Matt McAvoy Book Review

A well-written crime comic-thriller, about an unassuming estate agent who begins an affair with the wife of a wealthy criminal and finds himself up to his neck in money laundering and drug smuggling.  This is a conventional and pretty simple tale which is not excessive in any capacity, but rather a cosy read; it is probably far more suited to readers who like low-action crime caper fiction based on witty dialogue and humorous personalities.  There is a touch of cynicism in Browne’s portrayal of the absurdity and wealth-biased Sydney property market (and being a Londoner, I can certainly identify with that), but he keeps his sense of humour, crafting his fiction with fun and light-heartedness.

Readers should expect perhaps a touch more comic than thriller, and there is no violence or any serious threat of danger to speak of; the ominous menace of its tough-guy characters (hardened inmates, hired thugs, biker gangs and such), are more suggested than portrayed.  This is nice in a way, in its difference to the norm, and it does dilute the genre of this book to a more light- than dark-based one; personally I would have liked to see Money Bags infusing one or two additional spicy ingredients – a touch of heat and danger underlying it, to tip its scales a little more in the thriller direction.  This book was entertaining to read, and I enjoyed killing time with it, even if it was, to be honest, with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude.  It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong – pleasantly written and nice to read, also interlaced with some easy-going fun; Michael Browne is a good, professional author, too.  I think there are a lot of people who will enjoy this book – the cover is a good indication of what you can expect to find – and the author will no doubt win himself a few fans… deservedly so, too, I think.