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Terry Flynn: I Owe You One
Calm, mature, forgiving, honest, stylish and sober. Brisbane's Terry Flynn possesses none of these qualities.
Bumbling his way through life without any real direction, knockabout Terry is the first to admit he's never achieved anything of great significance in his 44 years.
Seeking retribution from anyone he believes has wronged him is common practice, but when a degenerate gambler looks set to turn his world upside down, Terry is prompted to produce his greatest square up to date.
With an extremely short fuse and an inability to conform with modern society, it's not going to be a walk in the park though. In fact his best mate reckons it's the most ludicrous scheme Terry has ever devised and only gives him a 50/1 chance of pulling it off!
Terry's not concerned in the slightest, he's just got a cranky builder, a dangerous driver, English cricket fans and an 80's television star amongst others to deal with first.
It's going to be a busy few weeks in December, but with the help of a few friends, Terry's going to give it a crack or go down swinging!
Bumbling his way through life without any real direction, knockabout Terry is the first to admit he's never achieved anything of great significance in his 44 years.
Seeking retribution from anyone he believes has wronged him is common practice, but when a degenerate gambler looks set to turn his world upside down, Terry is prompted to produce his greatest square up to date.
With an extremely short fuse and an inability to conform with modern society, it's not going to be a walk in the park though. In fact his best mate reckons it's the most ludicrous scheme Terry has ever devised and only gives him a 50/1 chance of pulling it off!
Terry's not concerned in the slightest, he's just got a cranky builder, a dangerous driver, English cricket fans and an 80's television star amongst others to deal with first.
It's going to be a busy few weeks in December, but with the help of a few friends, Terry's going to give it a crack or go down swinging!
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2020
About the author
Matt Judd
1 book7 followersYears ago I spotted a unique looking bloke at my local pub in Brisbane, Australia. It had always been in the back of mind to write a book and this bloke's antics (and the encouragement of a mate) convinced me I had to create a story about the man I christened Terry Flynn.
‘Terry Flynn: I Owe You One’ is the first in a planned series of stories which I have tried to write in an easy and engaging style.
My priority in life is my wife and two children. When not writing I divide my time between working as a firefighter and running a small business. I enjoy travel, running (some would say plodding), a punt and the odd cold beer with my mates.
‘Terry Flynn: I Owe You One’ is the first in a planned series of stories which I have tried to write in an easy and engaging style.
My priority in life is my wife and two children. When not writing I divide my time between working as a firefighter and running a small business. I enjoy travel, running (some would say plodding), a punt and the odd cold beer with my mates.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2021
Wow, what a fabulous book. I really enjoyed this one. Terry Flynn is such a great character, a man with a temper but a true heart of gold. Matt Judd has done an exceptional job with this funny and entertaining plot, but really, it’s the wonderful array of characters that make this such a good read. I found myself reading faster and faster to see what was going to happen. Loved it!!
Terry Flynn was a man with a temper, and it didn’t take much to set him off. Look at him the wrong way or say something he didn’t agree with, then you were sure cop an ear full from him, or worse. Terry lived with his mother Marion, and he didn’t need much in his life, a hot meal, a beer or two and he was a happy man. He couldn’t believe his ears when he heard a repulsive little man named Derek had wronged his family in a big way, and Terry was having none of that. Derek was about to find out how mad Terry could get when you got on the wrong side of him. There are so many things to like about this story, and I can’t wait to see what Terry gets up to next. 5/5 Star Rating.
Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
Terry Flynn was a man with a temper, and it didn’t take much to set him off. Look at him the wrong way or say something he didn’t agree with, then you were sure cop an ear full from him, or worse. Terry lived with his mother Marion, and he didn’t need much in his life, a hot meal, a beer or two and he was a happy man. He couldn’t believe his ears when he heard a repulsive little man named Derek had wronged his family in a big way, and Terry was having none of that. Derek was about to find out how mad Terry could get when you got on the wrong side of him. There are so many things to like about this story, and I can’t wait to see what Terry gets up to next. 5/5 Star Rating.
Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
March 23, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Terry Flynn is an Australian. He's also an unemployable loser with a temper problem. Whenever somebody crosses him, he does everything he can to get back at them. When his ex-wife dies, he learns his mother is going to lose her house, which he is living in. Reading a book, he hatches a scheme that has little chance of succeeding...
Sometimes humorous.
Terry Flynn is an Australian. He's also an unemployable loser with a temper problem. Whenever somebody crosses him, he does everything he can to get back at them. When his ex-wife dies, he learns his mother is going to lose her house, which he is living in. Reading a book, he hatches a scheme that has little chance of succeeding...
Sometimes humorous.
June 13, 2021
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review
What a cracka. Terry Flynn, bumbling drifter, vehement vindicator and full-time nutcase is a simple man with simple needs. But when he encounters his fiercest enemy yet he is determined (and I say determined) to bring him down. Posing as an extremely convincing charlatan and imbued with his bubbling charisma, he gets to work concocting and executing his grand plan.
Terry Flynn is just a mouthful. It was hilarious watching his fits and it had me laughing out loud which is rare. However, he's not always an incompetent buffoon. When he's not triggered, he looks after his widowed mother, his daughter and his friend Brian.
If you're looking for an easy to digest book with simple writing and tons of humor. This is it. For a book that doesn't take itself seriously, I was becoming attached and keen to see how the narrative would turn out. I definitely would be interested in a sequel (The author even hinted at it. That's the plan at the end of the day)
NOTE: Coarse language is common and the novel contains a lot of Aussie slang. Unfortunately, our true-blue hero is not the epitome of family-friendly. Also, I saw another review point out that actual name references are made to hotels, streets and stadiums. If you're unfamiliar with the Coast these names just fly over your head so (being a Sydneysider) unfortunately it didn't resonate with me.
Also: An error on page 167. Terry looked more even more delighted
What a cracka. Terry Flynn, bumbling drifter, vehement vindicator and full-time nutcase is a simple man with simple needs. But when he encounters his fiercest enemy yet he is determined (and I say determined) to bring him down. Posing as an extremely convincing charlatan and imbued with his bubbling charisma, he gets to work concocting and executing his grand plan.
Terry Flynn is just a mouthful. It was hilarious watching his fits and it had me laughing out loud which is rare. However, he's not always an incompetent buffoon. When he's not triggered, he looks after his widowed mother, his daughter and his friend Brian.
If you're looking for an easy to digest book with simple writing and tons of humor. This is it. For a book that doesn't take itself seriously, I was becoming attached and keen to see how the narrative would turn out. I definitely would be interested in a sequel (The author even hinted at it. That's the plan at the end of the day)
NOTE: Coarse language is common and the novel contains a lot of Aussie slang. Unfortunately, our true-blue hero is not the epitome of family-friendly. Also, I saw another review point out that actual name references are made to hotels, streets and stadiums. If you're unfamiliar with the Coast these names just fly over your head so (being a Sydneysider) unfortunately it didn't resonate with me.
Also: An error on page 167. Terry looked more even more delighted
March 16, 2020
Great story about the Aussie larrikin and battler. Plenty of good laughs and emotion that will have you entertained from start to finish. Hope to read more adventures about Terry...
April 24, 2021
I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review. The gifting of this ebook did not affect my opinion of it.
Matt has created a strong plot that holds the book together and some interesting supporting characters. However, I could not warm to the main protagonist, Terry Flynn, at all and, as it centres on his exploits, I just don't care enough about the character to invest in him.
Terry would have made for a fantastic supporting character, but he just does not have what it takes to carry a book. I found him to be a spoilt man child who stumbles through life leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, his tiny circle of family and friends constantly excusing or enabling his appalling behaviour. Confusing to the narrative, he swings through being utterly clueless that he's causing offence to having brief moments of insight that his current course of action may not be for the best. However, this doesn't read as the character growing or learning from past actions, it's more like the author bleeding through to yank his leash.
Unfortunately for Matt, I was not the ideal audience for this book. But if you enjoy Peter Griffin from Family guy and would get a kick out of him being transplanted to Australia, you'll love this book.
Matt has created a strong plot that holds the book together and some interesting supporting characters. However, I could not warm to the main protagonist, Terry Flynn, at all and, as it centres on his exploits, I just don't care enough about the character to invest in him.
Terry would have made for a fantastic supporting character, but he just does not have what it takes to carry a book. I found him to be a spoilt man child who stumbles through life leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, his tiny circle of family and friends constantly excusing or enabling his appalling behaviour. Confusing to the narrative, he swings through being utterly clueless that he's causing offence to having brief moments of insight that his current course of action may not be for the best. However, this doesn't read as the character growing or learning from past actions, it's more like the author bleeding through to yank his leash.
Unfortunately for Matt, I was not the ideal audience for this book. But if you enjoy Peter Griffin from Family guy and would get a kick out of him being transplanted to Australia, you'll love this book.
November 3, 2021
Author kindly provided a copy of this. Overall I enjoyed this, but there were a few flaws. If you don't mind some very politically-incorrect, 1970s style dialogue and styles of thinking then you will enjoy. You may struggle for the first few chapters. I was borderline between 2 and 3 stars, for a first novel I'll give this 3.
The first few chapters suffered from telling instead of showing. We were told what sort of person Terry is, how he dresses, why he dresses that way. What he does on a Sunday, that his routine every Sunday is the same. I think this is where the diary style of the book (every day has it's own entry) forced the writer. If there could've been a way to take us through a few Sundays where Terry suddenly jumps up at the pub and yells out "I need to get home for mums roast!", then it would've worked better. Or a regular at the pub asks why Terry always wears the same thing, and Terry, while going into fight-mode, also explains about why it's the case.
I would've put the scene where Terry meets the girl of his dreams (from the costume party) at the start of the book, had her travel back a few times, and through Terry showing her parts of his life, expose us the readers to more of his life. Instead of having her be obviously out of his league, being corporate, have her actually enjoy how Terry REALLY lives his life, which then sets up and makes a bigger deal of his choice at the end of the book.
The swearing didn't bother me but was very samey. Should treat them as placeholders to try to insert more varied insults of phrases (eg. muppet).
Also I found Terry a bit unlikable, a bit too much focus on him just sitting in front of the TV with a growing pile of cans around him. I get he's supposed to be an unreconstituted 70s style guy, but he needs some qualities we can like about him or relate to. Maybe some scenes at the pub where he helps out some girls who are getting hit on by creeps, but then wrecks it by asking them out himself.
The book really found it's feet when it got into the main plot and I enjoyed that. Terry's plan was just a shade too impossible to make sense, and was more complicated than it needed to be. I was also expecting more twists, or things to go wrong than really did. Missed one major impediment to the plan working I reckon. I did enjoy reading it all come together, and the end was great and great fun to read.
The first few chapters suffered from telling instead of showing. We were told what sort of person Terry is, how he dresses, why he dresses that way. What he does on a Sunday, that his routine every Sunday is the same. I think this is where the diary style of the book (every day has it's own entry) forced the writer. If there could've been a way to take us through a few Sundays where Terry suddenly jumps up at the pub and yells out "I need to get home for mums roast!", then it would've worked better. Or a regular at the pub asks why Terry always wears the same thing, and Terry, while going into fight-mode, also explains about why it's the case.
I would've put the scene where Terry meets the girl of his dreams (from the costume party) at the start of the book, had her travel back a few times, and through Terry showing her parts of his life, expose us the readers to more of his life. Instead of having her be obviously out of his league, being corporate, have her actually enjoy how Terry REALLY lives his life, which then sets up and makes a bigger deal of his choice at the end of the book.
The swearing didn't bother me but was very samey. Should treat them as placeholders to try to insert more varied insults of phrases (eg. muppet).
Also I found Terry a bit unlikable, a bit too much focus on him just sitting in front of the TV with a growing pile of cans around him. I get he's supposed to be an unreconstituted 70s style guy, but he needs some qualities we can like about him or relate to. Maybe some scenes at the pub where he helps out some girls who are getting hit on by creeps, but then wrecks it by asking them out himself.
The book really found it's feet when it got into the main plot and I enjoyed that. Terry's plan was just a shade too impossible to make sense, and was more complicated than it needed to be. I was also expecting more twists, or things to go wrong than really did. Missed one major impediment to the plan working I reckon. I did enjoy reading it all come together, and the end was great and great fun to read.
June 3, 2021
Fun fun fun
This was so much fun to read! Yes, it had faults, but definitely worth giving it a go. Terry Flynn doesn't seem to have much going for him. Mainly because of his love for the beers, and an exceptionally short temper. Both of those things tend to get him in trouble - often!
When Terry's family home comes under threat, abd he and his mother are at risk of homelessness, Terry comes up with probably one of the most ingenious and totally ridiculous plans to get his house back. Here starts a totally plausible, but really, really unlikely swindle. Calling in a series of favours owed to him, he takes the mean little man who has now taken ownership of the house to task.
There are some editing issues in this book, but mostly relating to words like 'the' and 'a' missing. Pretty minor but still there. My biggest issue though, was the overuse of place names, nationally recognised events and name-dropping. I'm not sure who the author's market is. If it is Aussies, it's not too much of an issue, but I still found it a bit annoying. If it's international readers, most of these instances would be totally meaningless.
I need to add a warning here. This book is totally inappropriate and flies in the face of political correctness - none of which bothered me in the slightest. But I know some people may be sensitive to this stuff. Overall though, it has lost a couple of stars, but by my scale, this still rates as a very good book. I do recommend it for anyone wanting a good chuckle and to be bathed in 'Australianisms'.
I received a free copy of this ebook in return for an honest review. Thanks to the author for the opportunity.
This was so much fun to read! Yes, it had faults, but definitely worth giving it a go. Terry Flynn doesn't seem to have much going for him. Mainly because of his love for the beers, and an exceptionally short temper. Both of those things tend to get him in trouble - often!
When Terry's family home comes under threat, abd he and his mother are at risk of homelessness, Terry comes up with probably one of the most ingenious and totally ridiculous plans to get his house back. Here starts a totally plausible, but really, really unlikely swindle. Calling in a series of favours owed to him, he takes the mean little man who has now taken ownership of the house to task.
There are some editing issues in this book, but mostly relating to words like 'the' and 'a' missing. Pretty minor but still there. My biggest issue though, was the overuse of place names, nationally recognised events and name-dropping. I'm not sure who the author's market is. If it is Aussies, it's not too much of an issue, but I still found it a bit annoying. If it's international readers, most of these instances would be totally meaningless.
I need to add a warning here. This book is totally inappropriate and flies in the face of political correctness - none of which bothered me in the slightest. But I know some people may be sensitive to this stuff. Overall though, it has lost a couple of stars, but by my scale, this still rates as a very good book. I do recommend it for anyone wanting a good chuckle and to be bathed in 'Australianisms'.
I received a free copy of this ebook in return for an honest review. Thanks to the author for the opportunity.
May 10, 2021
Disclaimer: I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. The gift had no effect on my review.
Set in Queensland, this book simply oozes Australia. If you haven't lived in Brisbane, you'll be unfamiliar with the territory, but you'd be able to track Terry's travels on Google Maps. The story itself is engaging and comedic, and provides ups and downs in equal measure.
Although I found it difficult initially to root for Terry, after the first few chapters I realised that my first impressions of him as a two-bit dickhead were misplaced, and despite his tendency to fly into a rage and get even with anyone who he deemed to have wronged him (no matter how small) he was a genuinely good person underneath.
The book features profanity seemingly on almost every page, and it's use of the C word is too liberal for my taste. In my opinion, the power of that word is in the scarcity, and the overuse in this book makes it difficult to recommend generally.
The last third of the book also features some major grammatical errors, such as missing words. I feel that these errors, and the misplacement of commas in the first few chapters of the book, could and should have been picked up during proof reading. However, the intention is clear and the book does not suffer from these issues overall.
Despite my very minor complaints about the book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to the next novel in the series. Matt is a compelling author overall, and I would recommend it if you are interested in Australian culture or the story of an everyday battler.
Set in Queensland, this book simply oozes Australia. If you haven't lived in Brisbane, you'll be unfamiliar with the territory, but you'd be able to track Terry's travels on Google Maps. The story itself is engaging and comedic, and provides ups and downs in equal measure.
Although I found it difficult initially to root for Terry, after the first few chapters I realised that my first impressions of him as a two-bit dickhead were misplaced, and despite his tendency to fly into a rage and get even with anyone who he deemed to have wronged him (no matter how small) he was a genuinely good person underneath.
The book features profanity seemingly on almost every page, and it's use of the C word is too liberal for my taste. In my opinion, the power of that word is in the scarcity, and the overuse in this book makes it difficult to recommend generally.
The last third of the book also features some major grammatical errors, such as missing words. I feel that these errors, and the misplacement of commas in the first few chapters of the book, could and should have been picked up during proof reading. However, the intention is clear and the book does not suffer from these issues overall.
Despite my very minor complaints about the book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to the next novel in the series. Matt is a compelling author overall, and I would recommend it if you are interested in Australian culture or the story of an everyday battler.
April 9, 2021
Absolutely hilarious. I really enjoyed this feisty tale from this Australian author. Although definitely not for the faint-hearted, it was difficult to stop chuckling as Terry and Brian, mates bonded forever in their drinking escapades, got together to bring about some hard delivered justice for Terry's mum. I liked the way someone who is described as a loser, is slowly transformed although not into a goody two shoes as perhaps expected, but just a good-hearted Ozzy bloke who is faced with circumstances that test his mettle to the limit. I would love to read more of this authors work. Five stars.
April 28, 2021
What to say it only took me 2 days to finish this novel. If you're Australian you should read this novel. If you're not Australian you should read it. Matt Judd has created a character in his novel that is unique but we can all say we have known someone like this in our life. The humour had me laughing to my sides feel like they were going to split. I will be on the lookout for the second installment of this series.
June 12, 2021
I was given this book by the author in exchange for a read and a review, which I was quite happy to do. This book was a light romp, Aussie style, and it was a pretty funny read. Terry Flynn is quite the character, and one that reminds me a lot of a good friend of mine who also happens to be Aussie. That same friend recommend I read some Les Norton books (by Robert G Barrett), which I also enjoyed, and I think it's fair to say Terry Flynn is cut from the same cloth as Les Norton (not a bad thing at all, for readers). I was entertained by the central plot premise, the characters and the way things wrapped up (very true to form). I will look forward to further adventures from Terry Flynn and Matt Judd. Give it a try!
February 14, 2023
I couldn't read this any further... It's as if the author was told by his publisher that he could swear in the book and so proceeds to do so in every sentence the character speaks.
The author has obviously modelled his character after Les Norton, and whilst imitation is the biggest form of flattery, little details down to the character's hair (blonde curls as opposed to Les' red) is TOO close. Robert G Barrett was THE author of Australian larrikan prose, sorry mate, there's no room for two.
The author has obviously modelled his character after Les Norton, and whilst imitation is the biggest form of flattery, little details down to the character's hair (blonde curls as opposed to Les' red) is TOO close. Robert G Barrett was THE author of Australian larrikan prose, sorry mate, there's no room for two.
June 10, 2021
3.5 stars
The story revolves around a man named Terry Flynn who still lives with his mother, flits from one job to another, and has a hard time keeping a job.
Then one day Terry learns he and his mother are about to lose their home. So he comes up with plans to get his house back.
I enjoyed this book. A fun and easy read. Would recommend.
The story revolves around a man named Terry Flynn who still lives with his mother, flits from one job to another, and has a hard time keeping a job.
Then one day Terry learns he and his mother are about to lose their home. So he comes up with plans to get his house back.
I enjoyed this book. A fun and easy read. Would recommend.
January 12, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and this has no bearing on my review.
This certainly isn't the type of book I'd usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the scheming ways of the main character, Terry Flynn. A few laughs, a few what in the worlds, and a definite sense of family. If you love sarcasm you're going to love Terry Flynn!
This certainly isn't the type of book I'd usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the scheming ways of the main character, Terry Flynn. A few laughs, a few what in the worlds, and a definite sense of family. If you love sarcasm you're going to love Terry Flynn!
March 20, 2021
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
An average read that did not strike me as anything special. A guy who felt slighted in life as he tries to take revenge of who he felt that did him wrong. I was not impress with his behavior.
An average read that did not strike me as anything special. A guy who felt slighted in life as he tries to take revenge of who he felt that did him wrong. I was not impress with his behavior.
May 19, 2021
An enjoyable romp in Bris-Vegas with some interesting characters
June 15, 2021
Good read, took me a little bit to get into it but I was glad I did after it got going. Light hearted with some profanities thrown in so don’t go taking it too seriously. Worth a read if you’re into these types of books. Will be interested If there is a follow up.
April 14, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would reread this again.I also like the concept of the book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews