Between The Devlin And The Deep Blue Seas

Les Norton #5

by Robert G. Barrett

Les Norton’s apartment block in Randwick was proving to be nothing but trouble, full of mayhem and murder. It seemed the longer he owned it the more money he lost. But while he’s trying to solve his financial problems, Les still has time to fight hate-crazed roadies, sort out a drug deal after fighting a gang of bikies, help a feminist Balmain writer with some research she won’t forget in a hurry, and get involved with Franulka, a super-sexy leadsinger of an all-girl rock band, The Heathen Harlots. And with the help of two ex-Romanian Securitate explosive experts, he might even be able to sort out his investment. But can Les pull off the perfect crime?

Genres: Action, Australia, Fiction

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

G’day.
You’ve no doubt read a lot of things about me and my books over the years written by other people. Well, this is the truth. I grew up in Bondi in Sydney, Australia. I went to Bondi Beach Public School then on to Randwick Boys High. I left school at 14, did a few odd jobs then a trade as a butcher, mainly in the Eastern suburbs before finally working as a boner in various meatworks around the inner city with two trips to Ross River meatworks at Townsville, Queensland thrown in. I gave up boning after a hindquarter fell on me tearing the tendons in my right arm. I always liked writing letters and reading, so while I was on worker’s compensation I did three writing courses at the WEA, Worker’s Education Authority.

Robert died of cancer at his home in Terrigal, New South Wales.

Reviews

[Bread winner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolute garbage that’s just clever enough to pass muster. It’s always a little silly when the tough guy heroes of books like this have a secret sensitivity or intelligence, but Les Norton is just refreshingly dumb and straightforward — no layers, no tiresome angst, just some Aussie yobbo with money problems who wants to ROOT and HAVE A BIT OF A FEED and watch Beyond 2000. Absolutely foul language and plenty of laughs. The perfect gateway recommendation for the non-reader uncles and fathers in your life to get them into the magical world of literature.

[Nona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert BARRETT can certainly tell a good story but his use of language is appalling.
Yes I know there are those who have to continually swear with every second word they use, but do we have to read or in my case listen to it. Surely BARRETT could restrain himself now and then.
He weaves a good tale of a man living on Sydney's coast who finds himself in a bit of bother and humorously and darkly gets himself back on track.
I should have like to give his story five stars, but not the way it was written.
Further the reader of the Cd Dino MARNIKA obviously took great pleasure in expounding and emphasising every swear word, which added to the books undesirability.

[Shirley Metelmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

That’s another day consumed with another Les Norton story.
Good read. Almost believable..

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about this loveable Aussie larrakin. Highly recommend

[SteveMcI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody funny read. Very Australian turns of phrase. The TV series is very close to the books.

[Chris Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, fully into the Les Norton Series’s. Audiobook again… love the stories and the narrator.

[Jaclyn Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never thought I would've enjoyed this. It was crass and cringe-worthy at times but I still enjoyed the story. Easy listening for the gym!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining!