Well, I’ll start by saying this: I’m not in this story. Not a mention. Not a cameo. Not even a passing nod. I’ve been a loyal contributor to the Windy Mountain books — kept those blokes honest, gave the readers a bit of guidance — and what do I get when the author starts a new series? A snub. Apparently, he thought I wasn’t the “right fit.” Excuse me? I’d have made a far better job of this tale than that short-arse William Clarin. A pint-sized lawyer-magician who can’t decide whether he’s defending crooks or running from them. Honestly, if you need a bloke to vanish, the bloke who comes to be known as Mad Bill is your man — he does it every second chapter.
The author could’ve written me into the story instead: a worldly Tasmanian with experience, gravitas and a flair for improvisation (and yes, a deck of cards if required). I’d have given those American mobsters a piece of my mind and sent them packing before lunchtime. But no — he picks a “fun-sized” solicitor who trips over his own suitcase.
Still, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The story cracks along like a poker game where everyone’s bluffing. It’s got dodgy gangsters, mistaken identity and a legal eagle who’s more pigeon than hawk. The humour’s sharp, the pace relentless, and the setting — 1970s Tasmania — feels delightfully skewed.
And before anyone accuses me of bias, let me point out I’m one of the few people in the world who’s actually read all three books in the Funny Capers DownUnder series. Can’t say I blame the rest of you for hesitating — it’s a wild ride, full of explosions, egos and culinary experiments that should’ve been banned under the Geneva Convention.
The Wrong Magician is a cracking opener, even without my involvement. Just don’t expect me to forgive the author any time soon. If he ever writes The Right Magician, he’d better have my name pencilled in for the lead.
You can find The Wrong Magician as an ebook on Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, or Barnes & Noble. If you prefer the smell of paper and ink, the paperbacks are on Amazon too.
JOHN MARTIN 