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DCI Harry McNeil #19
Now or Never
You can't make up your own ending...
The lifeless body of a renowned author is found murdered within his residence, prompting DCI Harry McNeil to uncover the unsettling truth that not everyone held the man in high regard. Initially dismissed as a tragic mishap stemming from a misjudged publicity stunt, this incident swiftly transforms into a grim realization of foul play.
As a remorseless and deranged murderer prowls the streets, McNeil finds himself embroiled in an intense pursuit, exacerbated by the absence of one of his key team members.
Meanwhile, a surprising call interrupts DCI Angie Fisher's routine – none other than her ex-husband, DI Dougie Fisher, whom she believed would remain estranged. Dougie, now residing in London with his new spouse and infant son, has come north to Fife for a family funeral. A nagging suspicion haunts him – he suspects his father-in-law's demise was no accident. Frustratingly, his position as a detective in London's MET has yielded no cooperation.
Initially hesitant to engage, Angie's resolve wavers when Dougie discloses that his family has become a target. Yet, this is merely the prelude to an intricate sequence of events that ensnare Angie in the investigation. Amidst the labyrinth of twists and turns, the ultimate revelation catches her off guard, leaving her blindsided as events reach their irreversible climax.
The lifeless body of a renowned author is found murdered within his residence, prompting DCI Harry McNeil to uncover the unsettling truth that not everyone held the man in high regard. Initially dismissed as a tragic mishap stemming from a misjudged publicity stunt, this incident swiftly transforms into a grim realization of foul play.
As a remorseless and deranged murderer prowls the streets, McNeil finds himself embroiled in an intense pursuit, exacerbated by the absence of one of his key team members.
Meanwhile, a surprising call interrupts DCI Angie Fisher's routine – none other than her ex-husband, DI Dougie Fisher, whom she believed would remain estranged. Dougie, now residing in London with his new spouse and infant son, has come north to Fife for a family funeral. A nagging suspicion haunts him – he suspects his father-in-law's demise was no accident. Frustratingly, his position as a detective in London's MET has yielded no cooperation.
Initially hesitant to engage, Angie's resolve wavers when Dougie discloses that his family has become a target. Yet, this is merely the prelude to an intricate sequence of events that ensnare Angie in the investigation. Amidst the labyrinth of twists and turns, the ultimate revelation catches her off guard, leaving her blindsided as events reach their irreversible climax.
- GenresCrime
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2007
About the author
John Carson
102 books182 followersJohn Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 4, 2023
Disappointed in Book 19
I'm A big fan of the DCI Harry McNeill Crime Thrillers in general but not this one. It was hard to read as it had multiple unrelated stories that it dipped in and out of. Each had multiple characters that I found hard to keep track of. The latter is somewhat typical of Carson's novels but this was much worse than usual. Plus in the end things were not brought to a finish so it was like the story was just dropped before Carson finished writing it. A big disappointment and not what I've gotten to expect from him.
I'm A big fan of the DCI Harry McNeill Crime Thrillers in general but not this one. It was hard to read as it had multiple unrelated stories that it dipped in and out of. Each had multiple characters that I found hard to keep track of. The latter is somewhat typical of Carson's novels but this was much worse than usual. Plus in the end things were not brought to a finish so it was like the story was just dropped before Carson finished writing it. A big disappointment and not what I've gotten to expect from him.
October 5, 2023
A strange story…
Once you get round all the jumping stories, you realise nothing really happens. I normally love the characters but found myself confused (and a little bored). Maybe all the twists and turns will become apparent in the next book. However, I personally, like endings to books.
Once you get round all the jumping stories, you realise nothing really happens. I normally love the characters but found myself confused (and a little bored). Maybe all the twists and turns will become apparent in the next book. However, I personally, like endings to books.
Read
October 3, 2023I have loved all the Harry McNeill books but this one has let the series down and as for the ending - it wasn’t there, the book just stopped as though the author had run out of time to finish it
October 16, 2023
Brilliant as always
Read this in practically one sitting. I love this DCI Harry McNeil series. Lots going on to put it mildly, I felt really sad for Frank Miller, he really has been in the wars. The story mainly involves Frank and his family in the main. I just hope that in the next book, Frank has an happy ending. Lots left to question, which no doubt will be answered in the next book, which I can't wait to read. Please don't leave us hanging on for too long Mr Carson.
Read this in practically one sitting. I love this DCI Harry McNeil series. Lots going on to put it mildly, I felt really sad for Frank Miller, he really has been in the wars. The story mainly involves Frank and his family in the main. I just hope that in the next book, Frank has an happy ending. Lots left to question, which no doubt will be answered in the next book, which I can't wait to read. Please don't leave us hanging on for too long Mr Carson.
October 22, 2023
Now or Never
Omg what a cliff hanger to leave us on. Love the Harry McNeil series the books are great reads. So much happening in this one. Can Frank Miller come back from this. Is he going to go off and search for his wife and their two children in witness protection. Will the mysterious Jacqueline be revealed. Will Harry and Alex become embroiled in the case to. Who knows. Can't wait for the next read.
Omg what a cliff hanger to leave us on. Love the Harry McNeil series the books are great reads. So much happening in this one. Can Frank Miller come back from this. Is he going to go off and search for his wife and their two children in witness protection. Will the mysterious Jacqueline be revealed. Will Harry and Alex become embroiled in the case to. Who knows. Can't wait for the next read.
October 25, 2023
Another cliffhanger
Loved this book, and once again seemingly different plots that intertwine. I did get a little confused in places, but I enjoy that the story isn't wrapped up completely at the end, and leaves me wanting to read the next in the series straight away. Roll on December!
Loved this book, and once again seemingly different plots that intertwine. I did get a little confused in places, but I enjoy that the story isn't wrapped up completely at the end, and leaves me wanting to read the next in the series straight away. Roll on December!
December 25, 2023
Slow to start
The story was slow to start and was written in a dialogue that was both awkward and unrealistic. However, the plot, once it got underway, around chapter 15, was entertaining and the prose much more realistic. I got the impression that the author was just going through the motions.
The story was slow to start and was written in a dialogue that was both awkward and unrealistic. However, the plot, once it got underway, around chapter 15, was entertaining and the prose much more realistic. I got the impression that the author was just going through the motions.
October 4, 2023
Great read
John Carson has written another great story. I couldn't put it down.he makes all the characters seem real and I can't wait for the next chapter in the lives of Harry and the rest of the team.
John Carson has written another great story. I couldn't put it down.he makes all the characters seem real and I can't wait for the next chapter in the lives of Harry and the rest of the team.
October 6, 2023
Great!!
I know I can’t leave spoilers but I was afraid to finish the book! I did because it was really good. You never know what’s going to happen. John Carson, you had me worried! I can’t wait for the next book! Beth P.
I know I can’t leave spoilers but I was afraid to finish the book! I did because it was really good. You never know what’s going to happen. John Carson, you had me worried! I can’t wait for the next book! Beth P.
January 10, 2024
DNF: read to about 54% of the way through the book and I gave up. I think I’m going to avoid any more books by this author for a while. There are just too many characters and storylines in this book and I find myself confused and losing track of what is what.
January 15, 2024
extraordinary thriller at it’s best
This book was thrilling and exciting. I couldn’t put it down. So much development went into the storyline. The characters are fantastic. A must read.
This book was thrilling and exciting. I couldn’t put it down. So much development went into the storyline. The characters are fantastic. A must read.
January 25, 2024
Now Or Never
A great book in the Harry McNeil series from John Carson linking all the usual suspects, but with more twists than you could shake a big stick at. A hugely entertaining read.
A great book in the Harry McNeil series from John Carson linking all the usual suspects, but with more twists than you could shake a big stick at. A hugely entertaining read.
October 2, 2023
Another brilliant storyline which isn’t over yet can’t wait for Blunt force trauma
October 5, 2023
Wow!
I never expected what happened! I feel so bad for Frank. Is Neal REALLY dead? Somehow I doubt it. I'm looking forward to reading this story arc as it unfolds.
I never expected what happened! I feel so bad for Frank. Is Neal REALLY dead? Somehow I doubt it. I'm looking forward to reading this story arc as it unfolds.
October 6, 2023
Gripping
As usual John this was a great read. I couldn't put it down. Really gripping Roll on the next one
As usual John this was a great read. I couldn't put it down. Really gripping Roll on the next one
October 29, 2023
Another good read
Once again enjoyed the mix of characters from their own series. Cannot wait for the next one from each of the series
Once again enjoyed the mix of characters from their own series. Cannot wait for the next one from each of the series
February 13, 2024
"The lifeless body of a renowned author is found murdered within his residence"
Obviously a review delivered in person...
Obviously a review delivered in person...
March 23, 2025
Very busy
Enjoyed story but was confusing at times had to read twice as jumped around alot . On to the next
Enjoyed story but was confusing at times had to read twice as jumped around alot . On to the next
October 9, 2025
I’ve enjoyed the harry mc Neil books was a bit disappointing with this one I’m just hoping there’s a follow up as there wasn’t a proper ending to this still didn’t find out who Jacqueline was
January 17, 2026
This book sets up the next book...An author is killed in his home and our comic duo Bingo & Ewan find him. Harry will be on the killers trail...in Glasgow Angie Fisher will get a call from her ex about his missing wife and baby up in Fife. Gotta say a very good book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews