📖 Overview
Robert G. Barrett (1942-2012) was an Australian author best known for his crime fiction novels featuring the character Les Norton, a Queensland farm boy turned bouncer in Sydney's Kings Cross district.
Barrett wrote 20 books in the Les Norton series between 1984 and 2012, starting with "You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids." His novels combined crime plots with distinctly Australian humor and provided vivid depictions of Sydney's underbelly and beach culture during the 1980s and 1990s.
The author worked various jobs before his writing career, including as a butcher and professional boxer, which informed the authentic working-class perspective in his works. His books gained a strong following in Australia, with several titles becoming bestsellers and the Les Norton character being adapted for television.
Barrett's writing style was characterized by its use of Australian vernacular and slang, with his work often being compared to that of Carter Brown, another prominent Australian crime fiction author. He continued writing until shortly before his death in 2012, with his final novel "Still Riding on the Storm" published posthumously.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Barrett's authentic portrayal of Australian life and culture, particularly his use of local slang and humor. Many connect with the Les Norton character's working-class background and straightforward approach. One reader on Goodreads notes: "Barrett captures the essence of 1980s Kings Cross perfectly."
Readers appreciate:
- Fast-paced plots
- Realistic dialogue and Australian vernacular
- Detailed descriptions of Sydney locations
- Light-hearted tone despite crime themes
Common criticisms:
- Repetitive storylines in later books
- Basic writing style
- Dated attitudes toward women and minorities
- Heavy use of slang can confuse non-Australian readers
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all books
- Amazon Australia: 4.2/5 average
- Google Books: 4/5 average
The Les Norton series accounts for most reviews, with "You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids" receiving the highest ratings. Several readers mention starting with later books and going back to read the series from the beginning.
📚 Books by Robert G. Barrett
Les Norton and the Case of the Talking Pie Crust - Les Norton investigates strange events at a bakery while working as a bouncer at a Sydney nightclub.
You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids - A Queensland farm boy moves to Sydney and becomes involved in the city's nightclub scene and criminal underworld.
The Real Thing - Les Norton travels to the United States and becomes entangled in a plot involving counterfeit money.
Between the Devlin and the Deep Blue Seas - Les Norton faces murder and mayhem while working security at a resort in Far North Queensland.
White Shoes, White Lines and Blackie - Les Norton encounters corruption and danger while investigating suspicious activities at a Sydney casino.
The Boys from Binjiwunyawunya - Les Norton helps aboriginal friends protect their land rights while dealing with violent opposition.
Rider on the Storm and Other Bits - A collection of short stories featuring Les Norton's various adventures in Sydney.
And De Fun Don't Done - Les Norton becomes involved in a complex web of crime while working as security at a Kings Cross strip club.
Mele Kalikimaka Mr Walker - Les Norton travels to Hawaii and becomes embroiled in international intrigue.
Still Riding on the Storm - Les Norton faces dangerous adversaries while trying to protect a friend's business interests.
You Wouldn't Be Dead For Quids - A Queensland farm boy moves to Sydney and becomes involved in the city's nightclub scene and criminal underworld.
The Real Thing - Les Norton travels to the United States and becomes entangled in a plot involving counterfeit money.
Between the Devlin and the Deep Blue Seas - Les Norton faces murder and mayhem while working security at a resort in Far North Queensland.
White Shoes, White Lines and Blackie - Les Norton encounters corruption and danger while investigating suspicious activities at a Sydney casino.
The Boys from Binjiwunyawunya - Les Norton helps aboriginal friends protect their land rights while dealing with violent opposition.
Rider on the Storm and Other Bits - A collection of short stories featuring Les Norton's various adventures in Sydney.
And De Fun Don't Done - Les Norton becomes involved in a complex web of crime while working as security at a Kings Cross strip club.
Mele Kalikimaka Mr Walker - Les Norton travels to Hawaii and becomes embroiled in international intrigue.
Still Riding on the Storm - Les Norton faces dangerous adversaries while trying to protect a friend's business interests.
👥 Similar authors
Carl Hiaasen writes crime fiction with humor and irreverence set in Florida. His protagonists face corruption and eccentric characters while navigating criminal schemes.
Peter Corris created the Cliff Hardy detective series set in Sydney's underbelly. His work captures Australian crime fiction with a noir style similar to Barrett's Les Norton series.
Shane Maloney writes crime novels featuring protagonist Murray Whelan in Melbourne's political scene. His books blend crime, politics and Australian cultural references.
Carter Brown produced hardboiled detective fiction set in Australia from the 1950s-1980s. His work influenced later Australian crime writers with its mix of action and local context.
Paul Thomas writes crime fiction set in New Zealand featuring detective Tito Ihaka. His stories incorporate Pacific culture and criminal underworld elements with straightforward prose.
Peter Corris created the Cliff Hardy detective series set in Sydney's underbelly. His work captures Australian crime fiction with a noir style similar to Barrett's Les Norton series.
Shane Maloney writes crime novels featuring protagonist Murray Whelan in Melbourne's political scene. His books blend crime, politics and Australian cultural references.
Carter Brown produced hardboiled detective fiction set in Australia from the 1950s-1980s. His work influenced later Australian crime writers with its mix of action and local context.
Paul Thomas writes crime fiction set in New Zealand featuring detective Tito Ihaka. His stories incorporate Pacific culture and criminal underworld elements with straightforward prose.