Maxwell's Retirement

Peter Maxwell Mystery #15

by M.J. Trow

For Peter ‘Mad Max’ Maxwell, the only mystery that has arisen so far this year at Leighford High is the question of how to use a computer. The ‘dinosaur’ Head of Sixth Form just cannot get to grips with technology, and doesn’t see the need to know how to send a text or an email, when a simple note or phone call will suffice. However, it soon becomes vital that he learns when some of his female pupils begin to receive strange and threatening messages, with the anonymous sender claiming to know intimate details about the girls’ personal lives. Then Max starts to receive messages too, and two of the girls go missing. When a body is found it seems that the prank has taken a sinister turn. And Mad Max may well be the next target.
With his job under threat from the ambitious IT technician, Nicole, and the formidable Pansy Donaldson, as well as facing increasing pressure from his wife to retire, will Max manage to crack the case? Or is the chance of him reaching retirement looking more unlikely by the day?

Genres: Crime

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Meirion James Trow is a full-time teacher of history who has been doubling as a crime writer for seventeen years. Originally from Ferndale, Rhondda in South Wales he now lives on the Isle of Wight. His interests include collecting militaria, film, the supernatural and true crime.

Reviews

[John Lee]

My enthusism for this series should be apparent from previous reviews.


If you enjoyed the first then you will enjoy this.

I am aware that it doesn't appeal to everyone and if that's you then I don't think that anything will change your mind in this one.


I was a little concerned, early on, that the subject matter may  drag this one down but with  his usual flair the author keeps it as light as the others.


A good story on a couple of levels for  series fans. Ofcourse some lovely humerous lines  particularly those from old cinema and a cliffhanger to finish with - although I think I can see the answer.


30th October 2025

[Rock Battye]

Mad Max, now married to his woman policeman, is off looking for a social networker who is upsetting his beloved Sixth Form. While electronic gadgetry (to say nothing of paintballing) may not immediately bring Mr Maxwell to mind, he can always be relied on to spring surprises. Some nicely-drawn and sympathetic portraits of a few of his students must surely engage the reader and maintain their interest.

[Alison C]

There are two new women at Leighford High School, an IT professional called Nicole Thompson and Mrs. Donaldson, the new office manager. Both are very ambitious and both believe they need to get rid of Peter “Mad Max” Maxwell in order to re-order the school more to their liking. At the same time, someone is sending nasty text messages to several girls in town, which Jacquie is asked to investigate. And then a couple of girls go missing, after they had reported receiving the texts…. This is the 15th of the Peter Maxwell series, and deals a lot with new technology (and Max’s aversion to it), but it also showcases how the students in Max’s care really find him to be perhaps the only grown-up that they can trust. And Max, of course, always comes through for them. There are some mad capers here (I especially liked the paintball “bonding” experience) and, of course, at least one dead body, and a lot of humour as well. I don’t know that the reader needs to start at the beginning with this series, although that always makes for a richer reading experience, but this wouldn’t be a bad one with which to start; recommended.

[PR]

This was, again, A toughie...whoever the books are about High Schoolers or the equivalent being hurt

In any way I Balk... This was tougher than some of the others to read...kids afraid or in real or perceived danger really get to me...I Know it Happens...around the world every day...we are responsible for a lot of it...or we condone a lot of it...especially noe. This book was written around the time of this same danger to our people and the people of the word as before...will we never learn??? Cyber bullying, cyber crime, crimes of , crimes of dictatorships...it just never seems to end.
This book encapsulates local issues not national or international one and it can be spread out to include it all.
Well written, great characters, great character development...tough story and we need to pay attention...

[Eirlys]

An incredible read

Another enjoyable story featuring the irrepressible Maxwell. I like how he treats everyone with courtesy, even when they are being particularly nasty. As a teacher he embodies the art of inspiring his pupils, without them being aware of it. I enjoyed his struggles with technology, especially the internet. Reading it, I was chuckling one minute, and then worrying about his actions. All this and a murder too.
Great characters, and all were so real that I felt as if I knew them.

[Ed]

These books get better and better. Don’t stop writing!!!!

[Beth]

Full of Surprises Twists

Again! You might feel the villain in this one was revealed earlier. Keep reading - the twists/surprises keep on coming!!!!!

[Caroline]

Has Mad Max finally retired?

Let's hope not, another really enjoyable read in this series

[Kate Eakins]

I read this based on the recommendation a colleague who used to work with MJ Trow. He thought he might really enjoy the series due to bias, however I shall reassure him they stand up on merit. Such an enjoyable book that I took two more of the series out the library this afternoon.