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Stella Hardy #2
Too Easy
Wisecracking social worker Stella Hardy returns, and this time she’s battling outlaw bikie gangs, corrupt cops, and a powerful hunger for pani puri.
On a stormy Halloween night, Stella gets a call from her best friend, Detective Phuong Nguyen. Phuong has a problem. Or rather her lover, Bruce Copeland, does.
Copeland has been implicated in a police-corruption scandal, and the only person who can help prove his innocence has disappeared. The missing man is Isaac Mortimer, a drug dealer associated with the notorious motorcycle gang The Corpse Flowers. Reluctantly, Stella offers to help track him down — and it isn’t long before she is way in over her head: evading bikies, drinking tea with drug dealers, and, worst of all, hanging out in the Macca’s carpark with a bunch of smart-alec teenagers.
Then, when Stella discovers that local street kids are being groomed for some sinister purpose — and that a psychopath with bust face tattooed across his knuckles is pursuing her — she realises she has her work cut out for her.
Sounds easy? Too easy.
On a stormy Halloween night, Stella gets a call from her best friend, Detective Phuong Nguyen. Phuong has a problem. Or rather her lover, Bruce Copeland, does.
Copeland has been implicated in a police-corruption scandal, and the only person who can help prove his innocence has disappeared. The missing man is Isaac Mortimer, a drug dealer associated with the notorious motorcycle gang The Corpse Flowers. Reluctantly, Stella offers to help track him down — and it isn’t long before she is way in over her head: evading bikies, drinking tea with drug dealers, and, worst of all, hanging out in the Macca’s carpark with a bunch of smart-alec teenagers.
Then, when Stella discovers that local street kids are being groomed for some sinister purpose — and that a psychopath with bust face tattooed across his knuckles is pursuing her — she realises she has her work cut out for her.
Sounds easy? Too easy.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2017
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106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 25, 2018
Too Easy continues an absolutely terrific series that falls on the noirish side of comic farce. Full Review at: Newtown Review of Books
August 14, 2017
Wicked!!!!
My View:
What an outstanding read! This is my favourite Australian work of crime fiction this year – the dark humour, the flawed, complex, relatable characters are a joy to read, the Australian landscapes – political, physical and social are so relevant and the narrative is compulsive reading - EXCELLENT!!!
Stella is the social conscience of contemporary Australians. This is astute and wickedly funny writing, deliciously enthralling. Five stars does not do this book justice!
“I pulled over to use the GPS on my phone trying to figure out where I'd gone wrong. If only I could do the same with my life.”
“Darkness and I split the bills, had a roster for the dishes. It seemed to work. I didn't pretend to be a good person.”
My View:
What an outstanding read! This is my favourite Australian work of crime fiction this year – the dark humour, the flawed, complex, relatable characters are a joy to read, the Australian landscapes – political, physical and social are so relevant and the narrative is compulsive reading - EXCELLENT!!!
Stella is the social conscience of contemporary Australians. This is astute and wickedly funny writing, deliciously enthralling. Five stars does not do this book justice!
“I pulled over to use the GPS on my phone trying to figure out where I'd gone wrong. If only I could do the same with my life.”
“Darkness and I split the bills, had a roster for the dishes. It seemed to work. I didn't pretend to be a good person.”
November 30, 2020
To be honest, I always rate the Stella Hardy books slightly higher than they might deserve. But, they’re so underrated!
Stella is funny, relatable, cynical, and resilient. It probably detracts from the intrigue a little bit when the central character is so blithely unperturbed at being abducted and tortured by a murderous, criminal gang... but it’s wonderfully bemusing.
The familiarity of the surrounds for anyone living in Melbourne is also a thrill.
The whole book just feels beautifully, honestly, authentically Melbourne. The perfect combination of grit, comedy, social justice, irreverence, and social commentary that sums us up pretty nicely & colourfully.
Stella is funny, relatable, cynical, and resilient. It probably detracts from the intrigue a little bit when the central character is so blithely unperturbed at being abducted and tortured by a murderous, criminal gang... but it’s wonderfully bemusing.
The familiarity of the surrounds for anyone living in Melbourne is also a thrill.
The whole book just feels beautifully, honestly, authentically Melbourne. The perfect combination of grit, comedy, social justice, irreverence, and social commentary that sums us up pretty nicely & colourfully.
May 11, 2018
Australian crime fiction
...visit Melbourne and let social worker
...Stella Hardy show you the dark side of the town.
Review
...visit Melbourne and let social worker
...Stella Hardy show you the dark side of the town.
Review
August 16, 2017
4.75 Stars. I was thoroughly entertained by J M Green’s 2015 debut novel Good Money (Stella Hardy Novel #1), and now the inimitable Stella Hardy is back… bigger, better and funnier than ever in
Too Easy
. Stella Hardy is a wonderfully ‘modern Australian’ diamond in the rough. She forgives herself for the occasional error in judgement, lets her curiosity guide her and is quick to back herself in a fight (quite literally).
Read full review >>
January 15, 2020
The 2nd book in this series by this author and certainly a very enjoyable read. It rollicks along filled with lots of scary adventures of the narrator, a Social Worker who seems to get caught up in detective work. Love the humour, the pace and the Melbourne setting. Highly relatable.
April 29, 2020
Enjoyed this immensely. This reader was much better than the one for the first book.
My usual issues with audiobook readers - research local pronunciation. I think we can all agree that Corio does not rhyme with Oreo.
My usual issues with audiobook readers - research local pronunciation. I think we can all agree that Corio does not rhyme with Oreo.
February 24, 2020
This book was like the curate's egg - good in parts. Stella is a community worker with a lackadaisical attitude toward office work but a very proactive attitude to refugees and homeless young people. Her best friend, Phuong, a police officer, has just announced her engagement to another officer, Bruce that Stella loathes. According to Phuong, Bruce has been set up to take the fall in a corruption scandal involving drugs and the Corpse Flower bikies. The key to Bruce's proof of innocence is Isaac Mortimer: will Stella help find him? Oh and by the way, Phuong's cousin has grown phobic about dead people: can she help with that too? Racked with guilt at her less than enthusiastic response to the BFF's wedding plans, Stella limps on board.
At the same time Stella's partner is setting up an exhibition and has umpteen paintings to complete in not enough days. He also has a new muse who is constantly answering the phone and seems to be fast on the way to taking Stella's place in his life.
With a great cast of characters and a good plot there were parts of this that I found absolutely engrossing however the story is told in the first person with a stream of consciousness narrative from Stella. Frankly, Stella's brain is exhausting and I did wonder at times whether she was bipolar. Plus, it took over the story at times to no purpose and detracted from the plot rather than adding to it. While I really enjoyed the Aussie slang, it's the first time I have actually come across someone using the word 'lobster' for a twenty dollar note. That just struck a trying too hard note for me although I am happy to be corrected.
But large parts of the story ring absolutely true - especially the social work sides. The conversations with the young people also ring true. As a social worker myself I loved that Stella spent time partly in the office dealing with work but mostly with collegiate problems, meeting with an MP and negotiating deals, talking under toilet doors to street kids, dealing with crooked, sraightand nutty cops, and trying to skirt the truly dangerous like bikie gangs while getting the job done. That's truly our life - no wonder Stella seems bipolar I suppose!
Another reviewer described this as noir farce, and I agree. I've given it 3.5 stars because while I appreciate it, there was a section in the middle I just had to slog through. The last part makes it absolutely worth it though.
At the same time Stella's partner is setting up an exhibition and has umpteen paintings to complete in not enough days. He also has a new muse who is constantly answering the phone and seems to be fast on the way to taking Stella's place in his life.
With a great cast of characters and a good plot there were parts of this that I found absolutely engrossing however the story is told in the first person with a stream of consciousness narrative from Stella. Frankly, Stella's brain is exhausting and I did wonder at times whether she was bipolar. Plus, it took over the story at times to no purpose and detracted from the plot rather than adding to it. While I really enjoyed the Aussie slang, it's the first time I have actually come across someone using the word 'lobster' for a twenty dollar note. That just struck a trying too hard note for me although I am happy to be corrected.
But large parts of the story ring absolutely true - especially the social work sides. The conversations with the young people also ring true. As a social worker myself I loved that Stella spent time partly in the office dealing with work but mostly with collegiate problems, meeting with an MP and negotiating deals, talking under toilet doors to street kids, dealing with crooked, sraightand nutty cops, and trying to skirt the truly dangerous like bikie gangs while getting the job done. That's truly our life - no wonder Stella seems bipolar I suppose!
Another reviewer described this as noir farce, and I agree. I've given it 3.5 stars because while I appreciate it, there was a section in the middle I just had to slog through. The last part makes it absolutely worth it though.
September 9, 2018
“Too Easy” is the second book featuring social worker Stella Hardy, the first being “Good Money” (which is now on my “to read” list!) but is fine to read as a standalone. I had great fun getting to know Stella. She is a fabulous character – real, flawed, funny and boy, does she get herself into trouble!
The book is set in modern day Melbourne, and is written in first person. Stella’s voice is immediately appealing and within the first few sentences I was more than happy to go along for the ride.
Stella’s problems begin with a phone call from her best friend, Detective Phuong Nguyen. When Phuong announces that she and her lover, Bruce Copeland, are engaged, Stella’s reaction is not ideal. She dislikes Copeland intensely and she doesn’t do a very good job of hiding her feelings about it. To make matters worse, Bruce, who is also a detective, has become embroiled in a police corruption scandal.
Phuong asks Stella to use her connections on the street to find a drug dealer called Isaac Mortimer, who has gone into hiding. She hopes that Mortimer can testify for Copeland and help to clear his name. Stella is reluctant but eventually agrees.
Before long Stella is involved in some pretty serious drama involving a bikie gang called the Corpse Flowers, drugs, weapons, murder, and the exploitation of street kids. And then there’s Phuong’s cousin, Cuong, who believes he is haunted.
As if that wasn’t enough, Stella’s lover, Peter Brophy, a former junkie who now makes his living as an artist, has found a new muse, Felicity Sparks. Stella’s just a little bit jealous of the young, blonde and leggy Felicity, who is spending way too much time with Peter. The two women have a few, let’s say, interesting encounters!
Stella comes across some pretty unsavoury characters, and she doesn’t escape unscathed. Things get dangerous, secrets are revealed and people are killed. But she gets to the truth in the end.
This was a really enjoyable read. Fast paced, a likeable protagonist, villains who were nasty but realistically so, and an intriguing plot with twists I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended.
The book is set in modern day Melbourne, and is written in first person. Stella’s voice is immediately appealing and within the first few sentences I was more than happy to go along for the ride.
Stella’s problems begin with a phone call from her best friend, Detective Phuong Nguyen. When Phuong announces that she and her lover, Bruce Copeland, are engaged, Stella’s reaction is not ideal. She dislikes Copeland intensely and she doesn’t do a very good job of hiding her feelings about it. To make matters worse, Bruce, who is also a detective, has become embroiled in a police corruption scandal.
Phuong asks Stella to use her connections on the street to find a drug dealer called Isaac Mortimer, who has gone into hiding. She hopes that Mortimer can testify for Copeland and help to clear his name. Stella is reluctant but eventually agrees.
Before long Stella is involved in some pretty serious drama involving a bikie gang called the Corpse Flowers, drugs, weapons, murder, and the exploitation of street kids. And then there’s Phuong’s cousin, Cuong, who believes he is haunted.
As if that wasn’t enough, Stella’s lover, Peter Brophy, a former junkie who now makes his living as an artist, has found a new muse, Felicity Sparks. Stella’s just a little bit jealous of the young, blonde and leggy Felicity, who is spending way too much time with Peter. The two women have a few, let’s say, interesting encounters!
Stella comes across some pretty unsavoury characters, and she doesn’t escape unscathed. Things get dangerous, secrets are revealed and people are killed. But she gets to the truth in the end.
This was a really enjoyable read. Fast paced, a likeable protagonist, villains who were nasty but realistically so, and an intriguing plot with twists I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended.
October 25, 2017
A fast paced Aussie thriller set in a side of Melbourne few people would recognise.
Stella Hardy is a social worker and her best friend Phuong is a police office who asks Stella to help her find a missing person who could help her fiancé get out of trouble. Stella eventually agrees and uses her contacts to follow leads. Brave and foolish Stella works out what is happening, takes on police corruption and bikie gangs, while protecting her clients.
Stella Hardy is a social worker and her best friend Phuong is a police office who asks Stella to help her find a missing person who could help her fiancé get out of trouble. Stella eventually agrees and uses her contacts to follow leads. Brave and foolish Stella works out what is happening, takes on police corruption and bikie gangs, while protecting her clients.
August 24, 2017
Stella Hardy is the embodiment of the Australian literary psyche. Short, sharp and crude prose embodies this suspenseful mystery. And I loved every minute of it.
Every chapter comes a new twist, and with the new twist, comes a new side of a character. Characters so well thought out, you truly can't know who trust.
Hardy is the likes of a modern day Agatha Christie - a truly pleasurable read!
Every chapter comes a new twist, and with the new twist, comes a new side of a character. Characters so well thought out, you truly can't know who trust.
Hardy is the likes of a modern day Agatha Christie - a truly pleasurable read!
November 26, 2019
This was a tricky book. In some aspects I liked the story, but in others it just fell a bit flat. I felt like I wanted to like it more then I did.
There’s nothing wrong with the story and it the author does a good job of bringing the threads together there wasn’t that much intrigue.
There’s nothing wrong with the story and it the author does a good job of bringing the threads together there wasn’t that much intrigue.
April 20, 2020
It has taken me ages to read this book the second one in the series. I'm finding the characters too confusing .
I still like that is about Melbourne and the western suburbs and believable people especially politicians..
I still like that is about Melbourne and the western suburbs and believable people especially politicians..
September 5, 2017
Another great Stella Hardy crime fiction novel. The end got a bit convoluted for me but it was still a good read. Love all the local references.
October 1, 2017
Great rollicking tale with plenty of such well inserted social commentary that it's almost seamless. Well written. Enjoyable to read.
November 15, 2017
I won this book as part of a Goodreads competition. Easy read. Australian author. Second in series but easily read as a standalone. Reminds me of Stephanie Plum novel
January 18, 2018
Just brilliant!
March 17, 2019
Loved the setting in Footscray old stamping ground!
Great one liners and loved the ludicrous Acronyms !! WORNS
Great one liners and loved the ludicrous Acronyms !! WORNS
July 4, 2019
Didn't mind it although it seemed a bit unbelievable in places. Still an entertaining read
December 28, 2019
Very entertaining
February 13, 2020
What a romp. You shouldn't giggle when reading about bikie torture! Loved Stella Hardy and need more in the series. Enjoyed the character as much as Fredia Klein (Nikki French books).
April 28, 2020
too easy to read ha
April 1, 2021
I am not a great lover of Australian Fiction, but this one was good. At times I struggled to keep all the people apart.
January 13, 2024
I absolutely love Stella Hardy. She is feisty, independent, warm and very funny. The story might include trafficking children, bikies and drug mules but the story feels light and very entertaining. There is a terrific blend of friendship, romance, drama and mystery and it is very well balanced. I hope Stella Hardy has her own run of stories for a long time.
I've read this a 2nd time and loved it just as much. I had to as the next one is out and I needed to catch up.
I've read this a 2nd time and loved it just as much. I had to as the next one is out and I needed to catch up.
January 1, 2025
I really wanted to love this series, especially as the lead is supposed to be a social worker, but it just hasn't gripped me at all.
September 23, 2017
Enjoying this Australian crime series -
December 2, 2017
Amusing read, set in Melbourne continuing on from Good Money
Read
May 11, 2018Stella Hardy rips through her world with wit, guts, brains and vulnerability, blazing fresh trails through the twisted urban landscapes of modern Australia. J.M. Green’s prose is blistering — funny, real and nuanced in just the right proportions. This is my kind of crime writing
Peter Doyle, award-winning Author of the Billy Glasheen crime novels
Stella Hardy is wonderful — all over the place, like a broken compass, and yet she always manages to head in the right direction. Funny, complex, and very human, in Stella, J.M. Green has created a character readers simply love.
William McInnes
Green’s heroine is sharp and sassy and as hard-boiled as a 10-minute egg … There is more than enough intrigue to keep the pages turning and enough classy dialogue to raise a wry smile. Bleak but chic.
Herald Sun
Peter Doyle, award-winning Author of the Billy Glasheen crime novels
Stella Hardy is wonderful — all over the place, like a broken compass, and yet she always manages to head in the right direction. Funny, complex, and very human, in Stella, J.M. Green has created a character readers simply love.
William McInnes
Green’s heroine is sharp and sassy and as hard-boiled as a 10-minute egg … There is more than enough intrigue to keep the pages turning and enough classy dialogue to raise a wry smile. Bleak but chic.
Herald Sun
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews