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Bad Deeds
Alex used to break into houses illegally. These days, it’s his job.
Alex is part of a small firm of consultants who break into offices and homes to test their security. It’s fun, it’s well paid, and he’s very good at it. It’s almost like he’s grown up at last.
But when he gets fired from his firm, evicted from his flat and dumped by his girlfriend, all in the same evening, he decides to steal one last job from his company without their knowing. A job they had already decided not to accept.
Big mistake.
Before long, Alex is in remote northern Scotland, following the trail of an ambitious young man who supposedly fell to his death with no witnesses in sight.
And if Alex doesn’t get to the truth soon, he may well be the next one over the edge...
Escape to Scotland in this gripping crime caper from the Sunday Times bestselling author and co-host of the award-winning smash podcast 'No Such Thing As A Fish'.
Alex is part of a small firm of consultants who break into offices and homes to test their security. It’s fun, it’s well paid, and he’s very good at it. It’s almost like he’s grown up at last.
But when he gets fired from his firm, evicted from his flat and dumped by his girlfriend, all in the same evening, he decides to steal one last job from his company without their knowing. A job they had already decided not to accept.
Big mistake.
Before long, Alex is in remote northern Scotland, following the trail of an ambitious young man who supposedly fell to his death with no witnesses in sight.
And if Alex doesn’t get to the truth soon, he may well be the next one over the edge...
Escape to Scotland in this gripping crime caper from the Sunday Times bestselling author and co-host of the award-winning smash podcast 'No Such Thing As A Fish'.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2026
About the author
Andrew Hunter Murray
17 books600 followersAndrew Hunter Murray is a writer from London. His first novel, The Last Day, is a high-concept thriller set in a world whose rotation has slowed to a halt. The Last Day will be published in the UK and USA in February 2020 by Penguin Random House.
For ten years, Andrew has been one of the writers and researchers behind the BBC show QI. He is one of the co-hosts of QI’s spin-off podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish, which since 2014 has released 250 episodes, been downloaded 200 million times, and toured the world. It has also spawned three books (The Book of the Year, The Book of the Year 2018 and The Book of the Year 2019), and a BBC2 series, No Such Thing As The News.
Andrew also writes jokes and journalism for Private Eye magazine, and hosts the Eye’s in-house podcast, Page 94. In his spare time he performs in the award-winning comedy show Austentatious, which plays in London’s West End and around the UK.
For ten years, Andrew has been one of the writers and researchers behind the BBC show QI. He is one of the co-hosts of QI’s spin-off podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish, which since 2014 has released 250 episodes, been downloaded 200 million times, and toured the world. It has also spawned three books (The Book of the Year, The Book of the Year 2018 and The Book of the Year 2019), and a BBC2 series, No Such Thing As The News.
Andrew also writes jokes and journalism for Private Eye magazine, and hosts the Eye’s in-house podcast, Page 94. In his spare time he performs in the award-winning comedy show Austentatious, which plays in London’s West End and around the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 19, 2026
2.5 / 5.0
Overall, it’s an ok book and my interest died near the end. If you were to ask me this book, the plot and what I remember I probably won’t remember much, wasn’t really my cup of tea.
Overall, it’s an ok book and my interest died near the end. If you were to ask me this book, the plot and what I remember I probably won’t remember much, wasn’t really my cup of tea.
June 22, 2026
As we could expect from Andy, funny, witty, mysterious and very contemporary. Loved it!
October 13, 2026
Bad Deeds is the sequel to A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering but it still works as a standalone. Al (or Alex as he now goes by) has now gone legit, working together with Em, Elle and Jonny to provide businesses with a means to test the robustness of their security.
Things might be looking up professionally at the start of the book but Alex's lack of ability to open up emotionally sees the end of his relationship with Em and his expulsion from the business and their shared home too. Short on funds, Alex decides to sift through the folder of jobs the gang has rejected and finds himself recruited to spy on a high-flying executive.
It soon becomes clear that there is something suspect about the job (which is why Em originally rejected it). Alex ends up in custody and the person who recruited him denies all knowledge of engaging his services. Another party gets involved and soon Alex, Em, Elle and Jonny are forced into hiding both physically and with regards to their use of technology. Within these limitations they try to figure out what exactly is going on and why they have been targeted too. They are also trying to keep off the National Crime Agency's radar, get paid for the work they have done, and revenge on those who have wronged them.
I thought the characters were more likeable in Bad Deeds than when we encountered them in the first book. Alex is, at times, still an uncomfortable character to listen to the thoughts of. But this is tempered by moments of humour in the book and the camaraderie between the gang during the times when they are getting along. We get to see Ell and Jonny as slightly more developed characters, Em too although I thought this was to a lesser extent.
As you might expect when the author used to be a QI elf, the book has plenty of nuggets of information. Some are central to the plot, others are included in passing but I found all of them to be interesting. There are a couple of sections where a decent knowledge of the streets of London will probably enhance your enjoyment of the story. I am sure that the route the characters take was meticulously plotted and those familiar with the streets mentioned will recognise their descriptions well. Unfortunately, it was rather wasted on me as someone who is unfamiliar with them.
On the whole I thought the mystery was good. There were a decent number of clues throughout the story so that you could predict the who and the what without feeling blindsided at the end. I only found myself marginally annoyed at the characters for missing something obvious and there were enough additional strands to the mystery to keep me engaged. The book is marketed as a humorous mystery thriller and I think it fulfils that promise.
Things might be looking up professionally at the start of the book but Alex's lack of ability to open up emotionally sees the end of his relationship with Em and his expulsion from the business and their shared home too. Short on funds, Alex decides to sift through the folder of jobs the gang has rejected and finds himself recruited to spy on a high-flying executive.
It soon becomes clear that there is something suspect about the job (which is why Em originally rejected it). Alex ends up in custody and the person who recruited him denies all knowledge of engaging his services. Another party gets involved and soon Alex, Em, Elle and Jonny are forced into hiding both physically and with regards to their use of technology. Within these limitations they try to figure out what exactly is going on and why they have been targeted too. They are also trying to keep off the National Crime Agency's radar, get paid for the work they have done, and revenge on those who have wronged them.
I thought the characters were more likeable in Bad Deeds than when we encountered them in the first book. Alex is, at times, still an uncomfortable character to listen to the thoughts of. But this is tempered by moments of humour in the book and the camaraderie between the gang during the times when they are getting along. We get to see Ell and Jonny as slightly more developed characters, Em too although I thought this was to a lesser extent.
As you might expect when the author used to be a QI elf, the book has plenty of nuggets of information. Some are central to the plot, others are included in passing but I found all of them to be interesting. There are a couple of sections where a decent knowledge of the streets of London will probably enhance your enjoyment of the story. I am sure that the route the characters take was meticulously plotted and those familiar with the streets mentioned will recognise their descriptions well. Unfortunately, it was rather wasted on me as someone who is unfamiliar with them.
On the whole I thought the mystery was good. There were a decent number of clues throughout the story so that you could predict the who and the what without feeling blindsided at the end. I only found myself marginally annoyed at the characters for missing something obvious and there were enough additional strands to the mystery to keep me engaged. The book is marketed as a humorous mystery thriller and I think it fulfils that promise.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book follows on from the shenanigans that occurred in "A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering" so, for full enjoyment of this one I would definitely recommend reading that first. Also, if you haven't and are going to, I would stop reading reviews for this one as they might spoil things...
So... We catch up with Alex who, along with Em and Ell, and Johnny, are becoming quite a successful small firm, specialising in the legitimate testing of other people's security systems... Working on the other side of the law, poacher turned gamekeeper and all that jazz... Anyway... Long story short and, at the beginning of this book, Al loses his GF, his job, and his home all in one fell swoop...
But, as we know from the first book, he is quite resourceful and so he logs into the company server and has a root through the "rejected jobs" pile and, well... picks one...
It appears to kinda go sort of smoothly, until he gets caught and, it transpires that the person he thought had booked him, actually knows nothing about it... He's arrested and... well... this is only the start of a whole new other set of shenanigans that took me all round the houses, in and out of peril, up and down the British Isles, as Al tries to work out what in the heck is going on... Oh and the fallout also drags the rest of the gang back into his murky world...
It's all thing convoluted and interconnected and, akin to the previous book, quite wordy in places. But there is so much going on that, for me anyway, it didn't drag at all. We are constantly bombarded with Alex's inner machinations which are alternately bonkers and inspiring and all things in between. And the whole book contains some really wonderful humour, peppered throughout. I took to Al in the first book and, even though he is rather an enigma, I continued to bond with him throughout this one...
And the story - and all its bonkersness, and convolution, and plate spinning - well, I was wondering how in the heck the author would weave it all together and give me an ending which both made sense, and leave me satisfied.... I needn't have worried as that was exactly what he delivered...
Only thing left to wonder now is what in the heck he has store for the gang for book three... there will be a book three... please...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... We catch up with Alex who, along with Em and Ell, and Johnny, are becoming quite a successful small firm, specialising in the legitimate testing of other people's security systems... Working on the other side of the law, poacher turned gamekeeper and all that jazz... Anyway... Long story short and, at the beginning of this book, Al loses his GF, his job, and his home all in one fell swoop...
But, as we know from the first book, he is quite resourceful and so he logs into the company server and has a root through the "rejected jobs" pile and, well... picks one...
It appears to kinda go sort of smoothly, until he gets caught and, it transpires that the person he thought had booked him, actually knows nothing about it... He's arrested and... well... this is only the start of a whole new other set of shenanigans that took me all round the houses, in and out of peril, up and down the British Isles, as Al tries to work out what in the heck is going on... Oh and the fallout also drags the rest of the gang back into his murky world...
It's all thing convoluted and interconnected and, akin to the previous book, quite wordy in places. But there is so much going on that, for me anyway, it didn't drag at all. We are constantly bombarded with Alex's inner machinations which are alternately bonkers and inspiring and all things in between. And the whole book contains some really wonderful humour, peppered throughout. I took to Al in the first book and, even though he is rather an enigma, I continued to bond with him throughout this one...
And the story - and all its bonkersness, and convolution, and plate spinning - well, I was wondering how in the heck the author would weave it all together and give me an ending which both made sense, and leave me satisfied.... I needn't have worried as that was exactly what he delivered...
Only thing left to wonder now is what in the heck he has store for the gang for book three... there will be a book three... please...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Hutchinson Heinemann for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I read the first book in this series - A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering - the day before this so I will try not to get them mixed up. I found the first one good but too long, and at over 430 pages I was worried this one would be too.
I do love the way this is written as if Alex is talking directly to the reader.
Do you need to have read the first one first? It's hard to be neutral here, because I have read the first one, so I don't know what it would be like to read this without reading the first one, if you know what I mean. But either or, I think to get the most out of this you need to have read the first one. It just gives you more story and more characters if you've got that background in your head.
Whilst I did feel there was too much filler, it read much quicker than the first one, which was good. It was catchy and immediately engaging - which I think might come from having recently read the first one, so I am already invested in the characters and their situation.
I think I preferred this one. It's more developed, he's had more time to get to know everyone and really set the story, so it feels more settled.
The characters are much better and much more likeable in this. They're more developed, more human, and just more enjoyable to read about They are all morally grey, and have their light parts and their dark parts. They are all familiar and recognisable, but they all have a sense of the enigma about them.
It's a multi-layered plot, lots of plates to spin, and at first you think it will be overwhelming but he's handled it very well and you can quite easily keep up with everything.
I would advise 1) reading the first book, but 2) not reading it on the same weekend because they're both very detail heavy, not a huge amount of stuff going on. Which isn't necessarily a negative. I think you need the quieter elements to a story, but it does become quite heavy.
There is scope for a third book but if I'm honest, I don't think it's necessary.
I read the first book in this series - A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering - the day before this so I will try not to get them mixed up. I found the first one good but too long, and at over 430 pages I was worried this one would be too.
I do love the way this is written as if Alex is talking directly to the reader.
Do you need to have read the first one first? It's hard to be neutral here, because I have read the first one, so I don't know what it would be like to read this without reading the first one, if you know what I mean. But either or, I think to get the most out of this you need to have read the first one. It just gives you more story and more characters if you've got that background in your head.
Whilst I did feel there was too much filler, it read much quicker than the first one, which was good. It was catchy and immediately engaging - which I think might come from having recently read the first one, so I am already invested in the characters and their situation.
I think I preferred this one. It's more developed, he's had more time to get to know everyone and really set the story, so it feels more settled.
The characters are much better and much more likeable in this. They're more developed, more human, and just more enjoyable to read about They are all morally grey, and have their light parts and their dark parts. They are all familiar and recognisable, but they all have a sense of the enigma about them.
It's a multi-layered plot, lots of plates to spin, and at first you think it will be overwhelming but he's handled it very well and you can quite easily keep up with everything.
I would advise 1) reading the first book, but 2) not reading it on the same weekend because they're both very detail heavy, not a huge amount of stuff going on. Which isn't necessarily a negative. I think you need the quieter elements to a story, but it does become quite heavy.
There is scope for a third book but if I'm honest, I don't think it's necessary.
July 18, 2026
There are two things to bear in mind about Alex, the narrator of Andrew Hunter Murray's latest novel: "Bad Deeds". Firstly, he is nowhere near as clever as he thinks he is and secondly, he's a compulsive liar. Indeed, his name isn't even Alex, but Al. He changed it because Al looks too much like the initials of Artificial Intelligence. (though he also admits that Al isn't his real name either). He lies even when there is no need to lie, such as lying about the date of his birthday. These make him the quintessential unreliable narrator.
He used to be a professional squatter, but when the novel opens he and his three colleagues run a company called Prometheus Security Partners, which specialises in advising businesses on how to be more security conscious. It does this by breaking into premises in order to show where security is weak. Early on, Alex is sacked by his colleagues because of his unreliability and his addiction to lying. But before he leaves, he embroils them all in a venture that leads to murder, mayhem, arson and breaking and entry.
It's not just Alex who can't be trusted, but most of the people he comes into contact with are less than trueful. As the four of them attempt to extricate themselves from situations that could lead to them being killed, they have to untangle the web of lies emanating from property developers, landlords and assorted thugs. Their journeys take them from the City of London to the far north of the Scottish Highlands.
In this light-hearted and at times comic thriller, we meet a range of people we wouldn't want to meet in broad daylight, never mind after dark or in remote locations. And no-one is as they seem. An enjoyable page turner.
He used to be a professional squatter, but when the novel opens he and his three colleagues run a company called Prometheus Security Partners, which specialises in advising businesses on how to be more security conscious. It does this by breaking into premises in order to show where security is weak. Early on, Alex is sacked by his colleagues because of his unreliability and his addiction to lying. But before he leaves, he embroils them all in a venture that leads to murder, mayhem, arson and breaking and entry.
It's not just Alex who can't be trusted, but most of the people he comes into contact with are less than trueful. As the four of them attempt to extricate themselves from situations that could lead to them being killed, they have to untangle the web of lies emanating from property developers, landlords and assorted thugs. Their journeys take them from the City of London to the far north of the Scottish Highlands.
In this light-hearted and at times comic thriller, we meet a range of people we wouldn't want to meet in broad daylight, never mind after dark or in remote locations. And no-one is as they seem. An enjoyable page turner.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bad Deeds is a warm, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt thriller that follows a man whose life falls apart in a single evening—and whose attempt to fix it lands him in far deeper trouble than he ever imagined. It has that easy, conversational tone that makes the pages fly, even as the stakes quietly sharpen around Alex with every chapter.
Alex is such an instantly likeable narrator. He’s flawed, funny, and just chaotic enough that you’re torn between wanting to shake him and wanting to give him a hug. His job—legally breaking into homes and offices to test their security—already gives the book a playful edge, but when he loses everything and decides to steal one last job, the story shifts into something darker and more gripping.
The move to remote northern Scotland is where the novel really comes alive. The landscape is atmospheric without being overdone, and the mystery of the young man who supposedly fell to his death adds a steady, unsettling tension. As Alex digs deeper, the humour never fully disappears, but it’s threaded with real danger, loneliness, and the creeping sense that he’s in way over his head.
What makes the book stand out is the balance between suspense and heart. Alex’s voice keeps things warm and human, even as the plot twists tighten. His determination to uncover the truth—part stubbornness, part redemption arc—makes the story unexpectedly touching.
A clever, engaging thriller with charm, tension, and a protagonist you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries with personality, humour, and a dash of emotional depth.
My thanks to Andrew Hunter Murray, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Alex is such an instantly likeable narrator. He’s flawed, funny, and just chaotic enough that you’re torn between wanting to shake him and wanting to give him a hug. His job—legally breaking into homes and offices to test their security—already gives the book a playful edge, but when he loses everything and decides to steal one last job, the story shifts into something darker and more gripping.
The move to remote northern Scotland is where the novel really comes alive. The landscape is atmospheric without being overdone, and the mystery of the young man who supposedly fell to his death adds a steady, unsettling tension. As Alex digs deeper, the humour never fully disappears, but it’s threaded with real danger, loneliness, and the creeping sense that he’s in way over his head.
What makes the book stand out is the balance between suspense and heart. Alex’s voice keeps things warm and human, even as the plot twists tighten. His determination to uncover the truth—part stubbornness, part redemption arc—makes the story unexpectedly touching.
A clever, engaging thriller with charm, tension, and a protagonist you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries with personality, humour, and a dash of emotional depth.
My thanks to Andrew Hunter Murray, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
July 10, 2026
Inventive, witty, and full of charm, this second instalment picks up where The Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering left off, reuniting readers with Alex for another seemingly straightforward job that quickly proves to be anything but. As events spiral in unexpected directions, the familiar blend of mystery, humour, and misadventure once again takes centre stage.
Rather than attempting a dramatic reinvention, this novel builds confidently on the foundations established in its predecessor. It feels like a natural continuation of the series, and that proves to be one of its greatest strengths. The returning cast are a pleasure to spend time with, their personalities and relationships continuing to develop in ways that make the story feel both engaging and rewarding.
Much of the novel’s success comes from its witty, accessible writing, which gives even the quieter moments an easy momentum. More importantly, the ideas feel stronger and more cohesive this time around, with the character work helping to tie the various plot strands together far more effectively than before. The result is a story that feels more assured while retaining the warmth and humour that made the first book so enjoyable.
There is still a little polishing to be done around the edges, and the series has yet to reach its full potential. Even so, this is a clear step forward, demonstrating growing confidence in both its storytelling and characters. If future instalments continue on this trajectory, there is every reason to believe this could develop into a truly memorable series.
Rather than attempting a dramatic reinvention, this novel builds confidently on the foundations established in its predecessor. It feels like a natural continuation of the series, and that proves to be one of its greatest strengths. The returning cast are a pleasure to spend time with, their personalities and relationships continuing to develop in ways that make the story feel both engaging and rewarding.
Much of the novel’s success comes from its witty, accessible writing, which gives even the quieter moments an easy momentum. More importantly, the ideas feel stronger and more cohesive this time around, with the character work helping to tie the various plot strands together far more effectively than before. The result is a story that feels more assured while retaining the warmth and humour that made the first book so enjoyable.
There is still a little polishing to be done around the edges, and the series has yet to reach its full potential. Even so, this is a clear step forward, demonstrating growing confidence in both its storytelling and characters. If future instalments continue on this trajectory, there is every reason to believe this could develop into a truly memorable series.
May 10, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Hutchinson Heinemann for an advanced copy of this book to review.
Alex is a guy with questionable ethics around breaking and entering and the emotional intelligence of a clam. He’s worked out how to do the former legally, but is still working on the latter with his love interest, Em. Throw in a Duke, a murder, a wannabe-billionaire, a giant dog and a few dried bull’s penises and you’ve got yourself a mystery to unravel.
I haven’t read the first book in this series (although I will definitely be purchasing it after how much I enjoyed this one and how quickly I made my way through it). I realised fairly early on from the well-established relationships that it was a sequel but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book in any way. You can easily read this without having read ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Breaking and Entering’ and not feel lost at sea (or in an expansive Scottish duchy).
I liked the narrative style with Alex telling the story and I think it really helped keep the mystery of what was going on. I thought the plot worked well and it kept me hooked with the need to know what was going on. The writing is funny, witty and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
As I mentioned, I’ll be reading the first in this series soon and would be back to read any further predicaments Alex and the gang find themselves in, in future.
Alex is a guy with questionable ethics around breaking and entering and the emotional intelligence of a clam. He’s worked out how to do the former legally, but is still working on the latter with his love interest, Em. Throw in a Duke, a murder, a wannabe-billionaire, a giant dog and a few dried bull’s penises and you’ve got yourself a mystery to unravel.
I haven’t read the first book in this series (although I will definitely be purchasing it after how much I enjoyed this one and how quickly I made my way through it). I realised fairly early on from the well-established relationships that it was a sequel but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book in any way. You can easily read this without having read ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Breaking and Entering’ and not feel lost at sea (or in an expansive Scottish duchy).
I liked the narrative style with Alex telling the story and I think it really helped keep the mystery of what was going on. I thought the plot worked well and it kept me hooked with the need to know what was going on. The writing is funny, witty and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
As I mentioned, I’ll be reading the first in this series soon and would be back to read any further predicaments Alex and the gang find themselves in, in future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the second book in a series, a fact that I didn’t realise so I felt that I was coming in to the story at a slight disadvantage. This should have been made clear.
However the book itself was fast moving and reasonably enjoyable.
Alex and his girlfriend, Em, run a firm which penetrate businesses to test out their security systems. Previously thieves they have put their skills to good use on the right side of the law. Along with Johny their computer geek and Em’s sister the firm seems to be going well.
However, when Em and Alex fall out and he moves out of their flat share and leaves the company, he decides to do one last job to earn some money, one which his colleagues have rejected.
This leads him and the others into a lot of trouble when their flat is broken into and they get caught up in some nefarious business dealings by a large property company.
I’m not sure what it was about this book but I didn’t warm to it. The first person narration by Alex was mildly amusing and the plot seemed rather convoluted. Maybe the style didn’t appeal to me or I wasn’t invested in any of the characters. It held my attention but only just. To be fair I did manage to finish it so have given it three stars. Perhaps if I’d read book one I would have enjoyed it more.
However the book itself was fast moving and reasonably enjoyable.
Alex and his girlfriend, Em, run a firm which penetrate businesses to test out their security systems. Previously thieves they have put their skills to good use on the right side of the law. Along with Johny their computer geek and Em’s sister the firm seems to be going well.
However, when Em and Alex fall out and he moves out of their flat share and leaves the company, he decides to do one last job to earn some money, one which his colleagues have rejected.
This leads him and the others into a lot of trouble when their flat is broken into and they get caught up in some nefarious business dealings by a large property company.
I’m not sure what it was about this book but I didn’t warm to it. The first person narration by Alex was mildly amusing and the plot seemed rather convoluted. Maybe the style didn’t appeal to me or I wasn’t invested in any of the characters. It held my attention but only just. To be fair I did manage to finish it so have given it three stars. Perhaps if I’d read book one I would have enjoyed it more.
July 4, 2026
I loved this fun crime caper. Recommended if you want something to make you smile.
Alex is a “penetration tester” - somebody who tries to break into places to test their security. After a disastrous night where he loses his girlfriend, his flat and his job, he decides to take on a job alone that the company had already declined. It soon becomes apparent why, and this begins a thrilling adventure shuffling between London and Scotland.
Andrew Hunter Murray writes very well, as anybody who's heard him on the radio would know. This is a well plotted romp, with a lot of humour and some moments that make me laugh out loud (I could relate to the Pizza Hut experience so well!).
The characters, all morally ambiguous to one degree or another, are, on the surface, the sort of annoying people you might dislike if they were real, but somehow you will find yourself rooting for Alex and his friends, as they take on corporate greed.
This is a follow on from A Beginners Guide to Breaking and Entering with the same main characters, but completely works as a standalone. It's definitely worth your time. I hope there will be further adventures for this gang of friends.
You should enjoy this if you like reading Caimh McDonnell, Terry Deary, Anthony Horowitz or Keith A Pearson.
Alex is a “penetration tester” - somebody who tries to break into places to test their security. After a disastrous night where he loses his girlfriend, his flat and his job, he decides to take on a job alone that the company had already declined. It soon becomes apparent why, and this begins a thrilling adventure shuffling between London and Scotland.
Andrew Hunter Murray writes very well, as anybody who's heard him on the radio would know. This is a well plotted romp, with a lot of humour and some moments that make me laugh out loud (I could relate to the Pizza Hut experience so well!).
The characters, all morally ambiguous to one degree or another, are, on the surface, the sort of annoying people you might dislike if they were real, but somehow you will find yourself rooting for Alex and his friends, as they take on corporate greed.
This is a follow on from A Beginners Guide to Breaking and Entering with the same main characters, but completely works as a standalone. It's definitely worth your time. I hope there will be further adventures for this gang of friends.
You should enjoy this if you like reading Caimh McDonnell, Terry Deary, Anthony Horowitz or Keith A Pearson.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If I thought the first book was slightly madcap, then this one is totally bonkers, but in a good way.
There is so much going on, and at times it's hard to know what the truth may currently be, but I loved seeing how Alex and his associates are now working together to sort out the massive error in judgment that Alex made.
I loved seeing how this team of former criminals are now trying to use their skills in a slightly more legal way, although apparently still with plenty of danger thrown in for good measure.
With them on a race against a deadline, to prove a whole bunch of different things, this is fast paced, and I was totally there for everything.
I love all four members of the gang have their own specialties and especially am impressed with Johnny and all of his tech skills, plus I still have a big soft spot for Alex and his interloping ways.
This was very entertaining and getting to know a bit more about the real Alex before he turned to this sort of work was a joy to discover too.
I do hope this won't be the last we see of these madcap characters.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
There is so much going on, and at times it's hard to know what the truth may currently be, but I loved seeing how Alex and his associates are now working together to sort out the massive error in judgment that Alex made.
I loved seeing how this team of former criminals are now trying to use their skills in a slightly more legal way, although apparently still with plenty of danger thrown in for good measure.
With them on a race against a deadline, to prove a whole bunch of different things, this is fast paced, and I was totally there for everything.
I love all four members of the gang have their own specialties and especially am impressed with Johnny and all of his tech skills, plus I still have a big soft spot for Alex and his interloping ways.
This was very entertaining and getting to know a bit more about the real Alex before he turned to this sort of work was a joy to discover too.
I do hope this won't be the last we see of these madcap characters.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 11, 2026
It’s release day for Bad Deeds!!!
After preordering it, I absolutely devoured it in less than a day.
Andrew Hunter Murray is famously hilarious, and that humour is woven into his books so effortlessly. I previously loved A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, so it was lush to be reunited with the gang and see what shenanigans they’d manage to get themselves caught up in this time.
And honestly? This one didn’t disappoint.
Bad Deeds is smart, witty and genuinely hilarious, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages. It has that brilliant mix of chaos, cleverness and danger that makes you think, “I’ll just read one more chapter,” and then suddenly half the book has vanished into thin air.
I was completely caught off guard by that ending too. I did not see it coming.
I’m already hoping there’s more to come from Andrew Hunter Murray, because I am clearly not ready to say goodbye to this lot.
I honestly urge you to go and read A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, then sink your teeth into Bad Deeds immediately after.
A clever, funny, suspenseful read that was absolutely worth the preorder.
After preordering it, I absolutely devoured it in less than a day.
Andrew Hunter Murray is famously hilarious, and that humour is woven into his books so effortlessly. I previously loved A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, so it was lush to be reunited with the gang and see what shenanigans they’d manage to get themselves caught up in this time.
And honestly? This one didn’t disappoint.
Bad Deeds is smart, witty and genuinely hilarious, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages. It has that brilliant mix of chaos, cleverness and danger that makes you think, “I’ll just read one more chapter,” and then suddenly half the book has vanished into thin air.
I was completely caught off guard by that ending too. I did not see it coming.
I’m already hoping there’s more to come from Andrew Hunter Murray, because I am clearly not ready to say goodbye to this lot.
I honestly urge you to go and read A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, then sink your teeth into Bad Deeds immediately after.
A clever, funny, suspenseful read that was absolutely worth the preorder.
June 28, 2026
I've read each of his books and enjoyed them all. This one is a follow on from 'A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entry', but can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed his first two visits to 'Dystopia' but also enjoy the wit and ( dare I say it?) whimsy of the 'Beginner's Guide' and 'Bad Deeds'.
The characters are well rounded, some I like and some I find annoying. The stories move along at a steady pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. There is plenty of humour and plenty of fun but it's not a 'comedic book'. The comedy is never the point, it comes from the interactions between the characters; in particular, Alex.
I've enjoyed reading this book. So much so that I began it at 11am and almost read it in one go but stopped near the end because I didn't want to say 'goodbye' to the story and so left the last few pages until the next day.
I thoroughly recommend this book and am eagerly waiting the next in this series. There is a lot more of Alex, Em, El and Jonny to get to know.
I enjoyed his first two visits to 'Dystopia' but also enjoy the wit and ( dare I say it?) whimsy of the 'Beginner's Guide' and 'Bad Deeds'.
The characters are well rounded, some I like and some I find annoying. The stories move along at a steady pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. There is plenty of humour and plenty of fun but it's not a 'comedic book'. The comedy is never the point, it comes from the interactions between the characters; in particular, Alex.
I've enjoyed reading this book. So much so that I began it at 11am and almost read it in one go but stopped near the end because I didn't want to say 'goodbye' to the story and so left the last few pages until the next day.
I thoroughly recommend this book and am eagerly waiting the next in this series. There is a lot more of Alex, Em, El and Jonny to get to know.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Andrew Hunter Murray is such a talent and is so overwhelmingly clever and witty without ever being pompous. This is the second outing for Alex and the team (that's not necessarily immediately obvious as Alex was not called Alex in A Beginner's Guide to Breaking and Entering) and the team are well established in their slightly dubious “penetration testing” business as former crooks using their specialist skills for good, mainly.
But a date gone wrong sends Alex back into the illegal world he used to occupy and now he's dealing with people and organisations who are bad on an international scale.
I really enjoyed this unusual and funny thriller. I didn't dislike the first person narrative and I liked the relationship which had been developed. You wouldn't necessarily miss out if you didn't read the first book but I'm sure that knowing the backstory did help.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
But a date gone wrong sends Alex back into the illegal world he used to occupy and now he's dealing with people and organisations who are bad on an international scale.
I really enjoyed this unusual and funny thriller. I didn't dislike the first person narrative and I liked the relationship which had been developed. You wouldn't necessarily miss out if you didn't read the first book but I'm sure that knowing the backstory did help.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alex works in a small consultancy where he is paid to test security by breaking into buildings. When he takes a job he shouldn’t, stealing a souvenir from an executives desk, it opens up a whole heap of trouble for Alex and his friends.
This is the second book in this series and having enjoyed the first, I was looking forward to delving into the next one. Although this continued in a similar execution and narration to the first, I found that I didn’t take to it as much, maybe because reading a few similar books with first person narration in the last few months, I have started to lose interest in this style. It also felt a bit slower than the previous. Saying that, this was still an entertaining, original concept, with humour and wit in places. Even though I didn’t fully connect to it this time, I think those who enjoyed the first and this style of narration will definitely get a lot from this one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in this series and having enjoyed the first, I was looking forward to delving into the next one. Although this continued in a similar execution and narration to the first, I found that I didn’t take to it as much, maybe because reading a few similar books with first person narration in the last few months, I have started to lose interest in this style. It also felt a bit slower than the previous. Saying that, this was still an entertaining, original concept, with humour and wit in places. Even though I didn’t fully connect to it this time, I think those who enjoyed the first and this style of narration will definitely get a lot from this one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2026
Alex and his interloping crew return in their second (mis)adventure from Andrew Hunter Murray. They have been working together for over a year now and have a company which tests other companies security protocols and overall seem to be on their road to success. The main issue they face is the unpredictability of Alex and his draw to the way things used to be before he was too settled. Alex accepts a case which takes results in homes being invaded, murders being uncovered and having their hands full with the issues that come from the corporate world of Big Sand.
This is a fun mystery sequel which takes the reader on a journey with this rag-tag bunch of former criminals. It plays out like a TV show with plenty of cliff hanging chapters and a fun array of characters. The core story is about the development of Alex and the entire crew with the narrative mystery helping to nurture this development.
This is a fun mystery sequel which takes the reader on a journey with this rag-tag bunch of former criminals. It plays out like a TV show with plenty of cliff hanging chapters and a fun array of characters. The core story is about the development of Alex and the entire crew with the narrative mystery helping to nurture this development.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
As a fan of Andrew Hunter Murray I have read all his previous books, including A Beginners Guide to Breaking and Entering the first book in this series. I think reading that book first is certainly a benefit as it gives background to the main characters, you could probably get away without reading it but may be playing a bit of catch-up...
This story itself is told from the perspective of Alex who currently works as a security consultant, due to Alex making a few silly mistakes he loses everything and his whole (former) team, including (ex) girlfriend Em end up in trouble, and on the run. There follows murder, Scotland and Coffee.
It's an amusing book, very readable, the main characters (Alex and Em) are very likeable, and I would definitely recommend.
As a fan of Andrew Hunter Murray I have read all his previous books, including A Beginners Guide to Breaking and Entering the first book in this series. I think reading that book first is certainly a benefit as it gives background to the main characters, you could probably get away without reading it but may be playing a bit of catch-up...
This story itself is told from the perspective of Alex who currently works as a security consultant, due to Alex making a few silly mistakes he loses everything and his whole (former) team, including (ex) girlfriend Em end up in trouble, and on the run. There follows murder, Scotland and Coffee.
It's an amusing book, very readable, the main characters (Alex and Em) are very likeable, and I would definitely recommend.
October 2, 2026
I thought this was witty, quick-paced and great fun to read. On the flyleaf, the author is described as a ‘writer and broadcaster’ but his journalism includes writing for Private Eye and hosting their podcast, which explains more, because it’s dryly funny. Alex is a consultant who breaks into offices and homes to test their security. Then he gets fired from his firm, evicted from his flat and dumped by his girlfriend all in the same evening, so he decides to take on one more job without them knowing. Unfortunately, it’s a job the others had already agreed they wouldn’t take and Alex lands himself in some pretty serious hot water. This is a jaunty tale that keeps you smiling and turning the pages. I also recommend the first book about Alex – A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering – because I enjoyed that so much it was the reason I searched for this when it was published.
July 2, 2026
Picked up at Stockport Noir.
This was a clever and fun read, following our hero as they fail at nearly everything before circumstances bring his partners back to fight alongside him and solve the various mysteries of what's happening and who is really responsible for the "bad luck".
There's a lot of English humour running through this that engaged and hit the right spot for me for what is a private investigators role essentially. The modern setting and concept of penetration test experts was for me something new and hooked me.
Both pacy and fun it leapt from situation and circumstance at a rate and the twists and turns never felt too far from reality. This could easily be a mid tier TV series that would deserve a watch.
Recommended
This was a clever and fun read, following our hero as they fail at nearly everything before circumstances bring his partners back to fight alongside him and solve the various mysteries of what's happening and who is really responsible for the "bad luck".
There's a lot of English humour running through this that engaged and hit the right spot for me for what is a private investigators role essentially. The modern setting and concept of penetration test experts was for me something new and hooked me.
Both pacy and fun it leapt from situation and circumstance at a rate and the twists and turns never felt too far from reality. This could easily be a mid tier TV series that would deserve a watch.
Recommended
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh how I love english humour! And this book has loads of it. You get this wonderful band of weirdos who joke around, banter, flirt, know each other’s quirks and care for one another deeply. It’s one of those situations of having found your family as opposed to being born into one.
The mystery is mysterious, the suspanse is suspanseful and the jokes are funny:)
I deey enjoyed the inner monologue of the main character. He’s super sharp and witty and makes very good assessments about the case they’re working on.
I hope this turns into a book series and then a tv show because it would be hilarious to watch 🥰
Many many thanks to Netgalley for this truly binge-worthy ARC❤️
The mystery is mysterious, the suspanse is suspanseful and the jokes are funny:)
I deey enjoyed the inner monologue of the main character. He’s super sharp and witty and makes very good assessments about the case they’re working on.
I hope this turns into a book series and then a tv show because it would be hilarious to watch 🥰
Many many thanks to Netgalley for this truly binge-worthy ARC❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An easy to read, light-hearted mystery - the whole book felt immediate and immersive. I was drawn into the story quickly, and happily raced along for the ride. I didn't always like the main character, but that was okay - he's supposed to be flawed. And I sort of figured some of what was going on, but not everything, so it still kept me guessing. I'd definitely read more, if there were further episodes for these crooks turned good...
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.
Review of advance copy
Am average murder mystery, really nothing that was compelling. Has a nice twist, albeit 100% foreseeable, and the end is meh.
It's one of those books that really didn't mind reading but will never rerun to .. the whole story could be summarized in a couple of paragraphs (not a bad thing per se, as so many of this genre fall into that category.. this a little more than most)
Bottom line is i had high hopes for this based on my liking of Andrew on NSTAF, and while his style comes across in bounds I'm not convinced the narrative supports more than a 3/5 rating
It's one of those books that really didn't mind reading but will never rerun to .. the whole story could be summarized in a couple of paragraphs (not a bad thing per se, as so many of this genre fall into that category.. this a little more than most)
Bottom line is i had high hopes for this based on my liking of Andrew on NSTAF, and while his style comes across in bounds I'm not convinced the narrative supports more than a 3/5 rating
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Em dumps Alex, he is not only losing a girlfriend, but a place to stay and his job. Alex and Em along with Elle and Jonny are a firm of security consultants who use their skills to break in and test firms’ security.
Alex decides to do one last job, but on his own and takes on a job that has already been turned down, for good reason, but he ignores all that and offers to undertake the job. Obviously this leads to all sorts of disasters, befalling not just Alex but all of them.
An excellent read and with a very good outcome. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
Alex decides to do one last job, but on his own and takes on a job that has already been turned down, for good reason, but he ignores all that and offers to undertake the job. Obviously this leads to all sorts of disasters, befalling not just Alex but all of them.
An excellent read and with a very good outcome. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
June 18, 2026
This is not a paid review but my honest opinion
I want to give it 3.5. Can I?
4 seems too close to the highest, and 3 seems too low...
Did I enjoy it, immensely.
Laugh out loud enjoyed it. It's full of witty lines, word play and absurd situations. (Trying to not spoil anything, but Kitty's 1st scene? Chef's kiss!)
But also, despite being so word smart and witty, how thick is Al? Really? I saw 99% of the twists and turns coming a mile away. (One got me good though)
Anyway, still a throughly enjoyable read (Also, Phil Dunster does a cracking rendition on the audiobook).
3.5 stars!
I want to give it 3.5. Can I?
4 seems too close to the highest, and 3 seems too low...
Did I enjoy it, immensely.
Laugh out loud enjoyed it. It's full of witty lines, word play and absurd situations. (Trying to not spoil anything, but Kitty's 1st scene? Chef's kiss!)
But also, despite being so word smart and witty, how thick is Al? Really? I saw 99% of the twists and turns coming a mile away. (One got me good though)
Anyway, still a throughly enjoyable read (Also, Phil Dunster does a cracking rendition on the audiobook).
3.5 stars!
August 20, 2026
This book is ok but you do really need to have read the first in the series to understand the characters and relationships. At times the relationship problems of Alex become tedious , there is a definite inconsistency in him meeting back up with Melissa , after 10 years and there was much more scope to try and ascertain whether this was why he was so guarded about his personnel life. The problem with this book is that it is too wordy and it lacks pace because of this. Only way I could finish it was to skip read.
September 8, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than the first. The team was established and again I found this quite comedic which added to my enjoyment.
I have to start off by saying Alex is really stupid. He’s very selfish and does things for his own gain and doesn’t stop to think of the consequences. But I also like how most of the time he gets confronted by the team at how stupid he is being.
I honestly think I would read a whole series with this team because they all have their own strengths and I would be keen to see all the different jobs they have to do.
I have to start off by saying Alex is really stupid. He’s very selfish and does things for his own gain and doesn’t stop to think of the consequences. But I also like how most of the time he gets confronted by the team at how stupid he is being.
I honestly think I would read a whole series with this team because they all have their own strengths and I would be keen to see all the different jobs they have to do.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The irreverence and wit of the author meant that I genuinely had a great time reading this book. Were some of the plot points guessable? Sure. Did I still have a good time? Absolutely!
I hadn't read the first book that introduced us to this world and characters, but the deft storytelling meant that it wasn't a deal breaker.
Note: I received an ARC copy of this book for review, but haven't had any incentives for a specific review.
I hadn't read the first book that introduced us to this world and characters, but the deft storytelling meant that it wasn't a deal breaker.
Note: I received an ARC copy of this book for review, but haven't had any incentives for a specific review.
July 9, 2026
This is the fourth Andrew Hunter Murray novel I’ve read, and easily my favourite so far. It’s the second book in the Breaking & Entering series, with an engaging plot, sharp humour and some genuinely clever twists. I was sorry to reach the end and am already looking forward to the third instalment.
For audiobook listeners, Phil Dunster’s narration is outstanding. He may even have overtaken Ray Porter as my favourite narrator.
For audiobook listeners, Phil Dunster’s narration is outstanding. He may even have overtaken Ray Porter as my favourite narrator.
July 26, 2026
Came into this one in the dark and it turned out to be a sequel to a book I read a year or so ago. One which, if I remember, spent too much time introducing everyone and not enough time investigating. Luckily, this one didn't have to do that and I enjoyed it a great deal more!
Quirky, amusing and enough plot web to keep it going throughout - a very enjoyable read and something a little different. The ex cons are solving the mysteries!
Quirky, amusing and enough plot web to keep it going throughout - a very enjoyable read and something a little different. The ex cons are solving the mysteries!
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