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Lachie Munro #2
Hiding to Nothing
Lay low, stay out of trouble and don't get pulled over. It was probably the best advice I'd ever had.How long until I ignored it?All Lachie Munro wants is a quiet life in sunny Newcastle. But Lachie and quiet don't seem to get along.When Lachie's estranged dad, Terry, turns up fresh out of prison, he's packing more than the usual family baggage. Suddenly there are two murderous goons on Lachie's doorstep and the police are paying him special attention. But Terry's on the hunt for a long-lost fortune, and he won't be leaving Newcastle - or Lachie - without it.Hiding to Nothing is the next caper from the master of beachside noir, Andy Muir, a wild ride driven by brilliant characters and fast-paced dialogue.The underworld has never been so much fun.
- GenresCrime
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
About the author
Andy Muir
4 books7 followersAndy Muir is a television screenwriter with credits ranging from Neighbours and Home and Away to comedy series Thank God You’re Here.
As a member of the writing team for the hit franchise Underbelly, crime stole his heart. Nominated for an Australian Writers Guild Award for Underbelly Squizzy, he also adapted that TV series for the novelisation Underbelly Squizzy: The Story of Australia’s First Celebrity Gangster.
Originally from Melbourne, he lives in Sydney. Something for Nothing is his first novel.
As a member of the writing team for the hit franchise Underbelly, crime stole his heart. Nominated for an Australian Writers Guild Award for Underbelly Squizzy, he also adapted that TV series for the novelisation Underbelly Squizzy: The Story of Australia’s First Celebrity Gangster.
Originally from Melbourne, he lives in Sydney. Something for Nothing is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 31, 2020
I am so embarrassed! Please don't tell anyone I was doing the wrong accents in my head when I started reading this novel.
It was an honest mistake.
I choose this book because it has some crossover with stuff I try to write, and I like to see how others do it.
I did a modicum of research before choosing it.
By chance, both reviews I read came from British readers.
Thus, when I started reading and discovered the story was based in Newcastle I started doing my best Geordie accents in my head.
This became a little confusing when I was told a) It was early on the new year; and b) The city was experiencing a heatwave.
I have lived in England, so I know their idea of a heatwave and my idea of a heatwave are two different things. So I was willing to believe a decrease in January snow might qualify as heatwave conditions in England.
But it was only when I read about bitumen bubbling in the heat that I realised my geographical boo-boo.
This book is based in Newcastle, AUSTRALIA.
I should have known from the start.
The language, the attitudes and the tone of the book are very Australian.
If I hadn't read the two favourable British reviews, I would have guessed those shameless attributes would limit its appeal to an international audience. I am happy to observe it probably adds to its appeal to intelligent readers overseas, and it adds to the catalogue of Australian literature. Being Australian, I applaud that.
The novel gives a sense of humour to crime, which is no easy task, but is well done.
The story conjures up cast of colourful characters who inhabit the world of petty crime and, some of them, more serious crime. I've met people just like them – a lot of them likeable rogues, some you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley – though my only brush with real infamy came in Launceston years ago when I made a beeline for the only vacant barstool in a crowded pub, only to be warned not to even think about sitting there.
"Why not?"
"Because that's Chopper's stool."
This was confirmed when I turned around and saw a retired hitman with no ears coming through the door.
I digress. This novel builds momentum and weaves its way to a neat ending – where the really bad guys get stitched up and the likeable rogues can continue being likeable rogues.
I didn't sit on the stool, by the way. I might embarrass myself with bad Geordie accents, but I'm not completely stupid.
It was an honest mistake.
I choose this book because it has some crossover with stuff I try to write, and I like to see how others do it.
I did a modicum of research before choosing it.
By chance, both reviews I read came from British readers.
Thus, when I started reading and discovered the story was based in Newcastle I started doing my best Geordie accents in my head.
This became a little confusing when I was told a) It was early on the new year; and b) The city was experiencing a heatwave.
I have lived in England, so I know their idea of a heatwave and my idea of a heatwave are two different things. So I was willing to believe a decrease in January snow might qualify as heatwave conditions in England.
But it was only when I read about bitumen bubbling in the heat that I realised my geographical boo-boo.
This book is based in Newcastle, AUSTRALIA.
I should have known from the start.
The language, the attitudes and the tone of the book are very Australian.
If I hadn't read the two favourable British reviews, I would have guessed those shameless attributes would limit its appeal to an international audience. I am happy to observe it probably adds to its appeal to intelligent readers overseas, and it adds to the catalogue of Australian literature. Being Australian, I applaud that.
The novel gives a sense of humour to crime, which is no easy task, but is well done.
The story conjures up cast of colourful characters who inhabit the world of petty crime and, some of them, more serious crime. I've met people just like them – a lot of them likeable rogues, some you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley – though my only brush with real infamy came in Launceston years ago when I made a beeline for the only vacant barstool in a crowded pub, only to be warned not to even think about sitting there.
"Why not?"
"Because that's Chopper's stool."
This was confirmed when I turned around and saw a retired hitman with no ears coming through the door.
I digress. This novel builds momentum and weaves its way to a neat ending – where the really bad guys get stitched up and the likeable rogues can continue being likeable rogues.
I didn't sit on the stool, by the way. I might embarrass myself with bad Geordie accents, but I'm not completely stupid.
August 19, 2019
Brilliant read, fast paced and for those that love Noir fiction. Just buy it and read it. You will thank me. Though thank the author for writing it and publisher for putting it out there. Great gift for Fathers Day..
August 25, 2019
What is this about?: Lachie Munro gets robbed and manages to meet his father and get involved in something he really shouldn't be all in one day -- and despite his best intentions.
What else is this about?: Family, friends and the problems they never cease to bring into your life
Hiding to Nothing is the second in the series from author Andy Muir, but I don't really think you're going to miss much if you jump straight to this. It reads as pretty self contained.
Lachie is a painter, a guy who does his work, does jobs on the side and goes home to his granny flat in Newcastle. All is as right with his world as could be -- until he gets robbed at gun point in a milk bar, and he realises he's looking into a very familiar pair of eyes -- his father's. The man he hasn't seen for 20 something years because he's been in jail.
From there, the story becomes one of reconnecting with his father, whom he is sure is up to something else entirely, finding himself on the payroll of a man he really shouldn't be associating with if he wants to stop being on the cops' radar. Also, there are the friends that are dealing drugs and dragging him into more things they shouldn't be.
His relationship with Terry is complicated. Terry is his father, the man he still wants to know even though he's pretty sure Terry is up to no good. So right there, you're going to empathise with him, and understand Lachie's response.
The thing that makes this book and all the funnier is that you would probably enjoy a drink down at the pub with Lachie, share a ton of stories and never realise just what he gets up to. He's that sort of guy, who you'd be friends with in a heartbeat.
It's hard to totally explain the story because there is a lot happening, but it was Lachie, this easy-going guy who finds himself in situations he shouldn't be that really makes this all the worthwhile.
What else is this about?: Family, friends and the problems they never cease to bring into your life
Hiding to Nothing is the second in the series from author Andy Muir, but I don't really think you're going to miss much if you jump straight to this. It reads as pretty self contained.
Lachie is a painter, a guy who does his work, does jobs on the side and goes home to his granny flat in Newcastle. All is as right with his world as could be -- until he gets robbed at gun point in a milk bar, and he realises he's looking into a very familiar pair of eyes -- his father's. The man he hasn't seen for 20 something years because he's been in jail.
From there, the story becomes one of reconnecting with his father, whom he is sure is up to something else entirely, finding himself on the payroll of a man he really shouldn't be associating with if he wants to stop being on the cops' radar. Also, there are the friends that are dealing drugs and dragging him into more things they shouldn't be.
His relationship with Terry is complicated. Terry is his father, the man he still wants to know even though he's pretty sure Terry is up to no good. So right there, you're going to empathise with him, and understand Lachie's response.
The thing that makes this book and all the funnier is that you would probably enjoy a drink down at the pub with Lachie, share a ton of stories and never realise just what he gets up to. He's that sort of guy, who you'd be friends with in a heartbeat.
It's hard to totally explain the story because there is a lot happening, but it was Lachie, this easy-going guy who finds himself in situations he shouldn't be that really makes this all the worthwhile.
April 22, 2020
4 stars
Three weeks ago I read Muir’s first book, Something for Nothing. I enjoyed it so much, I had to order a copy of Hiding for Nothing immediately. I’m pleased to report that the sequel lives up to the hype!
Our protagonist Lachie Munro is back. He’s happy keeping his head down after his previous exploits with the Police, the Fisheries department and a colourful local identity; but the universe has other ideas because his estranged father is out of jail and wants to make amends.
Lachy’s right to be sceptical as his father’s emergence finds him continuing to end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time; which sees the police sniffing around again. That’s the least of Lachie’s worries though; as there’s also a couple of dodgy drug dealers trying to get him to give up his dad, his apprentice’s crazy sister and extracurricular activities, and the death of his mate Harry which means he needs to find a new place to live.
With so much going on, will Lachie be able to keep his head down and out of jail or will it all end up in a big explosive mess? To find out, you’ll have to read this funny and engaging book.
Like Something for Nothing, Hiding for Nothing is a book I recommend that you read for its shenanigans, laugh out loud moments and Aussie knockabout action. The plot moves at a good pace and has some really good plot twists and thrills and spills. The writing is intelligent and witty, but also casual and familiar. A hard balance to achieve, but Muir well and truly succeeds at it.
A lot of the original characters are back, as well as a few new ones. Whether they are the good guys or the bad guys, they are all great and contribute well to the story. Don’t think you won’t be able to relate to the ones that are back if you haven’t read Something for Nothing first, the book is written well enough so that it can be read as a stand alone book, but also as an awesome sequel.
Something for Nothing is a little different and a must for fans of Les Norton (as screened on the Australia’s ABC in 2019). I still believe you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy Muir’s writing, especially if you have a fondness for the underdog.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Three weeks ago I read Muir’s first book, Something for Nothing. I enjoyed it so much, I had to order a copy of Hiding for Nothing immediately. I’m pleased to report that the sequel lives up to the hype!
Our protagonist Lachie Munro is back. He’s happy keeping his head down after his previous exploits with the Police, the Fisheries department and a colourful local identity; but the universe has other ideas because his estranged father is out of jail and wants to make amends.
Lachy’s right to be sceptical as his father’s emergence finds him continuing to end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time; which sees the police sniffing around again. That’s the least of Lachie’s worries though; as there’s also a couple of dodgy drug dealers trying to get him to give up his dad, his apprentice’s crazy sister and extracurricular activities, and the death of his mate Harry which means he needs to find a new place to live.
With so much going on, will Lachie be able to keep his head down and out of jail or will it all end up in a big explosive mess? To find out, you’ll have to read this funny and engaging book.
Like Something for Nothing, Hiding for Nothing is a book I recommend that you read for its shenanigans, laugh out loud moments and Aussie knockabout action. The plot moves at a good pace and has some really good plot twists and thrills and spills. The writing is intelligent and witty, but also casual and familiar. A hard balance to achieve, but Muir well and truly succeeds at it.
A lot of the original characters are back, as well as a few new ones. Whether they are the good guys or the bad guys, they are all great and contribute well to the story. Don’t think you won’t be able to relate to the ones that are back if you haven’t read Something for Nothing first, the book is written well enough so that it can be read as a stand alone book, but also as an awesome sequel.
Something for Nothing is a little different and a must for fans of Les Norton (as screened on the Australia’s ABC in 2019). I still believe you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy Muir’s writing, especially if you have a fondness for the underdog.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
June 30, 2020
I hope this novel is turned into a series for the screen. The twists and turns of this crime thriller kept me guessing right till the end. The characters and their crimes are sharply drawn by an author who knows the underworld well.
May 21, 2019
Contemporary Newcastle (NSW) noir.
February 29, 2020
Sparking just a modicum of interest
July 12, 2020
A bit too "Aussi" and a somewhat laborious, but gets there in the end ..
August 30, 2020
4.5 stars
It took me a while to get into the noir style but once I did I bought into Lachie Munro as a character. A good read. I'll have to track down Andy Muir's other work now.
It took me a while to get into the noir style but once I did I bought into Lachie Munro as a character. A good read. I'll have to track down Andy Muir's other work now.
June 30, 2022
This was not my cup of tea. I found it disjointed and difficult to engage with. Endured, not enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews