Gosh, I really don't know where to start! This was my first book by Richard Parker, but it won't be my last. And I was delighted to see that this is the first in a series.

I liked the character of Tom Fabian straight away. A decent man who works too hard, and who has damaged his family life as a result. He doesn't trust people easily, but is loyal to those he does. His small team are well described, Banner particularly, and I liked her immensely.

Fabian unexpectedly finds himself in charge of an enquiry into several seemingly unconnected murders, although all the victims have wounds to their faces. Eventually, Tom is able to link the murders, but he can't stop the body count increasing.



The story goes at a cracking pace - it hits the ground running and just keeps going. The opening chapter is an absolute corker! It really sets the scene and tone for the rest of the book. Every so often there is a chapter from the killer's point of view, which allows us to see his thoughts as he commits the murders, and the last desperate actions of his victims. These chapters are very effective.

I didn't guess who the murderer was, or what his motive was, and I just love it when that happens! The ending actually made me a little sad and slightly conflicted. I can't explain why without spoilers so you'll just need to read it yourselves to find out why!

There is a subplot featuring Fabian's daughter Tilly, her mother and her ex boyfriend. The tension is ramped up regarding this, and it looks like Tilly might feature in the next book. The ending of the book, the last paragraph, is fabulous, and left me longing for the next book.

I enjoyed Never Say Goodbye from beginning to end. It's a strong, original story that just races along. If you like an intelligent, exciting police procedural, you'll love this. Roll on book 2!

Having loved his previous three books, Follow You, Hide and Seek and Keep Her Safe, Richard Parker has become an author whose novels I eagerly anticipate. Those previous books have been standalone thrillers but Never Say Goodbye is the first in a series and I was intrigued to read it.
When an elderly woman is murdered in her room, she's the latest victim of a serial killer but there are no suspects so far and the investigation has stalled. Tom Fabian was responsible for solving a previous high-profile case but his relationship with his superior officer is strained and he wasn't originally given this one. However, when his counterpart dies suddenly, he is handed what has become somewhat of a poisoned chalice, given that the only connection between the victims is that each has been killed with a knife and then brutally slashed on the face. Fabian eventually realises there may be a tenuous link between them but it only really informs him that the list of potential next victims is disconcertingly long.
As the first in a series, Never Say Goodbye has to feature an engrossing plot but it also needs to introduce a cast of characters who we want to see more of and it succeeds on both counts. DI Tom Fabian isn't a maverick, loose cannon sort of officer; he's a middle aged man who knows there are younger officers snapping at his heels but he is still dedicated to his job. He has a good, professional relationship with DS Natasha Banner, they share a mutual respect although she is an intensely private person and they aren't close enough to be friends. The book recognises the toll that police work puts on families but he is still friends with his wife, Harriet - their decision to separate was made before the job totally destroyed what they had. Their teenage daughter, Tilly is headed for university which means they both face some uncertainty about what it will mean for them. Tom realises Tilly needs her space but his experiences mean he is understandably fearful of her safety away from his protection.
The body count inevitably rises and the mystery becomes ever more puzzling with the few suspects identified each having their own secrets and decidedly questionable alibis. Though most of the novel follows the police investigation, some chapters show the killer at work as he watches his next victim before murdering them. These scenes are not especially graphic but they still leave no doubt as to the brutality of the attack. The creeping sense of dread once his course is set is truly sinister and then Richard Parker cleverly focuses on the desperate actions of the victims in their last few moments when their fear is almost palpable.
Never Say Goodbye is a superb police procedural, with a chilling and accomplished plot set in the labyrinthine streets of London with its long history of vicious murders. There's a real authenticity to the proceedings throughout too - this is a result tenaciously ground out, with the officers forced to work in a police station where the heating isn't functioning despite it being a freezing October. The conclusion to the case is breathtakingly shocking and then just when I thought Richard Parker couldn't spring any more surprises, the ending left me open-mouthed and desperate for the following book. I can tell already that the Tom Fabian series is destined to become one of my favourites and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Never Say Goodbye. Richard Parker

There’s a serial killer on the streets of London, and the investigation is not going well.

When the SIO dies suddenly the investigation is handed to DI Tom Fabian, and his team are tasked to take over after 4t victim is discovered.

The only thing to connect the victims is the way the face is mutilated during the killing. With no links between the victims the initial team have struggled to identify any potential suspects, so how are Fabian and his team going to have any success where their predecessors failed.

When the penny drops, and the link is found, it is almost so tenuous that it seems like a coincidence. But the more the team look at it the more it makes sense.

The problem is, by following the pattern, they can identify any number of potential victims. So how do they prioritise, can they protect the next victim without starting wide spread panic.

Once they’ve identified the pattern it should be easy to identify who is doing the killings. Shouldn’t it?

Richard Parker was a TV script writer, script editor and producer and has written some excellent stand-alone thrillers.

With his pedigree it’s not surprising that this is one of the best books I’ve read, and that’s mainly because of its plot. So many books these days struggle for originality; but I can honestly say that the way the victims are chosen in this book is something I’ve never come across before.

Never Say Goodbye is billed as being the first in a series. All good series need good characters to make you want to find out what happens to them next.

Parker has penned a great little team that it was easy to engage with.

DI Tom Fabian is in his mid-forties, he’s recently divorced and has a teenage daughter. He is what he is, a dedicated Police Officer whose family life has suffered because of the job.

DS Natasha Banner is in her late thirties, she’s married with a son, and is an intensely private person for somebody in the Police

DC Finch, “he’s never going to make DI but he’s good at what he does”

This little team start to develop throughout the book and each one has a story that gets the reader hooked.

But for one of them, there is about to be a very nasty shock.
In a book that kept me turning page after page, until I had read it all in one sitting, the very last paragraph took my breath away. This book leaves one hell of a cliff hanger.

I can honestly say that the last hundred words of this book made the hairs on my arms stand up.

Mr Parker, please hurry up and write the next instalment.

Pages: 246
Publishers: Bookouture
Available now

Wow, wow, wow, why has it taken me this long to read a book by Richard Parker?! Never Say Goodbye was absolutely fantastic, within the first pages I was hooked and I knew I was just going to love this book.

Detective Tom Fabian is called to a crime where a young woman has been murdered in her bedroom and it’s up to Tom and his team to figure out who is the culprit. I just loved this puzzle that Richard created and I loved trying to figure it all out with Tom. The killer is brutal, sadistic and very clever, on a few occasions the killer is quite chilling.

Richard’s writing is just brilliant, right from the start I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down until I had read every last word. It’s fast-paced, gripping and I adored it. The character of Tom intrigued me, I liked him and thought he was well-written. I cared about the other characters and I think that’s all down to Richard’s writing which I just loved.

Buckle your seat belts as Never Say Goodbye starts off at a high speed and doesn’t let go until the pages have been devoured. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough on my kindle as the twists and turns flew off the page. Fantastic start to a new series and I have found a new author to read. I cannot wait for book two!

I loved, loved, loved this book. The balance of time spent between investigating the crime and getting us to support Fabian was perfect. I love stories where we find a reason to stand behind the investigator and this novel was without some overused detective tropes. I'm grateful for that. I am a sucker for crime fiction and I need more of Fabian now!

Geez, Louise…..hang on let me rephrase that…… GEEZ RICHARD! I have not had the pleasure of reading any of his books before, but when the opportunity came up for this book I jumped at it on the basis of the blurb. I was not disappointed at all. I seem to be finding the most amazing books at the moment and this is up for there for me!

When I started this book, in certain parts I had to keep checking I was definitely reading the first in the series as it felt as though Detective Tom Fabian was already an old friend (credit to the writing). It also alluded to the break up with his wife (this hurt!) and a previous case in the name of an unsettling character of Christopher Wisher. However, some of this was explained throughout the book and that cliffhanger ending, WOW I am so blinking excited that this looks like it could be explored in the next book. (Seriously Richard, please, you need to! I need answers!)

I will start with the ending of the book, mainly because it was a WowWee one! I knew that when Detective Tom Fabian missed a phone call, that the story had to be continued, it has to be continued…. (no pressure). What got me was the epilogue, with the briefest introduction of a new character, and the final paragraph of the book. Jaw dropped (regular occurrence especially when Noelle is involved), I mean I knew that we had to have a cliff-hanger, I just was not expecting that.

(No spoilers here!) So, this story had a fabulous premise in the way that the murderer planned their killings. For a change, I did not suspect who the killer was but I had my list of suspects. We are led by the author to different suspects and only to be led down the garden path so many red herrings!!!

Fabian takes over the case of the four victims, he reviews each murder on an individual basis. By looking at the victims individually, we are introduced to a pool of minor characters and in turn, we are led to suspect them all. As we follow the clues, secrets are exposed for these minor characters which do not affect the case but damages them. It is amazing, how even though they were not directly linked to the murder, they had secrets to hide and fully deserved their comeuppance, very much the Butterfly effect. As the murders ramp up, you feel the panic in the murderer, slowly reducing the suspect pool. Time is running out but why? what has changed? Is Fabian and his team that close to solving it already? Why are the victims picked? How are they linked? All make for a page-turning, engrossing read!

The ending was very bittersweet, when you come face-to-face with the murderer and their reasons, well it was heartbreaking but far from justified. However, Richard did not let the story finish there, he liked to toy with us and threw a spanner in the works completely, well read the next chapter you will find out why!

With the investigation in full swing, you are introduced to Fabian’s family in the subplot. His daughter Tilly is off to university and breaks it off with her long term boyfriend. His wife, living in their old house, moving on with her life when, wait what…. danger hits home. Whilst I loved meeting the Fabian out of work, struggling to be the family man he wants to be as he is estranged from his wife, it is not until near the end of the book you see how everything links together. Well J.A.W. D.R.O.P when you find out how it just makes me need to scream from the rooftop!!

I loved the writing in this book, and how all the subplots are woven into the main storyline definitely added to my reading enjoyment. I was engrossed and did not want to put the book down. I, personally, could not identify who the murderer was and I was sure I had it right at one point but alas it was not to be and I had the rug firmly pulled out from under me. (Don’t worry it did not hurt too much) I loved the character of Detective Tom Fabian, and would love for him to not be estranged from his ex-wife, maybe in the future they will find their way to be back to each other but I fear that his job will always be in the way.

First book in the series, first introduction to Richard Parker… definitely not my last! I can’t wait for the next book to come out (Hopefully it is in the works soon!) and until then I am off to see if about purchasing some more books……keep it a secret though…

I had not read anything by this author before, but have enjoyed a lot of the Bookouture offerings this year, and liked the sound of a new police procedural set in London, my hometown. This was originally titled The Murder Map, but has been renamed Never Say Goodbye, which is a shame in my opinion, as the first choice was more memorable and relevant. It was published a few days ago but I am running a bit late with my ARCs just now.

DI Tom Fabian is a divorced 40-something who remains close to his ex-wife and college-bound daughter. He’s had one major case but his new DCI has got it in for him, and his career is stagnating, when he has to take over a new serial killer case, following the death of a colleague. Four strangers with nothing in common have been killed, and their faces mutilated. Discovering the link, Fabian and his team have a race against time as the body count rises, but what is the killer trying to tell them?

This was an engaging, well paced thriller with a likeable hero and the plot was not predictable. There were several odd phrases that have hopefully been edited out by publication, but not enough to spoil it for me. I worried for each of the pets that were introduced, but none come to any harm. The ending sets us up nicely for the next in the series which I will be looking forward to.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book in a new series and can I say that I identified with the main character from the first page? Maybe because he’s older and jaded. He’s looking at his hands and noticing how old they look. Something I do all the time.

I really enjoyed this. It’s a fast paced police procedural that keeps you guessing. What is the connection between all these murder victims? Good thing I wasn’t on the team, as I felt perpetually behind the eight ball without a clue as to who the murderer was.

Bring on book two in the series!

My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this novel.

Phew, What a brilliant read "Never say Goodbye by Richard Parker" was. This is the first book in the Detective Tom Fabian series and I just loved it. I was hooked from the first few pages.
Detective Tom Fabian was called in to lead an investigation after a woman was found murdered in her bedroom and had some horrendous facial injuries. Detective Fabian and his team need to find the killer before he or she strikes again However, it's not easy as there are not many clues left behind. This killer has been very clever so far. Then, more mutilated bodies are found and Detective Fabian has found a link off all his victims surnames. Now they have to find the killers next victim before it's too late.
With all this Detective Fabian is dealing with the separation from his wife and the relationship with his only daughter who is leaving for University.

I loved the Detective Tom Fabian character and looking forward reading more books of him in this series.
I found there was so much going on and I wanted to finish this before I turned out the lights to go to sleep. So don't open you kindle and start to read before you go to bed! not a good move!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Never Say Goodbye, the first novel to feature DI Tom Fabian of The Met.

Richard Parker has an edgy kind of writing style that always pulls me into his stories. His books have become firm favourites of mine and I couldn't wait to pick up this book. So what can I say about the opening to Never Say Goodbye other than it really is the perfect start adding a disturbing edge that will make you sit up and take notice. Making me wonder about motives along with being ever so curious as to where the story would go next!

I love puzzles and the premise for this story definitely had me intrigued especially as at first there doesn't appear to be a pattern or any connection between victims. Fabian and his team worked well together putting the pieces together to try to discover who the perpetrator is and also the motive. You get to see the best of both worlds as you experience the investigation play out along with seeing the killers point of view. The killer takes us on quite a dark journey before the thrilling conclusion!

The plot is pretty fast moving and easily carried me away right until the very last page! There is tension within the story not just to do with the murders but in Fabian's personal life. I will admit to being pretty happy when I realised that this was the start of a new series featuring Tom Fabian. I can't wait to see what will happen next and if the little snippet at the end of the book is anything to go by it is going to be absolutely brilliant!

Never Say Goodbye has the perfect amount of twists and surprises. A thrilling and dark ride from start to finish!

Five stars from me!

With thanks to Noelle at Bookouture for my copy.

I really enjoyed this book. It is full of suspense and drama right up to the end. I liked the characters and the setting. The short chapters meant that the suspense kept building. The complexity of the plot made this book a great read. I have read a few Richard Parker books and this is definitely the best so far. I hope that there is more Tom Fabian to come.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Now it is safe to say that I do like me a book by Richard Parker. There was a little of the devil in me which just loved the Scream-esque twisty darkness in Follow You and I have been a fan ever since. When I heard that he was writing a new crime series I was intrigued and most determined to read the book to see what it was all about. Having powered through it in a day, in and around attending Bute Noir, I can happily say that I am mighty glad I did.

Now this book follows a murder investigation which is led, rather unexpectedly as it happens, by Detective Inspector Tom Fabian. There have been a series of murders in and around London with no clear pattern and no obvious links between the very random mixture of victims. Progress has been slow and all the Detectives seem able to do is wait for the next victim, something that no-one is keen to let happen. With a great team around him, Fabian knows that the pressure is on them to find that all important link so that they can get one step ahead of the killer, but even if they find it and are able to decipher the killers clear signature, how can they catch a person so skilled at hiding in the shadows?

What I liked most about this book is that from the very beginning Richard Parker suckered me straight into the story. You meet the first victim right away, you find enough of her history in order to be able to care about her death. It is shocking without being graphic and it sets the tone, and the pace, for the rest of the book. This killer is methodical, prepared, almost relaxed even. It is really quite chilling. From here on in you know what to expect, and with several chapters told from the killer's point of view, you can see the tragedy unfolding even as they police struggle to find their footing.

Tom Fabian is a great character. Flawed, as all good Cops are, his main failing seems to be in being too invested in his job, so much so that it has cost him his family. He is still undeniably close to his daughter but his marriage is well and truly over. In terms of his team he is a well respected manager and there are some great characters in amongst them, especially DS Natasha Banner who is as determined and focused as Fabian and makes a great partner. They understand each other perfectly and it's a team I am looking forward to seeing develop over the series.

The murders in this book are not graphic, or particularly gruesome although there is no mistaking what has happened. You are not necessarily present at the kill but you are alongside the killer in the lead up which is almost as scary - the knowledge of what is yet to come. Even once the pattern is discovered, the still seems no logical motive and it will take some time for this to all become clear. Leads take them nowhere and as a reader I too got the sense of frustration the investigating officer felt. It really was a compelling read, if only because I needed to know why the killer was doing it and what the end game might be.

For the first book in a series, this has me hooked and I can't wait to read more, if only because of that ending. What a set up. And the twists and misdirection that the author fed throughout the novel were perfect, deflecting attention just long enough to hide the truth but not enough to cause confusion. It's all just building to something bigger and I am looking forward to book two.

This is a really fast paced read and I loved it. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
Tom Fabian takes over a murder investigation and realises there is a pattern to the killings. Fabian and the team then face a race against time to stop any more murders, however, the killer has a plan and won’t let the Police get in his way.
It’s not until the end that we find out why he’s killing all these people, and it’s actually quite a sad outcome.
The Epilogue hints at the story for the next book in the series and this time it’s personal!
This is a gritty crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

'Never Say Goodbye,' previously entitled 'Murder Map,' is former TV script writer and producer Richard Parker's seventh novel, and the beginning of a new suspense series featuring Detective Inspector Tom Fabian of the Metropolitan police. Having loved his previous novels I was excited to see what this series opener had in store.

Fabian has unfortunately found himself relegated to cold cases that have no hope of a resolution until four fatal and seemingly random stabbings take place throughout London, and he is called in to lead the investigation. Despite the lack of forensics and no witnesses to rely on Fabian feels that the murders are somehow linked... He soon discovers that all of the victim surnames are local street names, hence the books previous title. The hunt for the brutal serial killer is hotting up. Can Fabian catch this vicious murderer by using his murder map before he has the time to strike again?

Well, what an excellent, thoroughly enjoyable and intensely gripping thriller this was! Richard Parker excels at creating characters you care about, and his writing it something to behold. He combines break-neck pace with a series of intelligent twists and lots of misdirection/red herrings thrown in for good measure. Fabian is an admirable protagonist who is tenacious and determined in his conduct. Parker has a pretty unique writing style, which grabs you in its vice-like grip and holds you there right until the conclusion. I literally cannot wait for the rest of the series!

Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Never Say Goodbye, the first novel to feature DI Tom Fabian of The Met. The book was even better than the previous Richard Parker I've read, and that's saying something! Recommended.

The vicious stabbing murders were mounting – there were four now, and although it seemed nothing tied them together, they were definitely committed by the same person. The gap between each killing was closing as well. When Detective Tom Fabian was put on the case, he was determined to find the killer. His partner, Detective Banner had been there for the past three years and they worked well together. Would they do the same with this case?

Hitting a brick wall with their interviews, Fabian was suddenly struck by something that could tie the murders together. The surnames of each victim were street names – the map was easy to follow, but hard to work out where the killer was headed next. What was the motive of this strange and horrendous murder spree? Fabian knew they were racing the clock and as the body count climbed, he despaired at stopping it.

Murder Map is the 1st in the Detective Tom Fabian series by Richard Jay Parker, and it was very good! In fact, it was excellent. Gripping, heart stopping action, combined with twists and red herrings galore made this police procedural crime novel a fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable read – I’m looking forward to book #2 already! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read and review.

Another new detective, let me introduce Detective Tom Fabian. Hardworking gets the job done with the help of his team. Is separated from his wife and his daughter is off to university.
His boss Metcalfe is another matter, does not suffer fools gladly, will remind you endlessly who is in charge and hates the media and anyone who courts them.
A young woman is murdered in her own home and her face is badly mutilated. Fabian and his team need to find the killer. Not easy as there are very few clues. During the investigation, the number of dead and mutilated bodies begin to rise. Fabian has a revelation, all the victims surnames are also street names on a local road map. Now he has a murder map he just needs to get to the next victim before the killer. The ending was heart wrenching how grief can turn to anger and finally REVENGE!!!!
This kept me guessing, lots of twists and turns and I got it wrong. Really looking forward to the next in this new series. A very good crime thriller.
I would like to thank the author Richard Parker, Bookouture and Net.galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for giving an honest review.

What a cracker of a read! So much going on in this book. Murders, family problems, drama, great characters and a unique writing style make this a sure fire winner. As for that ending! look forward to the next book featuring Tom Fabian. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I loved it. Reviewed on Goodreads and Facebook with Amazon to follow on publication day.

This was OK, interesting and definitely one to finish once you've started, just to reach the conclusion and discover the killer. However, I'm not convinced that I'll get the next one, desite the 'cliffhanger' ending, since the characters were not so compelling or likeable that you feel you feel any sense of loyalty or connection.

3.5*

I liked this book I really did, it's just I didn't find it hooked me in the way that this writer has in some of his previous work.
It's a well told tale about a mature policeman, his family and a murderer who is confounding the police.
It's a solid police procedural that will keep you interested throughout. And, it's got a good ending!

Detective Tom Fabian is called in to lead an investigation when a woman is found murdered in her bedroom and left with horrendous facial injuries. This is one in a series of, supposedly, random killings. However, our lead detective soon recognises the signs of a pattern and therein starts a cat and mouse chase to find the killer. All of this is going on whilst Tom deals with separation from his wife and his relationship with his daughter who is leaving for university. This all adds up to a solid police drama that maintains momentum throughout.

I very much appreciate netgalley and Bookoutre giving me the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for my honest review.