Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes

Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes is a science fiction novel written by an Australian. This is first in a series, the fourth book has just been published. Spacejock is a chronically broke freighter pilot who needs to make some quick money fast. He has some nasty bill collectors who will not just take his ship but his life if he doesn't pay. Fortunately there happens to be a transport mission for robot parts. At the same time he has to drop off a robot who thinks he's going on a refit actually he's going to be junked for the tax write-off. A desperate competitor also wants the cargo.

The humor is decent enough. I did chuckle a couple of times. There are only a few puns which is nice. That sort of humor tends to be overused in most books like this. Sarcasm is wielded with great effect frequently by the ships navigation computer or Clunk the robot.

This is a fine summertime read. There really isn't anything profound here but it's still quite nice. I'm going to have to figure out a way to order them from Australia because I want the second book. If only the shipping from Australia was reasonable or for that matter if an American publisher picked up the series.

Highly recommended!

Is available through Abebooks.