Will Ferguson's Spanish Fly was long-listed for an IMPAC Dublin Award and short-listed for a Leacock Medal for humor. Times are tough for young Jack McGreary in the American Dust Bowl. Living with his father, Jack is only getting by thanks to a solid repertoire of cons and scams. Everything gets shaken up, though, when shysters Virgil Ray and Miss Rose roll into town. Recognizing them as first-class scam artists, Jack gleefully joins their criminal band. Soon a budding romance between Jack and Miss Rose begins to bloom, but is it on the up-and-up?
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"Humor and a wonderfully entertaining look at depression era America and the scam game. Characters were 3D and attractive. A lot of research must have been done to include so much detail of the era. Some fabulous phrases. Suprising ending. One of my top ten reads. " — Arlene (5 out of 5 stars)
"Humor and a wonderfully entertaining look at depression era America and the scam game. Characters were 3D and attractive. A lot of research must have been done to include so much detail of the era. Some fabulous phrases. Suprising ending. One of my top ten reads. "
“Ferguson fills his pages with fascinating historical detail and lovingly described cons. His lengthy descriptions of scams are enthralling, funny, and perhaps even educational.”
“An eminently readable novel…a work of impressive energy and grandeur.”
“Shows a flair for historical detail and pop culture.”
“A terrific book, lyrical and hilarious, bleak and funny, with a love of history balanced against a rippingly clever plot.”
“Would make a good movie…in the tradition of The Sting and The Grifters.”
“The dialogue is razor-sharp and laced with dry wit…This is a terrific novel—complex but fun, philosophical but sharp, perceptive but ambiguous.”
" I liked it. It wasn't that unpredictable but was funny and the narrator/reader was excellent. The music on the audiodisc was a nice surprise too. "
" EXCELLENT. Loved every moment of it. "
" I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected. After the first few pages, I wasn't sure if was for me, but in the end I could put it down. I thought it was much better than "Happiness". "
" one of my fave will ferguson books!! love the lingo and the setting, this would also make a great movie. "
" Humor and a wonderfully entertaining look at depression era America and the scam game. Characters were 3D and attractive. A lot of research must have been done to include so much detail of the era. Some fabulous phrases. Suprising ending. One of my top ten reads. "
" Loved it. Never heard of this author before, but would like to find other books he has written. "
" interesting to read of all the cons pulled off in the past. what a way to make money. well researched; well written. "
" Could not help but fall hopelessly in love with Jack. "
" It is 1939 in the southwestern United States and Jack McGreary escapes Paradise Flats with a couple of fast-talking swindlers, Virgil and Miss Rose. Together they travel around the southwest staging a series of cons. I found it slow going but enjoyed the final con at the end. "
" I loved reading this story about the education of a con man in the 1930s. Will Ferguson paints such vivid scenes with his words, you feel like you can step into his books and live there. It is a very entertaining read! "
" Mr Ferguson has written a wonderful tale, as he is an excellent writer. The story follows the education of a young man into the world of cons during the late 1930's in southwestern America. His words and story are a true joy to read. "
Will Ferguson is the author of several award-winning and critically-acclaimed books, including Beyond Belfast and Happiness. His work has been nominated for both an IMPAC Dublin Award and a Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. He lives in Calgary, Canada.
David Aaron Baker is a voice and film actor. He is an award-winning narrator of dozens of audiobooks, including the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz, Paradise Dogs by Man Martin, and The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig. He has earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a three-time finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration.
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