CLIFF HARDY
Latest release: January 3, 2017
Series
41
Books
About this ebook series
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy is stony broke, which makes it hard to resist a job from the man he's been losing money to. Ted Tarleton is a rich bookie with a beautiful, spoiled daughter who's gone missing, and Ted wants Hardy to find her. Her boyfriend is no help, and Hardy faces opposition from all sides as he delves into the increasingly violent wreckage of Noni's past.
Cliff Hardy is stony broke, which makes it hard to resist a job from the man he's been losing money to. Ted Tarleton is a rich bookie with a beautiful, spoiled daughter who's gone missing, and Ted wants Hardy to find her. Her boyfriend is no help, and Hardy faces opposition from all sides as he delves into the increasingly violent wreckage of Noni's past.
White Meat: Cliff Hardy 2
Book 2 · Nov 2014 ·
4.0star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy is stony broke, which makes it hard to resist a job from the man he's been losing money to. Ted Tarleton is a rich bookie with a beautiful, spoiled daughter who's gone missing, and Ted wants Hardy to find her. Her boyfriend is no help, and Hardy faces opposition from all sides as he delves into the increasingly violent wreckage of Noni's past.
Cliff Hardy is stony broke, which makes it hard to resist a job from the man he's been losing money to. Ted Tarleton is a rich bookie with a beautiful, spoiled daughter who's gone missing, and Ted wants Hardy to find her. Her boyfriend is no help, and Hardy faces opposition from all sides as he delves into the increasingly violent wreckage of Noni's past.
The Marvellous Boy: Cliff Hardy 3
Book 3 · Nov 2014 ·
3.3star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Lady Catherine presides over the declining fortunes of the Chatterton estate, which is lacking a suitable heir. When she hears of a grandson she never knew, Cliff Hardy takes the job, reluctantly, of finding him. From the run-down boarding houses of Darlinghurst to the social set of Canberra, Hardy finds the case forcing him into some of the strangest roles a private detective has ever had to play.
Lady Catherine presides over the declining fortunes of the Chatterton estate, which is lacking a suitable heir. When she hears of a grandson she never knew, Cliff Hardy takes the job, reluctantly, of finding him. From the run-down boarding houses of Darlinghurst to the social set of Canberra, Hardy finds the case forcing him into some of the strangest roles a private detective has ever had to play.
The Empty Beach: Cliff Hardy 4
Book 4 · Aug 2003 ·
4.2star
Vintage Cliff Hardy, as Australia s favourite private eye finds himself literally fighting for his life in the murky violent underworld of Bondi.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
CLIFF HARDY CLASSICS
The early 1980s found Cliff Hardy well established as a private investigator but still battling his demons. He has quit smoking and moderated his drinking. The memory of his brief marriage still haunts him along with other ghosts from his past.
A case in Bondi attracts him as an ex-surfer and admirer of the suburb. It began as a routine investigation into a supposed drowning. But Hardy soon finds himself literally fighting for his life in the murky, violent underworld of Bondi.
The truth about John Singer, black marketeer and poker machine king is out there somewhere amidst the drug addicts, prostitutes and alcoholics. Hardy's job is to stay alive long enough in that world of easy death to get to the truth.
The truth hurts.
PRAISE FOR THE EMPTY BEACH
'A fine, tightly controlled story.' West Australian
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
CLIFF HARDY CLASSICS
The early 1980s found Cliff Hardy well established as a private investigator but still battling his demons. He has quit smoking and moderated his drinking. The memory of his brief marriage still haunts him along with other ghosts from his past.
A case in Bondi attracts him as an ex-surfer and admirer of the suburb. It began as a routine investigation into a supposed drowning. But Hardy soon finds himself literally fighting for his life in the murky, violent underworld of Bondi.
The truth about John Singer, black marketeer and poker machine king is out there somewhere amidst the drug addicts, prostitutes and alcoholics. Hardy's job is to stay alive long enough in that world of easy death to get to the truth.
The truth hurts.
PRAISE FOR THE EMPTY BEACH
'A fine, tightly controlled story.' West Australian
Heroin Annie: Cliff Hardy 5
Book 5 · Mar 1984 ·
5.0star
A collection of gripping short stories in the Cliff Hardy series from highly successful Australian crime fiction writer, Peter Corris.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy is in action again: trying to keep one step ahead of his client's troubles - and his own.
He goes from sleazy backstreets to boardrooms in skyscrapers - dealing with everyone from fashion models and teenage junkies to urban developers and crooked funeral directors. Some are friendly, some try to kill him.
Hardy copes, with his guts and his savvy; and all for a hundred and twenty-five dollars a day (plus expenses).
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy is in action again: trying to keep one step ahead of his client's troubles - and his own.
He goes from sleazy backstreets to boardrooms in skyscrapers - dealing with everyone from fashion models and teenage junkies to urban developers and crooked funeral directors. Some are friendly, some try to kill him.
Hardy copes, with his guts and his savvy; and all for a hundred and twenty-five dollars a day (plus expenses).
Make Me Rich: Cliff Hardy 6
Book 6 · Nov 2014 ·
2.0star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
It is just another party in Sydney's eastern suburbs, a routine security job for Cliff Hardy. It leads, though, to an interesting meeting and a dangerous job.
No one is more familiar than Hardy with the sleazy back streets and pubs of Kings Cross, and he follows a twisted trail over dangerous ground. As well as a hitman out to get him he deals with politically protected criminals and corrupt journalists - and meets the intriguing Helen Broadway for the first time.
It is just another party in Sydney's eastern suburbs, a routine security job for Cliff Hardy. It leads, though, to an interesting meeting and a dangerous job.
No one is more familiar than Hardy with the sleazy back streets and pubs of Kings Cross, and he follows a twisted trail over dangerous ground. As well as a hitman out to get him he deals with politically protected criminals and corrupt journalists - and meets the intriguing Helen Broadway for the first time.
The Big Drop: Cliff Hardy 7
Book 7 · Nov 2014 ·
4.3star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
A client falls from the twentieth storey of a building; a rock star goes missing; an erotic Mongol scroll vanishes; a film star has a problem that has nothing to do with creativity - it's all in a day's work for Cliff Hardy.
Yachts dance on the sparkling waters of the harbour, and the back alleys are busy: the city's high and low classes go about their daily business. But nothing really surprises Hardy, and, for a hundred and twenty-five a day (plus expenses), he'll provide a few surprises of his own .
A client falls from the twentieth storey of a building; a rock star goes missing; an erotic Mongol scroll vanishes; a film star has a problem that has nothing to do with creativity - it's all in a day's work for Cliff Hardy.
Yachts dance on the sparkling waters of the harbour, and the back alleys are busy: the city's high and low classes go about their daily business. But nothing really surprises Hardy, and, for a hundred and twenty-five a day (plus expenses), he'll provide a few surprises of his own .
The Greenwich Apartments: Cliff Hardy 8
Book 8 · Oct 1986 ·
5.0star
A riveting novel in the Cliff Hardy series from highly successful Australian crime fiction writer, Peter Corris.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Is brilliant young filmmaker Carmel Wise the innocent victim of gangland violence or is she enmeshed in a pornography racket as the press and the police imply? Carmel's businessman father hires Cliff Hardy to find the real reason 'the video girl' was shot dead outside the Greenwich Apartments in Kings Cross.
Hardy follows a trail which is broken but clear - houses and flats with the power on and the rent paid, stand empty; photographs and other documents lead to Lionel Darcy, owner of the Champagne Cabaret; banks and business houses will supply just enough information to keep Hardy warm.
The trail takes him to the sunny peninsula, leafy Lane Cove and the industrial waterfront. Hardy finds that every question and every answer has to be paid for in pain and fear. And to some questions there may be no answers at all.
'Indigenous thrillers are better than any others, and the best of all are Peter Corris' accounts of his Sydney private detective, Cliff Hardy.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Is brilliant young filmmaker Carmel Wise the innocent victim of gangland violence or is she enmeshed in a pornography racket as the press and the police imply? Carmel's businessman father hires Cliff Hardy to find the real reason 'the video girl' was shot dead outside the Greenwich Apartments in Kings Cross.
Hardy follows a trail which is broken but clear - houses and flats with the power on and the rent paid, stand empty; photographs and other documents lead to Lionel Darcy, owner of the Champagne Cabaret; banks and business houses will supply just enough information to keep Hardy warm.
The trail takes him to the sunny peninsula, leafy Lane Cove and the industrial waterfront. Hardy finds that every question and every answer has to be paid for in pain and fear. And to some questions there may be no answers at all.
'Indigenous thrillers are better than any others, and the best of all are Peter Corris' accounts of his Sydney private detective, Cliff Hardy.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times
Deal Me Out: Cliff Hardy 9
Book 9 · Apr 1986 ·
0.0star
A thrilling novel in the Cliff Hardy series from highly successful Australian crime fiction writer, Peter Corris.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy starts out to help a friend but before long he's looking for an enemy - William Mountain: boozer, TV scriptwriter, would-be novelist who is missing and searching for adventure. Mountain's adventure is Hardy's 'case' which rapidly becomes a case he would rather not have. Mountain is the dealer in a deadly game and the hands he deals become more and more bizarre.
'Indigenous thrillers are better than any others, and the best of all are Peter Corris' accounts of his Sydney private detective, Cliff Hardy. Corris' story is clever, his asides wry, his language rough but whimsical.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times
'.Of Peter Corris it can be said ''One sentence and the reader is away.''' - Manning Clark, The National Times
'Cliff Hardy is. as Australian as two-up and Fosters.' - The Australian
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy starts out to help a friend but before long he's looking for an enemy - William Mountain: boozer, TV scriptwriter, would-be novelist who is missing and searching for adventure. Mountain's adventure is Hardy's 'case' which rapidly becomes a case he would rather not have. Mountain is the dealer in a deadly game and the hands he deals become more and more bizarre.
'Indigenous thrillers are better than any others, and the best of all are Peter Corris' accounts of his Sydney private detective, Cliff Hardy. Corris' story is clever, his asides wry, his language rough but whimsical.' - Mark Thomas, Canberra Times
'.Of Peter Corris it can be said ''One sentence and the reader is away.''' - Manning Clark, The National Times
'Cliff Hardy is. as Australian as two-up and Fosters.' - The Australian
The January Zone: Cliff Hardy 10
Book 10 · Sep 1987 ·
0.0star
In this gripping novel from highly successful Australian crime fiction writer Peter Corris, Cliff Hardy's reluctant status as 'security consultant' to a politician takes him to Washington DC where the threats are real and the rules are different.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Politician Peter January is having trouble staying alive so he hires Cliff Hardy to help him. Hardy dislikes the role of politician's 'security consultant' but he dislikes bombers, hit men and hatemailers even more.
Protecting January leads to protecting his assistant, Trudi Bell, which is a more enjoyable assignment. It also takes Hardy to Washington DC where the threats are real and the rules are different.
To stand close to January is to stand close to danger and corruption, but there are even greater evils and Hardy cannot back away.
'Cliff Hardy is. as Australian as two-up and Fosters.' - The Australian
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Politician Peter January is having trouble staying alive so he hires Cliff Hardy to help him. Hardy dislikes the role of politician's 'security consultant' but he dislikes bombers, hit men and hatemailers even more.
Protecting January leads to protecting his assistant, Trudi Bell, which is a more enjoyable assignment. It also takes Hardy to Washington DC where the threats are real and the rules are different.
To stand close to January is to stand close to danger and corruption, but there are even greater evils and Hardy cannot back away.
'Cliff Hardy is. as Australian as two-up and Fosters.' - The Australian
Man in the Shadows: Cliff Hardy 11
Book 11 · Nov 2014 ·
5.0star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Gareth Greenway wasn't all he seemed, but Cliff Hardy was used to that. What he wasn't used to was the shadowy world Greenway leads him into: neurosurgeons, mental patients, AIDS sufferers, all negotiating a landscape of dreams and delusions. An old friend of Hardy's ends up dead while Hardy chases the shadows, catching some, losing others.
The accompanying stories find Hardy on more familiar ground. When organised crime, political corruption and the Australian army are involved, Hardy battles the odds. But when it comes to a man-to- man contest, put your money on Hardy to win.
Gareth Greenway wasn't all he seemed, but Cliff Hardy was used to that. What he wasn't used to was the shadowy world Greenway leads him into: neurosurgeons, mental patients, AIDS sufferers, all negotiating a landscape of dreams and delusions. An old friend of Hardy's ends up dead while Hardy chases the shadows, catching some, losing others.
The accompanying stories find Hardy on more familiar ground. When organised crime, political corruption and the Australian army are involved, Hardy battles the odds. But when it comes to a man-to- man contest, put your money on Hardy to win.
O'Fear: Cliff Hardy 12
Book 12 · Nov 2014 ·
4.2star
How does a simple car accident suddenly become a murder?
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
When Todd Barnes, war veteran and popular drinking mate, leaves Cliff Hardy a tidy sum to find out who killed him, Hardy can hardly refuse - and he needs the money. Todd's widow and some of his cronies are not always cooperative, however, and it's hard to tell friends from enemies, especially when it comes to the mysterious Kevin O'Fearna, known as O'Fear.
Hardy's battered Falcon takes him from the familiar mean streets of Sydney to equally dangerous bushland, where he's on his own up against heavy odds. A not-unfamiliar situation for Sydney's most enduring private investigator.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
When Todd Barnes, war veteran and popular drinking mate, leaves Cliff Hardy a tidy sum to find out who killed him, Hardy can hardly refuse - and he needs the money. Todd's widow and some of his cronies are not always cooperative, however, and it's hard to tell friends from enemies, especially when it comes to the mysterious Kevin O'Fearna, known as O'Fear.
Hardy's battered Falcon takes him from the familiar mean streets of Sydney to equally dangerous bushland, where he's on his own up against heavy odds. A not-unfamiliar situation for Sydney's most enduring private investigator.
Wet Graves: Cliff Hardy 13
Book 13 · Nov 2014 ·
4.0star
Hardy's thirteenth case leads him back fifty years to the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
The life of a private investigator is seldom plain sailing, and it certainly doesn't help when someone unknown is trying to cancel your licence. Cliff Hardy needs to find out why, and he also needs to get to the bottom of the case of missing schoolteacher Brian Madden.
Finding answers to both questions takes all Hardy's resourcefulness and contacts - police, underworld and press. Dangers - and bodies - appear all over Sydney and Hardy is lucky to keep both his life and his licence.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
The life of a private investigator is seldom plain sailing, and it certainly doesn't help when someone unknown is trying to cancel your licence. Cliff Hardy needs to find out why, and he also needs to get to the bottom of the case of missing schoolteacher Brian Madden.
Finding answers to both questions takes all Hardy's resourcefulness and contacts - police, underworld and press. Dangers - and bodies - appear all over Sydney and Hardy is lucky to keep both his life and his licence.
Aftershock: Cliff Hardy 14
Book 14 · Nov 2014 ·
3.5star
An earthquake in Newcastle leads Hardy to his fourteenth case.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Newcastle is a stretch for Cliff Hardy from Sydney's mean streets, and following up the mystery of Oscar Bach's death means he has to cover some unfamiliar and dangerous ground. Bach's death was classified as another tragic statistic from the Newcastle earthquake- but how could he have been seen alive five minutes afterwards?
The quiet and unassuming Oscar was not all he seemed, and several people want to prevent Hardy from probing into his past. However, he finds support, and more, from policewoman Glen Withers and together they attempt to uncover the truth.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Newcastle is a stretch for Cliff Hardy from Sydney's mean streets, and following up the mystery of Oscar Bach's death means he has to cover some unfamiliar and dangerous ground. Bach's death was classified as another tragic statistic from the Newcastle earthquake- but how could he have been seen alive five minutes afterwards?
The quiet and unassuming Oscar was not all he seemed, and several people want to prevent Hardy from probing into his past. However, he finds support, and more, from policewoman Glen Withers and together they attempt to uncover the truth.
Beware of the Dog: Cliff Hardy 15
Book 15 · Nov 2014 ·
4.0star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy always finds it hard to turn down a job, but in the case of Paula Wilberforce he should have followed his instincts. Against his better judgement, he becomes involved in a wealthy family's disputes, where old rivalries and hatreds come to the surface and murder is the result.
His gun is stolen, and when he finds himself wanted in relation to a shooting, Hardy must find the murderer before he strikes again.
Cliff Hardy always finds it hard to turn down a job, but in the case of Paula Wilberforce he should have followed his instincts. Against his better judgement, he becomes involved in a wealthy family's disputes, where old rivalries and hatreds come to the surface and murder is the result.
His gun is stolen, and when he finds himself wanted in relation to a shooting, Hardy must find the murderer before he strikes again.
Burn, and Other Stories: Cliff Hardy 16
Book 16 · Nov 2014 ·
4.0star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Private investigator Cliff Hardy is nothing if not versatile, and this collection of his cases sees him mixing with the good, the bad and the quirky. He tracks delinquent arsonists, hired killers and missing girlfriends, protects eye surgeons and radio announcers, solves old crimes and helps old underworld mates.
Private investigator Cliff Hardy is nothing if not versatile, and this collection of his cases sees him mixing with the good, the bad and the quirky. He tracks delinquent arsonists, hired killers and missing girlfriends, protects eye surgeons and radio announcers, solves old crimes and helps old underworld mates.
Matrimonial Causes: Cliff Hardy 17
Book 17 · Nov 2014 ·
4.5star
The story of Cliff Hardy's very first case.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Divorce cases are part of a private investigator's bread and butter, and Cliff Hardy has had his share. This case, though, has a lot more than matrimonial squabbles - add in some perjury, fraud and murder to the mix. Crooked cops, lawyers and a call girl complete the collection, all making for a tough, and dangerous, puzzle for Hardy to try to solve while keeping his private investigator's licence, and his skin, intact.
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Divorce cases are part of a private investigator's bread and butter, and Cliff Hardy has had his share. This case, though, has a lot more than matrimonial squabbles - add in some perjury, fraud and murder to the mix. Crooked cops, lawyers and a call girl complete the collection, all making for a tough, and dangerous, puzzle for Hardy to try to solve while keeping his private investigator's licence, and his skin, intact.
Casino: Cliff Hardy 18
Book 18 · Nov 2014 ·
4.2star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Casinos are not to Cliff Hardy's liking, nor is wearing a suit and tie, which is why he turns down the job of head of security at a new Sydney gambling establishment. However, when his friend Scott Galvani takes the job and is then murdered, Hardy feels bound to investigate in the face of police indifference. He takes the security job, meets the attractive but unpredictable Vita Drewe, and adds to his list of enemies.
Galvani's killers are closer to home than Hardy anticipated and his life and his relationship are on the line.
Casinos are not to Cliff Hardy's liking, nor is wearing a suit and tie, which is why he turns down the job of head of security at a new Sydney gambling establishment. However, when his friend Scott Galvani takes the job and is then murdered, Hardy feels bound to investigate in the face of police indifference. He takes the security job, meets the attractive but unpredictable Vita Drewe, and adds to his list of enemies.
Galvani's killers are closer to home than Hardy anticipated and his life and his relationship are on the line.
The Washington Club: Cliff Hardy 19
Book 19 · Nov 2014 ·
5.0star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy's investigation into the murder of a rich developer takes him into the high flying world of corporate Sydney. The beautiful Claudia Fleischman has been charged with the murder of her husband, and Cliff takes on the job of finding the real killer. He finds his way blocked on all sides, but when a friend is killed, it gets personal. Cliff has to take drastic action.
One of Hardy's toughest cases ever.
Cliff Hardy's investigation into the murder of a rich developer takes him into the high flying world of corporate Sydney. The beautiful Claudia Fleischman has been charged with the murder of her husband, and Cliff takes on the job of finding the real killer. He finds his way blocked on all sides, but when a friend is killed, it gets personal. Cliff has to take drastic action.
One of Hardy's toughest cases ever.
Forget Me If You Can: Cliff Hardy 20
Book 20 · Nov 2014 ·
4.5star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
A collection of fast-paced, gritty stories from Australia's best-loved crime writer. In stories that range from Sydney's mean back streets to its glittering but deadly harbour, Corris's hero Cliff Hardy comes up against a range of villains - along with clients who are not always what they seem.
A collection of fast-paced, gritty stories from Australia's best-loved crime writer. In stories that range from Sydney's mean back streets to its glittering but deadly harbour, Corris's hero Cliff Hardy comes up against a range of villains - along with clients who are not always what they seem.
The Reward: Cliff Hardy 21
Book 21 · Nov 2014 ·
3.7star
'The godfather of Australian crime fiction.'
Cliff Hardy is distracted by a romantic entanglement, but low on funds, and with his private investigator's licence restored, he is persuaded to take on a dubious case - a scheme to claim the reward on an abduction. When one of those involved is murdered, the problem takes a whole new turn.
Cliff's relations with the police have never been easy, and the boys in blue are far from helpful as he tries to piece together a puzzle that can only end in violence.
Cliff Hardy is distracted by a romantic entanglement, but low on funds, and with his private investigator's licence restored, he is persuaded to take on a dubious case - a scheme to claim the reward on an abduction. When one of those involved is murdered, the problem takes a whole new turn.
Cliff's relations with the police have never been easy, and the boys in blue are far from helpful as he tries to piece together a puzzle that can only end in violence.