Frederick's Coat

Frederick's Coat is a novel about sin, redemption and revenge and Duff brings a lot of power to it. . . .Johno has to make a decision to live or die, to surface or sink, to accept or to deny. And that's the great trademark of Duff's writing - the moral calls that must be made.

Quentin Johnson, Weekend Press, Christchurch

Violence is an integral part of the tale, but there is a commendable restraint that gives the writing all the more power. All-in-all, Frederick's Coat is an impressive return to form.

John McCrystal, Weekend Herald

Does Frederick's Coat work? Mostly. It's certainly a page-turner. I read it within two days of getting it. I wasn't entirely convinced by the relatively brief account of the process of Danny's downfall, butJohno, Danny and Frederick come across as fairly full, convincing characters and the message that, with extreme discipline, some people at least can escape their backgrounds is uplifting.

Gavin McLean, Otago Daily Times

This is a superb novel. It deals with the real questions in life. If Duffy ever went away, this novel proves he is back.

Dorothy Alexander, Manawatu Standard

It would make a gripping movie, so compelling are the characters. I loved Frederick’s Coat – here’s the softer side of Alan Duff. . . . The book is well edited, never drags and the ending is explosive.

Jan Treliving-Brown, Daily News, New Plymouth Taranaki

unique and sensitive book in style and subject matter . . . terrific writing and great characters

Judges report, Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel