• The Murder Bag

  • By: Tony Parsons
  • Narrated by: Colin Mace
  • Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (686 ratings)

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The Murder Bag  By  cover art

The Murder Bag

By: Tony Parsons
Narrated by: Colin Mace
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Publisher's summary

Twenty years ago seven students became friends at their exclusive private school, Potter's Field. Now they have started dying in the most violent way imaginable. Detective Max Wolfe follows the bloody trail from the backstreets and bright lights of the city, to the darkest corners of the corridors of power. As the bodies pile up, Max finds he is fighting not only for justice, but for his own life....

The gripping first novel in an explosive new crime series by Tony Parsons, bestselling author of Man and Boy. If you like crime-novels by Ian Rankin and Peter James, you will love this.

©2014 Tony Parsons (P)2014 W.F. Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"Propulsive ... If The Murder Bag marks the launch of a new crime series, count me in." ( The Times)
"A tense debut crime novel with a dose of dry wit" ( Daily Express)
"Impressive, page-turning ... Told with conviction and at an ever increasing pace" ( Daily Mail)
"Truly emotive crime-writing is a rarity, and The Murder Bag looks set to win Tony Parsons many new fans in the genre" ( GQ)
"Spectacular! Tense and human, fast and authentic." (Lee Child)

What listeners say about The Murder Bag

Average customer ratings
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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!!!

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37 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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35 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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?

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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!

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I could not put this book down

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is a great listen. I really could not stop listening. The story was good and the narrating was outstanding. I did not want it to end and can't wait for the next one. I tell everyone about it.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Every time I thought I new who did it I was wrong.

What about Colin Mace’s performance did you like?

Colin was absolutely marvelous. What a story teller.

Any additional comments?

Loved the book and guaranteed to listen to it again. Get busy on the next one. I'll be the first in line.

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4 people found this helpful