Maxwell's Mask

Peter Maxwell Mystery #11

by M.J. Trow

When Deena Harrison was eleven she set fire to the toilet block of Leighford High School. She threw Ollie Wendell down the science lab stairs when she was twelve, but she could sing and act, so the headmaster kept her on. The autumn she came down from Oxford, Leighford High had a crisis in the drama department and the Little Shop of Horrors was in danger of closing down. So Deena came back - and people started dying. Oh, just tragic accidents of course - minor health and safety issues really. It took Mad Max, Deena's old Head of Sixth, to find out who was killing the company...

Genres: Crime, Mystery

445 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Meirion James Trow is a full-time teacher of history who has been doubling as a crime writer for seventeen years. Originally from Ferndale, Rhondda in South Wales he now lives on the Isle of Wight. His interests include collecting militaria, film, the supernatural and true crime.

Reviews

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description: One of Leighford High School's 'characters', Deena Harrison had a habit of causing trouble. But when she returns to her school years later to help out in the drama department, the cast suddenly starts to drop dead. Are the seemingly tragic coincidences more sinister than they appear? 'Mad Max' will soon find out.

The one with the seance, Little Shop of Horrors and some ill-fitting dentures.

4* Maxwell's House
3* Maxwell's Flame
4* Maxwell's Movie
3* Maxwell's War
3* Maxwell's Curse
3* Maxwell's Ride
4* Maxwell's Reunion
3* Maxwell's Match
TR Maxwell's Inspection
4* Maxwell's Grave
3* Maxwell's Mask

[Alison C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter “Mad Max” Maxwell is going to be a father; he and girlfriend Jacquie are living together and she is on maternity leave from the police department. Of course, that doesn’t stop Max from meddling in police matters; he just has to go through another police officer, Jane Blaisedell, to get information. And he sorely needs information - there have been several deaths associated with an amateur theatre in town, a theatre where he is helping to supervise some of his students in a presentation of “Little Shop of Horrors,” and the primary director, a former student of his, is also giong through some difficult times. If only Max could figure out the connections, he could solve the crimes…. It’s interesting that Max and Jacquie are becoming parents, a step further in their relationship that I had not anticipated, but unfortunately it means that Jacquie is more or less sidelined in this, the 11th book in the series. However, Jane is an engaging addition to the cast, so I hope she comes back in later books. We also get a glimpse into the odd world of psychics, something the hardnosed police are not inclined to credit although they are forced to engage a psychic by their superiors; that adds a little spookiness not generally found in this series. I’m still very much enjoying the characters and the settings, and will continue to read on as I find the books; recommended.

[PR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting solution? Some surprises on the Couple front. Front and Center Murder.

I was a bit annoyed with Max this go 'round
I know he Must Get Involved...he is mandated to assist in the HS Production this time and his curiosity idle definitely like his cat's...and I squid does her best to curb his Enthusiasm... Hopeless, as usual, in this case...as in All the others before and aft!
Lots of character, as usual, using phrases that I don't understand Why they would say...they are things that Maxwell says...sometimes I feel the Autbor's interference... Sometimes it feels as if He is putting a another's words (his?) into the
Character's mouths...things only Maxwell or woman Policeman Carpenter would say after being with Max so long. II 'feel' the Author hovering over the tale...adding his two cents to what New characters are sa.ting that are new to Max and his verbal eccentricities...
Enough of that.
I liked this one. Only two more to go...

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yikes! Another Gem!

I’ve been reading these in order. Each story is intelligent, humorous intense, kind & yes, violent. Mad Max’s world is engaging! No spoilers here reader but Really Recommended!!!!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book to start my year off with.
Another clever mystery featuring Mad Max and his woman policewoman Jacquie.
Look forward to reading more in this series later in the year

[John Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another term for me at Leighfield High and Mad Max is persuaded to assist/oversee an ex pupil who is producing the schools production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Things start to go wrong when the husband of the Lady Vice President for Life of the local theatre where the show is going to be performed, is killed by a falling ladder on stage.

As usual lots more happens which Max investigates dashing around on his White Surrey. He is well aware that in the (often quoted) Tony Blair's England, political correctness is important particularly when, (tongue in cheek) he retitles one of Agatha Christie's best known works as "A decimalisation of vertically challenged people of an ethnic persuasion"

Being so far into this series now we are also getting better acquainted with the other regular characters from 'Legs' Diamond  and the Refrigerator and Nursey at the school to DCI Hall and Jean at Leighfield police station together with pupils past and present. All play their part in this highly amusing series. Then there is Maxwell's home life, now shared with Woman Policeman Jacqui expecting their child and Count Metternich  his sharp clawed killing machine.

As with the others this is a who-done-it. Here it comes with a final twist just as you are congratulating yourself for getting it right ,for once, having missed the real clue, (albeit a slight one).

The way that the author manages to get so many film quotes into the story is noteworthy. However,  the song about the blu-tac is as brilliant as it was unexpected.

I am about halfway through the series now and its about time for the teachers' long summer break as I get round to some of the other books on my shelf. But come autumn, as Max would say in his best Schwarzinegger voice, 'I'll be back'

27th June 2025

[Tria · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st GR read, 6 June 2011. 2nd, 2-3 August 2016. Quite a good plot, with interesting characters, though some quite irritating (deliberately so, I think!). It's a pity very few positive things are shown about the schizophrenic character; Trow had an opportunity to break a lousy stereotype with that and he didn't. 3.75*

[Ra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usual funnies, great use of the English language, fantastic character but some how the story just misses a few beats at the end.

[Vinaigre · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite characters. Read all but last three and have yet to be disappointed.