What do you think?
Rate this book
Max Wolfe #7
Murder for Busy People
Emma Moon is out.
She's served nine years hard time for an armed robbery that killed two men and enriched many more.
But Emma’s never talked; she's never revealed who was with her on the day of the robbery or who killed both men. And she's never given up the money.
And now she's free. But everything has her family; her share of the money and her faithless loser of a husband.
So now Emma Moon is in a hurry. Because it's payback time and, after nine years inside, she has friends and she has disciples - people who will do anything for her.
As the bodies of the innocent and the guilty pile up, one detective stands between a career criminal and her quest for revenge.
Max Wolfe, single parent of a teenage daughter, a fiercely independent detective who owes nothing to anyone and who has own very particular form of justice ...
She's served nine years hard time for an armed robbery that killed two men and enriched many more.
But Emma’s never talked; she's never revealed who was with her on the day of the robbery or who killed both men. And she's never given up the money.
And now she's free. But everything has her family; her share of the money and her faithless loser of a husband.
So now Emma Moon is in a hurry. Because it's payback time and, after nine years inside, she has friends and she has disciples - people who will do anything for her.
As the bodies of the innocent and the guilty pile up, one detective stands between a career criminal and her quest for revenge.
Max Wolfe, single parent of a teenage daughter, a fiercely independent detective who owes nothing to anyone and who has own very particular form of justice ...
400 pages, Hardcover
Published January 2, 2025
82 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Tony Parsons
66 books891 followersThere is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Tony Parsons (born 6 November 1953) is a British journalist broadcaster and author. He began his career as a music journalist on the NME, writing about punk music. Later, he wrote for The Daily Telegraph, before going on to write his current column for the Daily Mirror. Parsons was for a time a regular guest on the BBC Two arts review programme The Late Show, and still appears infrequently on the successor Newsnight Review; he also briefly hosted a series on Channel 4 called Big Mouth.
He is the author of the multi-million selling novel, Man and Boy (1999). Parsons had written a number of novels including The Kids (1976), Platinum Logic (1981) and Limelight Blues (1983), before he found mainstream success by focussing on the tribulations of thirty-something men. Parsons has since published a series of best-selling novels – One For My Baby (2001), Man and Wife (2003), The Family Way (2004), Stories We Could Tell (2006), My Favourite Wife (2007), Starting Over (2009) and Men From the Boys (2010). His novels typically deal with relationship problems, emotional dramas and the traumas of men and women in our time. He describes his writing as 'Men Lit', as opposed to the rising popularity of 'Chick Lit'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Par...
Tony Parsons (born 6 November 1953) is a British journalist broadcaster and author. He began his career as a music journalist on the NME, writing about punk music. Later, he wrote for The Daily Telegraph, before going on to write his current column for the Daily Mirror. Parsons was for a time a regular guest on the BBC Two arts review programme The Late Show, and still appears infrequently on the successor Newsnight Review; he also briefly hosted a series on Channel 4 called Big Mouth.
He is the author of the multi-million selling novel, Man and Boy (1999). Parsons had written a number of novels including The Kids (1976), Platinum Logic (1981) and Limelight Blues (1983), before he found mainstream success by focussing on the tribulations of thirty-something men. Parsons has since published a series of best-selling novels – One For My Baby (2001), Man and Wife (2003), The Family Way (2004), Stories We Could Tell (2006), My Favourite Wife (2007), Starting Over (2009) and Men From the Boys (2010). His novels typically deal with relationship problems, emotional dramas and the traumas of men and women in our time. He describes his writing as 'Men Lit', as opposed to the rising popularity of 'Chick Lit'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Par...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 30, 2024
4-5 stars
DS Max Wolfe #7 - and no, I’ve not read the series before but have no difficulty in picking this one up and going with the flow.
It all starts when Max is out walking Stan, his aging Cavalier, and finds a dead body being guarded by Buddy, his Rottweiler. Meanwhile, Max’s twelve year old daughter Scout, is deeply concerned about the rising number of homeless in the capital and the situation comes across their path in a big way. It all links to the release from prison of Emma Moon, Max’s first arrest as an officer, who has served sixteen years of a thirty year sentence for her part in a fatal armed robbery. Emma never betrays the other members of the ‘Hole in the Wall’ gang and remains the only one ever sentenced for the heist. Now, as at the time, Emma is big news but now she’s on a mission. What that will be only time will tell but maybe Max will need to keep checking over his shoulder.
I thoroughly enjoy this latest from the talented Tony Parsons. The storyline flows effortlessly, the pace is quick and the plot is intriguing from the start. It’s well thought out and becomes increasingly complex which fully captures my attention. It’s a good blend of the gritty via the underworld of organised crime combined with contemporary issues fused with Max’s difficulties of being a single parent to a thoughtful child who has her own agenda. It takes a deep dive into corruption and immorality which deepens the mystery but the biggest mystery of all is perhaps love. The further it progresses the more the plot strands reveals themselves and I find it gripping. There are twists and clever misdirections leading to an unpredictable end with the ultimate end being very moving.
What of the characters? I really like Max who feels very authentic and he’s a good man. I love the dynamic between him and Scout who at her tender age really cares about the homeless and this is a thoughtful aspect of the book.
I like Max enough to want to fill in the gaps between the first book and this - highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
DS Max Wolfe #7 - and no, I’ve not read the series before but have no difficulty in picking this one up and going with the flow.
It all starts when Max is out walking Stan, his aging Cavalier, and finds a dead body being guarded by Buddy, his Rottweiler. Meanwhile, Max’s twelve year old daughter Scout, is deeply concerned about the rising number of homeless in the capital and the situation comes across their path in a big way. It all links to the release from prison of Emma Moon, Max’s first arrest as an officer, who has served sixteen years of a thirty year sentence for her part in a fatal armed robbery. Emma never betrays the other members of the ‘Hole in the Wall’ gang and remains the only one ever sentenced for the heist. Now, as at the time, Emma is big news but now she’s on a mission. What that will be only time will tell but maybe Max will need to keep checking over his shoulder.
I thoroughly enjoy this latest from the talented Tony Parsons. The storyline flows effortlessly, the pace is quick and the plot is intriguing from the start. It’s well thought out and becomes increasingly complex which fully captures my attention. It’s a good blend of the gritty via the underworld of organised crime combined with contemporary issues fused with Max’s difficulties of being a single parent to a thoughtful child who has her own agenda. It takes a deep dive into corruption and immorality which deepens the mystery but the biggest mystery of all is perhaps love. The further it progresses the more the plot strands reveals themselves and I find it gripping. There are twists and clever misdirections leading to an unpredictable end with the ultimate end being very moving.
What of the characters? I really like Max who feels very authentic and he’s a good man. I love the dynamic between him and Scout who at her tender age really cares about the homeless and this is a thoughtful aspect of the book.
I like Max enough to want to fill in the gaps between the first book and this - highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
Highly recommended for busy people............
and not-so-busy people.
"Murder for Busy People" is a standalone read that is also #7 of the Tony Parsons/Max Wolfe series.
This was my first Tony Parsons/Max Wolfe book, and I look forward to circling back and listening to earlier books in this series.
I enjoyed this book's "revenge" component better than the police corruption reveals.
The author's characterization of protagonist Max Wolfe was endearing and on-point, reminiscent of Peter James' Roy Grace protagonist.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Colin Mace.
4.5 stars
November 26, 2024
I always enjoyed the Max Wolfe books. The cynical detective who suspends his pessimism when it comes to his daughter and dog has been a favourite since the first book.
In this latest episode Max has to cast his mind back to his early days when he was the first on the scene of two brutal murders and a robbery that would keep it's gangland bosses - the Gattis - in clover for decades. However the only person Max meets that night is Emma Moon. She is arrested and sent down for life.
However after 16 years she is being released on licence. A trusty band of supporters are there to greet her but what Max sees is a woman who did the time for others and after the death of one of the gang in very suspicious circumstances, he concludes that she might just want revenge - and not just on the gang.
There is a sub-plot that deals with the parlous state of the reputation of the Police Service in general and The Met in particular.
The story itself seems, at times, a little fantastical but it is all explained satisfactorily at the end. In general it's simply a fast paced novel with some likeable characters.
(I'll be honest, the only part that really irritated me was Max's daughter, Scout, being given free rein to do what she likes with her father's implicit belief that she's telling the truth. She's 12 in this book. Frankly I fear for Max's sanity when she reaches her teenage years if he's believing anything a pre-teen tells him now. It's a personal point of view but he could do with some cynicism as far as his offspring is concerned.)
It was, however, a good story and I'd recommend it. It's good to see Max back.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.
In this latest episode Max has to cast his mind back to his early days when he was the first on the scene of two brutal murders and a robbery that would keep it's gangland bosses - the Gattis - in clover for decades. However the only person Max meets that night is Emma Moon. She is arrested and sent down for life.
However after 16 years she is being released on licence. A trusty band of supporters are there to greet her but what Max sees is a woman who did the time for others and after the death of one of the gang in very suspicious circumstances, he concludes that she might just want revenge - and not just on the gang.
There is a sub-plot that deals with the parlous state of the reputation of the Police Service in general and The Met in particular.
The story itself seems, at times, a little fantastical but it is all explained satisfactorily at the end. In general it's simply a fast paced novel with some likeable characters.
(I'll be honest, the only part that really irritated me was Max's daughter, Scout, being given free rein to do what she likes with her father's implicit belief that she's telling the truth. She's 12 in this book. Frankly I fear for Max's sanity when she reaches her teenage years if he's believing anything a pre-teen tells him now. It's a personal point of view but he could do with some cynicism as far as his offspring is concerned.)
It was, however, a good story and I'd recommend it. It's good to see Max back.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House for the advance review copy.
December 12, 2024
Max Wolfe #7
Emma Moon has just been released from prison. She had been locked up for an armed robbery where two men were murdered. The rest of the miscreants escaped and Emma refused to name them. Since Emma has been liberated, the people who were involved in the robbery with her are dying. Is this a revenge case for DI Max Wolfe to solve?
What a gripping read this book was. There were some really good twists. The characters were complex and well-fleshed out. We also get the story of a homeless girl who Max keeps an eye on. I like the author's writing style. I wasn't expecting to cry at the end of this book.
Published 2nd January 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone and the author #TonyParsons for my ARC of #MurderForBusyPeople in exchange for and honest review.
Emma Moon has just been released from prison. She had been locked up for an armed robbery where two men were murdered. The rest of the miscreants escaped and Emma refused to name them. Since Emma has been liberated, the people who were involved in the robbery with her are dying. Is this a revenge case for DI Max Wolfe to solve?
What a gripping read this book was. There were some really good twists. The characters were complex and well-fleshed out. We also get the story of a homeless girl who Max keeps an eye on. I like the author's writing style. I wasn't expecting to cry at the end of this book.
Published 2nd January 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone and the author #TonyParsons for my ARC of #MurderForBusyPeople in exchange for and honest review.
July 6, 2025
As Emma is released from prison early the other gang members she didn't rat on are suddenly turning up dead after seeming to have been scared to death. Cue an action packed investigation byMax as he struggles with his own domestic drama of being a single parent to a teenage daughter. This is full of action from start to finish. There are plenty of red herrings and action fulled interactions. I enjoyed the realism and the rawness of this, the characters were beliveble. The plot in places felt a little too ott but i would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery which appears to be more complex than a to b. The characters are flawed and this is evident in all their interactions. Thank you netgallery, author and publisher for this cracking 4 star read.
January 5, 2025
I have read and enjoyed quite a number of books written by Tony Parsons both from this series and his standalone ones but I am really unhappy to say that this fell a bit flat for me unfortunately.
I love the character of Max Wolfe, his relationship with his daughter, dog and colleagues and I love the style of Tony's writing but this just didn't seem to have the thrill or tension that I was expecting nor did it have me gripped like his books usually do.
Whilst the main story was intriguing and had me guessing, there were times when I felt it was quite repetitive and, I'm sad to say, boring. I did however finish it and it certainly won't put me off reading Tony Parson's work in the future or more in the Max Wolfe series as I am rarely disappointed.
I may be in the minority here if other reviews are to go by so don't take my word for it and give it a go and I must thank the author, Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the latest outing for Max Wolfe.
I love the character of Max Wolfe, his relationship with his daughter, dog and colleagues and I love the style of Tony's writing but this just didn't seem to have the thrill or tension that I was expecting nor did it have me gripped like his books usually do.
Whilst the main story was intriguing and had me guessing, there were times when I felt it was quite repetitive and, I'm sad to say, boring. I did however finish it and it certainly won't put me off reading Tony Parson's work in the future or more in the Max Wolfe series as I am rarely disappointed.
I may be in the minority here if other reviews are to go by so don't take my word for it and give it a go and I must thank the author, Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the latest outing for Max Wolfe.
February 20, 2025
I'm a huge fan of DS Max Wolfe and of Tony Parsons. Crime books with heart. God I've missed them both
January 22, 2025
3.0 / 5.0
I’ve not read the series of Max Wolfe from Parasons, but was under the impression that it would be action packed, thriller and gripping - this book was the complete opposite and instead was filled with a interesting plot followed by Max’s personal struggle as a single parent. I do think my expectation did hamper my experience.
Overall, not a bad book I have definitely read worse but will probably avoid this series - not really my cup of tea.
I’ve not read the series of Max Wolfe from Parasons, but was under the impression that it would be action packed, thriller and gripping - this book was the complete opposite and instead was filled with a interesting plot followed by Max’s personal struggle as a single parent. I do think my expectation did hamper my experience.
Overall, not a bad book I have definitely read worse but will probably avoid this series - not really my cup of tea.
December 18, 2024
Just simply beautiful. Maybe a strange thing to say about a murder mystery story but it really was. The premise of the killings, people literally being scared to death because of an old score to settle is ingenious and original. The sensitive handling of who is the good guy and who are the bad is also exquisitely explored , especially in the landscape of Police who are not necessarily all they seem. The lines are so blurred it’s hard to know who to put your trust in. The main characters and supremely poignant relationship between Max, our detective and single parent to a fast growing up, almost teenage daughter is completely spot on, vulnerable, no instruction books and feeling your way through as though in the dark, superb and makes the characters so achingly real and likeable. My emotional dial was all over the place by this point but then Tony keeps writing a dog into the narrative and suddenly I’m gone, an emotional wreck, but I feel so blessed for having found and read this book. Full heartedly recommend if you can’t tell from my review thus far. More please!
March 8, 2025
This was another fantastic outing from Tony Parsons, who breathes life into Max Wolfe and delves deeper into his world and the ever-evolving dynamics of his relationship with his daughter, Scout. It felt like a triumphant return to Tony Parsons’s storytelling prowess. I’m captivated by the intricate plot, which challenges my perceptions of good and evil, just like in real life. The story weaves together multiple threads, exploring the murder of a homeless woman, Suzanne, and the captivating mystery surrounding Emma Moon. Amidst all this, we witness Scout’s growth and delve into the complex dynamics of single parents and their teenage children.
What truly sets this series apart is its honest and authentic portrayal of life’s complexities, featuring relatable and well-developed characters. I find these books incredibly engaging and never fail to be pleasantly surprised by the endings. I wholeheartedly request more of Tony Parsons’s work in the future!
**I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for my own personal and honest review**
What truly sets this series apart is its honest and authentic portrayal of life’s complexities, featuring relatable and well-developed characters. I find these books incredibly engaging and never fail to be pleasantly surprised by the endings. I wholeheartedly request more of Tony Parsons’s work in the future!
**I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for my own personal and honest review**
March 29, 2025
Dreadful parenting from Max
Max Wolfe is tne worst father ever! He lets his 12 year old daughter stay home alone day and night! He assumes she is meeting her estranged mother till after midnight and does not even check if it's true! Sge comes home in tne dark on her own, in London! She stays off school and he has no idea! He leaves her alone at home after midnight! He never tells her off! She does as he pleases!,wanders the streets in the late evening! He never phones her to see where she is! It is neglect! She is spoilt yet he thinks she can do no wrong! If he mentions one more time how beautiful his ex wife is I will barf! She left her daughter with him aged 4 and never bothered keeping in touch yet he insists she has good intentions! He is a deluded fool. Twelve year olds are chi!dren and need looked after properly and they don't call the shots! Plot was basic and the ending was a ridiculous afterthought! Time for Max to retire or be bumped off! Preferably the latter!
Max Wolfe is tne worst father ever! He lets his 12 year old daughter stay home alone day and night! He assumes she is meeting her estranged mother till after midnight and does not even check if it's true! Sge comes home in tne dark on her own, in London! She stays off school and he has no idea! He leaves her alone at home after midnight! He never tells her off! She does as he pleases!,wanders the streets in the late evening! He never phones her to see where she is! It is neglect! She is spoilt yet he thinks she can do no wrong! If he mentions one more time how beautiful his ex wife is I will barf! She left her daughter with him aged 4 and never bothered keeping in touch yet he insists she has good intentions! He is a deluded fool. Twelve year olds are chi!dren and need looked after properly and they don't call the shots! Plot was basic and the ending was a ridiculous afterthought! Time for Max to retire or be bumped off! Preferably the latter!
June 11, 2025
1. He is such a bad parent, letting his 12 year old come home at 10pm or later, letting her meet her mother without checking this out first, leaving her alone in the flat past midnight etc.
2. The author loves to write a long paragraph followed by a (serious) punchline sentence underneath. This got very annoying.
3. The author could have done with a better copy editor e.g. cut down on the number of times he tells us about his wife’s beauty, describing everything in more than one way.
2. The author loves to write a long paragraph followed by a (serious) punchline sentence underneath. This got very annoying.
3. The author could have done with a better copy editor e.g. cut down on the number of times he tells us about his wife’s beauty, describing everything in more than one way.
December 12, 2024
Max Wolfe is walking Stan, his dog on Hampstead Heath when he comes across a dead body. He recognises him as the alleged driver in a robbery murder 16 years ago. Upon investigation it appears he died of fright, but by no other hand The only person, Emma Moon, who served prison time for the murder is being released in a couple of days and her supporters have always declared her to be innocent.
Max is torn, he is being told by his superiors that it wasn't murder, but is curious why other members of the gang seem to be dying as well all of a sudden. He is also having problems with Scout. She is very mature for her 12 years and cares deeply. He feels that a gap has opened up between them and doesn't know how to handle it. When she says she has re-established contact with her mother, he goes with it.
One of the local homeless girls asks for help and later ends up dead, again he is told to leave it as someone has confessed, but he knows the person who confessed and he wouldn't have done it.
A well written book and a delight to read.
Max is torn, he is being told by his superiors that it wasn't murder, but is curious why other members of the gang seem to be dying as well all of a sudden. He is also having problems with Scout. She is very mature for her 12 years and cares deeply. He feels that a gap has opened up between them and doesn't know how to handle it. When she says she has re-established contact with her mother, he goes with it.
One of the local homeless girls asks for help and later ends up dead, again he is told to leave it as someone has confessed, but he knows the person who confessed and he wouldn't have done it.
A well written book and a delight to read.
November 17, 2024
Tony Parsons manages (yet again) to combine interesting, believable characters, real-life situations, a plot with cunning twists, and bad-boy colleagues his protagonist, Max Wolfe investigates. His ability to remain compassionate and generous in the face of his daily police encounters whilst remaining principled and detached in his investigations is enviable; his descriptions of his love and fears for his daughter tugs at the heartstrings, especially his closing interior dialogue. The bladder behind my eyes struggled not to leak. Wolfe’s engagement with Emma Moon is intriguing - part guilt, part admiration, part longing – is handled with delicacy; his pursuit of historical criminals, the murderer of a homeless girl, and determination to keep the force clean makes one want to cheer. And there is tension, action, and dilemma aplenty to keep the pages turning.
(Publishing date: 2nd January 2025)
(Publishing date: 2nd January 2025)
August 20, 2024
Book 7 in the DS Max Wolfe series. Wow 😮 what a great addition to the series! A great storyline that has you gripped from beginning to end. Great read !
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc in exchange for an honest review
November 21, 2025
I like the character of Max Wolfe and I like Tony Parson’s writing style, but gosh, Max is a neglectful parent isn’t he!
I liked the way all the stories were resolved but I found the answer to the deaths of the gang members to be unbelievable.
I liked the way all the stories were resolved but I found the answer to the deaths of the gang members to be unbelievable.
January 13, 2025
A very welcome return to Max Wolfe 😊
November 12, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any of the Max Wolfe series to date but I don't think that impacted my experience of this book. Of course, a bit of context around Max's relationship with his daughter, ex-wife and other appearing characters may have helped the 'getting to know you' part of the book but I felt this worked as a story in its own right perfectly well. However, I did find Max a bit difficult to visualise, From the description, I couldn't really tell his age or appearance so I guess reading his other stories would have helped here.
I read an advance copy so there remained a few typos and other distractions (changing character names) which I am sure will be tidied up before publication. However, I was more confused by trying to work out which was the main story here as there seemed to be multiple subplots going on. The Emma Moon plot was, I thought, exciting and compelling. Emma is a well-defined character, and her backstory with the Gatti brothers is intriguing. I was really engrossed in this storyline - and then it all finished a bit abruptly for me, with Max taking actions I didn't think were right for his characters, albeit the little I know of him. Then there were subplots with his daughter, as well as others - though no plot spoilers here! They just didn't gel together that well for me so I ended up a little disappointed at the end, and I couldn't work out how the title was relevant either. Perhaps just me reading on a bad day! However, I like the character of Max and may well give one of his other stories a go.
I have not read any of the Max Wolfe series to date but I don't think that impacted my experience of this book. Of course, a bit of context around Max's relationship with his daughter, ex-wife and other appearing characters may have helped the 'getting to know you' part of the book but I felt this worked as a story in its own right perfectly well. However, I did find Max a bit difficult to visualise, From the description, I couldn't really tell his age or appearance so I guess reading his other stories would have helped here.
I read an advance copy so there remained a few typos and other distractions (changing character names) which I am sure will be tidied up before publication. However, I was more confused by trying to work out which was the main story here as there seemed to be multiple subplots going on. The Emma Moon plot was, I thought, exciting and compelling. Emma is a well-defined character, and her backstory with the Gatti brothers is intriguing. I was really engrossed in this storyline - and then it all finished a bit abruptly for me, with Max taking actions I didn't think were right for his characters, albeit the little I know of him. Then there were subplots with his daughter, as well as others - though no plot spoilers here! They just didn't gel together that well for me so I ended up a little disappointed at the end, and I couldn't work out how the title was relevant either. Perhaps just me reading on a bad day! However, I like the character of Max and may well give one of his other stories a go.
August 4, 2025
Max Wolfe is back after a gap of 6 years!! I was very happy to see there was going to be a new book in this favourite series, as I really like Max. He’s good guy, a single parent to a soon to be teenage daughter, and part of the murder squad in the London Met.
As the synopsis mentions above, someone Max arrested as a young policeman is released from prison and bodies start turning up. Also a young homeless woman asks Max for help, but he’s too busy worrying about his daughter Scout, and Emma Moon, to really focus on helping her.
Once again Max Wolfe is faced with difficult situations and needs all his wits about him in this latest book. I still really like Max, and loved hearing about his personal life as a single Dad, with his almost 13 year old daughter Scout, and elderly King Charles Spaniel, Stan. He’s a likeable guy who wants to do things correctly, and this time he’s got so much going on that he’s finding it really hard to focus on one particular case.
It’s a good addition to the series, and very welcome after such a long break. There were some really good characters in this book and the mystery surrounding Emma Moon and her revenge was very good. I thought I had it all worked out, but I was wrong and the extra twist at the end concerning another storyline was very unexpected and done so well!
Colin Mace’s narration is still perfect, he is Max Wolfe to me, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to read these books.
I definitely recommend this series, especially if you enjoy police police procedurals.
Book 3 of 20 Books of Summer 2025
As the synopsis mentions above, someone Max arrested as a young policeman is released from prison and bodies start turning up. Also a young homeless woman asks Max for help, but he’s too busy worrying about his daughter Scout, and Emma Moon, to really focus on helping her.
Once again Max Wolfe is faced with difficult situations and needs all his wits about him in this latest book. I still really like Max, and loved hearing about his personal life as a single Dad, with his almost 13 year old daughter Scout, and elderly King Charles Spaniel, Stan. He’s a likeable guy who wants to do things correctly, and this time he’s got so much going on that he’s finding it really hard to focus on one particular case.
It’s a good addition to the series, and very welcome after such a long break. There were some really good characters in this book and the mystery surrounding Emma Moon and her revenge was very good. I thought I had it all worked out, but I was wrong and the extra twist at the end concerning another storyline was very unexpected and done so well!
Colin Mace’s narration is still perfect, he is Max Wolfe to me, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to read these books.
I definitely recommend this series, especially if you enjoy police police procedurals.
Book 3 of 20 Books of Summer 2025
January 4, 2025
I was sent an uncorrected advance proof copy of Murder for Busy People by Tony Parsons to read and review by NetGalley. I have to say I was rather underwhelmed with this novel; it didn’t seem to have any of the tension found in the one other novel I have read by this author, which was not a Max Wolfe story. Having said this, the book, although rather repetitive in places, was readable enough for me to finish it. The final chapter however, I found totally unnecessary and out of character with the rest of the novel. I understand of course that this may have changed by the time the book was published.
September 22, 2024
A boring thriller. Police procedural which I usually enjoy but this book was not for me. It is the seventh book in the series and I’m not inclined to read any more of the authors work. I almost DNF this book as it was putting me into a reading slump. I found the twists to be predictable and I will not be recommending this book
October 3, 2024
I didn’t enjoy it as much as his other books. Emma has come out of prison after being sentenced for armed robbery where 2 men where actually murdered now she is out people begin to die it seems to be those that were connected to the crime.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC
January 31, 2025
The best you can say is that the plot is not bad, but the twist at the end is ridiculous. This is another formula IC crime book which, for some unknown reason, lots of people like.
Short chapters, short sentences, poor characterization of the key people. It is tosh, air travel fodder.
And once upon a time, Tony Parsons wrote a really good book. Now he is just coining it in with ......tosh.
Short chapters, short sentences, poor characterization of the key people. It is tosh, air travel fodder.
And once upon a time, Tony Parsons wrote a really good book. Now he is just coining it in with ......tosh.
August 7, 2025
jumped the shark
The earlier books were good but it’s clear Tony’s lost interest in the genre. It’s well written, obviously. But the plot is thin and perfunctory and the book is weighted down with the main character over-emoting about his family. Never mind, time to move on.
The earlier books were good but it’s clear Tony’s lost interest in the genre. It’s well written, obviously. But the plot is thin and perfunctory and the book is weighted down with the main character over-emoting about his family. Never mind, time to move on.
January 4, 2025
I wish he wasn’t obsessed with the BMW X5 - we got it after the third mention in the first book and we still don’t care what car he’s driving Tony
January 15, 2025
as a huge fan of the series I just can't feel that the author's heart is no longer in it. a disappointment, again.
March 11, 2025
I feel confused - it was an interesting plot line, but the twist was boring and there was a lot of unnecessary chapters. I love the Max Wolfe series, but this one felt off.
November 19, 2024
Sixteen years ago there was a break-in at a grand house. The first constable on the scene found a hole in the wall, two dead bodies, and a young woman. The wet behind the ears constable was Max Wolfe, the hole had previously contained a safe, the bodies were the security guard and the gardener, and the young woman was Emma Moon. After her arrest she refused to name any of the gang, and was jailed for life for joint-enterprise murder. Now she has been released on licence, still saying nothing about the crime or her fellow criminals. It is well known who the latter are, but no evidence has ever been found. And then they start to die and the suspicion is that Emma is killing them, although how is unclear. DS Max Wolfe is suspected to be on her kill list. Max must investigate of course, but not officially because there is no proof that the deaths are actually murders. Meantime, he is involved in babysitting two trainees, investigating corrupt police officers and the murder of a homeless person.
This, the seventh in a series, purports to be a police procedural but nothing in it is actually correct procedure. Quite a lot of it is political commentary on police corruption and social support for the homeless. Max’s daughter, Scout, is twelve going on thirteen and has a social or humanitarian concern for people living on the street, but is also on the inevitable path to independence from her father. This also takes up some of the story, and also presents an interesting dilemma: would any parent, let alone a single parent, let alone a police officer, allow a child to wander alone around London late at night? All of the cases get solved, and one of them involves an unguessable (because I don’t believe it is clued anywhere) twist. There are also too many repeats, reminders, reprises (for example whenever the two trainees appear we are reminded of their position and its constraints). Overall, the three investigations are good ideas and the writing is sound, but I found all of the repetitive political and social material a major distraction. However, it is the seventh in a series and is clearly popular and will command an audience, so maybe I’m an outlier.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This, the seventh in a series, purports to be a police procedural but nothing in it is actually correct procedure. Quite a lot of it is political commentary on police corruption and social support for the homeless. Max’s daughter, Scout, is twelve going on thirteen and has a social or humanitarian concern for people living on the street, but is also on the inevitable path to independence from her father. This also takes up some of the story, and also presents an interesting dilemma: would any parent, let alone a single parent, let alone a police officer, allow a child to wander alone around London late at night? All of the cases get solved, and one of them involves an unguessable (because I don’t believe it is clued anywhere) twist. There are also too many repeats, reminders, reprises (for example whenever the two trainees appear we are reminded of their position and its constraints). Overall, the three investigations are good ideas and the writing is sound, but I found all of the repetitive political and social material a major distraction. However, it is the seventh in a series and is clearly popular and will command an audience, so maybe I’m an outlier.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
January 2, 2025
It's been five years since I said farewell to Max, Scout, and Stan. It was one of my favourite series and, although I have reconnected with them by way of listening to the Audiobooks, I have yearned for something new. To see how they were all doing. So it was with absolute delight and severe excitement when I found out there was to be a book seven. And then I got scared. Expectations and all that. Shouldn't have worried though. It was everything I wanted and more. If you haven't already discovered this series please do go back and start from the beginning. You won't regret it.
So, we start with the discovery of a dead body by a dog walker. Although this time the dog is Stan and the walker Max. The deceased is known to Max as the alleged driver of a robbery which occurred early in his career. He being the young cop who arrested the only person to serve time for the crime, Emma Moon, who - coincidentally - is due for release soon.
The death is ruled natural but Max knows there is more to it than that and his fears are founded when other people connected to the robbery also die...
Meanwhile, Scout is growing up too fast and is finding causes of her own to fight. specifically the increase in homelessness. For someone so young she is very determined, poor Max!
To say I blooming loved this book would be a gross understatement. It was so wonderful reconnecting with old friends that I never stopped wondering about, caring about, wishing I knew what they were up to. And it was everything I wanted and more...
Max is still lovely, Ann is still a cow, Scout is still wonderfully precocious and Stan is still the best dog in the world, despite being long in the tooth and getting slow.
The story was, as always, captivating and held my attention all the way through. It was well plotted and contained up to date issues woven seamlessly throughout the plot, especially the exploitation of vulnerable people by others abusing their powers.
And that bittersweet ending. When all the stones came to their conclusions satisfyingly but, at the same time, bringing with it the time to once again have to say goodbye to the old friends I had only just reconnected with. Please don't let it be another five year wait...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, we start with the discovery of a dead body by a dog walker. Although this time the dog is Stan and the walker Max. The deceased is known to Max as the alleged driver of a robbery which occurred early in his career. He being the young cop who arrested the only person to serve time for the crime, Emma Moon, who - coincidentally - is due for release soon.
The death is ruled natural but Max knows there is more to it than that and his fears are founded when other people connected to the robbery also die...
Meanwhile, Scout is growing up too fast and is finding causes of her own to fight. specifically the increase in homelessness. For someone so young she is very determined, poor Max!
To say I blooming loved this book would be a gross understatement. It was so wonderful reconnecting with old friends that I never stopped wondering about, caring about, wishing I knew what they were up to. And it was everything I wanted and more...
Max is still lovely, Ann is still a cow, Scout is still wonderfully precocious and Stan is still the best dog in the world, despite being long in the tooth and getting slow.
The story was, as always, captivating and held my attention all the way through. It was well plotted and contained up to date issues woven seamlessly throughout the plot, especially the exploitation of vulnerable people by others abusing their powers.
And that bittersweet ending. When all the stones came to their conclusions satisfyingly but, at the same time, bringing with it the time to once again have to say goodbye to the old friends I had only just reconnected with. Please don't let it be another five year wait...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 9, 2024
Tony Parsons’ books never disappoint. I was thrilled to discover that Max Wolfe was back for another book! I’ve read the whole series to date and loved them all and this was no different.
The ‘voice’ of Max in this book is really sad, I would even say he sounds quite depressed but if you’ve read the earlier books it’s easy to see why, he appears to be still in the throes of grief. I loved the storyline with the two new direct entry detectives and the cynicism that inevitably comes with a change in the way newbies are treated if they have come direct from University as opposed to ‘cutting their teeth’ on the streets the way most more experienced detectives have…………..nurses and midwives were met with the same wariness when University education was introduced.
I won’t précis the story, you can get that from the back of the book, suffice to say there are two main investigations going on together, the death of the associates of a woman recently released from prison after taking the ‘fall’ and doing the time for a major robbery without naming her fellow criminals, and the murder of a homeless girl known fleetingly to Max.
The book was, for me, an absolute page turner, I was gripped from the start and just kept reading till the end. I was saddened to see the decline in Max’s relationship with his daughter, Scout. Even more surprised that he would leave her alone in an apartment in central London while he goes out late at night, given that’s she is only 12. It’s not against the law per se but it’s not something most people would even consider, I wouldn’t have thought? I could be out of touch though? I know…….it’s fiction…..and it was only for a few hours…..but still? Did it deter from the book?,Absolutely not, it’s a brilliant book and I loved every minute of it!
The twist at the end of the book, took me completely by surprise and totally blindsided me!! That’s all I’m going to say, not a chance I saw that coming!
My thanks, as always, go to Tony Parsons, the publishers and to NetGalley for an advanced e.reader copy of this book. The opinions in this review, however, are entirely voluntary and my own.
The ‘voice’ of Max in this book is really sad, I would even say he sounds quite depressed but if you’ve read the earlier books it’s easy to see why, he appears to be still in the throes of grief. I loved the storyline with the two new direct entry detectives and the cynicism that inevitably comes with a change in the way newbies are treated if they have come direct from University as opposed to ‘cutting their teeth’ on the streets the way most more experienced detectives have…………..nurses and midwives were met with the same wariness when University education was introduced.
I won’t précis the story, you can get that from the back of the book, suffice to say there are two main investigations going on together, the death of the associates of a woman recently released from prison after taking the ‘fall’ and doing the time for a major robbery without naming her fellow criminals, and the murder of a homeless girl known fleetingly to Max.
The book was, for me, an absolute page turner, I was gripped from the start and just kept reading till the end. I was saddened to see the decline in Max’s relationship with his daughter, Scout. Even more surprised that he would leave her alone in an apartment in central London while he goes out late at night, given that’s she is only 12. It’s not against the law per se but it’s not something most people would even consider, I wouldn’t have thought? I could be out of touch though? I know…….it’s fiction…..and it was only for a few hours…..but still? Did it deter from the book?,Absolutely not, it’s a brilliant book and I loved every minute of it!
The twist at the end of the book, took me completely by surprise and totally blindsided me!! That’s all I’m going to say, not a chance I saw that coming!
My thanks, as always, go to Tony Parsons, the publishers and to NetGalley for an advanced e.reader copy of this book. The opinions in this review, however, are entirely voluntary and my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews