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Dead Regular
A murder mystery set in Brisbane, Australia. Catching a serial killer won't be easy when nobody suspects murder...One thing is stopping Jono from loving his job as a paramedic. It’s not the blood and gore, nor the vomiting drunks, not even the seemingly endless rolling shifts. It’s the overbearing management. He’s a competent clinician who always does the best for his patients, but petty bureaucracy and red tape never fail to fire him up.Despite this disaffection, Jono won’t ignore the fact that several ambulance ‘regulars’ have been turning up dead. Each death in itself seems innocent enough, but the sudden mounting body count raises his suspicions. Is it just a coincidence, or has someone decided to clean up the city? What’s more worrying is that Jono appears to be the only one who cares.
- GenresCrime
394 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2020
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Harry Colfer
40 books28 followersHarry Colfer is the pseudonym of a critical care paramedic who lives and works in Brisbane, Australia. Although his stories are totally fictional, his writing style is very realistic and he maintains a healthy level of paranoia with respect to his anonymity.
Other than the Ambo Tales From The Frontline series, he has written two full length novels featuring the same characters, a murder mystery, Dead Regular, and the thriller sequel, Beneath Contempt. He is currently writing the third novel in the Jono series, High Acuity, with the fourth and final book existing only as ideas, notes, and a title, Show Cause.
Other than the Ambo Tales From The Frontline series, he has written two full length novels featuring the same characters, a murder mystery, Dead Regular, and the thriller sequel, Beneath Contempt. He is currently writing the third novel in the Jono series, High Acuity, with the fourth and final book existing only as ideas, notes, and a title, Show Cause.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 31, 2021
Harry Colfer's debut novel features a paramedic based in Brisbane. Jonathon (Jono) Byrne is an intensive care trained paramedic who loves his job, but hates overly officious management and the amount of paperwork required these days. He's a bit of a wise-cracking larrikin and doesn't hold back on letting people know what he thinks, which often gets him in trouble (particularly with management). However, he's popular with the other ambos because he gets on with the job and knows what he's doing.
One of the gripes Jono has about his job is the number of time wasting calls from people who don't have an emergency that requires an ambulance. There are a number of 'regulars' who call an ambulance for minor complaints because they like the attention, but the paramedics are still required to treat them seriously and take them to hospital. When Jono notices that a number of their regulars have died recently, he begins to wonder if it's more than a coincidence. All the deaths are different with nothing suspicious showing up at autopsy, but some of the details of deaths he attended don't make any sense to him. Unfortunately, voicing his concerns results in a further tragic death that has Jono spiralling down a dangerous path.
This is an engaging murder mystery set in an interesting background of medical emergencies and a host of murders carried out with no suspicious circumstances. The author is an experienced paramedic (writing under a pseudonym) so the medical details are accurate and clearly explained. I did initially find Jono's character a bit too forceful, but once I got into the book and started to see more of his personality and experiences, I liked him better. The suspense builds slowly as the scene is set and then becomes very tense as Jono realises what is happening. I did find the prologue a bit puzzling. Although it was very suspenseful and made a great start to the novel, it seems disconnected from the rest of the novel, and I found this distracting, wondering when it was going to fit in. Perhaps it would have helped to indicate that it happened some years before, as this does not become clear until the end of the novel.
The author has indicated that he is currently writing a sequel so I hope this will go on to become a series of medical mysteries. He clearly has a host of interesting stories from his life as a paramedic (and has already written a number of short stories) so it will be great to see what he comes up with next. He has also introduced a host of good supporting characters in the other paramedics, trainee paramedics, medical staff and a likeable police detective that will be good to meet again and see developed further in future books.
One of the gripes Jono has about his job is the number of time wasting calls from people who don't have an emergency that requires an ambulance. There are a number of 'regulars' who call an ambulance for minor complaints because they like the attention, but the paramedics are still required to treat them seriously and take them to hospital. When Jono notices that a number of their regulars have died recently, he begins to wonder if it's more than a coincidence. All the deaths are different with nothing suspicious showing up at autopsy, but some of the details of deaths he attended don't make any sense to him. Unfortunately, voicing his concerns results in a further tragic death that has Jono spiralling down a dangerous path.
This is an engaging murder mystery set in an interesting background of medical emergencies and a host of murders carried out with no suspicious circumstances. The author is an experienced paramedic (writing under a pseudonym) so the medical details are accurate and clearly explained. I did initially find Jono's character a bit too forceful, but once I got into the book and started to see more of his personality and experiences, I liked him better. The suspense builds slowly as the scene is set and then becomes very tense as Jono realises what is happening. I did find the prologue a bit puzzling. Although it was very suspenseful and made a great start to the novel, it seems disconnected from the rest of the novel, and I found this distracting, wondering when it was going to fit in. Perhaps it would have helped to indicate that it happened some years before, as this does not become clear until the end of the novel.
The author has indicated that he is currently writing a sequel so I hope this will go on to become a series of medical mysteries. He clearly has a host of interesting stories from his life as a paramedic (and has already written a number of short stories) so it will be great to see what he comes up with next. He has also introduced a host of good supporting characters in the other paramedics, trainee paramedics, medical staff and a likeable police detective that will be good to meet again and see developed further in future books.
July 14, 2021
Dead Regular by Harry Colfer
Synopsis /
A murder mystery set in Brisbane, Australia: Catching a serial killer won't be easy when nobody suspects murder...
One thing is stopping Jono from loving his job as a paramedic. It’s not the blood and gore, nor the vomiting drunks, not even the seemingly endless rolling shifts. It’s the overbearing management. He’s a competent clinician who always does the best for his patients, but petty bureaucracy and red tape never fail to fire him up.
Despite this disaffection, Jono won’t ignore the fact that several ambulance ‘regulars’ have been turning up dead. Each death in itself seems innocent enough, but the sudden mounting body count raises his suspicions. Is it just a coincidence, or has someone decided to clean up the city? What’s more worrying is that Jono appears to be the only one who cares.
My Thoughts /
Dead Regular is written by Australian Author, Harry Colfer.
I’m on a good book read roll. Well, more than 1 actually! Not only is Dead Regular the fourth book in a row that I’ve read that has been written by an Australian author, part 2 of said roll is, they’ve all been fabulous!
Q: As a child, did you ever receive a toy doctor’s kit as a Birthday/Christmas gift?
A: Yes, of course!
Q: When applying your extensive medical knowledge as a 5 year old at kindergarten, did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a paramedic, or ambo?
A: Hell Yeah I did!
Q: Now, as an adult, do you think you have the stomach to handle it?
A: Ah yeah…absolutely NOT! (Disclaimer: As kids, when my younger brother scraped his foot on the bitumen while riding his pushbike and ripped of his toenail, I was vomiting at the sight of blood.)
Have any of you read a story that was set in your own home town? Never have I ever, except until now. Dead Regular is set in Brisbane, Australia. It was weird (but in a good way weird, if that makes any sense) that as you are reading, you can picture in your mind’s eye, the exact spot the author is writing about. The references to Brisbane environs were delectable treats. Talk about a visual literacy wake up! This is a brilliantly graphic fictional murder mystery, but equally, it is realistically humorous and empathetic.
This book will have you hooked right from the get-go. The prologue had my pulse racing in anticipation of what was yet to come. Written by an experienced paramedic (Harry Colfer is a pseudonym) who lives and works in Brisbane, Australia. Although this is a fictional story, the style of writing is so very realistic that your pulse will be racing and your hands will be sweating and you will find yourself laughing at the most inappropriate times because, let’s face it, if you don’t laugh you’ll cry. You are treated to an insider’s view of what it’s like to be on the forefront of emergency medical care, a world that only a few people ever really get to see.
“Ah f--k, that was gross.”
“Detective Giallo! Do I need to remind you that our voices are being recorded.”
He collected himself. “I apologise, Dr Beecham. Let the record state that the sight of a fish exiting the corpse’s eye socket and entering his nose physically and mentally repulsed me. However, I think my initial comment was more succinct.”
Mr Colfer doesn’t mince his words - Non-paramedics always have difficulty grasping the concept of a good job. What they don’t understand is that emergency work is filled with so many time-wasting call-outs. A good job is when the patient needs saving. Not some bulls--t saving from their dreary existence. Nor saving from some self-induced calamity that could have been solved by opening a can of ‘Toughen-Up’.
This reader appreciated his candour. If the difference between saving or losing a life comes down to a matter of minutes or seconds, you cannot afford to faff around.
In this reader’s humble opinion, the author has a superb grasp of his craft, both as a writer and a paramedic. All said and done, this is a pretty awesome debut mystery from Australian Author, Harry Colfer and I cannot wait to read the next instalment – let’s hope there is more to come!
Synopsis /
A murder mystery set in Brisbane, Australia: Catching a serial killer won't be easy when nobody suspects murder...
One thing is stopping Jono from loving his job as a paramedic. It’s not the blood and gore, nor the vomiting drunks, not even the seemingly endless rolling shifts. It’s the overbearing management. He’s a competent clinician who always does the best for his patients, but petty bureaucracy and red tape never fail to fire him up.
Despite this disaffection, Jono won’t ignore the fact that several ambulance ‘regulars’ have been turning up dead. Each death in itself seems innocent enough, but the sudden mounting body count raises his suspicions. Is it just a coincidence, or has someone decided to clean up the city? What’s more worrying is that Jono appears to be the only one who cares.
My Thoughts /
Dead Regular is written by Australian Author, Harry Colfer.
I’m on a good book read roll. Well, more than 1 actually! Not only is Dead Regular the fourth book in a row that I’ve read that has been written by an Australian author, part 2 of said roll is, they’ve all been fabulous!
Q: As a child, did you ever receive a toy doctor’s kit as a Birthday/Christmas gift?
A: Yes, of course!
Q: When applying your extensive medical knowledge as a 5 year old at kindergarten, did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a paramedic, or ambo?
A: Hell Yeah I did!
Q: Now, as an adult, do you think you have the stomach to handle it?
A: Ah yeah…absolutely NOT! (Disclaimer: As kids, when my younger brother scraped his foot on the bitumen while riding his pushbike and ripped of his toenail, I was vomiting at the sight of blood.)
Have any of you read a story that was set in your own home town? Never have I ever, except until now. Dead Regular is set in Brisbane, Australia. It was weird (but in a good way weird, if that makes any sense) that as you are reading, you can picture in your mind’s eye, the exact spot the author is writing about. The references to Brisbane environs were delectable treats. Talk about a visual literacy wake up! This is a brilliantly graphic fictional murder mystery, but equally, it is realistically humorous and empathetic.
This book will have you hooked right from the get-go. The prologue had my pulse racing in anticipation of what was yet to come. Written by an experienced paramedic (Harry Colfer is a pseudonym) who lives and works in Brisbane, Australia. Although this is a fictional story, the style of writing is so very realistic that your pulse will be racing and your hands will be sweating and you will find yourself laughing at the most inappropriate times because, let’s face it, if you don’t laugh you’ll cry. You are treated to an insider’s view of what it’s like to be on the forefront of emergency medical care, a world that only a few people ever really get to see.
“Ah f--k, that was gross.”
“Detective Giallo! Do I need to remind you that our voices are being recorded.”
He collected himself. “I apologise, Dr Beecham. Let the record state that the sight of a fish exiting the corpse’s eye socket and entering his nose physically and mentally repulsed me. However, I think my initial comment was more succinct.”
Mr Colfer doesn’t mince his words - Non-paramedics always have difficulty grasping the concept of a good job. What they don’t understand is that emergency work is filled with so many time-wasting call-outs. A good job is when the patient needs saving. Not some bulls--t saving from their dreary existence. Nor saving from some self-induced calamity that could have been solved by opening a can of ‘Toughen-Up’.
This reader appreciated his candour. If the difference between saving or losing a life comes down to a matter of minutes or seconds, you cannot afford to faff around.
In this reader’s humble opinion, the author has a superb grasp of his craft, both as a writer and a paramedic. All said and done, this is a pretty awesome debut mystery from Australian Author, Harry Colfer and I cannot wait to read the next instalment – let’s hope there is more to come!
November 30, 2020
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a paramedic? Think you have the stomach to handle it? Need a good laugh out loud kinda book that at the same time is a riveting murder mystery? Well have a go at this one... it’s craft fully written, at times beautiful in its descriptions, downright hilarious (in black and orthodox humour) and at the same time a real page turner with a plot that rockets along as fast as the code one drives that the Ambo’s do. It’s an insiders view of the emergency world that only a few people ever really get to see. I really enjoyed this book, so much that I’ve read it twice and I can’t wait for the next installment!!
February 14, 2021
This book was a rollercoaster, it read like many non-fiction paramedic books and being from Brisbane I found it a very relatable kind of book, and then bam, it throws you a fiction curveball that I wasn’t expecting. A really great read!
January 4, 2021
As my start and finish dates might suggest, I just couldn’t put this book down! I was gifted this crime thriller novel by my partner, who works as an Australian paramedic so the roles held by the characters, as well as several of the places mentioned, were mostly already familiar to me. That said, the author’s excellent descriptive prose and his fantastic use of Australian metaphors makes it easy for any reader to enter the fictitious yet very believable world of ‘Jono’ and his professional life working for the Brisbane City Ambulance Service. Full of unexpected twists that kept me guessing right to the very end, this story made me laugh throughout and even cry on a couple of occasions - a rare feat indeed!
If you enjoy crime thrillers and you’re not averse to dark humour and medical descriptions, then you simply must put this on your reading list for 2021.
I would also strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a better insight into what it is really like to work as a paramedic - this book is a far cry from the TV (so called) reality shows. Now, through my new appreciation of this role, I feel that I will be less critical of my partner when he next tells me he’s too tired to go out or mow the lawn, and more understanding when he needs his ‘cave’ time.
Harry Colfer is definitely a new author worth following. Since finishing ‘Dead Regular’, I have already downloaded from his website all of his short stories (based on the same characters), which I’m now working my way through. Loving them all - something to keep you smiling in these Covid days.
If you enjoy crime thrillers and you’re not averse to dark humour and medical descriptions, then you simply must put this on your reading list for 2021.
I would also strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a better insight into what it is really like to work as a paramedic - this book is a far cry from the TV (so called) reality shows. Now, through my new appreciation of this role, I feel that I will be less critical of my partner when he next tells me he’s too tired to go out or mow the lawn, and more understanding when he needs his ‘cave’ time.
Harry Colfer is definitely a new author worth following. Since finishing ‘Dead Regular’, I have already downloaded from his website all of his short stories (based on the same characters), which I’m now working my way through. Loving them all - something to keep you smiling in these Covid days.
January 2, 2021
Crikey. What a way to start a book!!! As a CSI by trade I’m used to blood and guts and have dealt with my fair share of dead bodies. But the prologue of Dead Regular had my pulse racing and hands sweating like no scene I’ve ever been to!
I really enjoyed this book, I’m a fan of crime novels and it was really refreshing to read a book from a different perspective. There was enough detail to know the author was indeed a genuine “ambo” but not so much it bogged you down with irrelevant detail.
The twists and turns kept me guessing and I couldn’t put it down. Now going to go back and read all the short stories by the same author as I enjoyed his writing style so much. Will be looking out for the follow-up to Dead Regular in 2021 and will be recommending this to whoever cares to listen!
I really enjoyed this book, I’m a fan of crime novels and it was really refreshing to read a book from a different perspective. There was enough detail to know the author was indeed a genuine “ambo” but not so much it bogged you down with irrelevant detail.
The twists and turns kept me guessing and I couldn’t put it down. Now going to go back and read all the short stories by the same author as I enjoyed his writing style so much. Will be looking out for the follow-up to Dead Regular in 2021 and will be recommending this to whoever cares to listen!
November 7, 2022
As an Australian paramedic, I was sceptical about reading a book based on my work. But I was instantly captured by the gripping storyline! I enjoyed it much more than I expected. The characters were fun and relatable and the story was brilliant. Would recommend!
March 29, 2023
Fast-paced medical thriller full of twists and turns. Intense medical knowledge combined with the dry and entertaining wit of the Australian emergency service worker. Great debut novel.
December 15, 2020
I loved this book but it isn’t for everybody. Indeed it may leave many people disappointed, primarily the creators of the various “real life” ambulance programs when the secret gets out that they’ve been promulgating a dull, sugar coated myth about life as a paramedic. If you’ve been fooled by that and need some corrective reading you absolutely cannot go past this stunning debut novel.
I’ve never been a fan of murder mysteries but I found myself having to tear myself away from Dead Regular to make the 396 pages last more than two sittings. The usual pattern of motives, suspicion and numerous red herrings meant the conclusion was both satisfying and surprising. The highly believable protagonist and cast of supporting characters are memorable enough to support a series rather than a single novel and the descriptions of Brisbane settings will ring true for any local.
What really makes this book special however is that it is a far more realistic portrayal of life as a paramedic than anything else on the page or screen. The author skewers the petty management tactics and the bureaucratic impediments that paramedics have to deal with with hilarious accuracy that justifies his use of a nom de plume. Harry Colfer’s first full length novel would be a very good first effort for a dedicated author but for an anonymous “paramedic who works in Brisbane” it’s simply outstanding. For those not averse to a little bit of gore the lasting appeal of this book will leave you keenly awaiting the sequel, as am I.
I’ve never been a fan of murder mysteries but I found myself having to tear myself away from Dead Regular to make the 396 pages last more than two sittings. The usual pattern of motives, suspicion and numerous red herrings meant the conclusion was both satisfying and surprising. The highly believable protagonist and cast of supporting characters are memorable enough to support a series rather than a single novel and the descriptions of Brisbane settings will ring true for any local.
What really makes this book special however is that it is a far more realistic portrayal of life as a paramedic than anything else on the page or screen. The author skewers the petty management tactics and the bureaucratic impediments that paramedics have to deal with with hilarious accuracy that justifies his use of a nom de plume. Harry Colfer’s first full length novel would be a very good first effort for a dedicated author but for an anonymous “paramedic who works in Brisbane” it’s simply outstanding. For those not averse to a little bit of gore the lasting appeal of this book will leave you keenly awaiting the sequel, as am I.
December 21, 2020
I lead a busy life and it takes a very good read to sit me down and prioritise reading for leisure.
10/10 would recommend this book to anyone who wants an honest insight into "the world of paramedics" and, for those already deep in the world of paramedics, wanting a fun collection of fictitious war stories and a tale that will keep you intrigued until the very end.... and beyond.
The lay out of chapters kept the pace and story interesting, especially good for those minds who like to wonder and, when the mind does wonder, the thought provoking moral undertones of "what a life is worth", provides a good rabbit hole to fall down.
Will be watching closely for the sequel.
10/10 would recommend this book to anyone who wants an honest insight into "the world of paramedics" and, for those already deep in the world of paramedics, wanting a fun collection of fictitious war stories and a tale that will keep you intrigued until the very end.... and beyond.
The lay out of chapters kept the pace and story interesting, especially good for those minds who like to wonder and, when the mind does wonder, the thought provoking moral undertones of "what a life is worth", provides a good rabbit hole to fall down.
Will be watching closely for the sequel.
January 4, 2021
Right down my alley. Bit of black insider humor with a great look behind the scenes into the life of a paramedic, funny and clever, fast, unpredictable, a bit - how do I say this - descriptive in the medical department, believable characters and causing my family to have a few late dinners because I couldn't put it down. Thanks Harry, get on with the next one!
January 5, 2021
A great read that you won’t be able to put down
Can’t wait for the next book
Can’t wait for the next book
January 17, 2025
A fantastic insight into the day-to-day life of a city paramedic, mixed in with a witty & suspenseful plot surrounding the death of several 'regulars'. A great introduction to a thrilling series.
February 1, 2021
I have never really been a fan of crime novels, but this one had me hooked. A well written novel, which is easy to follow whether you are a paramedic or not. Harry certainly provides insight into the realities of the paramedic role, a stark contrast to what is widely perceived. I thoroughly enjoyed his writing style and dark humour, and not to mention a couple of unexpected plot twists! Can’t wait for the sequel!
December 8, 2020
An amazing First Novel. The characters and story are so real and vibrant, the whole package races from cover to cover faster than the ambo's within. This redefines a page turner. The short stories are brilliant but the novel is the creme de la creme. Long live Jono
January 21, 2021
An incredibly enthralling read with great humour. Extremely descriptive, with a writing style that places you on scene and gives a different perspective of life on the front line. This book will leave you keenly awaiting the sequel
January 18, 2021
Just finished #deadregularnovel and loved it (was up late into the early morning reading it).
It is refreshing to read clever and witty prose in a magnificently twisted (in both senses) novel that is clearly well informed with an insider's depth of knowledge of many aspects of life depicted in the novel.
The references to Brisbane environs and personality quirks were delightful treats to those who can relate. The style is easy to read and brilliantly captures the quick-witted banter and sledging that is a common culture of such close, mission- critical teams. The threads of story lines were craftily weaved and ensured my responses were visceral.
Harry Colfer is definitely an author with a winning, distinct style and one to follow closely. I would most definitely recommend this novel to people looking for more depth of research and difference.
It is refreshing to read clever and witty prose in a magnificently twisted (in both senses) novel that is clearly well informed with an insider's depth of knowledge of many aspects of life depicted in the novel.
The references to Brisbane environs and personality quirks were delightful treats to those who can relate. The style is easy to read and brilliantly captures the quick-witted banter and sledging that is a common culture of such close, mission- critical teams. The threads of story lines were craftily weaved and ensured my responses were visceral.
Harry Colfer is definitely an author with a winning, distinct style and one to follow closely. I would most definitely recommend this novel to people looking for more depth of research and difference.
March 11, 2021
This was a really good book with some good twists. It is the first full novel by this author (I have read some of the short stories) and is a really good achievement.
Humour is built into some of the situations that arise in the book and the lead character Jono, whilst a little anti-establishment is one that you can easily warm too. Detailed insights into paramedic life are representative of the fact that the author is a paramedic himself and I suspect may characters are based on plenty of real life similar experiences of patients who don't necessarily need an ambulance. The plot of the book is not beyond the bounds of feasibility in real life and the roller coaster ride throughout keeps you well engaged and interested and wondering what is going to happen next. As with any good book of this nature the ending is something that is hard to predict. Overall really enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the follow on book.
Humour is built into some of the situations that arise in the book and the lead character Jono, whilst a little anti-establishment is one that you can easily warm too. Detailed insights into paramedic life are representative of the fact that the author is a paramedic himself and I suspect may characters are based on plenty of real life similar experiences of patients who don't necessarily need an ambulance. The plot of the book is not beyond the bounds of feasibility in real life and the roller coaster ride throughout keeps you well engaged and interested and wondering what is going to happen next. As with any good book of this nature the ending is something that is hard to predict. Overall really enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the follow on book.
August 23, 2021
Jono is a paramedic for the Brisbane ambulance service. At the beginning of the book we follow a series of seemingly unconnected call outs for the crews. However Jono begins to see a sinister pattern developing which the overworked hospital staff and uninterested police force brush aside.
Apart from a cracking plot and interesting cast of characters the book is absolutely fascinating in the medical details of the cases attended by the ambulance crews. This alone sets it above other similar medical thrillers. Also, I am an avid crime reader and pride myself in guessing endings, but this one completely caught me out in the most satisfying manner. I believe that this is going to become a series and I look forward to seeing what's next in store for the crew.
Apart from a cracking plot and interesting cast of characters the book is absolutely fascinating in the medical details of the cases attended by the ambulance crews. This alone sets it above other similar medical thrillers. Also, I am an avid crime reader and pride myself in guessing endings, but this one completely caught me out in the most satisfying manner. I believe that this is going to become a series and I look forward to seeing what's next in store for the crew.
April 1, 2021
A crime mystery set in Brisbane, Dead Regular has a Tarantinoesque sense of humour for
viscera, replacing explosive on-screen gore with highly detailed and macabre prose that
feel just as in-your-face and laugh-out-loud funny. I was nervous what I was getting into
picking it up, but by the end of the prologue I was in stitches, and enthralled by the
offerings of creative problem solving when it came to ramping and response times. Colfer
demonstrates a superb grasp of his craft, both as a writer and a paramedic.
Paramedics are sure to get a tonne of value out of this one.
viscera, replacing explosive on-screen gore with highly detailed and macabre prose that
feel just as in-your-face and laugh-out-loud funny. I was nervous what I was getting into
picking it up, but by the end of the prologue I was in stitches, and enthralled by the
offerings of creative problem solving when it came to ramping and response times. Colfer
demonstrates a superb grasp of his craft, both as a writer and a paramedic.
Paramedics are sure to get a tonne of value out of this one.
January 5, 2022
Introduced to this book by our Book Club. A great debut novel by a local Brisbane author. A work of fiction but based on the reality of life as a paramedic. What an insight! I have even more respect for paramedics now than I did before. What a tough gig they have.
I also really enjoyed the references to our home town of Brisbane. Felt myself taken along for the ride in the back of the ambulance through familiar streets and areas.
Looking forward to reading the sequel “Beneath Contempt”.
I also really enjoyed the references to our home town of Brisbane. Felt myself taken along for the ride in the back of the ambulance through familiar streets and areas.
Looking forward to reading the sequel “Beneath Contempt”.
January 31, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Regular, a murder mystery situated in Brisbane where Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) Jono recognizes a pattern, that the regular patients are dying off. As a student paramedic who grew up in Brisbane, I was familiar with the phrases and locations which allowed me to follow Jonos adventures almost to a Tee. The book was full of wit, and enough clinical expertise without getting bogged down in it, without forgetting to mention the overbearing management. I would highly recommend Dead Regular, and am looking forward to reading the sequel!
December 3, 2020
Five stars, 10/10, "very nice" (said with a Borat accent), however you want to say it this book is a great read. While a work of fiction, if you want a look into an average paramedics shift, this author nails it. The murder mystery side of the book kept me coming back obsessively until I was finished in a few short days.
January 4, 2021
What an absolutely excellent read!! I love how true this is to the real world as a paramedic. No sugar coating, it is the real deal but with a fictional storyline. I love how each element is developed over the course of book and is revealed in a rocking finale. I’m not normally one for crime stories but this had me from the get go and I look forward to the next instalment with great excitement!!
April 1, 2021
This was a gripping read. The author has written an extremely powerful, knowledgeable story that has expertly gone into every character's life situation/experience. This novel grabbed hold of me from page 1, using appropriately placed descriptions to draw the reader in like they were right there. Cannot wait for book 2!!!
September 5, 2021
Harry has created something very special in Jon, the wayward paramedic who suspects a serial killer is at large. I love the way his impetuous character created so much grief for him and the ingenious surprises Colfer springs on the reader are inspired and totally from left field.
The whole book gave a wonderful insight into the trials, tribulations and culture of paramedics which will surprise many.
The whole book gave a wonderful insight into the trials, tribulations and culture of paramedics which will surprise many.
May 2, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot is good, and the characters are realistic. I could not put this book down from the first page onwards. The prose, understandably, although I know little about ambulances, Australia, and injuries, it was easy to follow.
I am looking forward to reading the next book. ;-)
I am looking forward to reading the next book. ;-)
March 26, 2021
I bought the book to support the local community, not expecting to really enjoy it - but loved it! I normally shy away from stories based in Australia but maybe because this was set in my town, it just resonated with me.
Can’t wait for the next book!
Can’t wait for the next book!
July 8, 2021
Stayed up hours past my bedtime to read “just one more chapter”. An excellent read! Great mixture of realistic ambulance call-outs giving a behind the scenes tour of working in the industry. Interesting story line with plot twists that genuinely left me guessing. Highly recommend!
July 26, 2021
Really loved this read. Has such depth and incite into Brisbane Ambulance service but putting that aside is an exciting and all comsuming murder mystery thriller....would recommend! Looking forward to the follow up due October 2021..Beneath Contempt.
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