Great Start to a new Trilogy

After finishing this audio book, I checked out this author and found out this is the start of a trilogy. My first thought was -- "only 2 more books with Max Wolfe!" I can honestly say I will be grieving halfway through the 3rd book if this character's story ends. I imagine by that time Tony Parsons will be selling lots of books and his editor will be thinking up ways to continue the story with DC Wolfe, his young daughter and their dog.

I don't know this author but he must have a strong writing background. I particularly loved how there were violent, heart-beating scenes, but no goriness. The author's knowledge of police procedure and his strong plotting of the story was a delight to me. I didn't want to stop listening as I drove closer to my home. I thought up errands in order to continue my drive and the listen. Colin Mace is a wonderful narrator -- top notch!

Even if you think you have it figured out, you will still want to hear every word. Especially since a twist is awaiting you in the end. Loved it!

19 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

THERE SHOULD BE MORE THAN 5 STARS FOR THIS 1

This is by far the best book I have read all year, maybe longer. And I can't say enough about Colin Mace. What a pleasure to listen to. This is one of those books that when you finish you have to digest. You can't go into your library and start another one right up.

Some one else's review made mention of no real gore or vulgarity, they were correct. The crime scenes were so well written you didn't the gore.

There was a point when I 'figured out' at least part mystery/crime but then you think you have the whole story and wham there is a twist I did not see coming.

Love the father/daughter/dog relationship. It's heartwarming.

And Colin Mace - WOW not sure I have listened to him before but I would seek out others that he has read. The different accents were wonderful, transition flawless, and just his voice-perfect.

I hope this becomes a series!!!

36 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Can a narrator make a good book great?

Colin Mace delivers a performance that puts him in a class with Ray Porter, Frank Mueller, Will Patton and Eduardo Ballerini. He hasn't read a lot on audible, but surely this is a breakout performance.

In the first chapter we are witness to a brutal rape and murder that occurred some 20 years ago. In present day, suddenly men responsible for the crime begin to be murdered one by one. Obviously revenge is the motive, but what makes this novel so easy to enjoy is how the detectives unravel the mystery.

The characters are well developed and thanks to Colin Mace, we are emotionally drawn into the life of a truly gifted detective.

This was a great experience.

35 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

The narration makes all the difference

Would you listen to The Murder Bag again? Why?

if I listened to it again, it would be for the narrator. He really added both drama and realism to this novel and compensated for its flaws.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Murder Bag?

The very beginning when we are introduced to the protagonist.

What does Colin Mace bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The characters in this book were fairly well developed. The plot was certainly suspenseful and interesting but not as tight as it could have been. At times, the story moved a bit slowly. Colin Mace got into the character of the "flawed investigator" so thoroughly that he made the reader forget the less polished aspect of this novel. This was a great listening experience.

Any additional comments?

An entertaining, semi "noir" police procedural that could have been tighter. The narrator made it multidimensional. I recommend it.

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

refreshing

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though the story line was similar to others the characters and writing were so well done it seemed new and fresh. Even with the disturbing subject matter it was never base, vulgar or graphic. The writing allowed the listener/reader to see without being disturbed. First book in a long time I listened to with rapt attention, rewound when I thought I'd missed a nuance... Yes a nuance, it had that...enough said?

23 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Good book+Excellent narrator = Very good audiobook

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book but I do think Colin Mace's performance made a good book very good. Main character Max reminds me of Luther (television show) and my husband, who is English tells me it's because Colin Mace has the same accent. But I think it's more than that. Like Luther, Max never backs down, runs head long into trouble, and keeps going until he figures out what's going on. Well, anyway, if you liked Luther, I think you'll like this book. After reading the reviews and subject of Book 2, I've decided to skip that one and I am already listening to Book 3.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Fabulous Writing and Performance

Any additional comments?

This book is so well written, and the narrator is first-class, too. It's a classic murder mystery with a lead character who is so true-to-life, and he's someone that you quickly come to understand. I'll be reading more of Tony Parsons' books, that's for sure

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent

Any additional comments?

Really well written page turner. Left me wanting more. I would love to read a series featuring the lead character. A credit well spent!

8 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Good premise, disappointing execution

The narrator was good enough, but the writing was poor. The author would probably do well at a pub quiz in history and crime categories, but the book is littered with juvenile similies, clumsily-conveyed trivia and flat, lack-luster characters. I find myself, in turns, irritated by it and apathetic about it. I will swerve this author in future.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

An intriguing detective mystery.

What made the experience of listening to The Murder Bag the most enjoyable?

Excellent narrator and gripping mystery

What did you like best about this story?

The characters come to life

Which character – as performed by Colin Mace – was your favorite?

Max Wolf

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Max Wolf's ex-wife visits him and their daughter

Any additional comments?

A really good listen. The novel captures one's interest and one cannot wait to keep listening

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile