Publisher's Synopsis
Cockabloodytoo is a pacey thriller/comedy following the exploits of a cast of intriguing characters. The distinctly Australian take on a Bond-esque secret service organisation, run by a Frenchman (Le Frog), is a unique feature of this work. The novel uses real settings, primarily rural locations around Melbourne, the cockatoo, Bruce, who appears throughout the story, provides the story with yet another unique feature.
It is energetic and the story is certainly an unusual one. Over the early chapters an unlikely team are brought together. The introduction of Bruce the cockatoo, then Doc and Pete, as the story begins, sets the tone well for the rest of the novel. The characters are a recognisable and likeable bunch, adding to the lively good humour of the story. The main character 'Ron', is anti-drugs, smuggling, (especially wildlife), enjoys a good scrap and is anti-establishment, inadvertently he stumbles onto a bird smuggling racket and by rescuing a cockatoo stuck in a net set up by two seemingly inept country lads, catching the birds to make extra cash.
After a couple of gun battles they discover that the smugglers are also well established in the Meth amphetamine drug market.
Following some random clues given to Ron by the dying boss of the bird smugglers, he finally works out that there will be a large drug drop at a popular holiday location south of Melbourne, he makes plans with the aid of a of further unlikely recruit, to disrupt the landing and seize the drugs. Although a successful seizure takes place, their success is short lived.
They are forced to flee by boat and lie low in Geelong until they know just what the scenario is. Eventually they return to Melbourne and discover that the head of the drug ring has kidnapped Le Frogs mother to keep him and his organization out of his drug dealings. Once again they set out on a seek and destroy mission into the bush, this time to rescue the female Matriarch!
Strengths:
- Concept / Premise: This is a lot of fun. The idea of an Australian secret service agency leaning towards the rough and tumble of Guy Richie's, "Snatch". such as this is unique.
- Characters: Very recognisable characters. Bruce adds another (non-human) dimension
- Settings: Good use of local Victorian settings.
- Targeted readership: This will resonate with lovers of the thriller, with a dash of humour and sex genre.
- Point of view: First person narration works really well for this kind of story.
