, interviews and articles, go to Dark Matter Zine. Alternatively, this link is just to Dark Matter Zine's reviews.

A review by Nalini Haynes

Quick is an action-comedy, a gender-flipped Cinderella story starting with Cinders, in this case Billy Hotchkiss, rolling a V8 race car 18 times at Bathurst, ending his racing career. After 6 years of therapy, Billy still hasn't recovered; pain his constant companion. Attempts to conceal his limp are unsuccessful. Sitting in a plane for the brief time of a beginner pilot lesson causes him considerable discomfort.

And yet, in the 6 years since Billy's accident, with this physical disability, he passed the demanding physical requirements to become a Victorian Police Officer.

Billy is still an adrenaline junkie so risks life and limb — just like in Lethal Weapon — in an attempt to take down jewel thieves who drag an armored car on its side through the streets of Melbourne's central business district in a high-speed chase. Just like in Lethal Weapon, Billy gets hauled over the coals for his efforts. A security guard whose life Billy saved is now suing the police for injuries sustained when Billy hauled him off the bonnet of the armored van. Billy is fired.

So Interpol hires Billy and puts him on the case with no training and no induction. As they do.

At first sight, Billy's new partner Claude tries to arrest Billy. Claude believes Billy's limp and scratching his injured back with a mobile phone signals 'guy with a gun'. And things just get better from there, including Billy's fairy godfather, the owner of the racing team where Billy goes undercover, telling Billy they'll get him race-fit in a week. After 6 years of unsuccessful therapy.

We're talking 'buddy cop guy movie' type script with lots of 'splodeys and physics-defying action. Readers must have capacity to suspend disbelief: don't get caught up when the bad guys swap $10 million in diamonds for a fertilizer bomb that is airlifted into the story inside a van, inside a plane.

Did I mention the physics-defying? A bomb goes off so, instead of being killed or, at least, knocked unconscious (he was, like, 2 metres away), our hero is blown from the Monaco Harbour through the air to faceplant on the bonnet of a Lambourgini; Billy bounces and walks away. Billy drives a Formula One race car along the side — I do mean on the wall — of a Monaco race track tunnel; to avoid a maintenance door he then takes it up to the ceiling. Driving upside down, straight ahead, no centrifugal force in play, he winks at the girl and shoots at the bad guys. This is a comedy.

Quick is a light action-adventure-comedy: very light on the realism and very fast-paced action-adventurey. Steve Waugh said, 'One of the best action-adventure novels I've ever read'. If you can't suspend your disbelief when dudes spend $10 MILLION on fertilizer bombs, defy the laws of physics and experience an inconsistent physical disability, you'll walk away. Hopefully, you won't limp. Or experience pins and needles. Quick is one of those 'airport novels' that will sell like hotcakes. The kind that Billy likes eating.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment that Billy Hotchkiss hits Hell Corner on the opening lap of the Bathurst 1000 you can tell he's a man on a mission. That's likely to end up pear-shaped as everyone knows that "The Mountain" is an unforgiving beast. And sure enough, he throws the Commodore at Frosty Winterbottom's Falcon around Griffiths Bend and onwards, through The Cutting and up to Craig Lowndes' Falcon. Past Reid Park, over the metal grate and onto Sulman Park, McPhillamy Park, and over Skyline. Billy chases Lowndes down on the principle that first past the post, opening lap is worth the risk. From the moment they hit The Dipper and into Forest Elbow there's a sinking feeling of inevitability, down Conrod and into The Chase, trying to outbreak a driver like Lowndes is a tricky proposition. Too tricky in this instance as Billy plants the thing in the kitty litter side on. Side on means no sliding, it means digging in, it means flipping, a lot, and it means Billy's a passenger. Which ends badly.

QUICK opens with a sequence from Bathurst that will make this (and most) revheads sit up and pay attention. Whilst this is a book set in the fast paced world of V8 and F1 racing, it's ultimately a high paced, slightly lunatic, bigger than big plot thriller that will work for readers who aren't car racing fans as well - this is definitely an action junkie's good day out.

Hotchkiss goes from being a badly injured ex-touring car racer, to a cop with a tendency to leap first, and ask questions later. Which obviously gets him into trouble, but also into Interpol and from there into the F1 world. It hasn't taken long for authorities to figure out that a series of seriously big (value and style) robberies are occurring when the F1 circus comes to town. Hotchkiss has two things going for his involvement in the investigation - his freakish driving ability, and that tendency to leap first and hard into any situation. In this investigation he's paired up with a Frenchman, and it would be fair to say there's a bit of a communication gap - which is the source of a lot of humour. Hotchkiss has a typical, dry, laid back Australian way about him and much of that is lost on the Frenchman. As are the Frenchman's own strengths, which Hotchkiss takes too long to notice.

As with most thrillers of this nature the action's the thing. Hotchkiss is a jack of all trades - he can drive fast, fly planes, leap tall buildings and turn his hand to a bit of sneaky stuff. He's fearless, matchless, and a bit of a freak - able to absorb all sorts of physical punishment there's no stopping this bloke when he's on a trail.

The plot here is not the deepest, or the most believable, or even the scariest in the world. Whilst the culmination "crime" is a ripper of an idea, the motivation... well it's probably best to not pay a lot of attention to that. Stay with the ride, and forget the thinking stuff. QUICK's an action-packed, made for the big-screen thriller that works on the page as well. Although you get the distinct feeling that with the budget to pay for the bash and crash (and some considered casting), this would be a screen-based thriller guaranteed to please.

http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...

[Karen ⊰✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Worland is predominantly a screenwriter, and that is clearly evident by reading this book. From the start it is full of action and adventure and reads like a movie playing in front of your eyes.

I read that one of Worland's goals is to get more men, and boys, reading and therefore he appeals to their sense of adventure. He is happy to be seen as "another" Matthew Reilly and wants to write blokey adventure stories with an Australian hero.

He definitely hits his goals with this book. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it, and quickly told my husband he needs to read it too!

I won the audiobook from Bolinda (thank you), and the narrator was good, but not great. A few little things, like he has an American accent which is a little off-putting with a story that has an Australian main character, and initially is based in Australia. He can't do an Australian accent and his attempts at European accents (French, German, Russian) all sounded like a strange Russian to me. I found it such a shame that for an author who really wanted to have an Australian hero, the audio narrator was not Australian.
And while I'm on the nationalistic theme, there were just a few things that the MC said that are American-isms. I know that Worland works in the US and he probably doesn't even realise he did it, but his editor should have. Especially when the MC is meant to have never left Australia before (they called his annual leave "vacation time" and McDonalds "Mickey Dees" which Australians call "Maccas"). I know they are only small things, but they always stick out at me as an indication of the quality of the writing and editing.

Anyhow, don't let that stop you. Go and read this book! :)

[Lisa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Worland's latest novel is a fantastic, action packed read. Set in the world of Formula One racing, Quick tells the story of Billy Hotchkiss, an up and coming V8 Supercar driver whose racing career is tragically cut short by a horrific accident.

Billy turns to policing to try and keep the adrenalin rush that racing gave him and is soon assigned to Interpol to help solve a series of robberies that occur in the same cities as Formula One races.

Steve Worland brings the world of Formua One racing alive in this novel and provides as many twists, turns and heart stopping scenes as an F1 race itself.

I've read all of Steve Worland's novels and love his work. Buy this and read it, then buy another and give it to a friend - you won't be disappointed!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could have been written by Matthew Reilly. Sorry Steve. Fast paced, fun, reasonably outrageous plots and with the possibility of a sequel. The only down side to this book was that the author chose to wreck a Holden at Bathurst. I was devastated...but the driver was our hero...as expected. I listened to the audio version narrated by Sean Mangan who, I believe, is number one.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! It was action packed, entertaining and a light-hearted read. I found myself smiling all through "Quick". My only disappointment is that it seems as though Billy and Claude won't be working together again to solve a crime. A great companion author to Matthew Reilly.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adrenaline rush. Read it if you like Matthew Reilly's books.