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The Mac Maguire Detective Mysteries #1
The Body in the Boot: The first Mac Maguire mystery
Just a brief six months ago Mac had been the head of a London Murder Squad and a policeman renowned for his skill in solving the most difficult cases. Now a private detective and, after bereavement and pain, he doubts himself and is no longer sure if he has the will or the energy to make a success of his new career. His first case comes by chance as a mother's grief sends him into a town's red light district to find out how her daughter died. Mac soon finds himself working with a team of local police detectives who are hot on the trail of a cold-blooded serial killer. Mac has to dig deep and rediscover all his talents in order to solve the case of The Body in the Boot.
296 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2015
217 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Patrick C. Walsh
17 books44 followersBorn in Birmingham too many years ago, like my main character 'Mac' Maguire I came to live in leafy Hertfordshire, ending up in a big village called Letchworth Garden City.
I have the same problems with pain as my main character and so the Mac Maguire detective mysteries were born out of a need to be doing something that wasn't a spread sheet at the weekends. However even I've been surprised at how my main character, Mac Maguire, has taken on a life of his own and I now see myself as being Mac's biographer rather than his inventor.
I've had many professions and started off as a musician. I played guitar professionally for some years before forming my own band and songwriting team. However, in my late thirties I concluded that I was probably not going to be a rock star anytime soon and so became a quality professional in the automotive industry. In trying to place quality systems online I became interested in websites and information architecture and eventually got invited to apply for a job at the BBC where I worked as a business analyst for Radio and Music. I am now retired and writing full-time.
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I have the same problems with pain as my main character and so the Mac Maguire detective mysteries were born out of a need to be doing something that wasn't a spread sheet at the weekends. However even I've been surprised at how my main character, Mac Maguire, has taken on a life of his own and I now see myself as being Mac's biographer rather than his inventor.
I've had many professions and started off as a musician. I played guitar professionally for some years before forming my own band and songwriting team. However, in my late thirties I concluded that I was probably not going to be a rock star anytime soon and so became a quality professional in the automotive industry. In trying to place quality systems online I became interested in websites and information architecture and eventually got invited to apply for a job at the BBC where I worked as a business analyst for Radio and Music. I am now retired and writing full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 10, 2020
Fantastic Book
I bought this book because I won a copy of a later book in this series on Goodreads. I wanted to read the first book in the series before reading the one I won. I was immediately drawn to the main character and the story. I also loved the writing style so I bought the rest of the series and am ready to delve deeper into Mac's character and his stories.
I bought this book because I won a copy of a later book in this series on Goodreads. I wanted to read the first book in the series before reading the one I won. I was immediately drawn to the main character and the story. I also loved the writing style so I bought the rest of the series and am ready to delve deeper into Mac's character and his stories.
August 18, 2015
“Left me with an appetite for more”
Another series with a likeable main character. Mac Maguire is an ex-cop, who retired due to a chronic back condition and is working as a private detective. Street girls in Luton have gone missing, only to turn up later dead, apparently having OD'd on heroin. Mac works as a consultant with the local police and there's a lot more to the case than it appears at first glance. Definitely a good read; and I'm certain there are more stories to come. One piece of advice. Don't read this if you are on a diet. Mac and his colleague seem to eat more often than most policemen if that's possible. I lost count of the number of sausage and egg sandwiches they put away.
Another series with a likeable main character. Mac Maguire is an ex-cop, who retired due to a chronic back condition and is working as a private detective. Street girls in Luton have gone missing, only to turn up later dead, apparently having OD'd on heroin. Mac works as a consultant with the local police and there's a lot more to the case than it appears at first glance. Definitely a good read; and I'm certain there are more stories to come. One piece of advice. Don't read this if you are on a diet. Mac and his colleague seem to eat more often than most policemen if that's possible. I lost count of the number of sausage and egg sandwiches they put away.
November 11, 2019
The Body in the Boot is the first in a new series. The sleuth is a retired disabled police officer, who has opened a PI business to take his mind off of the chronic, unrelenting pain that he is in due to a degenerative spinal condition and his recent bereavement. He gets involved in a case that crosses the ocean, involves missing women, and evil medical businesses. This could have done with some tightening up in the editing department and some more proofreading, but I liked reading a more realistic portrayal of someone suffering from chronic pain. Too often protagonists shake off all manner of injuries with no ill effects, but here the effect of chronic illness on a person’s entire life is well done.
January 16, 2021
I received this book in a giveaway. I enjoyed this book and the way the investigation took place. I liked how the main character had other personal things going on, as it added more to the story and added another dynamic to the criminal investigation.
The book took you through the entire investigation. The writing keeps you reading to find out what is going to happen.
The book took you through the entire investigation. The writing keeps you reading to find out what is going to happen.
March 13, 2020
Overall this was a great story! It kept my interest and I'm glad I read it. The crime that was being solved was very creative and there were some twists i didn't totally expect! I thought the main character developed nicely throughout the story overall.
There were two things I didn't like, however. One, some of the dialogue felt forced and it didn't match the character's personality. For example, DCI Dan started all of his meetings with "ok team" or something like that. I felt that was a bit cliche and that it dampened the seriousness of the conversation to come. Furthermore, I wish the backstory we got about the main character (the story about the two children he saved from their stepfather) had been woven throughout the story more; I felt like it was plunked in as a few chapters toward the end so we could understand the character better but the story would have been ok without it.
There were two things I didn't like, however. One, some of the dialogue felt forced and it didn't match the character's personality. For example, DCI Dan started all of his meetings with "ok team" or something like that. I felt that was a bit cliche and that it dampened the seriousness of the conversation to come. Furthermore, I wish the backstory we got about the main character (the story about the two children he saved from their stepfather) had been woven throughout the story more; I felt like it was plunked in as a few chapters toward the end so we could understand the character better but the story would have been ok without it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2018
Really needed a proofreader
This book had so many grammar errors that it really distracted from the story. Also, certain words were overused, like 'excited' eleven times and 'excitedly' twelve times. That's particularly annoying to me.
Mac Maguire is the lead character, a former detective and once head of the Murder Squad. Forced to retire for health reasons, he becomes a private investigator.
The problem there is that he notices things that immediately solve cases. It's all just too easy.
Results: with better editing, and if things weren't so easy to figure out, this would be a much better book. As is, not so much.
This book had so many grammar errors that it really distracted from the story. Also, certain words were overused, like 'excited' eleven times and 'excitedly' twelve times. That's particularly annoying to me.
Mac Maguire is the lead character, a former detective and once head of the Murder Squad. Forced to retire for health reasons, he becomes a private investigator.
The problem there is that he notices things that immediately solve cases. It's all just too easy.
Results: with better editing, and if things weren't so easy to figure out, this would be a much better book. As is, not so much.
January 19, 2020
This book is a great read for anyone who loves murder mystery/detective stories. Every page has a new twist and turn into the solving of Mac's first two cases as a private detective. But, it doesn't fail to remind the reader how integral having a purpose to live for is especially when living in constant pain and persevering through grief. Although, it didn't have the ending I was expecting I can't wait to read more of the Mac Maguire series.
April 11, 2020
This was a giveaway on Goodreads. I liked this. I’ll admit to loving the old police procedurals (Ed McBain for example) and this book had that same feel. The characters were all very likable, the plot kept your attention, and the ending was happy. My only complaint - a fair number of grammatical errors and some impressively sloppy proofreading. It could be quite distracting. Otherwise, I thought it was fun.
April 14, 2018
This is my first with this writer
I love this writer's easy way with the novel. Thank you for a great book. I enjoyed reading your novel. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I love this writer's easy way with the novel. Thank you for a great book. I enjoyed reading your novel. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
July 29, 2018
A good read!
This is the first time for this author. A really good story, very believable characters, very good plot! Patrick Walsh keep the story going, and the reader in suspense. I highly recommend this book for mystery fans!
This is the first time for this author. A really good story, very believable characters, very good plot! Patrick Walsh keep the story going, and the reader in suspense. I highly recommend this book for mystery fans!
February 1, 2021
Mac Maguire had to end his career as the head of the London Murder Squad due to a spine condition that has left him in constant pain as well as partially disabled. And coupled with that, he lost his wife the past year to Cancer. He's finding it difficult to live life. But his daughter and friend, Tim, encourage him to start a new career as a private detective. His first day at his new office, he sees a women from the office window who is in need of help and she becomes his first client. I really enjoyed this book. I found the mystery kept my interest and the race to catch the killer or killers was suspenseful. I did think the ending was a little too easily done based on all that had gone on previously which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I do recommend it, though, and am anxious to read the next in the series.
January 31, 2021
This was a GoodReads giveaway of a Kindle ebook.
Seemed to be detailed in British Police procedures. Although events do occur in a short time frame. I do like our hero. Maybe it has to do with myself feeling the limitations of my aging body that makes it more relatable. And I can relate to mentoring those following me.
I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. The final confession just lacked any sense of realism or drama. I did not care very much for the side story ending either. It does help to develop the character, but also just seemed rushed.
This was a GoodReads.
Seemed to be detailed in British Police procedures. Although events do occur in a short time frame. I do like our hero. Maybe it has to do with myself feeling the limitations of my aging body that makes it more relatable. And I can relate to mentoring those following me.
I felt that the ending was a bit rushed. The final confession just lacked any sense of realism or drama. I did not care very much for the side story ending either. It does help to develop the character, but also just seemed rushed.
This was a GoodReads.
March 31, 2020
Won this in a Giveaway.
Mac faces chronic pain, mentioned almost as often as his sausage and egg sandwich habit. As recently retired Head of the London Murder Squad now turned PI, he takes on a case of missing prostitutes in this first of a series. While the editing could have been stronger, I find myself wondering what Mac will come up against in his second case.
Mac faces chronic pain, mentioned almost as often as his sausage and egg sandwich habit. As recently retired Head of the London Murder Squad now turned PI, he takes on a case of missing prostitutes in this first of a series. While the editing could have been stronger, I find myself wondering what Mac will come up against in his second case.
January 5, 2021
Enjoyable police procedural/crime to be solved story that hit all the marks for me. Main character, storyline and the ups and downs of the efforts of the team searching for answers all worked well and they are worthy of additional visits.
5 star read.
My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
5 star read.
My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.
September 17, 2018
Very easy to enjoy this book, specifically because I was able to empathize with the main character, Mac Maguire. Story line was believable, interactions with other characters was surprising but enjoyable also.
May be looking for more by this author.
May be looking for more by this author.
September 5, 2018
Actually a bit better than I expected. The story line was “ok” if a bit convoluted. I assume it was self published because of the number of proofing fails, but after all I stuck with it to the end ( hence the four stars). I would give it a solid “kinda ok”.
January 2, 2020
Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. Well written with good characters. Mac, forced to retire from the Met Murder Squad, becomes a PI. One of his first cases brings him back into the police force as a consulant. The book keeps your interest all the way.
July 14, 2017
Interesting
This Mac person is a interesting character. The plot was pretty good. It kept me reading more. Don't want to give away the plot.
This Mac person is a interesting character. The plot was pretty good. It kept me reading more. Don't want to give away the plot.
January 31, 2018
Great Book!
I loved this book. Definitely worth the time it will take to enjoy it. I will be reading all the others too.
I loved this book. Definitely worth the time it will take to enjoy it. I will be reading all the others too.
March 12, 2018
Really good
Brilliant story, the characters and plot lines kept you gripped. The dialogue was superb, could totally relate to the characters couldn't put it down.
Brilliant story, the characters and plot lines kept you gripped. The dialogue was superb, could totally relate to the characters couldn't put it down.
August 30, 2018
Body in the boot
Very good page Turner full of surprises and suspense can't wait to read book 2 I have downloaded book 2
Very good page Turner full of surprises and suspense can't wait to read book 2 I have downloaded book 2
April 14, 2020
Wonderful read
May 16, 2020
I went through this quickly and enjoyed it very much. I've downloaded the second in the series already.
September 22, 2020
Reading tonic!
This book was a joy from start to finish and full of hope and love. I look forward to more of the same.
This book was a joy from start to finish and full of hope and love. I look forward to more of the same.
September 27, 2020
First book in series-Very good
February 1, 2021
Excellent book!
April 11, 2023
Old fashioned retired DCS helps on the case of the body in the boot!
April 2, 2021
I enjoyed this murder mystery. It grabbed me from the start and kept me hooked to find out what happened next. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 20, 2016
I made it 3/4-way through the book. It would have made a decent read, but there were glaring errors that were distracting. A lot more proofing and editing was required, which would have not taken away my focus on the story than on missing corrections.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews