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Thirty Miles Trilogy #1
Far from the Tree
Brendan Foley has worked to balance the responsibilities of a demanding job and a troublesome family. He’s managed to keep these two worlds separate, until the discovery of a mass grave sends them into a headlong collision. When one of the dead turns out to be a familiar face, he’s taken off the case.
Iona Madison keeps everything under control. She works hard as a detective sergeant and trains harder as a boxer. But when her superior, DI Foley, is removed from the case, her certainties are tested like never before.
With stories of the Warrington 27 plastered over the news, they set out to solve the crime before anyone else. The local constabulary is small and under-funded – Brendan knows they can’t crack this case alone, and he’s not letting a rival force take over. Not with the secrets he fears are lurking. Their investigations lead them into the murky underworlds of Manchester and Liverpool, where one more murder means little to drug-dealing gangs, desperate to control their power bases.
But as Madison steps into the ring for the fight of her life, the criminals come to them. It’s no coincidence that the corpses have been buried in Foley’s hometown. The question is, why? Foley might not like the answer....
Introducing a gripping new crime thriller, perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh, Ian Rankin and Line of Duty.
Iona Madison keeps everything under control. She works hard as a detective sergeant and trains harder as a boxer. But when her superior, DI Foley, is removed from the case, her certainties are tested like never before.
With stories of the Warrington 27 plastered over the news, they set out to solve the crime before anyone else. The local constabulary is small and under-funded – Brendan knows they can’t crack this case alone, and he’s not letting a rival force take over. Not with the secrets he fears are lurking. Their investigations lead them into the murky underworlds of Manchester and Liverpool, where one more murder means little to drug-dealing gangs, desperate to control their power bases.
But as Madison steps into the ring for the fight of her life, the criminals come to them. It’s no coincidence that the corpses have been buried in Foley’s hometown. The question is, why? Foley might not like the answer....
Introducing a gripping new crime thriller, perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh, Ian Rankin and Line of Duty.
Audiobook
Published July 2, 2020
26 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Rob Parker
37 books66 followersRob Parker is a married father of three, who lives in Warrington, UK. The author of the Ben Bracken thrillers, Crook’s Hollow and the Audible bestseller Far From The Tree, he enjoys a rural life, writing horrible things between school runs. Rob writes full time, attends various author events across the UK, and boxes regularly for charity.
He spends a lot of time in schools across the North, encouraging literacy, story-telling and creative-writing, and somehow squeezes in time to co-host the For Your Reconsideration film podcast, appear regularly on The Blood Brothers Crime Podcast, and is a member of the Northern Crime Syndicate.
He spends a lot of time in schools across the North, encouraging literacy, story-telling and creative-writing, and somehow squeezes in time to co-host the For Your Reconsideration film podcast, appear regularly on The Blood Brothers Crime Podcast, and is a member of the Northern Crime Syndicate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 2, 2021
4 stars for story, and an additional star for Warren Brown's excellent narration.
June 3, 2023
This is a gritty thriller. The narrator is good - he sounds just like Max Beesley, not a bad thing!
December 19, 2020
Good grief, this was absolutely revolting. Like, I love gruesome crime fiction, but there was something about the concept of (and descriptions of!) a mass grave full of bodies packed in clear plastic... But that's not the reason for the 3 stars. (I appreciated the vividly clear descriptions.) It was the characters.
Madison was too much. Her character was overwritten and try hard and it bugged me. When she knocked a suspect's teeth out with no repercussions, I groaned. Actually, all of the characters could use some work. The beanie-wearing hipster cop with a secret, the black-sheep protagonist, they were all kind of one note. I liked the coroner, though.
Also, not huge on the organized crime thing.
Overall, pretty good, but maybe not for me.
Also, the narration was not the best. His voice annoyed me, and some of the accents he used were a bit impenetrable.
Madison was too much. Her character was overwritten and try hard and it bugged me. When she knocked a suspect's teeth out with no repercussions, I groaned. Actually, all of the characters could use some work. The beanie-wearing hipster cop with a secret, the black-sheep protagonist, they were all kind of one note. I liked the coroner, though.
Also, not huge on the organized crime thing.
Overall, pretty good, but maybe not for me.
Also, the narration was not the best. His voice annoyed me, and some of the accents he used were a bit impenetrable.
July 1, 2021
Far From the Tree is a brilliant start to a new police procedural series. Rob Parker begins this book with a great opening that hooked me into the story right away. The bodies of 27 people are found in a mass grave. But the most horrifying thing is that one of the victims is DI Brendan Foley’s nephew, and he is the one to realise this when he is called to the scene.
This is the first book I have read by Rob Parker, and I have heard very good things about his writing in the past. I can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to get round to reading one of his books. I am pleased to see that this book is the first in a trilogy.
Far From the Tree is a very gritty crime thriller that pulls us into the dark criminal underworld. I could feel Foley’s pain after the discovery. But Foley is determined to stay on the investigation and find out what happened to his nephew. The opening scene is one of the most gripping and shocking that I’ve read. I instantly wanted to know what had happened here and what had led to Foley’s nephew being killed. What, if anything, had he been involved in before his death? With the twenty six other deaths the team are investigating, it becomes a very complex investigation.
Because of his connection to one of the victims discovered in the mass grave, Foley knows that he won’t be allowed to be involved in the investigation. His determination to get the truth comes through very strongly, and it is clear to see that he is willing to go to any means to achieve this. It’s what makes this book such an exciting and tense read as Foley is a police officer who doesn’t always follow the rules. It made me wonder if anything was going to him if the rest of his team found out what he was up to.
I liked Foley’s partnership with Madison, and I thought Madison was a really fresh character. I loved that she was a boxer, and I thought that her and Foley’s working relationship was very well done. I could see very clearly that they are two people who will always have each other’s back.
This is a very pacy book, and Rob Parker kept me turning the pages. It is a crime thriller fuelled by action, and Rob Parker keeps the tension turning up a notch. It’s definitely one of those books which you can devour in just a couple of sittings.
I’m really looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I want to find out more about DI Brendan Foley and his family, and I am very excited to see what’s in store for him next. Rob Parker has written a captivating page turner that has left me wanting more. If you’re a fan of high octane crime novels, you definitely need to read this book. I highly recommend it.
This is the first book I have read by Rob Parker, and I have heard very good things about his writing in the past. I can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to get round to reading one of his books. I am pleased to see that this book is the first in a trilogy.
Far From the Tree is a very gritty crime thriller that pulls us into the dark criminal underworld. I could feel Foley’s pain after the discovery. But Foley is determined to stay on the investigation and find out what happened to his nephew. The opening scene is one of the most gripping and shocking that I’ve read. I instantly wanted to know what had happened here and what had led to Foley’s nephew being killed. What, if anything, had he been involved in before his death? With the twenty six other deaths the team are investigating, it becomes a very complex investigation.
Because of his connection to one of the victims discovered in the mass grave, Foley knows that he won’t be allowed to be involved in the investigation. His determination to get the truth comes through very strongly, and it is clear to see that he is willing to go to any means to achieve this. It’s what makes this book such an exciting and tense read as Foley is a police officer who doesn’t always follow the rules. It made me wonder if anything was going to him if the rest of his team found out what he was up to.
I liked Foley’s partnership with Madison, and I thought Madison was a really fresh character. I loved that she was a boxer, and I thought that her and Foley’s working relationship was very well done. I could see very clearly that they are two people who will always have each other’s back.
This is a very pacy book, and Rob Parker kept me turning the pages. It is a crime thriller fuelled by action, and Rob Parker keeps the tension turning up a notch. It’s definitely one of those books which you can devour in just a couple of sittings.
I’m really looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I want to find out more about DI Brendan Foley and his family, and I am very excited to see what’s in store for him next. Rob Parker has written a captivating page turner that has left me wanting more. If you’re a fan of high octane crime novels, you definitely need to read this book. I highly recommend it.
August 25, 2020
My relationship with audiobooks is best described as complicated. For me, it all comes down to the narration. Well, let me tell you, add Warren Brown’s narration to a Rob Parker story and you have gold!!
I’m a huge RP fan (and self-confessed #Brackenaddict – have you read that series?) so couldn’t wait to get my grabby hands on his newest offering.
Note to self: maybe it’s best not to wash the front windows in full view of the cul-de-sac when listening to FFTT *blushes*. All I’ll say is that it’s a good job the neighbours couldn’t hear me (*whispers* fingers crossed they can’t lip read) because I was OMG’ing and gesticulating widely the further I got into the story.
The Mommy: You’re shouting again! Somehow, I don’t think Foley, whoever he is, can hear you.
Me: Whoops... sorry!!
This will probably sound daft, but as I got lost in the story and narration it felt like I was watching a movie on a projector screen.
Full of twist and turns, the author builds the story and suspense layer by layer until you question everything. As all the pieces start to slot together, you’re left with your best ‘Oh-oh-oh’ (finger waving optional) and OMG facial expressions. Maybe that’s just me *shrugs*.
Then the bursts of humour when you least expect it – or is that just my twisted sense of humour? DON’T ANSWER THAT!
I loved the interconnected relationships between the main characters. Family ties and loyalties are tested – to the extreme!
My favourite characters are those that are both light and dark where, until you walk a mile in their shoes, you just don’t know what you’d do. Nope *shakes head*, that is all I’m saying on that subject. I will say I have a soft spot for Iona – she doesn’t take BS of any kind!!
So, yeah *blushes*, you could say I enjoyed it, lol.
Netflix if you’re reading this (I wish!) you need to option this story for a series.
Shutting up now...
I’m a huge RP fan (and self-confessed #Brackenaddict – have you read that series?) so couldn’t wait to get my grabby hands on his newest offering.
Note to self: maybe it’s best not to wash the front windows in full view of the cul-de-sac when listening to FFTT *blushes*. All I’ll say is that it’s a good job the neighbours couldn’t hear me (*whispers* fingers crossed they can’t lip read) because I was OMG’ing and gesticulating widely the further I got into the story.
The Mommy: You’re shouting again! Somehow, I don’t think Foley, whoever he is, can hear you.
Me: Whoops... sorry!!
This will probably sound daft, but as I got lost in the story and narration it felt like I was watching a movie on a projector screen.
Full of twist and turns, the author builds the story and suspense layer by layer until you question everything. As all the pieces start to slot together, you’re left with your best ‘Oh-oh-oh’ (finger waving optional) and OMG facial expressions. Maybe that’s just me *shrugs*.
Then the bursts of humour when you least expect it – or is that just my twisted sense of humour? DON’T ANSWER THAT!
I loved the interconnected relationships between the main characters. Family ties and loyalties are tested – to the extreme!
My favourite characters are those that are both light and dark where, until you walk a mile in their shoes, you just don’t know what you’d do. Nope *shakes head*, that is all I’m saying on that subject. I will say I have a soft spot for Iona – she doesn’t take BS of any kind!!
So, yeah *blushes*, you could say I enjoyed it, lol.
Netflix if you’re reading this (I wish!) you need to option this story for a series.
Shutting up now...
July 9, 2021
Crikey! This was a gripping and wonderfully gritty crime introduction to his new trilogy. I’ve not read any books by Rob Parker before and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long! I’ll be checking out his Bracken series without a doubt. But my thoughts on this book….
Foley is a DI, born and bred in Warrington who is called away from his son’s christening when a mass grave of twenty seven dead bodies (yes, twenty seven!) is discovered. Sadly, Foley discovers a horrendous personal connection to one of the victims at the beginning. And with that beginning, I was hooked!
Off the book galloped into an investigation of the dark criminal underworld throwing twists and WTAF moments as strong as DS Madison’s left hook! I really liked the characters of Foley and Madison - their relationship was expertly written and really had me invested in the story and Foley’s utter nightmare of a situation!
A cracking page-turner filled with tension, action, suspense and a fabulous lead into a second book. I was on the edge of my seat the entire way, and now I’m bouncing up and down for the second one!! Highly recommend this powerful crime thriller.
Thank you to Meggy at Red Dog Press and the author for a digital copy of the book. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.
Foley is a DI, born and bred in Warrington who is called away from his son’s christening when a mass grave of twenty seven dead bodies (yes, twenty seven!) is discovered. Sadly, Foley discovers a horrendous personal connection to one of the victims at the beginning. And with that beginning, I was hooked!
Off the book galloped into an investigation of the dark criminal underworld throwing twists and WTAF moments as strong as DS Madison’s left hook! I really liked the characters of Foley and Madison - their relationship was expertly written and really had me invested in the story and Foley’s utter nightmare of a situation!
A cracking page-turner filled with tension, action, suspense and a fabulous lead into a second book. I was on the edge of my seat the entire way, and now I’m bouncing up and down for the second one!! Highly recommend this powerful crime thriller.
Thank you to Meggy at Red Dog Press and the author for a digital copy of the book. My review is voluntary and all thoughts are my own.
January 3, 2022
Good Performance
🧡 I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this one doesn’t match the genre. It implies a domestic/psychological thriller. I thought it was about a serial killer and this is more gangland police procedural. So this isn’t my usual genre but good enough that I finished it.
💚 The story centres on Brendan Foley, a policeman trying to separate himself from his father’s criminal past. It’s more hit you on the head (literally sometimes) rather than nuanced, but that’s an observation, not a criticism.
Soundbite
🎧 Perfect casting. Warren Brown has that gruff, tough man voice which suited Foley. Not so much Iona. A second, female narrator would have helped.
Shall I Compare Thee To...
Like I said, not my usual genre. Maybe Line of Duty?... (BBC)
Find more bird’s eye view audiobooks reviews at Audiobooks Nest.
September 19, 2020
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S FAR FROM THE TREE ABOUT?
I've tried several times to try to come up with a summary, and I just can't without ruining something. So, let's just appropriate the Publisher's Summary, shall we?
Is There Anything I can Add to That?
Foley's family is messed up, and he doesn't do a lot to improve things (actually for most of this book he seems to be making it worse—while trying to help, I should add in his defense). Typically, the families of fictional police are either near-picture perfect or are pretty dysfunctional. Parker starts off making you think it'll be the former, and then he changes course and leaves dysfunctional in the dust. Still, Foley comes across as the kind of cop you want to read about, the kind that you like to think you can find in police forces all over the world—sure, he needs some marriage counseling and needs to do some serious work when it comes to his kids. But who doesn't have problems?
Madison's boxing (and what drives her to it) is a great touch. It's such a different character choice, and it really works. It gives her the right mix of self-destructive impulses, aggression, and self-discipline. On-duty, Madison's just as interesting—seeing her torn between loyalty to Foley, devotion to duty, and wanting to solve the crime. She's a great character, and I really hope that she plays a large role in the next two books.
WHAT ABOUT THE NARRATION?
This was an Audible Original, so the Audiobook experience is a big part of it. Brown was a great choice of narrator—he's the perfect voice for this material. He captured and shaped the tone as he needed to, and gave the right performances for each character.
I can't help feeling like I need to say more, but I just don't know what else to say. If I had problems with the performance, I'd probably be able to go on longer, but when a narrator gets it right, like Brown does here, what else is there to say?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FAR FROM THE TREE?
This was just brutal—and I mean that in the best possible way, because I can't imagine that Parker and Brown were going for anything else. Every time—and I don't think I'm exaggerating here—that I thought I knew where the story was going, what Parker was trying to do with one of the characters (except maybe Madison,), what surprises he had up his sleeve, I was just minutes away from being proven wrong.
It was shocking—repeatedly—it was the textbook definition of gripping, unrelentingly so. Get your hands and ears on this one.
---
WHAT'S FAR FROM THE TREE ABOUT?
I've tried several times to try to come up with a summary, and I just can't without ruining something. So, let's just appropriate the Publisher's Summary, shall we?
Brendan Foley has worked to balance the responsibilities of a demanding job and a troublesome family. He’s managed to keep these two worlds separate, until the discovery of a mass grave sends them into a headlong collision. When one of the dead turns out to be a familiar face, he’s taken off the case.
Iona Madison keeps everything under control. She works hard as a detective sergeant and trains harder as a boxer. But when her superior, DI Foley, is removed from the case, her certainties are tested like never before.
With stories of the Warrington 27 plastered over the news, they set out to solve the crime before anyone else. The local constabulary is small and under-funded – Brendan knows they can’t crack this case alone, and he’s not letting a rival force take over. Not with the secrets he fears are lurking. Their investigations lead them into the murky underworlds of Manchester and Liverpool, where one more murder means little to drug-dealing gangs, desperate to control their power bases.
But as Madison steps into the ring for the fight of her life, the criminals come to them. It’s no coincidence that the corpses have been buried in Foley’s hometown. The question is, why? Foley might not like the answer....
Is There Anything I can Add to That?
Foley's family is messed up, and he doesn't do a lot to improve things (actually for most of this book he seems to be making it worse—while trying to help, I should add in his defense). Typically, the families of fictional police are either near-picture perfect or are pretty dysfunctional. Parker starts off making you think it'll be the former, and then he changes course and leaves dysfunctional in the dust. Still, Foley comes across as the kind of cop you want to read about, the kind that you like to think you can find in police forces all over the world—sure, he needs some marriage counseling and needs to do some serious work when it comes to his kids. But who doesn't have problems?
Madison's boxing (and what drives her to it) is a great touch. It's such a different character choice, and it really works. It gives her the right mix of self-destructive impulses, aggression, and self-discipline. On-duty, Madison's just as interesting—seeing her torn between loyalty to Foley, devotion to duty, and wanting to solve the crime. She's a great character, and I really hope that she plays a large role in the next two books.
WHAT ABOUT THE NARRATION?
This was an Audible Original, so the Audiobook experience is a big part of it. Brown was a great choice of narrator—he's the perfect voice for this material. He captured and shaped the tone as he needed to, and gave the right performances for each character.
I can't help feeling like I need to say more, but I just don't know what else to say. If I had problems with the performance, I'd probably be able to go on longer, but when a narrator gets it right, like Brown does here, what else is there to say?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FAR FROM THE TREE?
This was just brutal—and I mean that in the best possible way, because I can't imagine that Parker and Brown were going for anything else. Every time—and I don't think I'm exaggerating here—that I thought I knew where the story was going, what Parker was trying to do with one of the characters (except maybe Madison,), what surprises he had up his sleeve, I was just minutes away from being proven wrong.
It was shocking—repeatedly—it was the textbook definition of gripping, unrelentingly so. Get your hands and ears on this one.
July 13, 2020
With the discovery of twenty-seven bodies, buried in a shallow woodland trench, DI Brendan Foley suddenly finds himself in charge of one of the biggest murder investigations the country has ever seen.
While horrified, Foley is aware enough to realise that this case could be the making of his career - and is something he never thought he would experience in his home town of Warrington.
But all too soon, this case comes too close to home for comfort and Foley is forced to make some very difficult choices. Is this a case too far and is it worth the risks involved?
***************************************************
I am a big fan of Rob Parker's work, and have absolutely inhaled his Ben Bracken series. I highly recommend the Ben Bracken books if you love a big, bold action thriller - Bracken is uncompromising in his ways, but has a strict moral code at heart, and this makes him just the kind of hero you can attach yourself to. They are corkers! So I was chomping at the bit to get into Rob's new series, especially since it is set in his own backyard of Warrington.
Far From The Tree, the first in a new crime trilogy from Rob, offers a wonderfully gritty Northern Noir police procedural story, with a very different kind of hero from Mr Bracken. This time, our protagonist is Detective Inspector Brendan Foley - a man who has spent his whole life in Warrington, slap bang in-between Manchester and Liverpool, and whose roots go deep into the local area. He is a dedicated police officer, but Foley is not your normal run of the mill copper, because he has a few skeletons he would rather like to keep hidden in relation to his family background - ones that are straining to burst out into the open as the horrifying case of the Warrington Twenty-seven gets underway....
The investigation is destined to derail Foley, as it becomes very personal indeed, and there are plenty of delicious wtf moments throughout that hit you like the proverbial truck, as the chilling truth becomes clear...but no spoilers, now! I will say that this takes you to some dark places, and sets everything up beautifully for book two, which I am now eagerly awaiting. There is also the most delectable of little titbits in this tale that will have fans of the Ben Bracken books grinning - know I did.
This story is full of everything you want from a slick police procedural and crime caper. It is so evocative of 70s and early 80s crime strories, but with a clever modern twist - think The Long Good Friday and the wonderful Fox with Peter Vaughan (should you be old enough to remember this), all tied up with a big Line of Duty ribbon (in blood red, of course). There are good guys, bad guys and those who cross both sides of the line - of both the male and female variety - which give this very wide appeal. I particularly enjoyed smart, gutsy DS Iona Madison, who Rob uses to share his love of boxing with the reader.
Unusually, this new trilogy is being released in audio format, by Audible Originals, before coming out in print and I found this rather enjoyable. The audio book is narrated by Warren Brown (of Luther fame) with aplomb and the perfect intonation for a story of this kind. The pacing and suspense are nigh on perfect, and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat - and periodically falling off at the big hitting moments. I always know I am onto a winning audio book when I find myself stopping what I am doing and just listening, and I confess that much of the housework was neglected while was listening to this one (good one, Rob!).
I think it's fair to say that this is the kind of book Rob Parker was born to write. I have seen Rob blossom as a writer with each successive book, as he matures and gets to grip with his craft, and he uses every bit of his considerable skill here - weaving multiple threads and complex characters to great effect, and completely drawing you in to the world he has created. This is outstanding work and I absolutely loved it!
And can I just say, as a connoisseur of a clever book title that Far From The Tree is a stroke of genius!
While horrified, Foley is aware enough to realise that this case could be the making of his career - and is something he never thought he would experience in his home town of Warrington.
But all too soon, this case comes too close to home for comfort and Foley is forced to make some very difficult choices. Is this a case too far and is it worth the risks involved?
***************************************************
I am a big fan of Rob Parker's work, and have absolutely inhaled his Ben Bracken series. I highly recommend the Ben Bracken books if you love a big, bold action thriller - Bracken is uncompromising in his ways, but has a strict moral code at heart, and this makes him just the kind of hero you can attach yourself to. They are corkers! So I was chomping at the bit to get into Rob's new series, especially since it is set in his own backyard of Warrington.
Far From The Tree, the first in a new crime trilogy from Rob, offers a wonderfully gritty Northern Noir police procedural story, with a very different kind of hero from Mr Bracken. This time, our protagonist is Detective Inspector Brendan Foley - a man who has spent his whole life in Warrington, slap bang in-between Manchester and Liverpool, and whose roots go deep into the local area. He is a dedicated police officer, but Foley is not your normal run of the mill copper, because he has a few skeletons he would rather like to keep hidden in relation to his family background - ones that are straining to burst out into the open as the horrifying case of the Warrington Twenty-seven gets underway....
The investigation is destined to derail Foley, as it becomes very personal indeed, and there are plenty of delicious wtf moments throughout that hit you like the proverbial truck, as the chilling truth becomes clear...but no spoilers, now! I will say that this takes you to some dark places, and sets everything up beautifully for book two, which I am now eagerly awaiting. There is also the most delectable of little titbits in this tale that will have fans of the Ben Bracken books grinning - know I did.
This story is full of everything you want from a slick police procedural and crime caper. It is so evocative of 70s and early 80s crime strories, but with a clever modern twist - think The Long Good Friday and the wonderful Fox with Peter Vaughan (should you be old enough to remember this), all tied up with a big Line of Duty ribbon (in blood red, of course). There are good guys, bad guys and those who cross both sides of the line - of both the male and female variety - which give this very wide appeal. I particularly enjoyed smart, gutsy DS Iona Madison, who Rob uses to share his love of boxing with the reader.
Unusually, this new trilogy is being released in audio format, by Audible Originals, before coming out in print and I found this rather enjoyable. The audio book is narrated by Warren Brown (of Luther fame) with aplomb and the perfect intonation for a story of this kind. The pacing and suspense are nigh on perfect, and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat - and periodically falling off at the big hitting moments. I always know I am onto a winning audio book when I find myself stopping what I am doing and just listening, and I confess that much of the housework was neglected while was listening to this one (good one, Rob!).
I think it's fair to say that this is the kind of book Rob Parker was born to write. I have seen Rob blossom as a writer with each successive book, as he matures and gets to grip with his craft, and he uses every bit of his considerable skill here - weaving multiple threads and complex characters to great effect, and completely drawing you in to the world he has created. This is outstanding work and I absolutely loved it!
And can I just say, as a connoisseur of a clever book title that Far From The Tree is a stroke of genius!
July 17, 2020
Brendan Foley has worked to balance the responsibilities of a demanding job and a troublesome family. He’s managed to keep these two worlds separate, until the discovery of a mass grave sends them into a headlong collision. When one of the dead turns out to be a familiar face, he’s taken off the case.
Iona Madison keeps everything under control. She works hard as a detective sergeant and trains harder as a boxer. But when DI Foley is removed from the case, her loyalties are tested like never before.
With the Warrington 27 plastered over the news, Madison and Foley set out to solve the crime before anyone else. But as Madison steps into the ring for the fight of her life, the criminals come to them. It’s no coincidence that the corpses have been buried in Foley’s hometown. The question is, why? Foley might not like the answer…
‘Far From the Tree‘ is an Audible Original, narrated by Warren Brown who is absolutely perfect for this fast-paced, twisty police procedural set in Warrington.
Setting ‘Far From the Tree‘ in his hometown of Warrington, Rob Parker has captured an oft-forgotten town in between Liverpool and Manchester perfectly, using Warrington’s piggy-in-the-middle characteristics to create tension.
By using references to familiar landmarks, Parker transports the audience to a new location – full of dirty deeds and complex family relationships.
I loved the nuances in the relationships between characters. From the beginning, where Foley is called away from his son’s christening to attend the gruesome crime scene, Parker sets up a complex family whose divided loyalties will cause all manner of upsets throughout the story.
Parker’s descriptions left me with vivid mental images – he has a real knack for creating atmosphere through his choice of language. Listening to this story was honestly like watching a move in my mind.
With Warrington-born Warren Brown on board to narrate, Audible have scored an absolute screamer – the compelling story coupled with an actor who has the same accent as the characters is a total winner.
I’m already looking forward to the next (audio) book from Rob Parker.
Iona Madison keeps everything under control. She works hard as a detective sergeant and trains harder as a boxer. But when DI Foley is removed from the case, her loyalties are tested like never before.
With the Warrington 27 plastered over the news, Madison and Foley set out to solve the crime before anyone else. But as Madison steps into the ring for the fight of her life, the criminals come to them. It’s no coincidence that the corpses have been buried in Foley’s hometown. The question is, why? Foley might not like the answer…
‘Far From the Tree‘ is an Audible Original, narrated by Warren Brown who is absolutely perfect for this fast-paced, twisty police procedural set in Warrington.
Setting ‘Far From the Tree‘ in his hometown of Warrington, Rob Parker has captured an oft-forgotten town in between Liverpool and Manchester perfectly, using Warrington’s piggy-in-the-middle characteristics to create tension.
By using references to familiar landmarks, Parker transports the audience to a new location – full of dirty deeds and complex family relationships.
I loved the nuances in the relationships between characters. From the beginning, where Foley is called away from his son’s christening to attend the gruesome crime scene, Parker sets up a complex family whose divided loyalties will cause all manner of upsets throughout the story.
Parker’s descriptions left me with vivid mental images – he has a real knack for creating atmosphere through his choice of language. Listening to this story was honestly like watching a move in my mind.
With Warrington-born Warren Brown on board to narrate, Audible have scored an absolute screamer – the compelling story coupled with an actor who has the same accent as the characters is a total winner.
I’m already looking forward to the next (audio) book from Rob Parker.
July 14, 2021
When the book kicks off with the discovery of a mass grave, I knew I was in for a bumpy ride! 27 bodies!!!?!??? And oh my, my emotions went sky high when I found out the identity of one victims. The parent in me mourned and screamed (internally) when it was revealed.
What ensued was a race against the clock both to prevent more deaths, stop vigilantes taking the law into their own hands and most importantly stop those responsible getting away. Enter DI Brendan Foley and his team. This team has their work cut out them. How do you link 27 different people? Especially those you can’t identify?!?
I really took to Foley as a character. He’s got divided loyalties but the job is his life. He’s a copper to the core. But he’s a total family man who’d do anything to protect his wife, kids and mum. The case of the Warrington 27 got personal and could make or break Foley’s career.
Far From The Tree is so so different from the other two books I’ve read by Parker recently but equally as impeccably crafted with its twists and turns. As I delved deeper into the investigation with Foley, I couldn’t look away. I was totally enraptured with the story, desperate to find out if the victims of this mass grave would be avenged or would Foley get the arrest to ensure justice is served through the proper channels. This is a cracking start to the Thirty Miles trilogy and I can’t wait for book 2!!
What ensued was a race against the clock both to prevent more deaths, stop vigilantes taking the law into their own hands and most importantly stop those responsible getting away. Enter DI Brendan Foley and his team. This team has their work cut out them. How do you link 27 different people? Especially those you can’t identify?!?
I really took to Foley as a character. He’s got divided loyalties but the job is his life. He’s a copper to the core. But he’s a total family man who’d do anything to protect his wife, kids and mum. The case of the Warrington 27 got personal and could make or break Foley’s career.
Far From The Tree is so so different from the other two books I’ve read by Parker recently but equally as impeccably crafted with its twists and turns. As I delved deeper into the investigation with Foley, I couldn’t look away. I was totally enraptured with the story, desperate to find out if the victims of this mass grave would be avenged or would Foley get the arrest to ensure justice is served through the proper channels. This is a cracking start to the Thirty Miles trilogy and I can’t wait for book 2!!
July 18, 2021
5.0
OMG what a book!
Well Far From The Tree is my first read by author Rob Parker, and let me tell you it is definitely in my top ten of 2021!
Totally gripping and shockingly gruesome story of DI Brendan Foley and the discovery of 27 bodies all vacuum packed in plastic and buried in a shallow grave in a woodland trench in Warrington, UK.
I am not going to give any more of the story away but let me tell you this….you will be shocked, you will gasp, you will be gripped, you will be thrilled and above all you will be impressed with this book. Fantastically well written with oodles of characters it reads like a movie. Dark and intense, I couldn’t get enough of it!
If you read one crime thriller this year please read FarFromTheTree, it’s a page turning masterpiece!
OMG what a book!
Well Far From The Tree is my first read by author Rob Parker, and let me tell you it is definitely in my top ten of 2021!
Totally gripping and shockingly gruesome story of DI Brendan Foley and the discovery of 27 bodies all vacuum packed in plastic and buried in a shallow grave in a woodland trench in Warrington, UK.
I am not going to give any more of the story away but let me tell you this….you will be shocked, you will gasp, you will be gripped, you will be thrilled and above all you will be impressed with this book. Fantastically well written with oodles of characters it reads like a movie. Dark and intense, I couldn’t get enough of it!
If you read one crime thriller this year please read FarFromTheTree, it’s a page turning masterpiece!
March 3, 2021
Total overkill. The books is quite readable in it's way, but so over the top and the literal overkill lacks any sense of reality. People die horrible deaths left right and centre in a story so overblown and unrealistic it fails to engage. This is supposed to be set in England but if any of the events depicted here really occurred in the UK probably the army would be called in. This plus characters not held accountable for their actions... it's just literally 'unbelievable'
July 8, 2020
Superbly well written gritty crime thriller. Starts with 27 bodies in a mass grave and gets darker from there in all the right ways. DI Brendan Foley is caught between a rock and a hard place when his family is swept up in the unfolding investigation and we're dragged into the murky depths of the North West underworld, with no promises everyone makes it out intact.
July 8, 2020
I loved this book. Couldn’t put it down. It is smart, fresh and so well written. The characters captured me and held my interest throughout. A brilliant ‘twisty’ story that left me wanting more.
February 18, 2021
Meh. Found the organised crime side of things a little dull. Outstanding narration though.
August 12, 2025
FAR FROM THE TREE - Rob Parker
This book was set in Warrington, in Cheshire. I loved this because I worked in Warrington for years and I could envision all the locations, and knew where they were talking about. It also goes into Liverpool, and once again… I could see where they were.
A mass grave has ben found in Warrington. This gruesome discovery is the cause of much consternation with the Warrington constabulary. They are not equipped for any of this scrutiny they are about to receive.
The DS on the case is Brendan Foley. A family man who has worked hard to earn his reputation within the ranks of the police, despite his father’s and to a degree, his brother’s reputations in the criminal underworld.
Can he keep his two lives apart while in charge of such a high profile case?
I enjoyed the book. It was something of a soap opera for the different characters, mostly in the police force. The twists and turns in this thriller were somewhat predictable, but none the less entertaining for it. It was a quick read for me as I was invested in the opening of the case.
My biggest disappointment was that a lot of attention was given to the condition the bodies were found in, and there seemed to be a reason why they found that way, yet the story didn’t elaborate on this much further. The majority of the tale was spent in the heads of the police officers, and I thought could have opened up more to the nature of the murders, and more to the point why they were in a mass grave in Warrington. But then this is a thriller, and not a horror, so it kind of makes sense in a very television series orientated read.
Anyway, this is a great, fast read. Short chapters are great for me as I know I can plough through them.
This is a 3.5 stars out of 5, but with a round up to 4 just because it held my attention so well.
This book was set in Warrington, in Cheshire. I loved this because I worked in Warrington for years and I could envision all the locations, and knew where they were talking about. It also goes into Liverpool, and once again… I could see where they were.
A mass grave has ben found in Warrington. This gruesome discovery is the cause of much consternation with the Warrington constabulary. They are not equipped for any of this scrutiny they are about to receive.
The DS on the case is Brendan Foley. A family man who has worked hard to earn his reputation within the ranks of the police, despite his father’s and to a degree, his brother’s reputations in the criminal underworld.
Can he keep his two lives apart while in charge of such a high profile case?
I enjoyed the book. It was something of a soap opera for the different characters, mostly in the police force. The twists and turns in this thriller were somewhat predictable, but none the less entertaining for it. It was a quick read for me as I was invested in the opening of the case.
My biggest disappointment was that a lot of attention was given to the condition the bodies were found in, and there seemed to be a reason why they found that way, yet the story didn’t elaborate on this much further. The majority of the tale was spent in the heads of the police officers, and I thought could have opened up more to the nature of the murders, and more to the point why they were in a mass grave in Warrington. But then this is a thriller, and not a horror, so it kind of makes sense in a very television series orientated read.
Anyway, this is a great, fast read. Short chapters are great for me as I know I can plough through them.
This is a 3.5 stars out of 5, but with a round up to 4 just because it held my attention so well.
October 11, 2022
I took this book on holiday to the Canaries, and it rained for the first three days; and boy was I glad that it did! Otherwise, I’d have lost three days sun; I really couldn’t put it down. I’ve read several of Rob Parker’s books, so I knew I was in for a treat, and what a treat it was.
Twenty-seven bodies are discovered buried in woodland near Warrington in the northwest of England. A murder investigation of unprecedented proportions follows, led by DI Brendan Foley supported by DS Iona Madison – who make a great pairing as lead characters. Foley is shocked to recognise one of the victims as someone very close to home; a fact which opens up his extended family like a can opener. Tempers and feelings are running high. And pressure from on high only adds to the stress, plus Foley’s strained relationship with his father adds to the mix.
Foley and Madison are soon led into the murky world of organised crime with Manchester and Liverpool gangs’ bookending, with Warrington in the middle where a power struggle is in play: and one of those players is closer to Foley than he can imagine.
Throw in a corrupt insider and DS’s Madison’s amateur boxing career against unsavoury opponents, and you have a delicious soup of several storylines which come crashing together at the end of this ripping tale with reveals that will genuinely stun you.
This is Parker very much in-form giving the reader a fabulous five-star read, which is what he does best.
I purchased this novel from a Manchester bookshop and have not been asked to provide a review.
Twenty-seven bodies are discovered buried in woodland near Warrington in the northwest of England. A murder investigation of unprecedented proportions follows, led by DI Brendan Foley supported by DS Iona Madison – who make a great pairing as lead characters. Foley is shocked to recognise one of the victims as someone very close to home; a fact which opens up his extended family like a can opener. Tempers and feelings are running high. And pressure from on high only adds to the stress, plus Foley’s strained relationship with his father adds to the mix.
Foley and Madison are soon led into the murky world of organised crime with Manchester and Liverpool gangs’ bookending, with Warrington in the middle where a power struggle is in play: and one of those players is closer to Foley than he can imagine.
Throw in a corrupt insider and DS’s Madison’s amateur boxing career against unsavoury opponents, and you have a delicious soup of several storylines which come crashing together at the end of this ripping tale with reveals that will genuinely stun you.
This is Parker very much in-form giving the reader a fabulous five-star read, which is what he does best.
I purchased this novel from a Manchester bookshop and have not been asked to provide a review.
November 11, 2023
FAR FROM THE TREE
After seeing all the positive reviews for #FarFromTheTree was expecting a thrilling, fast paced police procedural.
However what I got was a lacklustre, two dimensional story.
I felt that the characters needed more depth. And that more effort was put into making the story gruesome and was too focused on the shock value, as opposed to monopolising on characterisation for the reader to become familiar with on the continuation of the series.
I was however taken aback by the fantastic narrator, who really was the main reason for the not giving up on this book.
Safe to say I won’t be continuing with the rest of this series.
After seeing all the positive reviews for #FarFromTheTree was expecting a thrilling, fast paced police procedural.
However what I got was a lacklustre, two dimensional story.
I felt that the characters needed more depth. And that more effort was put into making the story gruesome and was too focused on the shock value, as opposed to monopolising on characterisation for the reader to become familiar with on the continuation of the series.
I was however taken aback by the fantastic narrator, who really was the main reason for the not giving up on this book.
Safe to say I won’t be continuing with the rest of this series.
January 24, 2023
Simply Superb!
FAB-U-LOUS! Wow my first book by this very talented author and it had me hooked within several chapters. After the initial introduction the true grit begins when Detective Inspector Brendan Foley is called out to the gruesome discovery of a mass grave containing 27 bodies. Such an outstanding story, very deep introducing some murky past that had DI Foley doubting who he could trust whilst looking very close to home. Excellent strong characters taught with tension with a Firework Finale!!!
Thank you BP Sheffield on to book 2 tonight.
FAB-U-LOUS! Wow my first book by this very talented author and it had me hooked within several chapters. After the initial introduction the true grit begins when Detective Inspector Brendan Foley is called out to the gruesome discovery of a mass grave containing 27 bodies. Such an outstanding story, very deep introducing some murky past that had DI Foley doubting who he could trust whilst looking very close to home. Excellent strong characters taught with tension with a Firework Finale!!!
Thank you BP Sheffield on to book 2 tonight.
February 6, 2023
Gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. First book I’ve read by this author but I will be reading more as this is the first in a trilogy. I normally shy away from any book that features organised crime as they are always a bit ‘samey’ but not this one! Hard hitting storyline - not to be missed 4.5⭐️
March 1, 2025
A rather gory, sweary read. Not my usual style of book but recommended when I visited Warrington police museum. (Well worth a visit). The book is based in Warrington and pulls on local landmarks in a way that brought the story to life.
I enjoyed the book and can imagine myself reading more by the same author.
I enjoyed the book and can imagine myself reading more by the same author.
July 4, 2025
ebook version read. Met Rob at an author event last week & found this one on Borrowbox.
Clever storyline, very brutal scenes, love the characters.
Hopefully will be able to find more of his books!
Clever storyline, very brutal scenes, love the characters.
Hopefully will be able to find more of his books!
September 25, 2022
Enthralling
I really enjoyed this really well written, fast paced book. My only grouch was that the finale was a bit far fetched and difficult to believe in.
I really enjoyed this really well written, fast paced book. My only grouch was that the finale was a bit far fetched and difficult to believe in.
March 22, 2023
Was one of the few books I’ve picked up and not finished. I skipped about 1/3 in the middle as I found it dawdled on.
August 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book, will definitely order more from author
September 4, 2023
Had me hooked, really enjoyed this and can't wait to read the next in the series.
November 2, 2023
Brilliant book! Great story line, lots of twists and turns.... kept me thinking about it and reaching for it!
December 19, 2023
Didn’t like this at all. Found it jumped all over the place and I couldn’t understand what was going on. The story was ok to begin with but it just didn’t do it for me!
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