What do you think?
Rate this book
Cliff Hardy #21
The Reward
A Cliff Hardy Novel
232 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1998
About the author
Peter Corris
157 books62 followersPeter Corris was an Australian academic, historian, journalist and a novelist of historical and crime fiction. His first novel was published in 1980. Corris is credited with reviving the fully-fledged Australian crime novel with local settings and reference points and with a series character firmly rooted in Australian culture, Sydney PI Cliff Hardy. As crime fiction writer, he was described as "the Godfather of contemporary Australian crime-writing".
He won the Lifetime Achievement award at the Ned Kelly Awards for Crime Writing in 1999 and was shortlisted for best novel in 2006 for Saving Billy and in 2007 for The Undertow.
He won the Lifetime Achievement award at the Ned Kelly Awards for Crime Writing in 1999 and was shortlisted for best novel in 2006 for Saving Billy and in 2007 for The Undertow.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 17, 2016
When PI Cliff Hardy was approached by an old colleague, ex-policeman Barry White, to look into the unsolved case of missing – presumed dead – woman, Ramona Beckett he was highly sceptical. Barry White had been a corrupt cop, and Cliff suspected he was still on the wrong side of the law; he was also sure White would lie about whatever he told him. But the temptation of the still active reward for evidence of what had happened to Ramona, even though it was fifteen years prior, was enough to tickle his interest.
The ensuing investigation was fraught with difficulties – the fifteen year time difference was one of the main issues – but it seemed there were still people on the horizon who were determined to keep the truth from coming out. Danger, manipulation, secrets, lies and corruption meant Cliff was unsure who he could trust. And when murder entered the equation, Cliff felt his determination to solve this case harden. But would he? Could he?
The Reward by Aussie author Peter Corris is another in the famous Cliff Hardy series; and another thoroughly enjoyable crime mystery set in Sydney. Corruption within the police force is not a new angle, but it worked well –the plot is intriguing. I’m not reading these in order, but with each of them being stand alone, it doesn’t seem necessary (in my opinion) Recommended.
The ensuing investigation was fraught with difficulties – the fifteen year time difference was one of the main issues – but it seemed there were still people on the horizon who were determined to keep the truth from coming out. Danger, manipulation, secrets, lies and corruption meant Cliff was unsure who he could trust. And when murder entered the equation, Cliff felt his determination to solve this case harden. But would he? Could he?
The Reward by Aussie author Peter Corris is another in the famous Cliff Hardy series; and another thoroughly enjoyable crime mystery set in Sydney. Corruption within the police force is not a new angle, but it worked well –the plot is intriguing. I’m not reading these in order, but with each of them being stand alone, it doesn’t seem necessary (in my opinion) Recommended.
July 9, 2023
I love Peter Corris. His cliff Hardy novels never disappoint
July 20, 2018
The Cliff Hardy series is always fun, and this one is no exception. However, it is not Corris' best work.
The plot is inventive and zips along, but the ending was in large part easy to anticipate (at least for me). I also found it a little difficult to keep the central characters straight. The best and most innovative members of the cast are Max Hawkins (who is deaf) and his assistant, Penny (whose family name escapes me and who is paralyzed and wheelchair-bound). Their relationship, both personal and professional is engaging.
But the downside is too much of this book is formulaic for Corris. There are the usual beatings described in blood-drenched detail, and the usual hook-up with woman Hardy encounters. The woman is not a stock character, and to some extent, neither is the sex, since it is described in unusually complete detail, which perhaps will be uncomfortable for some readers.
Fans of the series, as I am, will enjoy this, but if you have not read Corris yet, don't start with this one.
The plot is inventive and zips along, but the ending was in large part easy to anticipate (at least for me). I also found it a little difficult to keep the central characters straight. The best and most innovative members of the cast are Max Hawkins (who is deaf) and his assistant, Penny (whose family name escapes me and who is paralyzed and wheelchair-bound). Their relationship, both personal and professional is engaging.
But the downside is too much of this book is formulaic for Corris. There are the usual beatings described in blood-drenched detail, and the usual hook-up with woman Hardy encounters. The woman is not a stock character, and to some extent, neither is the sex, since it is described in unusually complete detail, which perhaps will be uncomfortable for some readers.
Fans of the series, as I am, will enjoy this, but if you have not read Corris yet, don't start with this one.
March 6, 2018
The Reward is another in the Cliff Hardy series of novels by Peter Coriss.
Cliff is approached by an acquaintance to investigate a cold case of which the reward is still available.
Being short on cash, as usual, Hardy takes the job.
During his investigation there is the usual amount of twists and turns which are typical of a Hardy investigation.
The Reward is a quick, enjoyable three star read.
Cliff is approached by an acquaintance to investigate a cold case of which the reward is still available.
Being short on cash, as usual, Hardy takes the job.
During his investigation there is the usual amount of twists and turns which are typical of a Hardy investigation.
The Reward is a quick, enjoyable three star read.
March 29, 2020
A smart talking private detective set in Sydney. I like a detective story where the detective follows leads to the solution. This one Cliff more or less fell over the solution, but entertaining all the same.
July 18, 2020
I have read a few of the Cliff Hardy stories. This is the weakest.
October 2, 2021
Another great Cliff Hardy story. Really loved this one, I found it very fast pasted and a real page turner. Looking forward to continue reading more Peter Corris books.
May 29, 2010
Another excellent yarn from the king of Australian crime fiction Peter Corris. Set in Sydney (as is most of his Cliff Hardy P.I. series) he becomes interested in a seventeen year old case of kidnapping and disappearance of one Ramona Beckett when an old acquaintance shows up at his office in Darlinghurst touting the fact that theres is more than a million dollars reward on offer for any information leading to enlightenment concerning the case. The reward is so large because the initial amount was invested and has accrued interest over the intervening years. The woman concerned just happens to be an old lover of Hardy's. She also came from a rich family and was going for being the first female premier of New South Wales up until her disappearance.
Distracted by the appearance of a "hot new lover" (as described on the dust jacket, it takes a while for Corris to pull the pieces together, and for most of that time he seems to be dancing unwillingly to a hidden someone's tune.
With the help of deaf policeman Max Savage and policewoman Penny Draper he takes a few beatings, drinks a few stiff drinks and does a hell of a lot of running around interviewing various personalities - even taking a trip up to the Gold Coast - before finally getting to the heart of the matter.
Distracted by the appearance of a "hot new lover" (as described on the dust jacket, it takes a while for Corris to pull the pieces together, and for most of that time he seems to be dancing unwillingly to a hidden someone's tune.
With the help of deaf policeman Max Savage and policewoman Penny Draper he takes a few beatings, drinks a few stiff drinks and does a hell of a lot of running around interviewing various personalities - even taking a trip up to the Gold Coast - before finally getting to the heart of the matter.
Read
June 19, 2012The Reward, by Peter Corris, b-plus, narrated by Peter Hosking, produced by Bolinda Publishing, downloaded from audible.com.
This is one of the Clif Hardy, private eye series. One day, Clif is approached by a has-been private eye who wants his help. He has found out that a reward still exists on a 17-year-old case of a woman who was allegedly kidnapped and who had permanently disappeared. The reward which apparently still existed was for a million dollars. Clif agrees to help this other private eye, but two days into the investigation to pin down the reward, the other private eye is murdered. That same day, a woman shows up at Clif’s house and asks him if he’s interested in selling it, which he isn’t. Clif and the woman, Claudia, become lovers, and he continues his investigation. But somehow the bad guys always seem to be a step ahead of Clif. So why is that happening? This is a pretty good book and I’ll look for other books in this series as they become available through commercial audio.
This is one of the Clif Hardy, private eye series. One day, Clif is approached by a has-been private eye who wants his help. He has found out that a reward still exists on a 17-year-old case of a woman who was allegedly kidnapped and who had permanently disappeared. The reward which apparently still existed was for a million dollars. Clif agrees to help this other private eye, but two days into the investigation to pin down the reward, the other private eye is murdered. That same day, a woman shows up at Clif’s house and asks him if he’s interested in selling it, which he isn’t. Clif and the woman, Claudia, become lovers, and he continues his investigation. But somehow the bad guys always seem to be a step ahead of Clif. So why is that happening? This is a pretty good book and I’ll look for other books in this series as they become available through commercial audio.
March 12, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable Cliff Hardy crime mystery no. 21 in this great series.Cliff is distracted by a romantic entanglement shock horror lollllllll and also low on funds shock horror again lollllllll and with his private investigators licence restored he is persuaded to take on a dubious case ice cream to claim the reward on an abduction.When one of those is murdered, the problems takes on a whole new turn and with Cliff not always seeing eye to eye with the police to say the least and the boys in blue are far from helpful as he tries to piece together a puzzle that can only end in terrible violence.Terrific read yet again❤❤❤
November 10, 2017
Cliff is asked to help solve a 17 year old murder case and his payment would be part of the offered reward. Simple really. However, when you are dealing with corrupt cops and the wealthy things are never that simple as he finds out when the case starts falling apart and his client ends up dead.
An enjoyable episode in the Cliff Hardy series. Not long but worth reading as you continue to learn about this private eye and what makes him tick.
An enjoyable episode in the Cliff Hardy series. Not long but worth reading as you continue to learn about this private eye and what makes him tick.
May 3, 2014
at least one big coincidence, misleading reader rather cheaply.
and Cliff is just too much a fool, it breaks the illusion, when he is not suspicious of a certain person who is too easily and immediately friendly.
otherwise pretty good.
series comment: for a few books now, I don't like the more explicit sex scenes.
and Cliff is just too much a fool, it breaks the illusion, when he is not suspicious of a certain person who is too easily and immediately friendly.
otherwise pretty good.
series comment: for a few books now, I don't like the more explicit sex scenes.
October 8, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this Cliff Hardy story. The reader did a wonderful job and he made the whole experience even better. I love the character of Cliff and find him to be a true Aussie bloke!!
July 16, 2015
Superb Cliff Hardy
Possibly the best Cliff Hardy book I've read...and I've read most. It has everything you'd expect from Cliff Hardy... and more. With a great plot to keep you guessing till the end.
Possibly the best Cliff Hardy book I've read...and I've read most. It has everything you'd expect from Cliff Hardy... and more. With a great plot to keep you guessing till the end.
June 3, 2015
A good read. I really liked the mystery in this one.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews