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Max Wolfe #2.5
Fresh Blood
An exclusive short story featuring DC Max Wolfe from Tony Parsons, the Sunday Times No. 1 bestselling author of The Murder BagThe gruesome discovery of the body of an old man on Hampstead Heath leads DC Max Wolfe deep into gangland London. Could the dead man's connections to the Krays and the Richardsons be behind the killing? As Max delves deeper, he uncovers a new gang war, one that could have terrible consequences for him and the people he loves.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2016
47 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Tony Parsons
63 books893 followersThere is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Tony Parsons (born 6 November 1953) is a British journalist broadcaster and author. He began his career as a music journalist on the NME, writing about punk music. Later, he wrote for The Daily Telegraph, before going on to write his current column for the Daily Mirror. Parsons was for a time a regular guest on the BBC Two arts review programme The Late Show, and still appears infrequently on the successor Newsnight Review; he also briefly hosted a series on Channel 4 called Big Mouth.
He is the author of the multi-million selling novel, Man and Boy (1999). Parsons had written a number of novels including The Kids (1976), Platinum Logic (1981) and Limelight Blues (1983), before he found mainstream success by focussing on the tribulations of thirty-something men. Parsons has since published a series of best-selling novels – One For My Baby (2001), Man and Wife (2003), The Family Way (2004), Stories We Could Tell (2006), My Favourite Wife (2007), Starting Over (2009) and Men From the Boys (2010). His novels typically deal with relationship problems, emotional dramas and the traumas of men and women in our time. He describes his writing as 'Men Lit', as opposed to the rising popularity of 'Chick Lit'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Par...
Tony Parsons (born 6 November 1953) is a British journalist broadcaster and author. He began his career as a music journalist on the NME, writing about punk music. Later, he wrote for The Daily Telegraph, before going on to write his current column for the Daily Mirror. Parsons was for a time a regular guest on the BBC Two arts review programme The Late Show, and still appears infrequently on the successor Newsnight Review; he also briefly hosted a series on Channel 4 called Big Mouth.
He is the author of the multi-million selling novel, Man and Boy (1999). Parsons had written a number of novels including The Kids (1976), Platinum Logic (1981) and Limelight Blues (1983), before he found mainstream success by focussing on the tribulations of thirty-something men. Parsons has since published a series of best-selling novels – One For My Baby (2001), Man and Wife (2003), The Family Way (2004), Stories We Could Tell (2006), My Favourite Wife (2007), Starting Over (2009) and Men From the Boys (2010). His novels typically deal with relationship problems, emotional dramas and the traumas of men and women in our time. He describes his writing as 'Men Lit', as opposed to the rising popularity of 'Chick Lit'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Par...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 1, 2016
This is a novella length story which fits between “The Slaughter Man” and “The Hanging Club,” Tony Parsons forthcoming Max Wolfe novel. In the same way, Parsons slotted, “Dead Time,” between, “The Murder Bag,” and “The Slaughter Man,” so perhaps we can expect a long(ish) short story in-between novels. If so, I am happy to read them, as I have come to be very fond of Max Wolfe.
We begin with Max, daughter Scout and dog Stan, out walking on Hampstead Heath. For anyone else, this would be followed by a nice lunch; but nothing is that simple for Wolfe. When Stan sniffs out a body in a ditch, it turns out to be that of Vic ‘Mad Vic’ Masters – a former old lag and hired muscle for London gangland legends, such as the Krays and Richardsons. Vic Masters has been given a ‘Chelsea Smile,’ his mouth slashed in a bizarre grimace and so the investigation centres on old vendettas. However, there are also young pretenders on the scene…
As well as a great storyline, this novella also explores Max’s character and associates. London, as always, is almost a character itself, while we also have a side storyline featuring D I Curtis Gane, who as injured at the end of the last novel. I look forward to, “The Hanging Club,” as the Max Wolfe series has become a must-read for me and I always find them exciting, fast paced and with well fleshed out characters and good storylines.
We begin with Max, daughter Scout and dog Stan, out walking on Hampstead Heath. For anyone else, this would be followed by a nice lunch; but nothing is that simple for Wolfe. When Stan sniffs out a body in a ditch, it turns out to be that of Vic ‘Mad Vic’ Masters – a former old lag and hired muscle for London gangland legends, such as the Krays and Richardsons. Vic Masters has been given a ‘Chelsea Smile,’ his mouth slashed in a bizarre grimace and so the investigation centres on old vendettas. However, there are also young pretenders on the scene…
As well as a great storyline, this novella also explores Max’s character and associates. London, as always, is almost a character itself, while we also have a side storyline featuring D I Curtis Gane, who as injured at the end of the last novel. I look forward to, “The Hanging Club,” as the Max Wolfe series has become a must-read for me and I always find them exciting, fast paced and with well fleshed out characters and good storylines.
August 2, 2017
Fresh Blood is a warm up for the next installment of Max Wolfe and his team, So of the characters come from of time when it was cool to be a gangster and also of a different type of gangster. The Krays Twins, The Richardsons Brothers and not to forget the irish gangsters Waterboy are spoken about in this short story and I found that you are taking back in time.
Max is up to his neck in trouble once again and this time he just happen to be out walking his dog when he finds it. Great read and will keep you ticking over till the third book is out on the shelves.
Max is up to his neck in trouble once again and this time he just happen to be out walking his dog when he finds it. Great read and will keep you ticking over till the third book is out on the shelves.
March 21, 2016
I have grown to respect the writing of Tony Parsons as I have read more into this DC Wolfe series.
The writing is modern and realistic with humour but an absense of any sentimentality. The police in London's murder investigation teams have real villians and dark crimes to resolve ; indeed the consequencies of the aftermath of book 2, The Slaughter Man are still being played out in this short story. Wolfe is off sick and he remains feeling guilty about his colleague lying paralysed in a hospital bed.
I like that Parsons doesn't waste a word or sentense, yet produces stories that involved various characters the reader often can identify with or feel empathy for. The criminals aside you want the best for the people in Wolfe's life. He is a protective Father and he and his daughter like nothing better to walk Stan, Scout's dog.
I love the time taken to advance this relationship and it is so special that a dog often seals the deal. In this novella we are introduced to the past history of London's gangs and posed ideas of the current thugs running the streets.
A great plot; it is great that history plays such a role in the story and includes another visit to the 'Black Museum' but it is the modern nature of policing that makes this series so special.
A must for fans already and easy way in for new readers/future fans.
Amazingly, DC Wolfe continues to frustrate me, with his cavilier genes he shares with Stan, and his approach to danger. This may be what makes him tick as the writer continues to place him in jeopardy but hopefully his chat with Curtis Gane in hospital may change his outlook.
The writing is modern and realistic with humour but an absense of any sentimentality. The police in London's murder investigation teams have real villians and dark crimes to resolve ; indeed the consequencies of the aftermath of book 2, The Slaughter Man are still being played out in this short story. Wolfe is off sick and he remains feeling guilty about his colleague lying paralysed in a hospital bed.
I like that Parsons doesn't waste a word or sentense, yet produces stories that involved various characters the reader often can identify with or feel empathy for. The criminals aside you want the best for the people in Wolfe's life. He is a protective Father and he and his daughter like nothing better to walk Stan, Scout's dog.
I love the time taken to advance this relationship and it is so special that a dog often seals the deal. In this novella we are introduced to the past history of London's gangs and posed ideas of the current thugs running the streets.
A great plot; it is great that history plays such a role in the story and includes another visit to the 'Black Museum' but it is the modern nature of policing that makes this series so special.
A must for fans already and easy way in for new readers/future fans.
Amazingly, DC Wolfe continues to frustrate me, with his cavilier genes he shares with Stan, and his approach to danger. This may be what makes him tick as the writer continues to place him in jeopardy but hopefully his chat with Curtis Gane in hospital may change his outlook.
May 1, 2016
This is a novella length story which fits between “The Slaughter Man” and “The Hanging Club,” Tony Parsons forthcoming Max Wolfe novel. In the same way, Parsons slotted, “Dead Time,” between, “The Murder Bag,” and “The Slaughter Man,” so perhaps we can expect a long(ish) short story in-between novels. If so, I am happy to read them, as I have come to be very fond of Max Wolfe.
We begin with Max, daughter Scout and dog Stan, out walking on Hampstead Heath. For anyone else, this would be followed by a nice lunch; but nothing is that simple for Wolfe. When Stan sniffs out a body in a ditch, it turns out to be that of Vic ‘Mad Vic’ Masters – a former old lag and hired muscle for London gangland legends, such as the Krays and Richardsons. Vic Masters has been given a ‘Chelsea Smile,’ his mouth slashed in a bizarre grimace and so the investigation centres on old vendettas. However, there are also young pretenders on the scene…
As well as a great storyline, this novella also explores Max’s character and associates. London, as always, is almost a character itself, while we also have a side storyline featuring D I Curtis Gane, who as injured at the end of the last novel. I look forward to, “The Hanging Club,” as the Max Wolfe series has become a must-read for me and I always find them exciting, fast paced and with well fleshed out characters and good storylines.
We begin with Max, daughter Scout and dog Stan, out walking on Hampstead Heath. For anyone else, this would be followed by a nice lunch; but nothing is that simple for Wolfe. When Stan sniffs out a body in a ditch, it turns out to be that of Vic ‘Mad Vic’ Masters – a former old lag and hired muscle for London gangland legends, such as the Krays and Richardsons. Vic Masters has been given a ‘Chelsea Smile,’ his mouth slashed in a bizarre grimace and so the investigation centres on old vendettas. However, there are also young pretenders on the scene…
As well as a great storyline, this novella also explores Max’s character and associates. London, as always, is almost a character itself, while we also have a side storyline featuring D I Curtis Gane, who as injured at the end of the last novel. I look forward to, “The Hanging Club,” as the Max Wolfe series has become a must-read for me and I always find them exciting, fast paced and with well fleshed out characters and good storylines.
September 3, 2018
Πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα και καλογραμμένη νουβέλα, με πάρα πολύ καλή κι ενδιαφέρουσα πλοκή, που μας επιτρέπει να εξερευνήσουμε σε ακόμα μεγαλύτερο βάθος τον Μαξ, τον χαρακτήρα του, τα κίνητρά του, μα και την ιδιοσυγκρασία του σε ένα ευρύτερο πλαίσιο.
May 26, 2017
3.5 stars
An entertaining short story that doesn't add anything really important to the series but does a good job linking books 2 and 3.
During a walk with his daughter and their dog Detective Max Wolfe stumbles upon the body of an old gangster whose face has been mutilated by the so-called "Chelsea smile" where the mouth gets cut open up to the ears with a big knife – picture Heath Ledger's Joker and you know what I'm talking about ;)
Naturally Wolfe gets dragged into the investigation and while the murder case is not a very sophisticated one there's still a good amount of suspense caused by the gangster milieu that forces Max Wolfe to risk his life (once again…). While Wolfe's behavior might seem brave it sometimes seems really stupid and irresponsible considering that he's a dad and has something to lose but his little escapades always add some nice action to the story.
A side plot also deals with one of Wolfe's former colleagues who got seriously injured in a previous case and will be paralyzed for the rest of his life – a life that Max Wolfe gets begged to end. This adds an interesting moral conflict to the story even though the length of the story forces the author to treat this matter rather superficially.
You won't miss anything important if you just skip this novella but if you like the Max Wolfe series it's definitely worth reading (and you also get a short preview of book 3 with this short story).
An entertaining short story that doesn't add anything really important to the series but does a good job linking books 2 and 3.
During a walk with his daughter and their dog Detective Max Wolfe stumbles upon the body of an old gangster whose face has been mutilated by the so-called "Chelsea smile" where the mouth gets cut open up to the ears with a big knife – picture Heath Ledger's Joker and you know what I'm talking about ;)
Naturally Wolfe gets dragged into the investigation and while the murder case is not a very sophisticated one there's still a good amount of suspense caused by the gangster milieu that forces Max Wolfe to risk his life (once again…). While Wolfe's behavior might seem brave it sometimes seems really stupid and irresponsible considering that he's a dad and has something to lose but his little escapades always add some nice action to the story.
A side plot also deals with one of Wolfe's former colleagues who got seriously injured in a previous case and will be paralyzed for the rest of his life – a life that Max Wolfe gets begged to end. This adds an interesting moral conflict to the story even though the length of the story forces the author to treat this matter rather superficially.
You won't miss anything important if you just skip this novella but if you like the Max Wolfe series it's definitely worth reading (and you also get a short preview of book 3 with this short story).
December 9, 2019
Cliffhanger
This story has meat on the bones which aided the flow. This really is a much better short story than the other one I read. The ending on a cliffhanger really adds to the intrigue and leaves the reader wanting more
This story has meat on the bones which aided the flow. This really is a much better short story than the other one I read. The ending on a cliffhanger really adds to the intrigue and leaves the reader wanting more
December 9, 2019
Ties up some loose ends from the print books and really enjoyed Tony Parsons writing style that keeps the story moving
October 6, 2020
Another 3.5. Again an immersive and quick read. I am really enjoying the DC Max Wolfe books. These novellas provide light relief and further fun instalments to the already strong series.
March 5, 2018
excellent short story can't wait for more .
August 11, 2018
Tony Parsons (2016) FRESH BLOOD
eBook published by Cornerstone Digital
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com write, “The gruesome discovery of the body of an old man on Hampstead Heath leads DC Max Wolfe deep into gangland London. Could the dead man's connections to the Krays and the Richardsons be behind the killing? As Max delves deeper, he uncovers a new gang war, one that could have terrible consequences for him and the people he loves.”
Big fan of Tony Parsons and his DC Max Wolfe series - it's this series which made me go and buy a Kindle in the first place - This book is a DC Max Wolfe short story that is only available in digital! And, in terms of chronology, it comes after “The Slaughter Man” and before “The Hanging Club”.
#TonyParsons #FreshBlood #TonyParsonsFreshBlood #DCMaxWolfe #eBook #Kindle
eBook published by Cornerstone Digital
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com write, “The gruesome discovery of the body of an old man on Hampstead Heath leads DC Max Wolfe deep into gangland London. Could the dead man's connections to the Krays and the Richardsons be behind the killing? As Max delves deeper, he uncovers a new gang war, one that could have terrible consequences for him and the people he loves.”
Big fan of Tony Parsons and his DC Max Wolfe series - it's this series which made me go and buy a Kindle in the first place - This book is a DC Max Wolfe short story that is only available in digital! And, in terms of chronology, it comes after “The Slaughter Man” and before “The Hanging Club”.
#TonyParsons #FreshBlood #TonyParsonsFreshBlood #DCMaxWolfe #eBook #Kindle
November 15, 2018
May be a 3.5 - not sure yet.
I loved reading this story and really adored it. And then the ending happened and I didn't like either of the way we concluded the storylines.
This was very character driven and the case wasn't actually that relevant, but I loved the characters so I enjoyed it. The ending just really drags it down.
Up until the last eight pages I thought this was a 4 or 4.5 star... but oh well... the pages happened.
I loved reading this story and really adored it. And then the ending happened and I didn't like either of the way we concluded the storylines.
This was very character driven and the case wasn't actually that relevant, but I loved the characters so I enjoyed it. The ending just really drags it down.
Up until the last eight pages I thought this was a 4 or 4.5 star... but oh well... the pages happened.
September 4, 2021
Not really a book, a short story told in a few short chapters. Ok story, but no real substance and some of it is kind of silly. The macho posturing of the main character comes across as juvenile.
I expect more of Parsons than this to be honest.
That said, I enjoy his Wolfe novels. Not high end lit, but enjoyable nonetheless. And that is all I care about.
I expect more of Parsons than this to be honest.
That said, I enjoy his Wolfe novels. Not high end lit, but enjoyable nonetheless. And that is all I care about.
April 1, 2019
Holes in the story
Starting to get fed up with the idiotic situations Wolfe puts himself in before just saving himself and solving the crime. This is the end of the line for me I'm out
Starting to get fed up with the idiotic situations Wolfe puts himself in before just saving himself and solving the crime. This is the end of the line for me I'm out
May 6, 2019
Short Story
Really good short storey featuring DC Max Wolfe finding an old gangster on the Common while walking his dog. Nice touch using Paul Warboys old London gangster in the plot.
Really good short storey featuring DC Max Wolfe finding an old gangster on the Common while walking his dog. Nice touch using Paul Warboys old London gangster in the plot.
December 4, 2024
Answered some questions about particular characters I had after the amazing Slaughter Man book. Whilst I didn't enjoy the story as much, it didn't overstay it's welcome and I felt like it gave the characters a bit extra back story that benefited the following book.
May 10, 2017
Not a lot to this. Doesn't add anything to the series. Pointless would be my summation.
January 7, 2018
A fast paced short story which concludes quicker than I would have liked , but apparently sits nicely as a continuation of what happened after Slaughter Man which I now realise I haven't read yet .
January 4, 2018
Another great read from Tony Parsons
The short stories help to fill in some of the blanks between books and with another crime to follow keeps us looking forward to the next book
The short stories help to fill in some of the blanks between books and with another crime to follow keeps us looking forward to the next book
Read
October 19, 2019gripping
Another page turner. A short story linking a past and future book. Can't wait for the next instalment. Off to see what's next.
Another page turner. A short story linking a past and future book. Can't wait for the next instalment. Off to see what's next.
July 12, 2020
Ahh this one, made me gasp out loud, made me cry. So good.
December 28, 2020
A novella carrying on the DC Max Wolfe story sees him involved in the murder of an old enforcer and drawn into some modern violence redolent of the sixties.
May 1, 2021
Kratka priča, koja se nastavlja na prethodni deo. Nije neophodno pročitati je, ali se u njoj razrešavaju neke stvari, pa sve dobija neku celinu sa nastavkom.
September 12, 2022
Another short linking up with ground I've covered in the Max Wolfe novels.
March 27, 2024
Read it in a couple of hours! Really enjoying the series!
June 2, 2018
Book 2 and this short story were a bit too violent for me and implausible, hope for better
April 21, 2016
Really wish I read this before I read The Hanging Club!! So much of this digital short comes up in the latest novel and I would have had a much better idea of what was going on prior to the events of THC if I had read this first! That being said, Tony Parsons has a great way with words, and this short story is brilliantly woven together!
June 9, 2016
This was a really great read! Although short, it was well-rounded, no open questions at the end. I really love this author's writing style and right now I'm very happy as the next book arrived today via snail mail!!!
July 7, 2024
This was a really good thriller/murder mystery/detective book.
I loved the characters, storyline, twists & tension!
I was shocked and on the edge of my seat at times! Everything you'd want from a thriller!
Any fans of this genre, I definitely recommend this series.
I loved the characters, storyline, twists & tension!
I was shocked and on the edge of my seat at times! Everything you'd want from a thriller!
Any fans of this genre, I definitely recommend this series.
April 25, 2016
Quick read
Ok book but sometimes I don't know why they do short stories as they don't have much to them it was a ok read before the next one comes out.
Ok book but sometimes I don't know why they do short stories as they don't have much to them it was a ok read before the next one comes out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews