Stiff

`Maloney pokes fun at almost everything, revelling in words that showcase ludicrous events and behaviour. And Murray as a caring but totally unhandy and terminally horny single (almost) parent only broadens the satire. A rewarding and entertaining read.' * Library Journal * `Whelan is a born politico: a breezy, know-it-all wiseacre with a glad hand and a seductively confiding tone of voice.' * Seattle Times * `The pure pleasure of Maloney's book lies in being plunged so thoroughly into the complicated byways of Australian politics...a fast-paced, fresh, unerringly funny book...Murray is a great creation, one that takes the wisecracking wise guy into a whole new realm.' * Houston Chronicle * `Deep and subtle verities...Maloney is a writer who seems to have been sitting on a thousand observations now unleashed.' * Sunday Age * `Maloney is terrific, a writer who brings to the prose of pulp fiction the stateliness and beserkness of the best Australian comedy...he could be the Australian Chandler...[Stiff] may well become a cult book.' -- Peter Craven * Age * `Shane Maloney's debut novel Stiff...juxtaposes bursts of high drama against the hyper-normality of suburban life. Funny and gripping...' * Rolling Stone * `A deft comedy...Murray Whelan steers a clapped-out Renault and a wonderful naivete...Maloney, like his hero, has a nice gruff way with language and an open and rapidly moving eye.' -- Graeme Blundell * Australian * `Action packed...reminiscent of the best of Hammond Innes...Read it, you'll love it. We want more from Maloney.' * Courier Mail * `Stiff is a murder mystery within a gritty political thriller, disguised as light comedy, all told with a remarkably deft touch...The dialogue is snappy throughout.' * Melbourne Weekly * `Stiff is hilarious. Shane Maloney has a wicked tongue...He has a fine talent for observation and an excellent sense of taste...This book is tightly plotted and the ending is a surprise. It is a witty, controversial, intelligent book, both genuinely frightening and genuinely funny. A rare combination.' -- Kerry Greenwood * Herald Sun *