Maxwell’s Christmas

Peter Maxwell Mystery #17

by M.J. Trow

Please note: This was previously published as Maxwell’s Crossing

Christmas is the time for overcooked turkey and excessive decorations. Not murder!

But murder’s certainly on the Christmas cards for Peter Maxwell when a woman plummets from a car park roof. That same day a secretary enters her boss’s office and finds him disembowelled at his desk.

Nothing appears to link the victims. But could there be a connection with the arrival of the new History teacher? He seems to know a suspicious amount about the residents of Leighford and their shady pasts.

Can Maxwell solve the mystery before this ghost of Christmas past strikes again?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Cozy

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

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

[John Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was originally titled Maxwells Crossing

This was the last of my Christmas reads. Its the 17th in the series and maybe because of Christmas I felt a bit like looking back here too. In the earlier books the character of Maxwell seemed far lighter with some amusing quip or line from a film on almost every page. Also there was much more of the stories centred on his school and teaching.

Of course he is now a happily married man with a growing young son. His cat Metternich and his diarama creation of the Charge of the Light Brigade both remain much the same. Maxwell himself and the stories seem to have become more serious and feature ex-pupils more than current learners. Jacqui's boss Henry Hall has become more likeable and human  as the series has progressed although 'Legs' Diamond is pretty much the same as always.

And so on to this story which revolves around a teacher exchange with  America and while  Hector the teacher seems to settle in and mix well, his famly are a nightmare, particularly his wife and her ex-cop father.

At the beginning of the book there is a strange dedication : "To those of you who have wondered if you are in this book - yes, you are! ". One only hopes that the author hadn't previously met some Americans.

Jacqui has her promotion and has moved from being 'woman policeman'  to 'woman Detective Inspector' and is trying hard to keep to her resolve not to discuss cases with Maxwell although it is her boss here who seeks his involvement when a couple of deaths seem to have a connection with one of the Americans.

Although there is still humour in the story I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. I also thought that the ending of the case seemed rather abrupt and  a couple of paragraphs more of explanation would have rounded it off better. The final chapter felt detached and rushed and could have found a better home as the beginning of a new adventure, perhaps - but what do I know.

[Lesley Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the way this author writes. Intelligent, always interesting and full of asides to make you smile. Great fun as always! The characters and their descriptions really bring them to life. I love Mums, Dads and Nolan!

[Alison C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter “Mad Max” Maxwell is curious when the head of his school’s history department becomes part of an exchange sabbatical: he and his family are moving to California for a year, and a history teacher from an equivalent high school there is coming to Leighford, along with *his* family. This seems like an interesting change, but it turns out that the American family is just awful: sure, Hector (“Hec”) the teacher is a good guy, but his “cougar” wife is so self-absorbed that it’s surprising if she knows she’s in a different country, his mother-in-law is a depressed drunk, and his father-in-law is an enormous ex-policeman who seems incapable of not insulting everyone he meets on a continuous basis, not to mention sailing close to the wind when it comes to criminal behaviour. As they come into the town, a series of seemingly unrelated murders occur and both Max and the Leighford police are sure that this is no coincidence…. Oddly, this 17th entry into the Mad Max series is entitled “Maxwell’s Crossing” in some places and “Maxwell’s Christmas” in others (an odd choice, as most of the story takes place in January). It’s another entertaining story, however. The characterizations of the American visitors are so broad that they must be intentionally parodic, which fits well with Max’s own sense of the world, and I was fooled into thinking I had figured out the culprit only to be proved wrong, which I enjoyed. Recommended.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK 17 JUST FINISHED. CAN’T WAIT FOR #18!

After non-stop speed-reading thru 17 Schoolmaster mysteries, the pace has only increased. The tension of Maxwells Christmas reached a peak, leaving me nearly breathless. I love the humor of these books, the language and the complexity. More, please.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

This is the 17th book in a series. I have only read one other and that was the first one. The character iof Maxwell has come a long way. He was a widower , history professor with quirks. He has since married a police inspector and has a five year old son. The additional characters add a great deal more warmth and interest to a mystery about a serial killer.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series, Mad Max always makes me smile. As ever, a hugely entertaining read & little Nolan is becoming quite a character in his own right - a proper chip off the old block, I foresee trouble ahead....

[Meinwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story with well formed characters makes this series an easy to reach for read.

[Robin Davis]

Wonderful read.

Wonderful read, as are all the Maxwell books. Great sense of humour and realistic balance of relationships between the characters.

[joan bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas mystery

This see will be my favorite Christmas read this season! I love Maxwell and his family. This may had twists and turns, and kept you on your toes

[Allison M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book

Enjoyed this very much. Kind of coming upon this series in the middle so now I have to go back and start at the beginning. Intelligent and witty.

[Susan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another triumph

Things to laugh at, things to cry over. Old friends and new. Brilliant, must be read to be appreciated
.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Won’t Believe It -

Read these 17 books in order haven’t I Ever!!!! And extraordinary each one has been. This one - I am floored!

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

A poor plot that should have been disclosed by a few simple police enquires of the gun register after the first murder. There is an inspector who does not actually do any detecting, her husband, a schoolmaster, who seems to get the credit and again does little. A poor book.

[Tria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent instalment for this series. M.J. Trow is still a master of characterisation and plotting.

[Rock Battye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even better than the last one - hope there'll be more...

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale. Maxwell on his form.