Manhunt: Hunting Britain's Most Wanted Murderer

by Peter Bleksley

Armed only with a notepad, pen and mobile phone, author and former Scotland Yard detective and undercover cop, Peter Bleksley is on the hunt for Kevin Parle.

For more than fifteen years, the six-foot six-inch, broadly built, ginger-haired Parle has been wanted by the police for two murders. In the early hours of 19 June 2004, 16-year-old Liam Kelly was lured to a location in Liverpool and shot dead. The following year, another Liverpudlian, 22-year-old mother of three, Lucy Hargreaves, was shot dead in her own home. Her partner and their 2-year-old daughter escaped after the house was set alight by leaping from a first-floor bedroom window.


How could Parle have evaded national and international crime investigators for so long? Who is harbouring him? Bleksley is determined to find the answers. Immersing himself in the world of serious and organised crime, he has vowed not to rest until Parle is found.


Two murders, one fugitive and a hunter tracking down the target. This is the gripping true story of hunting Britain’s most wanted murderer, going behind the scenes of the hit BBC Sounds podcast, Manhunt: Finding Kevin Parle.

Author, investigator, broadcaster and the former Chief on Channel 4’s hit shows Hunted and Celebrity Hunted, Peter Bleksley has lived an astonishing life since retiring as a Scotland Yard Detective, where he earned a glittering reputation as a fearless undercover cop.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Audiobook

265 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2020

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good true crime book and I was just in the mood for one. It would normally have been a quick read for me, but I’ve not been getting much sleep at all, and found myself reading parts over a lot. The puppy’s barking doesn’t help much either at times, as he's looking out the window. But it’s a good story, following the based in Britain author as he hunts around the world for a double murderer. No longer as a cop but as a journalist, he’s squeezing his sources to try and get any line on this long-running fugitive/ killer. For true crime fans who enjoy British fugitive stories. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Peter Bleksley, and publisher Ad Lib.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I very rarely don’t finish a book, but this book seemed more about the author’s ego than anything else. I wanted it to be more about the crimes, the victims and the people that were left behind. I went into the book expecting and hoping for one thing and unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. I made it about 3/4 of the way through before I stopped. Maybe, I should have powered through. I am sure that some people would find this an interesting read, but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Ad Lib Publishers for the arc of this book by Peter Bleksley.

Whopping 5 star read for me, I love true crime so I knew that I would like this book as to why i requested this book. It didn't disappoint as was a gripping read into Hunting Britains Most wanted murderer.!
if you like true crime this is the one for you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.
While there were some quite interesting parts to this text, it felt a bit thin on the ground in terms of actual details about Parle. They met a man who knew a man who once thought he’d seen him - that’s the kind of thing that this book is largely made up of. It even manages to meander towards a view that Parle may not actually be guilty of the crimes for which he is wanted and on route covers everything from the possibility fo police corruption to far too many details about what make a a true football fan, interspersed with Bleksley reiterating how he won’t ever give up in his hunt.
That said, their are points if this which are interesting, and the view into the machinations of an investigation were worth the read.
There just isn’t enough content for this to be a book - it may week have been better as the series of podcasts in which this was based.

[Simone Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to Peter’s podcast of the same name and found it interesting. So, when I saw the book I thought I would read it.

Kevin Parle is wanted for two horrific murders of young, innocent victims in Liverpool. He has been on the run for sixteen years. Despite sightings of him in various locations, he’s never been caught.

Peter is determined to find him and this really shows in the book and podcast. He’s dedicated to the cause and goes to great lengths to obtain credible information which could help locate Parle. He’s not interested in money and wants justice for the families.

In the first quarter of the book it felt like it had been padded out a bit and the football chat didn’t interest me. However, as the book went on it became more focused on the process and hunt for Parle and the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

If you like true crime, or if you have listened to the podcast, you’ll like this book.

This book is a good companion to the podcast and I would recommend listening to it if you haven’t already.

I really hope that once Peter can continue his investigations fully, he finds Kevin Parle.

Thanks to Ad Lib Publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Fundamental Rule binds us together. It allows us to go about our business, to enjoy our lives, and it makes us human. What is the rule you may ask? Well, it is basic, it is easy to understand and we abide by it. It simply says, do not kill one another”


This is the newest book I have to read. I bought it on release as it follows the story of a podcast I discovered early last year and was instantly hooked.

The book doesn’t cover an awful lot of new ground to the podcast (although I was aware that would be the case going in) due to the coronavirus restrictions limiting investigative work but it was an excellent re-cap and was delivered in a very direct, ‘no nonsense’ writing style.

Peter never presumes prior knowledge of the different processes involved and manages to address the layman without coming across as looking down on anyone.

I’m really looking forward to the podcast coming back at some point once lockdown is over but in the mean time have purchased another of Bleksley’s books to keep me going as I enjoyed this so much!

Best of luck with the hunt Peter.

[Sheldon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Manhunt is a semi entertaining travelog type diary as Bleksley tries to find (unsuccessfully) Kevin Parle. The book doesn't really shine any new details on the Parle case nor is there much new detail if you've listened to Bleksley's BBC podcast series on the same subject. To make things worse the audiobook version appears to be recorded by Peter at home setup and absolutely no audio equalisation has been applied as chapter to chapter the audio channels are all over the place, sometimes sound is predominantly left channel or vice versa. Worth a listen if you have Audible as it's free on the service otherwise its an easy skip from me.

[Jake Holliday · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book is great. A real life manhunt of a real criminal who has done some real damage. I respect Mr Bleksey for his approach.

The problem is, nothing ever really happens that’s warranted this book? I appreciate it’s probably a bit of a publicity builder but from start to finish there are no real clues or hints about the criminal who should be caught. The writer also goes off about subjects at every tangent possible to discuss how great a copper he is.

I am however intrigued by the content and intend to listen to the JackMaate podcast episode.

[Emily Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting concept for a book, but the content itself lacked substance. The author made it clear from the start of the book that Parle hadn’t been found, therefore I knew not to expect a nice neat conclusion, but what followed appeared to be a series of chapters where the author and his mate travels around various locations, sitting in bars in the hope of coming across someone with some information and drinking wine. I would have found it more interesting if there had been more detailed anecdotes from his previous career and experiences to give the book some more substance. It really puzzled me why he had honed in on Parle in particular, amongst all the other thousands of cases which must exist, and what drove this mission, which appeared to take over his entire existence. His arrogance was irritating, and you wondered what was behind this perhaps pathological obsession. The author had clear unresolved resentments about having the leave the police earlier than anticipated which perhaps accounts for what is playing out here in part, I just hope the immense sacrifice is worth it.

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can tell the author has lived experience - he goes about his search with an almost clinical focus. I had not actually heard of the TV show with which he was involved but, on looking into his background after reading this book, I was not surprised he had managed to win. It would be interesting to know more about what drives the author to do what he does because he seems very sincere and almost takes the cases personally. I thought it was well written and showed inside knowledge of the police system. These are crimes about which many people will never have heard. This book brings them to the fore.

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I appreciate what the author is trying to do here but it is done badly. It doesn't even seem to be edited as it is badly written and the author repeats themselves.

My main problems were this was too much about the author for me. He could cut down about 40 or 50 pages if he stopped telling us what he drank and ate, when he went to bed, how often he went for wine or to this place or that and how amazing everyone around him is or isn't. And, just advice, if you insist that you and someone definitely did not bang, when no one asked, then we can only assume that you either did or wanted to.

I do hope something comes of the hunt but if he does an updated version... get an editor.

[pierre bovington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. I drank coffee to enable me to get through it. I saw Peter Bleksley on GB News, a news company that is doing very good ratings.
Peter Bleksley is a former London Police undercover detective who has made it his mission to hunt down a suspected double killer, Kevin Parle. He stresses that Parle not convicted of the crime, but is on the National Crime Agency s most wanted list.
2 alleged victims, 16 year old and a 22 year old woman were gunned down in cold blood.
I highly recommend a visit to Peter Bleksley s website and Twitter account.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

For a book about Kevin Parle and his victims, they are not focussed on in this book. The Author instead talks about his Podcast and his experiences while chasing the Fugitive. Which I understand, as the book is about chasing the fugitive. However, only a few paragraphs every couple of chapters is dedicated to exploring an aspect of the fugitive, and even more uncommon is sections talking about the Victims. Very disappointing. Was expecting, at the very least, a run down of events. Instead, the Author seems to prefer to talk about what messages he got on Twitter.

J

[Becky Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have devoured this book in 2 days. I've loved it from start to finish. Very harrowing, honest, upsetting and also intriguing. Flip it over and you also have hope, excitement, thrilling and a want to catch the bad guy.
Peter bleksley has written a corker of a book here and the public interest has been amazing. Thank you so much to netgalley, Peter, and the publishers for allowing me to read this book for my honest opinion. I wish Peter every success in finding Kevin Parle

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this crime, so this made it more fascinating to me. I found this book very interesting and compelling. It was hard to put down, I wanted to know what came next. The writing was extremely well done and the story was great. He really kept my interest. I just learned that the author, Peter Bleksley, also has a podcast about this book, so I am going to seek it out. I understand it is very well done. I really liked this book and recommend it!

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s very easy to forget there’s real life murderers on the run when you’re living in your own little bubble - and this book was very informative and a real eye opener. You can tell Bleksley really knows what he’s on about and absolute credit to him for devoting so much time, money and resources to see Parle behind bars.
I recommend reading this book, learning the face and keeping an eye out - you never know.
I really hope they catch this guy.

[John Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute credit to peter for taking this up and i hope he catches the man sooner rather than later. Given the circumstances on how this book has had to come about. Thoughts with the families and friends.

[William Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting case and detective no Hollywood ending and a steady pace this book should be tops on my list but for some reason I can’t put my finger on I just didn’t find it an enjoyable read might give it another shot later on.

[Hannah Lightowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. It follows the tale of Peter Bleksley and colleagues trying to find Kevin Parle. I hope they do catch him.

It was really interesting from the start and even showed how the lockdown from covid hindered his investigations.

[Karen Yee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, but longer than it needed to be. Tended to drag for about the last 8 chapters. Blelksley has a dry sense of humor that was enjoyable. I hope that some day his quarry is brought to justice.

[Martin Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect companion to, or introduction to, Peter's excellent podcast about his hunt for double murder suspect Kevin Parle

[Paula Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book... I do hope he finds Kevin and he gets put away for life! Couldn’t put this book down. Just brought more of Peters books and can’t wait to get stuck in to them!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this insight into an ongoing investigation very interesting and would urge anyone interested in true crime to read it. Unfortunately there is no conclusion as yet, but I’m sure it will come in due course.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Different approach to true crime, reading about the search rather than the crime itself.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this and so interested to see if they find him!

[Stacy Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book, it was hard to get into.

[Nicola Southall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this true crime read.
I really hope he catches him

Interesting

[ToriBeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very light on details of the criminal case and the individual Bleksley is "hunting." There were a lot of rambling details about breakfasts and travels.

[Russell Wardle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but a little long winded at times

[Megs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fine, it felt more like a biography of this man’s life over a period he was looking into a crime more than actually a true crime book.