what an incredible insightful book!
I’ve read many true crime books but never one from the view of a probation worker what an hard but rewarding experience you have had. I truly enjoyed this and learnt so much about your work I’m shocked at how let down you are by the system!!
This was such an interesting read I found you very inspiring! Thank you for giving me this incredible insight and even a few laughs along the way.

Im a massive fan of anything true crime and this is the first time ive read a book from a probation officers point of view. I struggled to put this book down it was extremely interesting and I would highly recommend to others that are true crime fans.

I LOVED this book, it was insightful into a career I thought I knew about but didn’t, it was emotive and gave the other side to why some people ma commit crime and it was expertly written with facts but humour. My only criticism is the title and cover maybe don’t do it justice. I’d highly recommend this book

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up A Murderer's Guide to Cleaning by Elizabeth Baxter, but something about the premise intrigued me, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-hidden world of probation officers—a role I didn’t fully appreciate until reading this. Baxter does an incredible job of taking readers behind the scenes of this difficult and nuanced profession. I found myself completely captivated by the way she describes the complexity of working with individuals who have committed serious crimes—and the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those tasked with helping them reintegrate into society. It’s not just about enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the humanity of those who have made horrific mistakes.

Baxter’s writing style was also fantastic. I genuinely didn’t want to put the book down. She has a way of drawing you in with vivid descriptions and a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Despite dealing with such difficult and traumatic subject matter—subject matter that I imagine is challenging even for the most experienced of writers—Baxter navigates it with such care and respect. Her voice is confident yet empathetic, and she manages to strike the perfect balance between storytelling and reflection. It’s raw and honest without ever feeling exploitative or sensationalized.

I particularly admire how Baxter carefully selects the real-life examples from her work to give readers an understanding of the individuals she's encountered over the years. It must have been incredibly difficult to decide which stories to share, but she does so with a sense of responsibility that’s both moving and enlightening. There are moments of heartbreak, of course, but there’s also the occasional glimmer of hope and redemption that makes it all feel worthwhile.

In short, I loved this book. It’s one of those rare reads that makes you reflect on your own assumptions and beliefs about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. I think everyone should read it—not just those interested in crime or probation, but anyone looking for a story that digs deep into the complexities of the human experience. Baxter's ability to write about such heavy topics with such clarity and heart is truly remarkable. Don’t miss out on this one!