Recommended for: Fans of gripping police procedurals, morally complex characters, and crime fiction with a heart.
Tony Parsons delivers yet another brilliant instalment in the Max Wolfe series with Murder for Busy People. This seventh book sees Max drawn back into the shadows of one of his earliest cases, a decision that forces him to confront both his past and the present dangers threatening those he loves.
Sixteen years ago, a fresh-faced Max arrested Emma Moon for her role in a robbery that left two men dead. Emma, now out of prison, is enigmatic as ever—silent on the details of that fateful day and the whereabouts of her accomplices. But when the former gang members begin to die under suspicious circumstances, Max is compelled to investigate. Is Emma seeking revenge, or is someone else pulling the strings?
Parsons weaves an intricate web of suspense, with the narrative effortlessly balancing multiple threads: the cold-case intrigue, a present-day murder of a homeless girl Scout once befriended, and Max’s evolving relationship with his teenage daughter. The latter offers a deeply personal lens into Max’s character, highlighting his vulnerability as a single father and his struggles to shield Scout from the world’s darker corners.
The pacing is sharp, the twists are clever, and the emotional beats resonate. Max’s reflections on morality, justice, and fatherhood elevate this from a standard procedural to something far more poignant. Long-time fans will appreciate the return of beloved characters like Scout and Stan, Max’s ever-loyal dog, while newcomers will find this an accessible entry point into the series.
Murder for Busy People is a masterclass in blending heart and grit. Tony Parsons reminds us why Max Wolfe remains one of crime fiction’s most compelling detectives. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another five years for the next instalment!
Murder for Busy People is published on 2nd January 2025. Thank you to Random House UK Cornerstone, Tony Parsons and NetGalley UK for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
