O'Fear is 1990 Australian novel by Peter Corris featuring private detective Cliff Hardy. It was the first Hardy novel after a break of a few years. The novel was read out on ABC radio in 1990 with John Derum as Hardy and Linda Cropper as Felicia Todd. Premise. Cliff Hardy investigates the death of a friend. Reception. "The Sydney Morning Herald" called it "a very good, solid murder thriller." "The Chicago Tribune" wrote "the writing is lively and professional but the result is a mildly engaging tale that could have happened anywhere."