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The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed: The Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed
Max Creed is a fictional person created to bring justice to those wronged by the ultra-wealthy in a world where the law overwhelmingly favors those with money and power. He is bound only by the laws of humanity and not those of the legal system.
When Sevyn Knight hires Max Creed and his disciples to right the wrongs done to her father at the hands of billionaire playboy Rupert Hastings, the game is afoot. Creed must enmesh himself in the world of the immoral tycoon in order to destroy him, but the temptations of sin and the allure of the pleasures of the rich and famous tease the very fabric of his being.
Aided by his business manager, John Little, the former assassin, Scarlett, the tech wizard, Scads, the attorney, Marian, and the financial guru, Tucker, Creed races against time to stop Hastings from becoming all-powerful as murky figures appear on the darkest edges of his fiefdom.
A breathless thrill ride that will keep your heart pounding long after the last page is turned.
When Sevyn Knight hires Max Creed and his disciples to right the wrongs done to her father at the hands of billionaire playboy Rupert Hastings, the game is afoot. Creed must enmesh himself in the world of the immoral tycoon in order to destroy him, but the temptations of sin and the allure of the pleasures of the rich and famous tease the very fabric of his being.
Aided by his business manager, John Little, the former assassin, Scarlett, the tech wizard, Scads, the attorney, Marian, and the financial guru, Tucker, Creed races against time to stop Hastings from becoming all-powerful as murky figures appear on the darkest edges of his fiefdom.
A breathless thrill ride that will keep your heart pounding long after the last page is turned.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
4 people are currently reading
1387 people want to read
About the author
Matt Cost
17 books85 followersMatt Cost also publishes under Matthew Langdon Cost.
MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
MATT COST writes the Mainely Mystery and the Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery Series. He’s also written several books of historical fiction. This is his first jaunt in combining his two loves of histories and mysteries into a historical PI mystery. Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries. Cost now lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife, Harper. There are four grown children: Brittany, Pearson, Miranda, and Ryan. A chocolate Lab and a basset hound round out the mix. He now spends his days at the computer, writing.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 16, 2025
Book Review: The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed by Matt Cost
Overview
Matt Cost’s The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed offers a refreshingly sardonic take on the modern antihero, blending dark humor with biting social commentary. The first installment in The Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed introduces readers to a disillusioned protagonist navigating a world that feels equal parts absurd and all too real. With razor-sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Cost crafts a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, though some readers may find Max’s cynicism overwhelming at times.
Score Breakdown (0-5)
Themes & Depth (4.4/5)
Cost tackles contemporary disillusionment, existential dread, and the search for meaning in a hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected world. The novel’s thematic weight is impressive, though a few philosophical musings border on repetitive.
Character Development (4.5/5)
Max Creed is a brilliantly flawed protagonist—charismatic yet deeply jaded, relatable yet frustrating. His voice carries the story, though supporting characters occasionally feel like satellites to his orbit rather than fully realized individuals.
Pacing & Structure (4.2/5)
The episodic structure keeps the narrative lively, though some chapters meander into tangential rants. The balance between plot progression and character introspection is mostly well-maintained, making for a brisk yet substantive read.
Humor & Tone (4.7/5)
Cost’s dark humor is the novel’s standout feature, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside uncomfortable truths. The tonal shifts between satire and sincerity are handled deftly, though the relentless cynicism may wear thin for some.
Originality (4.3/5)
While the “disillusioned everyman” archetype isn’t new, Cost’s execution feels fresh and timely. The novel’s blend of humor, pathos, and social critique sets it apart from more conventional contemporary fiction.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
A whip-smart, darkly comic debut that announces Matt Cost as a bold new voice in satirical fiction. The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed is a biting, hilarious, and unexpectedly poignant exploration of modern malaise—perfect for readers who like their humor with a side of existential dread.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Matt Cost for providing an advance review copy. This critique reflects my unbiased evaluation.
Note: This review is based on an ARC; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
Overview
Matt Cost’s The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed offers a refreshingly sardonic take on the modern antihero, blending dark humor with biting social commentary. The first installment in The Modern-Day Chronicles of Max Creed introduces readers to a disillusioned protagonist navigating a world that feels equal parts absurd and all too real. With razor-sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Cost crafts a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, though some readers may find Max’s cynicism overwhelming at times.
Score Breakdown (0-5)
Themes & Depth (4.4/5)
Cost tackles contemporary disillusionment, existential dread, and the search for meaning in a hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected world. The novel’s thematic weight is impressive, though a few philosophical musings border on repetitive.
Character Development (4.5/5)
Max Creed is a brilliantly flawed protagonist—charismatic yet deeply jaded, relatable yet frustrating. His voice carries the story, though supporting characters occasionally feel like satellites to his orbit rather than fully realized individuals.
Pacing & Structure (4.2/5)
The episodic structure keeps the narrative lively, though some chapters meander into tangential rants. The balance between plot progression and character introspection is mostly well-maintained, making for a brisk yet substantive read.
Humor & Tone (4.7/5)
Cost’s dark humor is the novel’s standout feature, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside uncomfortable truths. The tonal shifts between satire and sincerity are handled deftly, though the relentless cynicism may wear thin for some.
Originality (4.3/5)
While the “disillusioned everyman” archetype isn’t new, Cost’s execution feels fresh and timely. The novel’s blend of humor, pathos, and social critique sets it apart from more conventional contemporary fiction.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
A whip-smart, darkly comic debut that announces Matt Cost as a bold new voice in satirical fiction. The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed is a biting, hilarious, and unexpectedly poignant exploration of modern malaise—perfect for readers who like their humor with a side of existential dread.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Matt Cost for providing an advance review copy. This critique reflects my unbiased evaluation.
Note: This review is based on an ARC; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
May 6, 2025
Matt Cost is helluva writer, versatile and erudite , and he covers the gamut from history to detective novels to thrillers. This conspiracy thriller is bold and ambitious, requiring the reader to delve into a gray area of moral ambiguity.
Max Creed is a great character, ballsy and justice-seeking. I love the way Matt weaves the backstory into the main tale so seamlessly. This plot roars like a locomotive and never lets up. The assembled crew he gathers is a nice addition to Matt’s plan to make things right in the world. And what an ending.
Don’t miss this one. Cost has unleashed all his author fury on creating a character you’ll not soon forget.
Max Creed is a great character, ballsy and justice-seeking. I love the way Matt weaves the backstory into the main tale so seamlessly. This plot roars like a locomotive and never lets up. The assembled crew he gathers is a nice addition to Matt’s plan to make things right in the world. And what an ending.
Don’t miss this one. Cost has unleashed all his author fury on creating a character you’ll not soon forget.
April 27, 2025
Modern Justice and Global Chaos
Matt Cost’s latest novel, The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed, falls into the category of “one of these things is not like the other.” His Mainely Mystery series and his Clay Wolfe series are about private detectives with tales that hail from Maine. Max Creed may have ties to Maine, but unlike Cost’s other novels, this one has the action fly from New York, North Carolina, Arizona, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Thailand, Rio, the Florida swamps, and even a private island, before coming full circle.
We learn that Milo Sharp was also once a private detective, until one of his cases went so wrong, with unfathomable results, that it sent Milo on a revenge tour with a billion dollars to burn in the new skin of Max Creed, a modern-day vigilante set on righting some of the world's darkest problems. He collects a band of damaged, yet talented players: Dale, John, Marian, Tucker, Scads and Scarlett (fill ins for Robin Hood’s merry men/women) to bring down one Rupert Hastings a presidential wannabe who is a conglomerate of modern dead and alive billionaires (you’ll know who they are) we all love to hate for their dirty dealings, sexual exploitations, disregard for the rule of law, and let’s face it, anything moral. As long as it makes him money. Other political powers have a pull on the strings, but global escapades will keep you guessing who the real victims, the traitors, and the good guys are.
Drug cartels, Chinese gangsters, and sexploitation drive the action until its unexpected climax, which doesn’t pull punches, literally, and figuratively. Cost has a way of making believable action as if he’s tried out the hits before he writes about them. His writing is gritty and base, and delivers a tone appropriate to the underbelly of human nature.
The question is whether the end justifies the means. You decide. If Dorothy Parker is right about the billions of human beings throughout history and “not a single one ever had a happy ending,” then maybe Max Creed will live to see another day. Highly recommended for those who like gritty action, Robin Hood vigilante justice, and living vicariously when there is little we can do about the real world.
Matt Cost’s latest novel, The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed, falls into the category of “one of these things is not like the other.” His Mainely Mystery series and his Clay Wolfe series are about private detectives with tales that hail from Maine. Max Creed may have ties to Maine, but unlike Cost’s other novels, this one has the action fly from New York, North Carolina, Arizona, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Thailand, Rio, the Florida swamps, and even a private island, before coming full circle.
We learn that Milo Sharp was also once a private detective, until one of his cases went so wrong, with unfathomable results, that it sent Milo on a revenge tour with a billion dollars to burn in the new skin of Max Creed, a modern-day vigilante set on righting some of the world's darkest problems. He collects a band of damaged, yet talented players: Dale, John, Marian, Tucker, Scads and Scarlett (fill ins for Robin Hood’s merry men/women) to bring down one Rupert Hastings a presidential wannabe who is a conglomerate of modern dead and alive billionaires (you’ll know who they are) we all love to hate for their dirty dealings, sexual exploitations, disregard for the rule of law, and let’s face it, anything moral. As long as it makes him money. Other political powers have a pull on the strings, but global escapades will keep you guessing who the real victims, the traitors, and the good guys are.
Drug cartels, Chinese gangsters, and sexploitation drive the action until its unexpected climax, which doesn’t pull punches, literally, and figuratively. Cost has a way of making believable action as if he’s tried out the hits before he writes about them. His writing is gritty and base, and delivers a tone appropriate to the underbelly of human nature.
The question is whether the end justifies the means. You decide. If Dorothy Parker is right about the billions of human beings throughout history and “not a single one ever had a happy ending,” then maybe Max Creed will live to see another day. Highly recommended for those who like gritty action, Robin Hood vigilante justice, and living vicariously when there is little we can do about the real world.
April 16, 2025
4.25stars—THE NOT SO MERRY ADVENTURES OF MAX CREED is the first instalment in Matt Cost’s contemporary, adult THE MODERN DAY CHRONICLES OF MAX CREED suspense series focusing on Max Creed and his band of investigators and assassins.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Max Creed,using present day and memories from the past, THE NOT SO MERRY ADVENTURES OF MAX CREED follows Max aka former PI Milo Sharp, as he takes on the baddest of the bad. Approximately five years earlier, Milo lost the love of his life to an assassin’s bullet, and in the interim our hero has destroyed the man who destroyed his life. Another billionaire’s powerful reach has devastated many more families, leaving the grieving families struggling to understand. Max Creed has been approached in the hopes he and his team will take on the case but from the outset nothing goes according to plan, and at every turn, the team will be sabotaged and targeted by the very people Creed is hoping to take down. Meanwhile, one of their own has been threatened for the sins of the father, and in this, the Chinese Triad and Cartel want a piece of our story line hero.
The world building is detailed and complex as the reader is introduced to Max Creed ,and his unflinching team with secrets of their own, secrets that are about to play into a possible betrayal of our story line hero. The large ensemble cast of colorful, charismatic and energetic secondary and supporting characters each have a specific role to play in Max Creed’s investigative journey, a journey Max believes he will not survive.
THE NOT SO MERRY ADVENTURES OF MAX CREED is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, human trafficking and missing persons. The premise is dark, dramatic and gritty; the characters are determined, desperate and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Max Creed,using present day and memories from the past, THE NOT SO MERRY ADVENTURES OF MAX CREED follows Max aka former PI Milo Sharp, as he takes on the baddest of the bad. Approximately five years earlier, Milo lost the love of his life to an assassin’s bullet, and in the interim our hero has destroyed the man who destroyed his life. Another billionaire’s powerful reach has devastated many more families, leaving the grieving families struggling to understand. Max Creed has been approached in the hopes he and his team will take on the case but from the outset nothing goes according to plan, and at every turn, the team will be sabotaged and targeted by the very people Creed is hoping to take down. Meanwhile, one of their own has been threatened for the sins of the father, and in this, the Chinese Triad and Cartel want a piece of our story line hero.
The world building is detailed and complex as the reader is introduced to Max Creed ,and his unflinching team with secrets of their own, secrets that are about to play into a possible betrayal of our story line hero. The large ensemble cast of colorful, charismatic and energetic secondary and supporting characters each have a specific role to play in Max Creed’s investigative journey, a journey Max believes he will not survive.
THE NOT SO MERRY ADVENTURES OF MAX CREED is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, human trafficking and missing persons. The premise is dark, dramatic and gritty; the characters are determined, desperate and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
August 24, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Max Creed at his home on the beach in North Carolina. We learn of the story where Kinsley, his bride, was murdered on her wedding. They had just been pronounced man and wife when Kinsley was shot. Milo Sharp, Max's real name, was heartbroken and it tells of what steps Milo took to avenge the killing. It then goes into a description of how he met John and how John helped to recover , which resulted in the establishment of an organization to make those individuals who were rich and because of their money, they were able to skate being convicted.
This story then tells of what steps are taken for a specific case brought to them by Sevyn Knight whose father committed suicide because a billionaire dragged out a case that the father won for failure to pay what was owed. This was just another situation where being rich meant that justice meant nothing. Learn all of the actions that Max and his team took in trying to bring Rupert Hastings, the individual responsible for Sevyn's suicide. Discover each of the band member's backgrounds and how they became a part of the band and what their role was in this current mission.
The story is well done and will keep your interest right to the end. This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
The story begins with Max Creed at his home on the beach in North Carolina. We learn of the story where Kinsley, his bride, was murdered on her wedding. They had just been pronounced man and wife when Kinsley was shot. Milo Sharp, Max's real name, was heartbroken and it tells of what steps Milo took to avenge the killing. It then goes into a description of how he met John and how John helped to recover , which resulted in the establishment of an organization to make those individuals who were rich and because of their money, they were able to skate being convicted.
This story then tells of what steps are taken for a specific case brought to them by Sevyn Knight whose father committed suicide because a billionaire dragged out a case that the father won for failure to pay what was owed. This was just another situation where being rich meant that justice meant nothing. Learn all of the actions that Max and his team took in trying to bring Rupert Hastings, the individual responsible for Sevyn's suicide. Discover each of the band member's backgrounds and how they became a part of the band and what their role was in this current mission.
The story is well done and will keep your interest right to the end. This is definitely a book well worth reading, don't miss out!
May 18, 2025
4.5 rounded down because the analogies to a certain MAGA president were overdone at times.
This is an action-packed, sardonic tale of a justice and revenge-seeking anti-hero who gathers a bunch of interesting characters who are all victims of a wealthy adversary in an effort to bring them justice.
Milo Sharp becomes Max Creed after the love of his life is murdered on their wedding day. He turns to drink as Milo, but then is brought out of his self-pity and transformed into a warrior as Max.
Tension builds as the story progresses, and there is both mystery and danger. The outcome of Max's quest is in doubt. There are twists that are not obvious. A well-written book, well worth reading. I look forward to reading more about Max.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an action-packed, sardonic tale of a justice and revenge-seeking anti-hero who gathers a bunch of interesting characters who are all victims of a wealthy adversary in an effort to bring them justice.
Milo Sharp becomes Max Creed after the love of his life is murdered on their wedding day. He turns to drink as Milo, but then is brought out of his self-pity and transformed into a warrior as Max.
Tension builds as the story progresses, and there is both mystery and danger. The outcome of Max's quest is in doubt. There are twists that are not obvious. A well-written book, well worth reading. I look forward to reading more about Max.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2025
The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed is the first instalment in Matt Cost’s new exciting series featuring Max Creed and group of misfit pursuers of justice.
Max Creed is a former private investigator, Milo Sharp. 5 years ago, he lost the most important person in his life. Max has destroyed this man who destroyed him.
Max and his team are contacted to take down another person who is ruining other people's lives.
Meanwhile, the Chinese and Cartel are after one of Maxs group.
The characters are dynamic. complex, flawed and well fleshed out.
The story is told in multiple point of views in the third person.
This story is so well written and complex. The suspense builds with some twists I didn't see coming.
Highly recommend!
Max Creed is a former private investigator, Milo Sharp. 5 years ago, he lost the most important person in his life. Max has destroyed this man who destroyed him.
Max and his team are contacted to take down another person who is ruining other people's lives.
Meanwhile, the Chinese and Cartel are after one of Maxs group.
The characters are dynamic. complex, flawed and well fleshed out.
The story is told in multiple point of views in the third person.
This story is so well written and complex. The suspense builds with some twists I didn't see coming.
Highly recommend!
May 10, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I did enjoy this book, although it took a bit of time to really get started, while the characters were introduced and the back story explained. But once the story did get going - it was quite action packed and I couldn't put it down past the halfway mark. Milo Sharp suffered a terrible tragedy, a revenge attack by an evil villain he'd bought to justice but walked free because he was rich. Milo got justice eventually - or revenge? and as a consequence became very rich. A modern Robin hood was born. The story was as good as any of this author's work that I've previously read and I feel this story about Max Creed and his band will develop into a series as readable as any of his others. I would recommend it.
June 21, 2025
Opening with vivid imagery, The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed takes you into a new, thrilling series you won’t want to put down once you dive in. I will say I wasn’t quite prepared for what I was getting into - Max is a bit of a departure from the protagonists I’m used to seeing from Cost. Max is dark, jaded, and much more flawed, but he works so well, but he still fights for what he feels is right and doesn’t let his dark views of the world stop him from helping others. Those that surround him share his views on seeking justice, and are just as complex. The story itself moves along at a good pace, and is full of twists, turns, and tension that holds your attention tight. Overall, if you love thrillers, you need to grab this modern-day take on the Robin Hood tales of old!
April 13, 2025
🕵️♂️ ARC Review
The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed by Matt Cost
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fast-paced conspiracy thriller with a modern-day superhero twist! 💥 Max Creed forms his own version of the Justice League to take down the corrupt elite—and their latest target is Rupert Hastings. But will their plan work, or will power silence justice?
Loved the group dynamics, the backstory reveals, and how much Max truly cares. Things really heat up toward the end 🔥
If you’re into justice-seeking vigilantes and high-stakes danger, add this to your TBR! 📚⚖️
The Not So Merry Adventures of Max Creed by Matt Cost
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fast-paced conspiracy thriller with a modern-day superhero twist! 💥 Max Creed forms his own version of the Justice League to take down the corrupt elite—and their latest target is Rupert Hastings. But will their plan work, or will power silence justice?
Loved the group dynamics, the backstory reveals, and how much Max truly cares. Things really heat up toward the end 🔥
If you’re into justice-seeking vigilantes and high-stakes danger, add this to your TBR! 📚⚖️
May 5, 2025
I had such feelings of melancholy as I read this. I felt empathy for Max and his loss of Kinsley, so senselessly. The twins' story made me sad and angry. I loved Max's character. He's relentless in pursuit of what he sees as justice, but he has integrity and strength of character that I admired. The ending made me sit up with a start, no longer sad, but excited and exhilarated. What an adrenaline rush ending!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
May 23, 2025
Max Creed started off with a bang and kept up the pace throughout. Excellently written, with plenty of action and involvement with all characters meant for a fast and enjoyable read that flowed. Highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2025
Mildly entertaining. Basically a written version of the TV show Leverage. Do we like Milo/Max? You bet. Can't help but root for the "good" guys since we really hate the bad guys. But they are so dumb they tell their secrets to all the wrong folks.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews