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Deadly Kerfuffle
It’s 2006, and terror scaremongering in the media has rattled the residents of sleepy, suburban Dunlop Crescent. When a Maori family moves into number 14, the local cranks assume they are Middle Eastern terrorists hell-bent on destroying the Australian way of life. Rumour has it that they plan to turn their house to face Mecca.
This sets off an extraordinary chain of events that embroils the entire neighbourhood as well as cynical media figures, bumbling anti-terrorist police, and a gang of white supremacists with a radical plan to wake up the country and ‘preserve Australian values’. At the centre of it all is Gordon, a retired widower, who just wants a bit of peace and quiet.
Deadly Kerfuffle is a smart, riveting and incredibly funny novel inspired by actual letters to the editor in a local newspaper. Through biting satire and a cast of unforgettable characters, it’s an insight into the kind of paranoia that could only ever blossom in the quietest and safest of places.
This sets off an extraordinary chain of events that embroils the entire neighbourhood as well as cynical media figures, bumbling anti-terrorist police, and a gang of white supremacists with a radical plan to wake up the country and ‘preserve Australian values’. At the centre of it all is Gordon, a retired widower, who just wants a bit of peace and quiet.
Deadly Kerfuffle is a smart, riveting and incredibly funny novel inspired by actual letters to the editor in a local newspaper. Through biting satire and a cast of unforgettable characters, it’s an insight into the kind of paranoia that could only ever blossom in the quietest and safest of places.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
35 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Tony Martin
4 books37 followersTony Martin was born in Te Kuiti, New Zealand, in 1964. He was implicated in such projects as The D-Generation, The Late Show, Martin/Molloy, Get This and, more recently, ABC1’s A Quiet Word. He is the author of Lolly Scramble and A Nest of Occasionals. He lives in Melbourne and enjoys writing about himself in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 25, 2024
3.25 ⭐️ — This Aussie lark is close to being a truly good novel. It has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and the characters are themselves just so uniquely Australian in terms of their humour, it’s a book I read in many short sessions over a couple of months, wearing a smile each and every session I’m quite sure.
"Deadly Kerfuffle" emerges as a near brilliant, captivating, & delightfully humorous novel, drawing inspiration from genuine and absolutely hilarious letters to the editor in a local Aussie newspaper. With sharp wit, a memorable ensemble cast that are each able to hold their own, it offers a poignant commentary, without garrulity, on the peculiar brand of paranoia that truly thrives in seemingly tranquil & secure environments. Through biting, hardly sagacious yet still wonderful satire, the narrative sheds light on the absurdities of human nature and the bizarre scenarios that unfold in the most unsuspecting locales. As the plot unfolds, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of hilarity and intrigue, making "Deadly Kerfuffle" a must-read for fans of intelligent comedy and keen social observation.
Expanding on this, the novel skillfully navigates the fine line between humor and insight, offering not only laughter but also moments of introspection. The characters, with their eccentricities & uniquely Australian quirks, leap off the page, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Moreover, the exploration of paranoia in ostensibly safe environments serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human psychology and the fragility of societal norms.
In saying all of the above, it can get a little bit one-paced at times, reading like a talk-show transcript of sorts, which is largely fine, if a tad one-dimensional. The novel does lack that final bit of polish, or more accurately perhaps would be to say, flexibility in its narrative, that is yearning for a slight diversion to help further highlight its commentary on racism, casual racism, odd social-norms we Aussies take as part & parcel of our culture. A single chapter that helps divert attention from the ongoing satire would’ve been highly welcomed here, serving to illustrate the authors point even more sharply, with a deft touch, a feather flap, in some subtly for potency. I found myself unable to read more than 20-pages without needing to put it down - which is the best way to read a book like this kind you - even if I didn’t want to, I just had to such was the one-paced narrative.
In its blend of comedy and social commentary, "Deadly Kerfuffle" stands as a testament to the power of literature to both entertain and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned.
"Deadly Kerfuffle" emerges as a near brilliant, captivating, & delightfully humorous novel, drawing inspiration from genuine and absolutely hilarious letters to the editor in a local Aussie newspaper. With sharp wit, a memorable ensemble cast that are each able to hold their own, it offers a poignant commentary, without garrulity, on the peculiar brand of paranoia that truly thrives in seemingly tranquil & secure environments. Through biting, hardly sagacious yet still wonderful satire, the narrative sheds light on the absurdities of human nature and the bizarre scenarios that unfold in the most unsuspecting locales. As the plot unfolds, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of hilarity and intrigue, making "Deadly Kerfuffle" a must-read for fans of intelligent comedy and keen social observation.
Expanding on this, the novel skillfully navigates the fine line between humor and insight, offering not only laughter but also moments of introspection. The characters, with their eccentricities & uniquely Australian quirks, leap off the page, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Moreover, the exploration of paranoia in ostensibly safe environments serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human psychology and the fragility of societal norms.
In saying all of the above, it can get a little bit one-paced at times, reading like a talk-show transcript of sorts, which is largely fine, if a tad one-dimensional. The novel does lack that final bit of polish, or more accurately perhaps would be to say, flexibility in its narrative, that is yearning for a slight diversion to help further highlight its commentary on racism, casual racism, odd social-norms we Aussies take as part & parcel of our culture. A single chapter that helps divert attention from the ongoing satire would’ve been highly welcomed here, serving to illustrate the authors point even more sharply, with a deft touch, a feather flap, in some subtly for potency. I found myself unable to read more than 20-pages without needing to put it down - which is the best way to read a book like this kind you - even if I didn’t want to, I just had to such was the one-paced narrative.
In its blend of comedy and social commentary, "Deadly Kerfuffle" stands as a testament to the power of literature to both entertain and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned.
November 26, 2017
Great fun read. Martin is a fabulous talent, and writing novels is another to add to the armoury - what can't he do?
This is a clever book, that is both light, but also well plotted and heavily layered with wonderful colloquial phrases that can't help but raise a rye smile or giggle and a lot of enjoyment.
This is a clever book, that is both light, but also well plotted and heavily layered with wonderful colloquial phrases that can't help but raise a rye smile or giggle and a lot of enjoyment.
January 17, 2018
We've just run out of Melbourne cliches.
November 27, 2017
I really wanted to like this book, and tried to do so, but the book seemed to be more a failed movie script than a novel. It didn't know whether to be dark or humorous/satirical, and it was convoluted to the point where it seemed to lose any sense of internal rhythm. The characters were numerous and indistinct, superficial extras rather than those who add body, interest and believability to the work. I'll leave it there, as I hate giving reviews that are negative. But it really did read more as a fleshed-out movie script. I actually don't think it would make a bad movie, in a similar manner to 'Bad Eggs', which I think was also written by the author. I could definitely imagine Mick Molloy and Judith Lucy as the 'romantic leads'.
October 20, 2019
A very Aussie comedic thriller tackling the contemporary merging of racism and terrorism. An unsuspecting cast of familiar-sounding characters encounter some unpleasantness in their leafy Melbourne suburb - quite helpful for the radio talkback. Probably as expected, more giggling than suspense.
October 7, 2017
Actual score 3.5
Comedic writing is hard and this one is a good example of this genre. This book is pretty funny and does a good job at skewering hubris. There were a few bits where I actually laughed out loud, which I feel is required in this genre.
The story was both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time. It takes the piss out of bumbling law enforcement plods (the pessimistic bit) and incompetent (the optimistic bit), impulsive (a bit more pessimism) would-be terrorists. The tone of the writing, unsurprisingly, calls to mind the writing on Australian TV comedy shows, such as the D Generation etc.
The web that Martin weaves in the plot makes use of familiar ‘dog whistles’ and uniquely Australian tropes as a juxtaposition against modern multiculturalism to tug at our assumptions about ‘the other’, who they are and what they look like. Sometimes comedy is the most effective vehicle with which to make a strong socio-political statement.
Comedic writing is hard and this one is a good example of this genre. This book is pretty funny and does a good job at skewering hubris. There were a few bits where I actually laughed out loud, which I feel is required in this genre.
The story was both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time. It takes the piss out of bumbling law enforcement plods (the pessimistic bit) and incompetent (the optimistic bit), impulsive (a bit more pessimism) would-be terrorists. The tone of the writing, unsurprisingly, calls to mind the writing on Australian TV comedy shows, such as the D Generation etc.
The web that Martin weaves in the plot makes use of familiar ‘dog whistles’ and uniquely Australian tropes as a juxtaposition against modern multiculturalism to tug at our assumptions about ‘the other’, who they are and what they look like. Sometimes comedy is the most effective vehicle with which to make a strong socio-political statement.
May 5, 2018
Don't let the marketing fool you, whilst this can be funny at points, much of the humour comes from the subtle parody of the thriller genre, rather than intended jokes. In this way, it works, but it could also be read straight as a thriller, in which it also works. This isn't a criticism, as you see the plot get more and more outlandish until you realise that was the intent, but it was definitely not what I expected coming in.
The plot works; some of the resolutions are perhaps too clean, but for a parody this works fine. It probably doesn't deserve five stars, but goodreads doesn't let me give half stars. So I rounded up :)
The plot works; some of the resolutions are perhaps too clean, but for a parody this works fine. It probably doesn't deserve five stars, but goodreads doesn't let me give half stars. So I rounded up :)
January 23, 2018
For all those who said we need an Australian Carl Hiaasen (and I know you're out there, Barry,) here he is. Classic problem presents - he's a New Zealander. We know how we deal with that now, don't we?
That aside, this is so very, very good.
That aside, this is so very, very good.
April 16, 2018
Slow to start, but I started turning pages a lot faster once Act III rolled around and the action started ramping up. Featured a large cast of mostly forgettable characters, but I did appreciate that all their plotlines were solidly, if perhaps too conveniently, concluded.
February 3, 2018
I love Tony Martin and this book is great, but I just felt like the set up took forever. Definitely worth your time and perseverance though.
May 3, 2018
I didn't care for this at all, I could not get engaged with it and it has now gone to the charity shop!
June 15, 2018
Very amusing and enjoyable.
January 22, 2018
This story deals with fairly serious issues that have plagued Australia for a long time and show no signs of letting up. The Australian tendency towards casual (and not so casual) racism, the reliance on shock jocks and other opinionated figures to inform us of the news, the need to know exactly what those neighbours are up to.... the last part forms a particularly large part of this story.
Thankfully these all so serious issues are dealt with in an increasingly outlandish and bizarre conspiracy involving the residents of a quiet little suburban street.
The protagonists are an elderly retiree who has become increasingly bored after the death of his wife, a pop culture neckbeard who spends his time writing angry letters to big name companies and the assistant of a right wing radio shock jock (who bares no resemblance to anyone I can think of). So basically an odd assortment of people perfectly placed to take down (or become a part of) a terrorist conspiracy.
Tony Martin fills this book with his usual deadpan humour and snarky observations while creating believable characters in an all too familiar world.
If you've enjoyed any of Tony Wilson or Shane Maloney's novels I'd highly recommend this. Putting all my cards on the table, I'm an unabashed (when does anyone admit to being abashed?), long term fan of Tony Martin's work. All the way back to watching The Best of The Late Show to the still amazing Get This and his TV-series-turned-podcast Childproof. So basically I'm pretty damned biased.
Putting all of that aside, it's still a great read and even if you have no idea who Tony Martin is (lately he's kept busy arguing with Mark Latham on twitter).
This is dizzy stuff, folks.
Thankfully these all so serious issues are dealt with in an increasingly outlandish and bizarre conspiracy involving the residents of a quiet little suburban street.
The protagonists are an elderly retiree who has become increasingly bored after the death of his wife, a pop culture neckbeard who spends his time writing angry letters to big name companies and the assistant of a right wing radio shock jock (who bares no resemblance to anyone I can think of). So basically an odd assortment of people perfectly placed to take down (or become a part of) a terrorist conspiracy.
Tony Martin fills this book with his usual deadpan humour and snarky observations while creating believable characters in an all too familiar world.
If you've enjoyed any of Tony Wilson or Shane Maloney's novels I'd highly recommend this. Putting all my cards on the table, I'm an unabashed (when does anyone admit to being abashed?), long term fan of Tony Martin's work. All the way back to watching The Best of The Late Show to the still amazing Get This and his TV-series-turned-podcast Childproof. So basically I'm pretty damned biased.
Putting all of that aside, it's still a great read and even if you have no idea who Tony Martin is (lately he's kept busy arguing with Mark Latham on twitter).
This is dizzy stuff, folks.
October 5, 2017
It's hard to know who Tony Martin is poking more fun at: the media, the general public, the AFP (Australian Federal Police for non-Aussies) or the terrorists.
It is 2006, the post September 11 terrorist media hype has the residents of quiet Dunlop Crescent in suburban Melbourne on high alert. Rumours are flying that the newest residents are Middle Eastern terrorists turning their newly acquired house toward Mecca. The locals are whipped into a frenzy by local busybody Herb and talk show host Julian Spence and the supposed "terrorists" (in reality a Kiwi couple) find themselves homeless after someone sets their house on fire!
Herb is quickly arrested but his mate Gordon knows for all of Herb's many faults an arsonist he is not. Gordon sets out to flush out the real culprit. Along the way there are colourful characters, criminal masterminds, frustrated police and a whole lot of chaos. Retiree Gordon is definitely in over his head.
It is 2006, the post September 11 terrorist media hype has the residents of quiet Dunlop Crescent in suburban Melbourne on high alert. Rumours are flying that the newest residents are Middle Eastern terrorists turning their newly acquired house toward Mecca. The locals are whipped into a frenzy by local busybody Herb and talk show host Julian Spence and the supposed "terrorists" (in reality a Kiwi couple) find themselves homeless after someone sets their house on fire!
Herb is quickly arrested but his mate Gordon knows for all of Herb's many faults an arsonist he is not. Gordon sets out to flush out the real culprit. Along the way there are colourful characters, criminal masterminds, frustrated police and a whole lot of chaos. Retiree Gordon is definitely in over his head.
December 10, 2017
I don't read a lot of fiction so for me to say this was entertainingly and almost cinematically written for a first novel speaks very well of the skill of its author. There will be a lot of references you may not get if you aren't Melbournian/Victorian and are conversant in the author's career, but you'll get many a laugh anyway. Martin's characters are superb: there's the nosey neighbour, the hypocritical shock jock, the put-upon PA, to name a few. The language is unpretentious and unadorned: the reader isn't taken aside to admire purple descriptive passages, and the authorial tone is gently sarcastic. The whole bent of the novel is farce, and builds to a suitably farcical climax with some well-deserved comeuppances.
It might seem a quick read but a rewarding one that you'll want to dip into again just for the fun of it. Looking forward to the "difficult second novel" very much!
It might seem a quick read but a rewarding one that you'll want to dip into again just for the fun of it. Looking forward to the "difficult second novel" very much!
December 26, 2017
Tony Martin’s first work of fiction starts out well. It ends quite strongly too, but in the middle lags a bit in confusion of its many characters and their relationships. The satire is based on actual letters to the editor in a local newspaper, which takes away a bit of the funny in its tell of the chain of events that results from media scaremongering when a newly arrived Maori family becomes confused for a middle eastern terrorists determined to destroy Australia’s way of life.
January 5, 2018
I am such a Tony Martin fan and am so glad that Deadly Kerfuffle did not disappoint! This is a fantastic novel! I loved the Australianisms right from the start, but the story itself doesn’t rely on them, with lots of narrative threads coming together expertly by the end. There were many, many times reading the book where I laughed out loud, and even slapped my thigh multiple times - which scared my cat. Definitely give this book your time!
February 8, 2018
What a pleasure it was to read this book! Very funny with well drawn characters and effortlessly Australian. I bought another two as presents as soon as I'd finished.
Tony Martin delivers insightful commentary on racism, fear, media, authority and overreaction. Without being boring or judgemental. It reminded me of a book version of late night talk show. Hilarious packaging containing pointed observation of a shocking subject.
Tony Martin delivers insightful commentary on racism, fear, media, authority and overreaction. Without being boring or judgemental. It reminded me of a book version of late night talk show. Hilarious packaging containing pointed observation of a shocking subject.
November 14, 2017
I love Tony Martin's humour and it shines through in this comedic novel.
Poking fun at the media, the talkback radio callers, the general public, the Australian Federal Police and terrorists, no one escapes unscathed in this story that begins with New Zealand immigrants being assumed Muslims.
Poking fun at the media, the talkback radio callers, the general public, the Australian Federal Police and terrorists, no one escapes unscathed in this story that begins with New Zealand immigrants being assumed Muslims.
November 17, 2022
Putting Tony Martin's two autobiographical short story collections aside, this is his first work of fiction - and like all first novels, it has a lot of autobiographical touches to it.
By which I mean regular listeners/fans of Tony will know of his history working in in typesetting, his opinions on aspect ratio on classic movies on Dvd etc - you will come to hear various characters in this book expressing these thoughts and views. It's a very "Tony" book. I understand there may be an audiobook version read by the author - it would be well worth checking out.
If you aren't a Tony fan I imagine some of the Easter egg/bio things will sail past you, but this does not hinder the book at all. Speaking of the book, I suppose I should spend some of this review actually discussing the book, right?
It's a great humorous examination of the post Sept 11 xenophobia and suburban casual racism of the modern era. Great characters, amusing dialogue, good observations, cracking pace, plenty of intrigue at the right moments - it all pays off beautifully. At the end of the tale everyone gets an ending they deserve and Tony saves perhaps the most intriguing (and bizarre, and true(?)) reveal for the "acknowledgements and thanks" section.
Probably the funniest book I will read this year. Highly recommended.
By which I mean regular listeners/fans of Tony will know of his history working in in typesetting, his opinions on aspect ratio on classic movies on Dvd etc - you will come to hear various characters in this book expressing these thoughts and views. It's a very "Tony" book. I understand there may be an audiobook version read by the author - it would be well worth checking out.
If you aren't a Tony fan I imagine some of the Easter egg/bio things will sail past you, but this does not hinder the book at all. Speaking of the book, I suppose I should spend some of this review actually discussing the book, right?
It's a great humorous examination of the post Sept 11 xenophobia and suburban casual racism of the modern era. Great characters, amusing dialogue, good observations, cracking pace, plenty of intrigue at the right moments - it all pays off beautifully. At the end of the tale everyone gets an ending they deserve and Tony saves perhaps the most intriguing (and bizarre, and true(?)) reveal for the "acknowledgements and thanks" section.
Probably the funniest book I will read this year. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2018
I think this book is hilarious, very accessible and a satirical meditation on how extreme, and honestly ridiculous the hype and moral panic surrounding terrorism and crime in association with People of Colour and Muslim people can be. This novel also subtly highlights the lack of reflexivity and reflection on the part of white Australians, who are extremely willing to blame People of Colour for really any sign of neighbourhood disorder and societal breakdown, without considering or recognising their own (generally exorbitant) contribution to this situation. This book toed the line between light reading and the confrontation of some very significant issues that confront our society.
February 25, 2018
Another book that claims the contents are hilarious and it didn't even raise a smile for me. As a result I could not shelve this under "humour".
I wanted to like this book, but it just didn't do it for me. There were way too many one-dimensional characters that I kept forgetting who they were and how they fitted in. Lots of conversation which didn't seem to go anywhere. I was just impatient for something more somehow. I couldn't see where it was going and didn't want to bother forcing myself to read more to find out.
Disappointed.
I wanted to like this book, but it just didn't do it for me. There were way too many one-dimensional characters that I kept forgetting who they were and how they fitted in. Lots of conversation which didn't seem to go anywhere. I was just impatient for something more somehow. I couldn't see where it was going and didn't want to bother forcing myself to read more to find out.
Disappointed.
December 16, 2019
Set in the 21st century but very much a mid-19th century style farce. Quarter of the way through I started getting annoyed at the characters, then recognised the style and saw I had a choice. Take it seriously and be annoyed and people withholding information from each other, or go along with the screwball fun. I did find it a lot of fun. The characters were well-drawn stereotypes. At least they were true to themselves which also made it fun.
If you're prepared to park the plot-critic and enjoy a farce, read it. If you get annoyed by plot holes then avoid.
If you're prepared to park the plot-critic and enjoy a farce, read it. If you get annoyed by plot holes then avoid.
August 16, 2019
This book is a lot of fun. Steeped in Australiana, and Melbourne life in particular. We can recognise each & every character in people we've met. The plot takes some interesting turns that you weren't expecting too.
It reminds me of A Confederacy of Dunces in its design & humour.
It reminds me of A Confederacy of Dunces in its design & humour.
January 7, 2022
A very funny book, it caused me to laugh out loud many times, which doesn’t happen too often these days. It is a very distinctive Melbourne setting and consequent in-jokes, but that shouldn’t put people off.
It’s easy to imagine this all in Tony Martin’s voice, drawing on his extensive knowledge of talkback radio and tabloid newspapers and the letters columns.
Great fun, easy to understand and a dramatic finale!
It’s easy to imagine this all in Tony Martin’s voice, drawing on his extensive knowledge of talkback radio and tabloid newspapers and the letters columns.
Great fun, easy to understand and a dramatic finale!
December 8, 2017
A good fun yarn
This was a good romp through 2006 Melbourne; a basic disaster unravelling in a quiet Melbourne street. The characters were great except when they became obsessed with obscure movies and aspect ratios that didn’t quite fit their stations in life. One suspect this was the authors own deranged or optimistic view of their own future elderly existence.
This was a good romp through 2006 Melbourne; a basic disaster unravelling in a quiet Melbourne street. The characters were great except when they became obsessed with obscure movies and aspect ratios that didn’t quite fit their stations in life. One suspect this was the authors own deranged or optimistic view of their own future elderly existence.
January 30, 2018
I couldn't sleep because the cool change was taking forever to cool down my room, so I picked this up to read. And then I was about halfway through, and it was cool enough to sleep, but I kept going, until I finished the book in a single sitting.
It's that smart and that funny, absolutely Tony Martin at his best.
It's that smart and that funny, absolutely Tony Martin at his best.
September 3, 2018
This book performed a miracle; it made me look at my fellow Melbournians as lovable characters in an interesting and unique setting rather than my usual mood of crazed misanthropy and loathing of the Australian surburban ugliness. Oh, and even though I lost my mother only 3 months ago, I laughed helplessly at something on nearly every page. And its heaps dramatic.
November 21, 2019
It's a fun read. I've been a fun of Tony Martin's comedy since The Late Show. Being a fan, I recognised jokes that referenced his work from The Late Show and his radio program Martin/Molloy. Much of the humour comes from ridiculous plots and theories and incompetence of media outlets and intelligence agencies. In short, it is a funny thriller that is definitely worth reading.
April 21, 2024
So many witty one liners, so much fun, so many laugh out loud moments. I had a lot of fun listening to this tale, to this Aussie yarn that spins out of control. Tony Martin knows how to turn a phrase and play on words. He has woven a very clever set of stories that individually are funny but when they are all meshed together chaos rules and shenanigans follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews