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A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning: And Other Stories from My Life as a Probation Officer
Elizabeth Baxter has heard it all. Thieves, rapists, drug dealers, burglars, murderers, abusers and arsonists – they’ve all confided in her.
Some are harder to shake than others. There’s sweet, baby-faced Stella who hurled a brick through her ex’s window and threatened to cut off his… well, you get the picture. Jake, who burned down his grandfather’s shed and prized model railway collection. And who could forget Steve, who set up a complex marmite-based distillery in his cell. The moonshine wasn’t for drinking though, but for cleaning. He remains, in Elizabeth’s professional opinion, Britain’s most fastidious murderer.
Recalling her twenty-five years in Britain’s probation service, Elizabeth Baxter offers a fresh perspective on care within the criminal justice system. Warm and humane, A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning pays tribute to the work of probation officers everywhere, who not only protect the public, but often act as the final safety net for society’s most vulnerable, from teenage asylum seekers to survivors of domestic abuse.
Some are harder to shake than others. There’s sweet, baby-faced Stella who hurled a brick through her ex’s window and threatened to cut off his… well, you get the picture. Jake, who burned down his grandfather’s shed and prized model railway collection. And who could forget Steve, who set up a complex marmite-based distillery in his cell. The moonshine wasn’t for drinking though, but for cleaning. He remains, in Elizabeth’s professional opinion, Britain’s most fastidious murderer.
Recalling her twenty-five years in Britain’s probation service, Elizabeth Baxter offers a fresh perspective on care within the criminal justice system. Warm and humane, A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning pays tribute to the work of probation officers everywhere, who not only protect the public, but often act as the final safety net for society’s most vulnerable, from teenage asylum seekers to survivors of domestic abuse.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
22 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Baxter
27 books69 followersElizabeth Baxter was born and raised in England. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling the world and watching England play cricket. She’s been writing since she was six years old and plans to continue for as long as she’s able to hold a pen (or a keyboard).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 16, 2026
I read cop memoirs, prisoner memoirs, and prison psychiatrist memoirs, so a probation officer’s memoir fits neatly somewhere between all of them. I discovered that their job could be summed up as trying to make sure that this offender (don’t say criminal) who might be released/is just about to be released/has been released won’t do it again. A lot of the job seems to involve weekly meetings where the offender minutely describes the offense in order to understand the psychological forces that brought him to that point. To get to that understanding you have to get some of these guys to accept 1) that they actually did what they’ve been found guilty of, and 2) that it wasn’t a good thing to do.
The clients (don’t say offenders) are their own best (or most weaselly) defence lawyers pleading for mitigation. The burglars will say
Nobody was in.
I didn’t hurt anyone.
I didn’t make a mess.
It’s only stuff.
And the murderer will say “I punched him but then he fell down and bashed his head on the kerb and it was the kerb that killed him”. It will take him a long long time to accept that what killed the guy was the several kicks in the back of the head while he was on the ground.
To be a good probation officer you have to be able to listen to a paedophile describe his crimes without showing any sign of disgust.
The ability to maintain a totally blank and impassive face when underneath you are thinking “fucking hell, this is vile, I’m going to be sick” is vital for this to succeed.
“This” being what she calls “motivational interviewing”. As she describes her interviewing techniques, leading in at least one case to what she calls a “breakthrough”, I couldn’t help but think of Tony Soprano and his many sessions with Dr Jennifer Melfi. That’s because I’ve been rewatching The Sopranos. But there is a big difference between Dr Melfi and Elizabeth Baxter, probation officer. What Dr Melfi and all the other psychiatrists of the world do is therapy for which they are handsomely remunerated by their clients. What the probation officer does is free. Other than that I couldn’t see much difference at all.
The author gives 13 case studies and they’re all interesting, mostly glimpses into what Maxin Gorky called The Lower Depths where, unsurprisingly, most criminals come from. The ones who end up in jail anyway, I add hurriedly. And here’s a ghastly fact – the UK is one of the most advanced liberal nations on the face of the planet, everyone knows this, with billions poured into education each and every year, and yet, still, in this day and age :
A large proportion of offenders are unable to read or write; 57% of prisoners have a reading age below that of the average 11 year old.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH
Unfortunately the author includes a lot of personal information, especially as regards her happy messy home and her happy marriage with her loveable husband. Maybe I sound a trifle ungracious here, but for me this kind of stuff was TMI:
Tom tries to wake me by whispering that he loves me in my ear, which tickles, but I still ignore him. He then starts telling me I’m wonderful, then flicks my jowls and pokes at my wrinkles
There’s more too. Spare my blushes.
In the end I thought this book was one more example of how our Western societies are coming apart at the seams.
The clients (don’t say offenders) are their own best (or most weaselly) defence lawyers pleading for mitigation. The burglars will say
Nobody was in.
I didn’t hurt anyone.
I didn’t make a mess.
It’s only stuff.
And the murderer will say “I punched him but then he fell down and bashed his head on the kerb and it was the kerb that killed him”. It will take him a long long time to accept that what killed the guy was the several kicks in the back of the head while he was on the ground.
To be a good probation officer you have to be able to listen to a paedophile describe his crimes without showing any sign of disgust.
The ability to maintain a totally blank and impassive face when underneath you are thinking “fucking hell, this is vile, I’m going to be sick” is vital for this to succeed.
“This” being what she calls “motivational interviewing”. As she describes her interviewing techniques, leading in at least one case to what she calls a “breakthrough”, I couldn’t help but think of Tony Soprano and his many sessions with Dr Jennifer Melfi. That’s because I’ve been rewatching The Sopranos. But there is a big difference between Dr Melfi and Elizabeth Baxter, probation officer. What Dr Melfi and all the other psychiatrists of the world do is therapy for which they are handsomely remunerated by their clients. What the probation officer does is free. Other than that I couldn’t see much difference at all.
The author gives 13 case studies and they’re all interesting, mostly glimpses into what Maxin Gorky called The Lower Depths where, unsurprisingly, most criminals come from. The ones who end up in jail anyway, I add hurriedly. And here’s a ghastly fact – the UK is one of the most advanced liberal nations on the face of the planet, everyone knows this, with billions poured into education each and every year, and yet, still, in this day and age :
A large proportion of offenders are unable to read or write; 57% of prisoners have a reading age below that of the average 11 year old.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH
Unfortunately the author includes a lot of personal information, especially as regards her happy messy home and her happy marriage with her loveable husband. Maybe I sound a trifle ungracious here, but for me this kind of stuff was TMI:
Tom tries to wake me by whispering that he loves me in my ear, which tickles, but I still ignore him. He then starts telling me I’m wonderful, then flicks my jowls and pokes at my wrinkles
There’s more too. Spare my blushes.
In the end I thought this book was one more example of how our Western societies are coming apart at the seams.
April 16, 2026
This was such a fun memoir! 👏🏼👏🏼
This book is divided in chapters with each chapter following a different person that has done something criminal and needs to be followed by a probation officer. They range from petty thefts to murders, and everything in-between.
You get an insightful look in different criminal charges and the evolution of the probation offices.
These story's are filled with heartfelt moments, humor and eye opening statements. I reallyyyyyy loved how the author brought these story's to live with her take on the situations.
I work within the justice department myself and felt like a lot of these story's were very recognizable. The author did such a good job in combining storytelling and information handling.
I reallyyyyyy enjoyed listening to this audiobook, so much so that I have listened to it twice 😅
Thank you so much Netgalley and TBD publishing for this ARC!! 🤎
This book is divided in chapters with each chapter following a different person that has done something criminal and needs to be followed by a probation officer. They range from petty thefts to murders, and everything in-between.
You get an insightful look in different criminal charges and the evolution of the probation offices.
These story's are filled with heartfelt moments, humor and eye opening statements. I reallyyyyyy loved how the author brought these story's to live with her take on the situations.
I work within the justice department myself and felt like a lot of these story's were very recognizable. The author did such a good job in combining storytelling and information handling.
I reallyyyyyy enjoyed listening to this audiobook, so much so that I have listened to it twice 😅
Thank you so much Netgalley and TBD publishing for this ARC!! 🤎
March 29, 2026
4.5*
I haven’t reviewed any books for a while but this one definitely deserved a review. This was a bit different to the books I’ve read recently. This book is a true perspective of working as a probation officer in the UK by Elizabeth Baxter. It gives an honest and quite chilling insight into the role through different case studies (including stories about paedophiles, murderers, burglars etc) but expertly includes some humour. As well as seeing the personal impact it had on the author, I loved the facts and research gone into this book as well and would highly recommend this book!
I haven’t reviewed any books for a while but this one definitely deserved a review. This was a bit different to the books I’ve read recently. This book is a true perspective of working as a probation officer in the UK by Elizabeth Baxter. It gives an honest and quite chilling insight into the role through different case studies (including stories about paedophiles, murderers, burglars etc) but expertly includes some humour. As well as seeing the personal impact it had on the author, I loved the facts and research gone into this book as well and would highly recommend this book!
April 23, 2026
Equal parts life and career, equal parts entertaining and educational.
There are a lot of positives in this non-fiction read:
It’s very relatable, the writing is engaging and the approach is novel. The 13 cases are well chosen and highlighted the broad spectrum of people Baxter was required to deal with over the course of her career. It was just the right length and just the right amount of detail.
I did find the personal accounts of her life a little awkward to read about, but it lightened a very heavy topic. As I’m not from the UK, there were aspects of society I couldn’t wrap my head around. Unfortunately, common in these modern times are the self-serving, largely unqualified politicians making decisions with no accountability!
There are a lot of positives in this non-fiction read:
It’s very relatable, the writing is engaging and the approach is novel. The 13 cases are well chosen and highlighted the broad spectrum of people Baxter was required to deal with over the course of her career. It was just the right length and just the right amount of detail.
I did find the personal accounts of her life a little awkward to read about, but it lightened a very heavy topic. As I’m not from the UK, there were aspects of society I couldn’t wrap my head around. Unfortunately, common in these modern times are the self-serving, largely unqualified politicians making decisions with no accountability!
May 4, 2026
Thank you to the author, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review this audiobook/true crime debut before its release on April 16th. 4.5 stars rounded up.
As an American with a general understanding of our criminal justice system and how probation works in the states, this was fascinating to draw baseline similarities and vast differences between the US and UK. I was most interested in the level of empowerment demonstrated by probation officers in the UK.
The stories in this book were infuriating at times and also very sad, as due to the system, many clients arguably deserving of a happy ever after failed to experience one. But ones that do happen to find one feel like a gift. On the contrary, Baxter also dealt with some truly awful and heinous people, but still demonstrates a balance of compassion and disgust but with firm treatment delivered professionally across the board. She shares unique experiences, devastating stories, and goes into detail about how her job as a probation officer impacted her personal, marriage, family, and daily life. I can’t decide how I feel about the way she spoke about dealing with her husband. At times I was cheering her on, because I am also a married woman who gets frustrated with her husband. But damn lol I guess I’ll let you be the judge ;)
The narrator was excellent and I could listen to her all day. I ate this book up in less than 3 days (during a holiday weekend, no less)!
As an American with a general understanding of our criminal justice system and how probation works in the states, this was fascinating to draw baseline similarities and vast differences between the US and UK. I was most interested in the level of empowerment demonstrated by probation officers in the UK.
The stories in this book were infuriating at times and also very sad, as due to the system, many clients arguably deserving of a happy ever after failed to experience one. But ones that do happen to find one feel like a gift. On the contrary, Baxter also dealt with some truly awful and heinous people, but still demonstrates a balance of compassion and disgust but with firm treatment delivered professionally across the board. She shares unique experiences, devastating stories, and goes into detail about how her job as a probation officer impacted her personal, marriage, family, and daily life. I can’t decide how I feel about the way she spoke about dealing with her husband. At times I was cheering her on, because I am also a married woman who gets frustrated with her husband. But damn lol I guess I’ll let you be the judge ;)
The narrator was excellent and I could listen to her all day. I ate this book up in less than 3 days (during a holiday weekend, no less)!
May 6, 2026
A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning:
And Other Stories From My Life As A Probation Officer is a true crime memoir about a British woman who spent twenty-five years in the overworked and often neglected probation department.
Elizabeth Baxter began a career in the probation department after her own brush with the law. In the following years, she will work with murderers, abusers, addicts, and burglars while she tries to juggle her own marriage and a family. Eventually, as government cuts and changes to the department impact her own mental and physical health, she has to step away from the career that once brought her so much satisfaction.
This is an interesting look behind the scenes of a career many people don’t know a lot about. Some of the stories she shared are harder to hear than others (especially about the men who hurt children), but I think her experience and knowledge are illuminating. I recommend this one to anyone interested in the British criminal system or readers that enjoy books about life experiences and different careers.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator Notes: A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning was read by Antonia Bearmish, who does such a great job with narrating this book that I thought she was the author.
Disclosure: A copy of A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning was provided by Libro.FM for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And Other Stories From My Life As A Probation Officer is a true crime memoir about a British woman who spent twenty-five years in the overworked and often neglected probation department.
Elizabeth Baxter began a career in the probation department after her own brush with the law. In the following years, she will work with murderers, abusers, addicts, and burglars while she tries to juggle her own marriage and a family. Eventually, as government cuts and changes to the department impact her own mental and physical health, she has to step away from the career that once brought her so much satisfaction.
This is an interesting look behind the scenes of a career many people don’t know a lot about. Some of the stories she shared are harder to hear than others (especially about the men who hurt children), but I think her experience and knowledge are illuminating. I recommend this one to anyone interested in the British criminal system or readers that enjoy books about life experiences and different careers.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator Notes: A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning was read by Antonia Bearmish, who does such a great job with narrating this book that I thought she was the author.
Disclosure: A copy of A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning was provided by Libro.FM for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 20, 2026
2.75/5
This sounded like a very interesting lens to hear true crime cases through. But I was quite disappointed with this.
Unfortunately, I did not really like the way this was told. It felt really unorganized and could be really hard to follow because of how all over the place it was. I was constantly getting lost as to what was being talked about.
I feel like I wasn't able to take as much away from this non-fiction as I usually do.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This sounded like a very interesting lens to hear true crime cases through. But I was quite disappointed with this.
Unfortunately, I did not really like the way this was told. It felt really unorganized and could be really hard to follow because of how all over the place it was. I was constantly getting lost as to what was being talked about.
I feel like I wasn't able to take as much away from this non-fiction as I usually do.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
May 11, 2026
Elizabeth Baxter has seen it all, from thieves and rapist to drug dealers and murderers… and everyone has their own story to tell.
After getting mixed up in some trouble as a youth, Elizabeth finds that her probation officer is a shining light in otherwise bad situation. He councils her and encourages her to pursue a career in probation where she can be a service to society going forward. Elizabeth spends years working to get to that goal and eventually she makes it… as we see through her stories of clients in her own experiences. She ends up, losing it all from the extreme stress placed on her by this role.
Elizabeth Baxter does a great job, summarizing the ups and downs of probation throughout her career and how it has changed through legislation to be a shell of what it once was. Great officers making a difference in lives are worn down and overworked until they can no longer do the job.
This book was filled with entertaining and fascinating stories, but I think the real stand out of this book besides, Elizabeth is the defamation of the English probation system. Being used as a political tool, and not being backed up by the social services needed to help people has created a hollow system. I hope this insight that Elizabeth delivers Sparks someone to take up the mantle revive this once thriving and reformative tool.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Antonia Beamish, and really enjoyed her reading style. She comes out the material with the no nonsense, casual manner in some very un casual situations. She delivers the material and highly entertaining and relatable way. I found this book very easy and entertaining to listen to.
This is a review of the audiobook.
After getting mixed up in some trouble as a youth, Elizabeth finds that her probation officer is a shining light in otherwise bad situation. He councils her and encourages her to pursue a career in probation where she can be a service to society going forward. Elizabeth spends years working to get to that goal and eventually she makes it… as we see through her stories of clients in her own experiences. She ends up, losing it all from the extreme stress placed on her by this role.
Elizabeth Baxter does a great job, summarizing the ups and downs of probation throughout her career and how it has changed through legislation to be a shell of what it once was. Great officers making a difference in lives are worn down and overworked until they can no longer do the job.
This book was filled with entertaining and fascinating stories, but I think the real stand out of this book besides, Elizabeth is the defamation of the English probation system. Being used as a political tool, and not being backed up by the social services needed to help people has created a hollow system. I hope this insight that Elizabeth delivers Sparks someone to take up the mantle revive this once thriving and reformative tool.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Antonia Beamish, and really enjoyed her reading style. She comes out the material with the no nonsense, casual manner in some very un casual situations. She delivers the material and highly entertaining and relatable way. I found this book very easy and entertaining to listen to.
This is a review of the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for this ALC!
“A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning: And Other Stories from My Life as a Probation Officer” is a (sort of) true crime novel, except it has absolutely none of the moral failings I associate with that genre, which is why I would prefer to refer to it as a book discussing the social, environmental, mental and economic reasons for why people commit criminal acts, and how to treat these people afterwards. The author, Elizabeth Baxter, worked in Britain’s probation service for 25 years (don’t worry if you don’t know what that entails – she explains things beautifully). In this book, she tells us her own story of what led her to become a probation officer, her experiences during the time she worked there, what led her to have to give up the job, and the state of this occupation today.
I requested this audiobook somewhat on a whim, as I am really liking nonfiction audiobooks lately, but approached the book with caution since I have mixed feelings towards true crime as a genre. In this case I absolutely did not have to worry though, and I am so thankful I gave this book a chance.
From the very start of the book, it is obvious that Baxter is extremely smart, kind and knowledgeable in her field. She tells her own mixed life experiences in equal measures candidly and with a sort of humour that seeks to enhance each story, not hide its darker elements. Her clients’ stories are told with endless compassion and understanding, while still staying real in regards to frustrating or scary experiences. None of the kindness feels fake or over the top, instead, you can feel Baxter’s genuine warmth in all of her words.
This book manages to be informative while also being fun, all without being exploitative. There are many dark topics discussed here, and Baxter treats them with all the gravity they deserve to be treated with, but she also diffuses the tension where it is appropriate. This makes for a much easier reading experience than it may have been otherwise.
I am pro prison-abolition, and therefore of course very much pro-rehabilitation, so it was wonderfully enlightening and gratifying to see the work of someone who did said rehabilitating described in such detail. I felt myself agreeing fully with every opinion the author brought up. I imagine that this book will be extra interesting for someone who maybe has a different view, but wants to know what the other side has to say.
Baxter is also very honest about the ways in which certain changes the government made affected her occupation, and forced her to leave her job after 25 years. The last chapter is dedicated to the current situation, and the way that people who still work as probation officers feel about their jobs and the situation surrounding them.
The narrator of this audiobook, Antonia Beamish, also has a very pleasant voice which fits Baxter’s writing well, so I would recommend the audiobook if that is your style – if not, please give the book a chance in whatever other format works best!
I really cannot recommend this book enough. The stories are interesting, heartbreaking and heartwarming, funny and serious, and just all around entertaining. But they are also treated with exactly the kind of respect I think they deserve. By the end of this book, you will want nothing more than you want to sit down and have a cuppa with Elizabeth Baxter. One of my favourite reads of the year so far.
“A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning: And Other Stories from My Life as a Probation Officer” is a (sort of) true crime novel, except it has absolutely none of the moral failings I associate with that genre, which is why I would prefer to refer to it as a book discussing the social, environmental, mental and economic reasons for why people commit criminal acts, and how to treat these people afterwards. The author, Elizabeth Baxter, worked in Britain’s probation service for 25 years (don’t worry if you don’t know what that entails – she explains things beautifully). In this book, she tells us her own story of what led her to become a probation officer, her experiences during the time she worked there, what led her to have to give up the job, and the state of this occupation today.
I requested this audiobook somewhat on a whim, as I am really liking nonfiction audiobooks lately, but approached the book with caution since I have mixed feelings towards true crime as a genre. In this case I absolutely did not have to worry though, and I am so thankful I gave this book a chance.
From the very start of the book, it is obvious that Baxter is extremely smart, kind and knowledgeable in her field. She tells her own mixed life experiences in equal measures candidly and with a sort of humour that seeks to enhance each story, not hide its darker elements. Her clients’ stories are told with endless compassion and understanding, while still staying real in regards to frustrating or scary experiences. None of the kindness feels fake or over the top, instead, you can feel Baxter’s genuine warmth in all of her words.
This book manages to be informative while also being fun, all without being exploitative. There are many dark topics discussed here, and Baxter treats them with all the gravity they deserve to be treated with, but she also diffuses the tension where it is appropriate. This makes for a much easier reading experience than it may have been otherwise.
I am pro prison-abolition, and therefore of course very much pro-rehabilitation, so it was wonderfully enlightening and gratifying to see the work of someone who did said rehabilitating described in such detail. I felt myself agreeing fully with every opinion the author brought up. I imagine that this book will be extra interesting for someone who maybe has a different view, but wants to know what the other side has to say.
Baxter is also very honest about the ways in which certain changes the government made affected her occupation, and forced her to leave her job after 25 years. The last chapter is dedicated to the current situation, and the way that people who still work as probation officers feel about their jobs and the situation surrounding them.
The narrator of this audiobook, Antonia Beamish, also has a very pleasant voice which fits Baxter’s writing well, so I would recommend the audiobook if that is your style – if not, please give the book a chance in whatever other format works best!
I really cannot recommend this book enough. The stories are interesting, heartbreaking and heartwarming, funny and serious, and just all around entertaining. But they are also treated with exactly the kind of respect I think they deserve. By the end of this book, you will want nothing more than you want to sit down and have a cuppa with Elizabeth Baxter. One of my favourite reads of the year so far.
March 30, 2026
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning by Elizabeth Baxter, but something about the premise intrigued me, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-hidden world of probation officers—a role I didn’t fully appreciate until reading this. Baxter does an incredible job of taking readers behind the scenes of this difficult and nuanced profession. I found myself completely captivated by the way she describes the complexity of working with individuals who have committed serious crimes—and the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those tasked with helping them reintegrate into society. It’s not just about enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the humanity of those who have made horrific mistakes.
Baxter’s writing style was also fantastic. I genuinely didn’t want to put the book down. She has a way of drawing you in with vivid descriptions and a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Despite dealing with such difficult and traumatic subject matter—subject matter that I imagine is challenging even for the most experienced of writers—Baxter navigates it with such care and respect. Her voice is confident yet empathetic, and she manages to strike the perfect balance between storytelling and reflection. It’s raw and honest without ever feeling exploitative or sensationalized.
I particularly admire how Baxter carefully selects the real-life examples from her work to give readers an understanding of the individuals she's encountered over the years. It must have been incredibly difficult to decide which stories to share, but she does so with a sense of responsibility that’s both moving and enlightening. There are moments of heartbreak, of course, but there’s also the occasional glimmer of hope and redemption that makes it all feel worthwhile.
In short, I loved this book. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you reflect on your own assumptions and beliefs about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. I think everyone should read it—not just those interested in crime or probation, but anyone looking for a story that digs deep into the complexities of the human experience. Baxter's ability to write about such heavy topics with such clarity and heart is truly remarkable. Don’t miss out on this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-hidden world of probation officers—a role I didn’t fully appreciate until reading this. Baxter does an incredible job of taking readers behind the scenes of this difficult and nuanced profession. I found myself completely captivated by the way she describes the complexity of working with individuals who have committed serious crimes—and the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those tasked with helping them reintegrate into society. It’s not just about enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the humanity of those who have made horrific mistakes.
Baxter’s writing style was also fantastic. I genuinely didn’t want to put the book down. She has a way of drawing you in with vivid descriptions and a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Despite dealing with such difficult and traumatic subject matter—subject matter that I imagine is challenging even for the most experienced of writers—Baxter navigates it with such care and respect. Her voice is confident yet empathetic, and she manages to strike the perfect balance between storytelling and reflection. It’s raw and honest without ever feeling exploitative or sensationalized.
I particularly admire how Baxter carefully selects the real-life examples from her work to give readers an understanding of the individuals she's encountered over the years. It must have been incredibly difficult to decide which stories to share, but she does so with a sense of responsibility that’s both moving and enlightening. There are moments of heartbreak, of course, but there’s also the occasional glimmer of hope and redemption that makes it all feel worthwhile.
In short, I loved this book. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you reflect on your own assumptions and beliefs about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. I think everyone should read it—not just those interested in crime or probation, but anyone looking for a story that digs deep into the complexities of the human experience. Baxter's ability to write about such heavy topics with such clarity and heart is truly remarkable. Don’t miss out on this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The author relates her twenty-five years working in the probation service in the UK. This is a genuine behind-the-scenes or fly-on-the-wall look at the British justice system & it makes depressing reading in that respect. This book is an indictment against successive UK governments who have done more harm than good with their obsession with trying to penny pinch whilst spending billions on their pet projects. The reader can see that the probation service has been hollowed out & that working in this area is currently a thankless task. It's about time that this was brought to the public's attention & this book is a great start.
The cases, although anonymised, do an excellent job of showing the human side of offending whilst not being overly sentimental. There are cases that show that although there are offenders who are probably beyond redemption, there are equally those that genuinely are helped more by probation than imprisonment. One cannot help but feel for those such as Jak, in prison for burning down his grandfather's model railway as he says in retaliation for years of abuse who was being kept in prison on an outdated IPP (indeterminate prison sentence - something which has now been stopped but those prisoners already sentenced are still subject to the terms) despite all his efforts to rehabilitate. Also Stella who wondered why the police were so quick to arrest her for hurling bricks through her ex's window & yet strangely reticent to arrest her ex for the injuries she sustained over the length of their relationship. Well, quite.
Amidst this, there were moments of humour whilst carrying out this incredibly demanding job. I found this memoir to be genuinely insightful although there are some cases which are definitely difficult to read. I would recommend this to true crime readers who are looking for something a little different to the usual books. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - This is a genuine behind-the-scenes or fly-on-the-wall look at the British justice system.
Writing Style: Excellent - Shows the human side of offending whilst not being overly sentimental. Also moments of humour.
Enjoyment Level: High - I found this memoir to be genuinely insightful & would recommend this to true crime readers who are looking for something a little different to the usual.
TWs: deals with offenders who have committed crimes such as domestic violence, murder, & paedophilia. Also has strong language.
Thank you to NetGalley & publishers, Oneworld Publications, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The cases, although anonymised, do an excellent job of showing the human side of offending whilst not being overly sentimental. There are cases that show that although there are offenders who are probably beyond redemption, there are equally those that genuinely are helped more by probation than imprisonment. One cannot help but feel for those such as Jak, in prison for burning down his grandfather's model railway as he says in retaliation for years of abuse who was being kept in prison on an outdated IPP (indeterminate prison sentence - something which has now been stopped but those prisoners already sentenced are still subject to the terms) despite all his efforts to rehabilitate. Also Stella who wondered why the police were so quick to arrest her for hurling bricks through her ex's window & yet strangely reticent to arrest her ex for the injuries she sustained over the length of their relationship. Well, quite.
Amidst this, there were moments of humour whilst carrying out this incredibly demanding job. I found this memoir to be genuinely insightful although there are some cases which are definitely difficult to read. I would recommend this to true crime readers who are looking for something a little different to the usual books. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
SUMMARY:
Research: Excellent - This is a genuine behind-the-scenes or fly-on-the-wall look at the British justice system.
Writing Style: Excellent - Shows the human side of offending whilst not being overly sentimental. Also moments of humour.
Enjoyment Level: High - I found this memoir to be genuinely insightful & would recommend this to true crime readers who are looking for something a little different to the usual.
TWs: deals with offenders who have committed crimes such as domestic violence, murder, & paedophilia. Also has strong language.
Thank you to NetGalley & publishers, Oneworld Publications, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Bolinda Audio, and Elizabeth Baxter for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Book rating: 3.5
Audio rating: 5
Total: 4.25
Release Date: 4/16/2026
My thoughts on the book:
I thought this book was an interesting and insightful look into UKs criminal justice system and the often-overlooked work of probation officers. It takes a certain dedication to work in such a difficult field with limited resources and support and the good that probation officers do is more often than not overlooked. This book explores several cases from the author's 25-year career, and they were all interesting to listen to even though the offenses were so different. While non-fiction reads can sometimes feel dense, the writing and narrative style retelling for this book actually made it quite bingeable and I was able to finish it in two sittings.
With that said, I found that the author recounting her husband Tom's weaponized incompetence in detail tended to overshadow a lot of what I liked about this book. I found myself getting irritated every time he was brought up. He makes appearances several times throughout the duration of the book. This especially irritated me near the end where the author was describing having a mental health crisis and receiving almost no help from her partner. Although, I found it kind of funny when the author talks about how she employed techniques from her career as a probation officer on him to get him to do basic tasks like make the bed or take out the trash.
My thoughts on the Audio:
This book has a wonderful narrator in Antonia Beamish.; her voice was so pleasant to listen to. The actual author reads the intro and acknowledgments and also has a pleasant-sounding voice. I actually would not have minded listening to her narrate the book herself.
Best for: Listeners who enjoy investigative journalism, narrative non-fiction, true crime, and public affairs
Book rating: 3.5
Audio rating: 5
Total: 4.25
Release Date: 4/16/2026
My thoughts on the book:
I thought this book was an interesting and insightful look into UKs criminal justice system and the often-overlooked work of probation officers. It takes a certain dedication to work in such a difficult field with limited resources and support and the good that probation officers do is more often than not overlooked. This book explores several cases from the author's 25-year career, and they were all interesting to listen to even though the offenses were so different. While non-fiction reads can sometimes feel dense, the writing and narrative style retelling for this book actually made it quite bingeable and I was able to finish it in two sittings.
With that said, I found that the author recounting her husband Tom's weaponized incompetence in detail tended to overshadow a lot of what I liked about this book. I found myself getting irritated every time he was brought up. He makes appearances several times throughout the duration of the book. This especially irritated me near the end where the author was describing having a mental health crisis and receiving almost no help from her partner. Although, I found it kind of funny when the author talks about how she employed techniques from her career as a probation officer on him to get him to do basic tasks like make the bed or take out the trash.
My thoughts on the Audio:
This book has a wonderful narrator in Antonia Beamish.; her voice was so pleasant to listen to. The actual author reads the intro and acknowledgments and also has a pleasant-sounding voice. I actually would not have minded listening to her narrate the book herself.
Best for: Listeners who enjoy investigative journalism, narrative non-fiction, true crime, and public affairs
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book does a beautiful job straddling the line between being fascinating and remaining deeply respectful of the subject matter. It reminds me of some of the psychiatry non-fiction I’ve adored, like Good Morning Monster or Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. It would be so easy to exploit the salaciousness of these crimes, but Elizabeth Baxter approaches both the victims and the criminals with immense empathy. And sometimes acknowledging that, unfortunately, one person can be both.
I can shy away from these topics because the inherent unfairness of the system can feel hopeless and I don't want to spend all day hiding under my comforter in bed. But the title here made me laugh and I was cautiously optimistic. Baxter explores these tragedies while maintaining a balance of stories that highlight the positives and the hope sprinkled throughout. And, um, with the occasional penis pressed against glass. She also does an important job of raising awareness regarding the current state of probation and how certain changes have really harmed the rehabilitation process.
On the other hand, one person who shows zero signs of rehabilitation? Tom, her husband. Tom, do more chores! Be kinder! Compliment your wife! Sheesh.
Antonia Beamish was lovely in her narration. I can't imagine it’s easy to navigate the trauma of domestic violence, the frustration of regulatory red tape, and the humor of the author's situations while ensuring real people are treated with respect. There is a maturity and a soothing quality to her voice that makes her incredibly listenable.
Bolinda, you spoil me! Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ALC. A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning comes out April 16, 2026.
I can shy away from these topics because the inherent unfairness of the system can feel hopeless and I don't want to spend all day hiding under my comforter in bed. But the title here made me laugh and I was cautiously optimistic. Baxter explores these tragedies while maintaining a balance of stories that highlight the positives and the hope sprinkled throughout. And, um, with the occasional penis pressed against glass. She also does an important job of raising awareness regarding the current state of probation and how certain changes have really harmed the rehabilitation process.
On the other hand, one person who shows zero signs of rehabilitation? Tom, her husband. Tom, do more chores! Be kinder! Compliment your wife! Sheesh.
Antonia Beamish was lovely in her narration. I can't imagine it’s easy to navigate the trauma of domestic violence, the frustration of regulatory red tape, and the humor of the author's situations while ensuring real people are treated with respect. There is a maturity and a soothing quality to her voice that makes her incredibly listenable.
Bolinda, you spoil me! Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ALC. A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning comes out April 16, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm wary of books written about certain professions, mostly from the perspective of protecting the privacy of those involved. However, I felt interested enough in the premise of this one to give it a chance. I'm so glad that I did! Elizabeth Baxter pulls no punches from the outset. She presents clear (and shocking) statistical data, alongside online resources which illustrate the history of the probation service and the devastating effect of the Government's decision to privatise and outsource elements of the service. As such, I was heavily invested from the Preface. I thoroughly enjoyed both the ebook and audiobook narrated by Antonia Beamish and Elizabeth Baxter.
The author beautifully conveys the diversity of her caseload, and experience, over the years and illustrates the humanity of each client with great respect, care and consideration. I found her to be inspirational. This woman has devoted 25 years of her life to an incredibly challenging career with the hope of helping people. I think that's to be applauded.
I did feel somewhat frustrated that this bright, clever woman didn't have more support in her personal life. It's not my business to comment on other people's children but I wish Elizabeth would get rid of that dreadful, entitled husband of hers. This is a woman who has spent decades in a male-dominated professional environment. Who sacrificed her own health and well-being for the sake of other people. And her husband can't even clean the toilet after himself. Awful!
Elizabeth, I wish you every happiness life has to offer. Thank you for this book, for your honesty and integrity, and for always seeing the humanity in people whilst walking the fine line of not making excuses for their behaviour.
The author beautifully conveys the diversity of her caseload, and experience, over the years and illustrates the humanity of each client with great respect, care and consideration. I found her to be inspirational. This woman has devoted 25 years of her life to an incredibly challenging career with the hope of helping people. I think that's to be applauded.
I did feel somewhat frustrated that this bright, clever woman didn't have more support in her personal life. It's not my business to comment on other people's children but I wish Elizabeth would get rid of that dreadful, entitled husband of hers. This is a woman who has spent decades in a male-dominated professional environment. Who sacrificed her own health and well-being for the sake of other people. And her husband can't even clean the toilet after himself. Awful!
Elizabeth, I wish you every happiness life has to offer. Thank you for this book, for your honesty and integrity, and for always seeing the humanity in people whilst walking the fine line of not making excuses for their behaviour.
April 6, 2026
In A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning, probation officer Elizabeth Baxter recalls her 25-year career in the criminal justice system, sharing some of her more memorable cases. Tales of burglars, abusers and murderers amongst others are told with honesty, compassion and sometimes humour, providing a real insight into the life of a probation officer.
I was initially drawn to the book by the title, intrigued as to what it could be referring to. I never thought I’d be getting cleaning tips from a convicted criminal! This is just one of the ways in which the author manages to lighten the mood in what is, at times, a very hard-hitting, thought-provoking book.
Many of the characters we meet in A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning are memorable – for different reasons. Some are repulsive and I have the utmost respect for the author for having to deal with them. Some, however, will remain with me for other reasons and I really hope that they have managed to break the cycle of crime.
What comes across throughout the book is how, like a lot of public services, the probation service is chronically underfunded and is becoming unfit for purpose despite the dedication of the hard-working staff. Elizabeth Baxter’s professional journey is a fascinating one and there was no surprise with how it ended. Sadly, this is the case for many workers in the public sector, highlighted perfectly here.
A fascinating read.
I was initially drawn to the book by the title, intrigued as to what it could be referring to. I never thought I’d be getting cleaning tips from a convicted criminal! This is just one of the ways in which the author manages to lighten the mood in what is, at times, a very hard-hitting, thought-provoking book.
Many of the characters we meet in A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning are memorable – for different reasons. Some are repulsive and I have the utmost respect for the author for having to deal with them. Some, however, will remain with me for other reasons and I really hope that they have managed to break the cycle of crime.
What comes across throughout the book is how, like a lot of public services, the probation service is chronically underfunded and is becoming unfit for purpose despite the dedication of the hard-working staff. Elizabeth Baxter’s professional journey is a fascinating one and there was no surprise with how it ended. Sadly, this is the case for many workers in the public sector, highlighted perfectly here.
A fascinating read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 Stars.
A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning was truly such an interesting, surprising read for me, and I am so happy I grabbed this audio. Elizabeth Baxter worked for the Probation Service in England for 20 years and offers such a unique perspective into what a Probation Officer goes through in the UK and their day to day.
I work for the court system in the states and have a close relationship with many probation officers and am at least a little bit familiar in what they have to deal with and that is one of the things that drew me to this book. I really loved hearing from someone who was not only in it, but someone who did this in a country different than my own. It was really interesting to me how many similarities there were, but at the end of the day, they are still the people tasked with keeping an eye on criminals so they do not reoffend.
I really enjoyed how Baxter spoke on her roles in the system and the stories of the different people that she supervised, that part to me was so fascinating as someone in the Criminal Justice field because I know how different each and every case is. I loved that she took what she did for so long and talked about it in a way that showed how much she truly loved it, but how in the end it eventually caused her to need a career change.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think it was exceptionally well done as a memoir but also as look into probation as a whole and will absolutely recommend it.
A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning was truly such an interesting, surprising read for me, and I am so happy I grabbed this audio. Elizabeth Baxter worked for the Probation Service in England for 20 years and offers such a unique perspective into what a Probation Officer goes through in the UK and their day to day.
I work for the court system in the states and have a close relationship with many probation officers and am at least a little bit familiar in what they have to deal with and that is one of the things that drew me to this book. I really loved hearing from someone who was not only in it, but someone who did this in a country different than my own. It was really interesting to me how many similarities there were, but at the end of the day, they are still the people tasked with keeping an eye on criminals so they do not reoffend.
I really enjoyed how Baxter spoke on her roles in the system and the stories of the different people that she supervised, that part to me was so fascinating as someone in the Criminal Justice field because I know how different each and every case is. I loved that she took what she did for so long and talked about it in a way that showed how much she truly loved it, but how in the end it eventually caused her to need a career change.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think it was exceptionally well done as a memoir but also as look into probation as a whole and will absolutely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the advanced audiobook.
Elizabeth Baxter worked as a parole officer, in Britain, for a quarter of a century. In that time she had to not only work with pedophiles, murderers, and other criminals, but she had to try and find the humanity in them, in order to try to help them break away from the prison industrial complex. Baxter pulls back the curtain on the ways that the parole system is both very needed and very broken.
This was a really eye-opening listen. The narrator did a great job of not doing too much, in the sense that her vocal quality never outdid the content. I became so thoroughly engrossed in the stories that Baxter tells that I sat for the entire seen hours or so of the audiobook. When I saw this posted on NetGalley I wasn't sure what I was going to get, but this should be a definite read for everyone. It was a good reminder of how quickly we in society write off those who've gone to prison and how many of them are there because of traumas done to them at ages where they couldn't fight back or walk away. And it's a good reminder that rehabilitation is possible and should be the goal for many.
A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning is out April 16, 2026
Elizabeth Baxter worked as a parole officer, in Britain, for a quarter of a century. In that time she had to not only work with pedophiles, murderers, and other criminals, but she had to try and find the humanity in them, in order to try to help them break away from the prison industrial complex. Baxter pulls back the curtain on the ways that the parole system is both very needed and very broken.
This was a really eye-opening listen. The narrator did a great job of not doing too much, in the sense that her vocal quality never outdid the content. I became so thoroughly engrossed in the stories that Baxter tells that I sat for the entire seen hours or so of the audiobook. When I saw this posted on NetGalley I wasn't sure what I was going to get, but this should be a definite read for everyone. It was a good reminder of how quickly we in society write off those who've gone to prison and how many of them are there because of traumas done to them at ages where they couldn't fight back or walk away. And it's a good reminder that rehabilitation is possible and should be the goal for many.
A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning is out April 16, 2026
April 5, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Belinda for the audio ARC!
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This audiobook was such a fascinating and eye-opening listen. Told through real experiences from her 25 years working in the UK probation system, Baxter shares some of the most shocking, strange, and sometimes even darkly humorous cases she’s encountered. 
What really made this stand out for me was that it’s narrated by the author herself. There’s something about hearing these stories in her own voice that makes them feel even more real and personal. You can hear the empathy, the exhaustion, and even the humor she’s developed over the years working with people at their lowest.
The stories range from unsettling to oddly amusing, and while some moments are heavy, there’s an underlying warmth throughout. Baxter doesn’t just focus on the crimes she highlights the human side of the justice system and the role probation officers play as a kind of last safety net for vulnerable people. 
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that, at times, it felt a bit episodic and less connected but that’s also the nature of real life casework.
Overall, if you’re into true crime with a more personal, behind the scenes perspective (especially set in the UK), this is definitely worth the listen.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This audiobook was such a fascinating and eye-opening listen. Told through real experiences from her 25 years working in the UK probation system, Baxter shares some of the most shocking, strange, and sometimes even darkly humorous cases she’s encountered. 
What really made this stand out for me was that it’s narrated by the author herself. There’s something about hearing these stories in her own voice that makes them feel even more real and personal. You can hear the empathy, the exhaustion, and even the humor she’s developed over the years working with people at their lowest.
The stories range from unsettling to oddly amusing, and while some moments are heavy, there’s an underlying warmth throughout. Baxter doesn’t just focus on the crimes she highlights the human side of the justice system and the role probation officers play as a kind of last safety net for vulnerable people. 
My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that, at times, it felt a bit episodic and less connected but that’s also the nature of real life casework.
Overall, if you’re into true crime with a more personal, behind the scenes perspective (especially set in the UK), this is definitely worth the listen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's really important to look past the title of this book as all is not quite what it seems! A murderer's guide to cleaning is written by an ex-probation officer who was clearly made for the job but sadly could not stay in it as long as she would have liked to have done so due to the demands, changes and stresses of the work.
The book's title makes sense when listening to the book as it refers to one of the probation clients that the author dealt with and it was fascinating, and educational, to understand how working with people that have committed some of the worst crimes imaginable can be confusing when they are likeable characters at times.
This bo0k is full of surprises, some that will make you sad, some that will make you laugh but all of which will get your eyebrows raising! If you like true crime and want to get an insight into an aspect of it that you have probably never considered before, this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
The book's title makes sense when listening to the book as it refers to one of the probation clients that the author dealt with and it was fascinating, and educational, to understand how working with people that have committed some of the worst crimes imaginable can be confusing when they are likeable characters at times.
This bo0k is full of surprises, some that will make you sad, some that will make you laugh but all of which will get your eyebrows raising! If you like true crime and want to get an insight into an aspect of it that you have probably never considered before, this is the book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The people we meet throughout this book are not sensationalised. There are no lurid descriptions or caricatured villains, just people as seen through the eyes of someone who is there to facilitate rehabilitation and protect the public. Elizabeth tells her stories in a calm, understated way. Never excusing the behaviour of her probation clients, but highlighting areas where support given earlier could've prevented crimes and saved the victims. The book especially highlights the good a properly funded and trained probation service can do in turning around lives. Whilst acknowledging that not everyone can be rehabilitated.
An insight into a world most of us will never see but which when looked after properly keeps us all safe whilst offering a productive way forward to those who want to change.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. My review is wholly my own words and opinion.
An insight into a world most of us will never see but which when looked after properly keeps us all safe whilst offering a productive way forward to those who want to change.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. My review is wholly my own words and opinion.
April 1, 2026
Imagine some of the most dangerous criminals confiding in you their darkest secrets… all in a days work for probation officer Elizabeth Baxter!
I binged my way through this audiobook in one day. Although the themes of this book are not pleasant, it was fascinating to see an insight to the daily life of a probation officer and their meetings with offenders, victims and the break room discussions after a particularly hard day.
If you like True Crime, biographies and dark humour as a defence mechanism (while always reminding respectful) - this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook, all opinions are my own.
I would also recommend The secret prison governor - written by Anonymous if you liked this book.
I binged my way through this audiobook in one day. Although the themes of this book are not pleasant, it was fascinating to see an insight to the daily life of a probation officer and their meetings with offenders, victims and the break room discussions after a particularly hard day.
If you like True Crime, biographies and dark humour as a defence mechanism (while always reminding respectful) - this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook, all opinions are my own.
I would also recommend The secret prison governor - written by Anonymous if you liked this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Real life examples of a probation officer’s role in the UK until the mismanagement caused her mental and physical distress enough that she couldn’t return to the work.
These are the types of stories everyone should read. She writes of some cases where she was able to help get the people on the right path, keep people jailed who were still a threat to others, and get people back in jail who were offending again. A great reminder that we can’t generalize and we need more than just the word of the offender. Each case is different and should be handled so. Also, good probation officers should be considered heroes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Belinda Audio for early access to the audiobook. These opinions are my own.
These are the types of stories everyone should read. She writes of some cases where she was able to help get the people on the right path, keep people jailed who were still a threat to others, and get people back in jail who were offending again. A great reminder that we can’t generalize and we need more than just the word of the offender. Each case is different and should be handled so. Also, good probation officers should be considered heroes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Belinda Audio for early access to the audiobook. These opinions are my own.
April 21, 2026
I said at the start of this year that I was committing to reading more memoirs to expand my views of the world. This one in particular was not an easy read/listen, though I give the author a lot of respect and credit for trying to honor the integrity and purpose of her rehabilitation work. It is really unsettling to hear some of the compositions of crimes committed and to try to imagine how the people who did them can justify their actions. That said, I do appreciate that the author tried to show the humanity within each client she met and what led them to where they were and the path to change-where possible.
Thank you to Libro.fm and the publisher for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Libro.fm and the publisher for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
I read the synopsis of this book and was intrigued to read the stories inside. There are a lot of books out there that talk about the experience of police officers, judges or lawyers but I had never seen one before from the perspective of a probation officer. Before going into this book, I was not even fully aware of how vast a role that they play. The stories in this book covered a wide range of prisoners and spent time diving into who they were and the impact they had on the author. The author also used this book to comment on the prison system as a whole and often its failures. I found those observations insightful and I will be taking a lot away from this book.
I was kindly given this book as an ARC through NetGalley
I was kindly given this book as an ARC through NetGalley
May 5, 2026
4.5 stars
This was thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining! Baxter has a real knack for storytelling and bringing light and humour into even the most upsetting of moments. I loved her renewed optimism and determination to give offenders their life and humanity back (where possible). I also appreciate her honesty and realness in the final chapter, discussing the current state of probation and the way it is failing not only offenders but the general public. A really great book, with glimpses of hope and told with a great sense of humour.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #AMurderersGuidetoCleaning #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining! Baxter has a real knack for storytelling and bringing light and humour into even the most upsetting of moments. I loved her renewed optimism and determination to give offenders their life and humanity back (where possible). I also appreciate her honesty and realness in the final chapter, discussing the current state of probation and the way it is failing not only offenders but the general public. A really great book, with glimpses of hope and told with a great sense of humour.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #AMurderersGuidetoCleaning #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 29, 2026
Wow, what an utterly encapsulating book. A peek behind the curtain of ‘life as a probation officer’ and how utterly my hat goes off to them. And to the author for writing such a sensitively written and eye opening book which managed to have the perfect balance between being entertaining but not disrespectful and completely honest. Everything about this book was a must read.
The audiobook too was narrated wonderfully and really brought the cases to life. As soon as I hit ‘play’ time disappeared down a plug hole and I finished it in pretty much two days.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
The audiobook too was narrated wonderfully and really brought the cases to life. As soon as I hit ‘play’ time disappeared down a plug hole and I finished it in pretty much two days.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such an eye opening account of what it was like being a probation worker in the UK. Baxter tells several stories about the kinds of cases she worked with, and how she found new perspectives by asking more questions and listening for the first time. Sometimes heartbreaking, always emotional, Baxter never made excuses or tried to spin stories to meet a personal agenda, but genuinely seemed to care about her effect on society. This was really sad, especially considering that this kind of compassionate work seems to be discouraged.
Thanks to NetGalley I got to listen to this audiobook. The narration is really good, just emotional enough, and well paced for the material
Thanks to NetGalley I got to listen to this audiobook. The narration is really good, just emotional enough, and well paced for the material
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I requested this. I knew there would be stories involved but I was hoping they would be funny interactions with her clients. While it’s clear Baxter cares about her clients and she works tirelessly to get them the best chances, the stories were heartbreaking and made me think about how their lifestyles were perpetuated by their past and how difficult it is to break out of routine. I loved the happy endings but could feel her despair when things don’t go as she would have liked. A fascinating read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the review copy.
May 3, 2026
This was both enjoyable and helpful. A probation officer's account of the profession and a bit of memoir. I love that it doesn't oversimplify: she deals with the redeemable and tragic as well as the truly scary, making a solid case for reform of the (British) probation and criminal justice system. I've read other books that consider the histories and humanize offenders in important ways, but this one was more complex: considering the real human (not algorithmic) piece of the puzzle that must be there to unpack an offender's humanity and potential rehabilitation through deep and long-term relationships.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I very much enjoyed this memoir-style non-fiction book written by a former probation officer about her many years working for the probation service. A fascinating glimpse into the lives of all kinds of convicted offenders. Very well written and so interesting. A great read that I will be recommending widely. Excellent narration by the wonderful Antonia Beamish as well.
With grateful thanks to Bolinda Audio, Elizabeth Baxter and to NetGalley for my advance copy of the audiobook version of this book.
With grateful thanks to Bolinda Audio, Elizabeth Baxter and to NetGalley for my advance copy of the audiobook version of this book.
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