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The Brush-Off

The Murray Whelan Novels: Text Classics
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( 503 ratings, 35 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Brush-Off by Shane Maloney is a witty crime novel that follows Murray Whelan, a political adviser in Melbourne, as he gets entangled in the art world. When a young artist's mysterious death raises suspicions, Murray navigates a landscape filled with intrigue, deception, and bureaucratic challenges, all while trying to unearth the truth amidst layers of comedic chaos.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy sharp satire infused with a touch of humour, along with a riveting crime and thriller experience, this book might be perfect for you. It offers a witty, suspenseful journey with a uniquely Australian flair, making it a must-read for those who appreciate clever, engaging mysteries.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Winner, Ned Kelly Award for Crime Fiction, 1996

‘When I hear the word culture I think excellence and I think access…’
I wasn’t sure where this was going, but at least he wasn’t reaching for his revolver.

Murray Whelan, hero of Stiff, is back at his richly futile best in The Brush-Off. When the body of an artist is fished from the moat outside the National Gallery, Murray—political minder, brushed-off lover and art buff on the make—goes looking for the big picture. If he can put the fix in, he might have a chance of staying employed. The second adventure in Shane Maloney’s series brilliantly mixes high art with low blows.

Series: Murray Whelan Novels

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  • The Brush-Off
    Winner, Ned Kelly Award for Crime Fiction, 1996 ‘When I hear the word culture I think excellence and I think access…’ I wasn’t sure where this was going, but at least he wasn’t reaching for his revolver. Murray Whelan, hero of Stiff, is back at his richly futile best in The Brush-Off. When the body of an artist is fished...
    Paperback
    $1799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Brush-Off by Shane Maloney is a crime and thriller novel praised for its blend of humour and suspense, with a clever twist on the politics of both art and governance. Critics commend its mix of comic and tragic elements, highlighting its entertaining and witty narrative style. The book is celebrated as an enjoyable read with its engaging storytelling and notable dry wit.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925603279

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 January 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Michael Robotham

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Born in Hamilton in western Victoria, in 1953, Shane Maloney is one of Australia’s most popular novelists. His award-winning and much-loved Murray Whelan series—Stiff, The Brush-Off, Nice Try, The Big Ask, Something Fishy and Sucked In—has been published around the world.

Before becoming a writer, Shane Maloney booked rock bands, promoted public radio, conducted public relations for the Boy Scouts Association, ran the Melbourne Comedy Festival and became a swimming pool lifeguard. There is no evidence that anyone drowned on his watch.

In 1996 The Brush-Off won the Ned Kelly Prize for Crime Fiction. In 2004 Stiff and The Brush-Off were made into telemovies, starring David Wenham as Murray Whelan. In 2009 Shane Maloney was presented with the Crime Writers’ Association of Australia Lifetime Achievement Award.

He lives in Melbourne.

Also by Shane Maloney

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  • The Big Ask: A Murray Whelan Thriller
    The Big Ask: A Murray Whelan Thriller features Murray Whelan in a tight spot. A disastrous election result looms, casting doubt on his future as a political minder. However, when his boss, Angelo Agnelli, antagonises the trucking industry, Murray's career concerns become just part of a bigger chaos. Murray's troubles escalate after he gets punched in a city nightclub, making...
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  • Something Fishy
    The Hon. Murray Whelan MP. Respectability at last. And true love, what's more, in the person of the salty-tongued Lyndal Luscombe—who has in her possession a highly significant ultrasound photo. There must be a catch. And Murray's about to reel it in. In Something Fishy, discover how Murray navigates this twist in his life, blending humour and intrigue in Shane...
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  • Whispering in the Wind
    A timeless tale from a more innocent era, first published in 1969 at the time of the first moon landing. Peter sets out into the Australian bush on his pony that leaps like lightning to find a princess to rescue from a dragon - something only a brave and good person can attempt. Along the way he meets a trusty...
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  • Stiff
    The fiddle at the Pacific Pastoral meat-packing works was a nice little earner for all concerned until Herb Gardiner reported finding a body in number 3 chiller. An accident, of course, but just the excuse a devious political operator might grab to stir up trouble with the unions. Enter Murray Whelan, minder, fixer and general dogsbody for the Minister of...
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  • Nice Try: A Murray Wheln Thriller
    When Murray Whelan, lovelorn political minder and part-time fitness fanatic, is recruited to massage Australia's bid for the Olympics, he has no idea how tough the going will get. Not even the sight of the gorgeous Holly Deloite in her taut blue leotard at the City Club can stop him diving head first into trouble. And, when the death of...
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