From the Bookshelf of Aussie Readers…

The Fix

Nick Earls

Find A Copy At

Libraries

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Oct 23, 2011 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it

Shelves: aussie-author

Australian author Nick Earls is best known for his light hearted contemporary lad lit with young male protagonists making their way into adulthood. The Fix is new direction for the author as while this novel, his thirteenth, is set in Brisbane as are his previous books, this is in essence a low key crime novel.
Josh Lang, an unemployed journalist, has returned to Brisbane after a lacklustre career in London. He makes a living of sorts with some freelance writing and an opinion blog but money is Australian author Nick Earls is best known for his light hearted contemporary lad lit with young male protagonists making their way into adulthood. The Fix is new direction for the author as while this novel, his thirteenth, is set in Brisbane as are his previous books, this is in essence a low key crime novel.
Josh Lang, an unemployed journalist, has returned to Brisbane after a lacklustre career in London. He makes a living of sorts with some freelance writing and an opinion blog but money is tight so when his older brother offers him some simple PR work coaching a reluctant hero who is nominated for the Star of Courage he accepts. When the hero is revealed to be Ben Harkin, an old friend of Josh's, the situation becomes complicated and as Josh prepares for the media he becomes suspicious of the events that occurred in the room where one man emerged a hero and another a dead psychopath.
The Fix is not a traditional crime novel with an ever increasing body count and danger at every turn but is underpinned by an enigmatic mystery. The tension builds slowly over the course of the novel ending with an unexpected twist. Adding to the appeal of the story is plenty of wry humour, a fortune cookie addiction and a touch of romance for Josh with a stripper slash law student. Narrated by Josh, who is an easy going protagonist, The Fix has a deceptively casual tone and pace.
Josh Lang is a likeable character, while only in his mid twenties, he is discouraged by his lack of success to date in both his personal and professional life. He is more than capable of the job his brother offers but discovering Ben Harkin, the man who Josh holds responsible for breaking up his serious relationship, is the hero in question complicates the job. Josh is not sure if it his resentment of his former friend, or his experience as a journalist that is telling him something is not right with the situation and when Josh eventually discovers the truth, the conflict of the personal and professional weighs heavily on him.
The Fix is as funny and sharp as in the works he is most well known for but is tempered by the more adult context. Fan's of Earls who have aged along with him will likely appreciate the shift that perhaps demonstrates the Gen X author is finally growing up. Entertaining and an easy read The Fix is a satisfying read.

...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 15, 2011 Kate Gordon rated it it was amazing

Sep 28, 2011 Midnightrider marked it as to-read

Apr 30, 2012 Donna marked it as to-read

Shelves: library

May 05, 2013 Terri added it

Group Home Bookshelf Discussions

Photos Videos

Send invite Members Polls