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A Detective Ryan Mystery #1
Off Season
Detective Ramesh Ryan's career with Sydney's prestigious Organized Crime Unit is on the up, until he loses a court case against the city's most powerful drug dealer. In disgrace, the detective is relocated to the tiny Australian beach town of Barton.
It is off-season in Barton-when its few criminals usually take a well-earned rest. But not this year! With the detective's arrival, the town suddenly becomes murder central. Two bodies are discovered in the space of days, both victims of drug overdoses. Then a mysterious foot is found washed up on the beach, and memories are awoken of an unsolved cold case of the teenager who disappeared fifteen years ago. Add to this a blossoming romance, along with a contract taken out on Ryan's life, and it's clear that the detective has jumped out of the Sydney frying pan into the Barton fire.
What follows is an action-packed adventure, thrilling at every turn-where truth and lies are almost impossible to separate, and unexpected twists are the order of the day.
It is off-season in Barton-when its few criminals usually take a well-earned rest. But not this year! With the detective's arrival, the town suddenly becomes murder central. Two bodies are discovered in the space of days, both victims of drug overdoses. Then a mysterious foot is found washed up on the beach, and memories are awoken of an unsolved cold case of the teenager who disappeared fifteen years ago. Add to this a blossoming romance, along with a contract taken out on Ryan's life, and it's clear that the detective has jumped out of the Sydney frying pan into the Barton fire.
What follows is an action-packed adventure, thrilling at every turn-where truth and lies are almost impossible to separate, and unexpected twists are the order of the day.
407 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2024
1 person is currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Clive Fleury
7 books57 followersClive Fleury is an award-winning writer of books and screenplays and has worked all over the world as a Film/TV director, writer and producer. He has written six books, most recently 'All Or None', the second novel in the Detective Ryan Murder Mystery series.
'All Or None' sees Detective Ryan back in the thick of things. His latest investigation into a mysterious death couldn’t come at a worse time. He discovers his mother is hiding a troubling secret and is further sidetracked by a new romance. Fans of who dunnit's, crime thrillers, and cop and detective stories will love this novel.
Clive's other books include 'Off Season' - book one in the Detective Ryan Murder Mystery series; 'Kill Code' - a dystopian science fiction novel set in a world facing climate change; ‘Scary Lizzy’ - a novel about an eight year old girl, who befriends an African child ghost – and the teen action adventure book; ‘The Boy Next Door ‘ - a story of what happens when a teenage girl has a crush on her next door neighbor, who isn’t all he seems. He also co-wrote ‘Art Pengriffin and The Curse of The Four’ - a young adult fantasy adventure about a teenage boy who discovers his father was Merlin the Magician.
'All Or None' sees Detective Ryan back in the thick of things. His latest investigation into a mysterious death couldn’t come at a worse time. He discovers his mother is hiding a troubling secret and is further sidetracked by a new romance. Fans of who dunnit's, crime thrillers, and cop and detective stories will love this novel.
Clive's other books include 'Off Season' - book one in the Detective Ryan Murder Mystery series; 'Kill Code' - a dystopian science fiction novel set in a world facing climate change; ‘Scary Lizzy’ - a novel about an eight year old girl, who befriends an African child ghost – and the teen action adventure book; ‘The Boy Next Door ‘ - a story of what happens when a teenage girl has a crush on her next door neighbor, who isn’t all he seems. He also co-wrote ‘Art Pengriffin and The Curse of The Four’ - a young adult fantasy adventure about a teenage boy who discovers his father was Merlin the Magician.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 18, 2024
Off Season is a crime fiction tale set in Australia.
The story opens with a humiliating court defeat of Detective Ramesh Ryan's case against a high profile drug dealer. Ryan’s boss uses this loss as an excuse to ship Ryan off to a small coastal town for an indefinite period. This town is supposedly a quiet place, especially off-season, with one cold case from fifteen years ago being the only thing that Ryan could perhaps investigate.
Ryan’s arrival in Barton coincides with an unusual spate of crime, and suddenly the police department is alive with activity. Ryan is kept on his toes while keeping details of the cases away from the public gets harder; so many townsfolk are related, and gossip is rife. Throw into the mix some missing drugs that more than one dealer wants to get their hands on, and there’s plenty to keep the reader entertained.
There are a lot of characters in this story, to the point where it was getting harder to hold them all in my head at once. This quantity of characters would perhaps be more suited to visual media like television. I also felt that the ending was a little too well tied up with no realistic loose ends.
One other point I feel I must mention is the instances of racial abuse; while these may be seen as authentic in context with the story, some readers could find them uncomfortable to read.
Overall, I liked the setting and the storyline and can imagine more tales for Detective Ryan in the future.
The story opens with a humiliating court defeat of Detective Ramesh Ryan's case against a high profile drug dealer. Ryan’s boss uses this loss as an excuse to ship Ryan off to a small coastal town for an indefinite period. This town is supposedly a quiet place, especially off-season, with one cold case from fifteen years ago being the only thing that Ryan could perhaps investigate.
Ryan’s arrival in Barton coincides with an unusual spate of crime, and suddenly the police department is alive with activity. Ryan is kept on his toes while keeping details of the cases away from the public gets harder; so many townsfolk are related, and gossip is rife. Throw into the mix some missing drugs that more than one dealer wants to get their hands on, and there’s plenty to keep the reader entertained.
There are a lot of characters in this story, to the point where it was getting harder to hold them all in my head at once. This quantity of characters would perhaps be more suited to visual media like television. I also felt that the ending was a little too well tied up with no realistic loose ends.
One other point I feel I must mention is the instances of racial abuse; while these may be seen as authentic in context with the story, some readers could find them uncomfortable to read.
Overall, I liked the setting and the storyline and can imagine more tales for Detective Ryan in the future.
January 21, 2024
Off Season - A Detective Ryan Mystery
by Clive Fleury
Disclosure: This is my first review as an ARC reader.
A mystery set in Australia, this book grabs the reader's attention pretty quickly. With a mixed bag of characters, some quirky, some predictable, but all fairly sympathetic, this is a story that moves quickly and smoothly. The back story ties in very well with the mystery of the book, and added some good twists along the way.
Detective Ramesh Ryan and his compatriot, Senior Constable Zoe Yang are new to each other, and to the author's credit, they are colleagues, not potential romantic partners. They work well together while still learning about each other. I'm looking forward to another book with these characters.
What I really liked about the writing was the dialogue. The author made it comfortable and true to life. There was only one instance where a word or phrase jumped out at me and didn't seem to belong.
I thought the conclusion of the story worked well, and the author did a pretty good job of tying all the loose ends together. I'll confess to being a bit confused with one aspect of the book's wrap ups, but will not offer any spoilers here.
The reason I didn't give "Off Season" a full five stars is the editing. There were several grammar mistakes, typos, and continuity/informational mistakes. I don't know if this review protocol is to list them, but I'm going to in the hopes that they might be corrected prior to release. I don't mean to step on anyone's toes.
Chapter 19 - an unnecessary comma: "His mother knew Liam, and I were friends and arranged…."
Chapter 27 - typo: "… before gathering up her parker and slipping it on."
Should the word be parka?
Chapter 41 - typo: "… it was a drug's overdose, wasn't it?"
Just drug
Chapter 50 - typo: "This place is really hotting up"
Should be heating
Chapter 50 - typo: "… and would explain when met?"
Should be 'when we met?'
Chapter 52 - wrong word: "Being facetious, the detective hung up his clothes…"
Should fastidious
Chapter 60 - typo: "… it's siren blaring…"
Should be its
Chapter 62 - ambiguous science: A 35mm lens on a camera will give the viewer a more distant view (wider angle) than a pair of binoculars.
All in all, this was a really enjoyable book and would recommend it to others. I received the advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
by Clive Fleury
Disclosure: This is my first review as an ARC reader.
A mystery set in Australia, this book grabs the reader's attention pretty quickly. With a mixed bag of characters, some quirky, some predictable, but all fairly sympathetic, this is a story that moves quickly and smoothly. The back story ties in very well with the mystery of the book, and added some good twists along the way.
Detective Ramesh Ryan and his compatriot, Senior Constable Zoe Yang are new to each other, and to the author's credit, they are colleagues, not potential romantic partners. They work well together while still learning about each other. I'm looking forward to another book with these characters.
What I really liked about the writing was the dialogue. The author made it comfortable and true to life. There was only one instance where a word or phrase jumped out at me and didn't seem to belong.
I thought the conclusion of the story worked well, and the author did a pretty good job of tying all the loose ends together. I'll confess to being a bit confused with one aspect of the book's wrap ups, but will not offer any spoilers here.
The reason I didn't give "Off Season" a full five stars is the editing. There were several grammar mistakes, typos, and continuity/informational mistakes. I don't know if this review protocol is to list them, but I'm going to in the hopes that they might be corrected prior to release. I don't mean to step on anyone's toes.
Chapter 19 - an unnecessary comma: "His mother knew Liam, and I were friends and arranged…."
Chapter 27 - typo: "… before gathering up her parker and slipping it on."
Should the word be parka?
Chapter 41 - typo: "… it was a drug's overdose, wasn't it?"
Just drug
Chapter 50 - typo: "This place is really hotting up"
Should be heating
Chapter 50 - typo: "… and would explain when met?"
Should be 'when we met?'
Chapter 52 - wrong word: "Being facetious, the detective hung up his clothes…"
Should fastidious
Chapter 60 - typo: "… it's siren blaring…"
Should be its
Chapter 62 - ambiguous science: A 35mm lens on a camera will give the viewer a more distant view (wider angle) than a pair of binoculars.
All in all, this was a really enjoyable book and would recommend it to others. I received the advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2024
I really liked this book! I cannot think of one possible negative comment.
The protagonist Detective Ryan is likeable and very capable. On a personal basis, he has trouble finding a woman in his personal life and is under the constant watch of his over-concerned and overprotective mother Mumta. Mumta's need for frequent contact with Ryan made me laugh.
The bad guys were seriously bad. The main criminal Oscar Bruno is vicious and without any redeeming qualities. His closest associates were brutal. And the team of Micky and Stack were an interesting couple of villains. Stack is somewhat likable although vicious. Micky is an amusing big guy hopelessly in love with Stack who controls him.
The story itself was clever and well-written. I plan to look for another Ryan story without delay.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The protagonist Detective Ryan is likeable and very capable. On a personal basis, he has trouble finding a woman in his personal life and is under the constant watch of his over-concerned and overprotective mother Mumta. Mumta's need for frequent contact with Ryan made me laugh.
The bad guys were seriously bad. The main criminal Oscar Bruno is vicious and without any redeeming qualities. His closest associates were brutal. And the team of Micky and Stack were an interesting couple of villains. Stack is somewhat likable although vicious. Micky is an amusing big guy hopelessly in love with Stack who controls him.
The story itself was clever and well-written. I plan to look for another Ryan story without delay.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 12, 2024
Off Season tells the story of a Detective forced to move from the big city Sydney to a small town role following a difficult court case involving a drug dealer. As soon as he gets there though trouble seems to follow him.
There are a lot of characters in this book and all quite different which especially builds a picture between the differences of a big city and a small town and all that brings with different police tactics and influences and interactions.
I really engaged with Ramesh Ryan the main detective and I liked the character build between him and Constable Zoe Yang bringing to life different ambitions, trust and support. The author brings a certain vulnerability in Ryan in both professional and personal lifestyle that works well throughout.
The criminals are strong characters too with Stack probably my favourite, determined, fierce and terrifying! The character build and intertwining stories give this a fast and full pace so you do have to follow along quickly.
I liked that the chapters are fairly short and to the point as the story can keep unfolding quickly and fully, and it feels like there may be another Detective Ryan story to come which I look forward to.
There is some racist language used in this to help portray the situation which can be difficult to read at times.
I kindly received an advance review copy for free via Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are a lot of characters in this book and all quite different which especially builds a picture between the differences of a big city and a small town and all that brings with different police tactics and influences and interactions.
I really engaged with Ramesh Ryan the main detective and I liked the character build between him and Constable Zoe Yang bringing to life different ambitions, trust and support. The author brings a certain vulnerability in Ryan in both professional and personal lifestyle that works well throughout.
The criminals are strong characters too with Stack probably my favourite, determined, fierce and terrifying! The character build and intertwining stories give this a fast and full pace so you do have to follow along quickly.
I liked that the chapters are fairly short and to the point as the story can keep unfolding quickly and fully, and it feels like there may be another Detective Ryan story to come which I look forward to.
There is some racist language used in this to help portray the situation which can be difficult to read at times.
I kindly received an advance review copy for free via Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2024
This book had so many ebbs and flows that at times I had to put it down to try and figure out why this was important and where the new characters in the chapter fit into the overall direction of the book. It all came together in the end and made sense as to why those scenes were important. The book is about detective Ryan who lost a case against a drug king and was sent to a small town to lay low and figure out what went wrong. Zoe was the young constable who was working at the Barton police station and Sarge was the man in charge. They started off with a death to investigate and the ball just kept rolling. Detective Ryan was used to working alone so working with Zoe was frustrating to both. She wanted to know what he was doing, and he was not used to telling anyone everything he was doing.
There were murders, drug deals, attempts on Ryans life, a cold case, two sets of bad people coming after Ryan, a lady who showed too much interest in him, just so many moving parts. The story was very good a bit confusing when you wondered why this person was relevant to the story, but it all came out in the end.
There were murders, drug deals, attempts on Ryans life, a cold case, two sets of bad people coming after Ryan, a lady who showed too much interest in him, just so many moving parts. The story was very good a bit confusing when you wondered why this person was relevant to the story, but it all came out in the end.
November 9, 2025
3.5⭐
A moody, fast-paced Australian crime fiction that paints a vivid contrast between big-city policing and small-town complications.
When Detective Ramesh Ryan is unceremoniously relocated from Sydney to the coastal town of Barton after a courtroom loss, he’s expecting a quieter pace. But Barton has other plans. What begins with a cold case soon spirals into a series of interconnected crimes, forcing Ryan to navigate small-town politics, tangled loyalties, and resurfacing secrets.
I really appreciated the partnership between Ryan and Constable Zoe Yang — no forced romance, just a solid, evolving camaraderie built on trust, mutual ambition, and different perspectives. Ryan himself is a well-drawn character, his vulnerability adding depth to the procedural pace.
The sheer number of characters did make things a little hard to track at times (this would work brilliantly as a series), but the short chapters and brisk momentum kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed Stack as an antagonist — menacing and memorable.
The author doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths either, including some racially charged language that, while contextual, could be jarring for readers. It’s handled with awareness, though it’s worth noting.
Overall, Off Season is a gritty small-town thriller with a dynamic lead, strong character work, and a setting that hums with tension. I’d happily read another Detective Ryan instalment.
A moody, fast-paced Australian crime fiction that paints a vivid contrast between big-city policing and small-town complications.
When Detective Ramesh Ryan is unceremoniously relocated from Sydney to the coastal town of Barton after a courtroom loss, he’s expecting a quieter pace. But Barton has other plans. What begins with a cold case soon spirals into a series of interconnected crimes, forcing Ryan to navigate small-town politics, tangled loyalties, and resurfacing secrets.
I really appreciated the partnership between Ryan and Constable Zoe Yang — no forced romance, just a solid, evolving camaraderie built on trust, mutual ambition, and different perspectives. Ryan himself is a well-drawn character, his vulnerability adding depth to the procedural pace.
The sheer number of characters did make things a little hard to track at times (this would work brilliantly as a series), but the short chapters and brisk momentum kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed Stack as an antagonist — menacing and memorable.
The author doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths either, including some racially charged language that, while contextual, could be jarring for readers. It’s handled with awareness, though it’s worth noting.
Overall, Off Season is a gritty small-town thriller with a dynamic lead, strong character work, and a setting that hums with tension. I’d happily read another Detective Ryan instalment.
June 25, 2024
This murder mystery is set in a tiny beach town of barton, Australia, where a police detective Ryan has sent after losing a court case against the most powerful drug dealer of the city. With Ryan's arrival in the town, two bodies are discovered in the space of days, both victims of drug overdose. How will Ryan solve this case? Grab the book to know...
This book has a great premise, the first few chapters at the beginning really had me hooked into the story fast. The writing style is easy to read and I absolutely like the story, I get inside the head of each character throughout the story. I did not just like the mystery part of the book, but also everything else that comes with it. The writing, the pace, the character and the story makes this book a whole package. I simply loved reading it, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves murder mysteries!!!
This book has a great premise, the first few chapters at the beginning really had me hooked into the story fast. The writing style is easy to read and I absolutely like the story, I get inside the head of each character throughout the story. I did not just like the mystery part of the book, but also everything else that comes with it. The writing, the pace, the character and the story makes this book a whole package. I simply loved reading it, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves murder mysteries!!!
January 29, 2024
Detective Ryan loses a case due to a incompetent prosecutor and the defendant tricks and payoffs. In apparent punishment he is sent to a small costal town to solve a 15 year old cold case disappearance. His arrival isat the same time as a rich kid dies from an overdose of pure cochise. As the death's mount he starts to but the pieces together a contract is put out on his life. Fast paced and real page turner.
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.
February 14, 2024
Really interesting book. I liked the main character Ryan and Constable Zoe. The storyline was interesting and kept you reading. Did not expect the twists toward the end. Well done. Some grammar and typos that will probably be corrected before publishing. I recommend this book with 4.5 stars, and hope there will be more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review, which is my own, voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review, which is my own, voluntarily.
March 31, 2024
Excellent fun-read page turner that hooks you from page one. Many well developed characters to find attractive, interesting or repugnant. Drenches the reader in a storm of drug-dealing, murderous intrigue and leaves one guessing throughout. Thoroughly enjoyable, easy read. Looking forward to the next Detective Ryan read!!
July 4, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this must read. It caught me from the beginning and I couldn't put this book down. I found the main characters ones that I would relate to. If you want twists, surprises and definitely full of action then this is the book for you.
October 28, 2025
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I enjoyed this book. I now have a new detective to follow! Detective Ramesh Ryan is a bit different because, in spite of his Indian mother still clinging to her Indian roots and culture, Ramesh was raised from a very young age in Australia and considers himself thoroughly Australian. With his fastidious ways, though he is regarded as a bit of an oddity by his police colleagues and some people he meets. However his reputation as a brilliant detective gains him respect. In this book, he is sent from Sydney to a small town where the police consist of a lazy sergeant, lazy young night constable and an ambitious but frustrated senior constable, Zoe Yang. The author takes the reader along with detective Ryan and the thugs of his drug dealer nemesis in such a way that the I became involved in the story, the inquiry into a cocaine shipment and the various diverse groups involved. The final denouement was unexpected. I am already reading book 2!
May 11, 2024
I've always loved a good detective novel and this is no exception, it hooked me in from the get go and I loved every minute, couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the next addition.
March 25, 2024
Off Season is a sensational and thrilling mystery that will take its reader on a journey of ups and downs and twists and turns galore while always entertaining and thrilling you! The reader in Off Season will meet the protagonist of the novel, Detective Ramesh Ryan whose career with Sydney’s prestigious Organized Crime Unit goes downhill after losing a court case against the city’s most notorious drug dealer. To save face Ramesh relocated to a tiny Australian beach town called Barton and it is here that the peace and serenity he was looking for gets turned into something much more sinister.
In the space of a few days, two bodies are discovered, and a mysterious foot washes ashore which has mysterious ties to an unsolved cold case 15 years prior and so our investigation begins. The reader will follow Detective Ramesh Ryan as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery while also exploring love and keeping safe and what follows is a thrilling journey like none other and this book lovers is the short premise of the incredible Off Season!
The story of Off Season is a stellar one that had me intrigued from the very start. I love any story with a mystery/thriller theme, so I knew from the beginning that Off Season would deliver thanks to this theme, and wow did it! From the start the reader is immediately thrust into the thick of the story, the reader will feel as if their breath has been knocked out of them by how fast the reader is pushed into the thick of the plot.
Clive Fleury is a phenomenal writer who places the reader in the thick of the story effortlessly. To write a good novel the reader needs to be fully immersed in the story and feel as if they are experiencing the same events as the protagonist(s) and Fleury manages to accomplish this with ease in his writing in Off Season, so Fleury is most certainly an author worthy of an abundance of praise!
In the space of a few days, two bodies are discovered, and a mysterious foot washes ashore which has mysterious ties to an unsolved cold case 15 years prior and so our investigation begins. The reader will follow Detective Ramesh Ryan as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery while also exploring love and keeping safe and what follows is a thrilling journey like none other and this book lovers is the short premise of the incredible Off Season!
The story of Off Season is a stellar one that had me intrigued from the very start. I love any story with a mystery/thriller theme, so I knew from the beginning that Off Season would deliver thanks to this theme, and wow did it! From the start the reader is immediately thrust into the thick of the story, the reader will feel as if their breath has been knocked out of them by how fast the reader is pushed into the thick of the plot.
Clive Fleury is a phenomenal writer who places the reader in the thick of the story effortlessly. To write a good novel the reader needs to be fully immersed in the story and feel as if they are experiencing the same events as the protagonist(s) and Fleury manages to accomplish this with ease in his writing in Off Season, so Fleury is most certainly an author worthy of an abundance of praise!
July 18, 2024
When Détective Ramesh Ryan loses a case against a gangster, it doesn't take long for his boss to have him shipped out of Sydney to an obscure seaside town, Barton. Surely, trouble can't find him there.
Wrong. Of course. There are mysterious deaths that turn out to be less innocent than they first seem. There is drug dealing. Big drug dealing, and now it seems the mob is pretty entwined with much of what goes on in this part of Australia. There are unsolved murders from way back that surely have no connection to the present. And then a foot washed up along the
ocean shore.
I the mean time, some of the local talent is showing an interest in Ryan, though the reality of being a policeman makes itself felt.
.
There is a rich array of characters within these pages: prickly colleagues, gangsters and their minions, murderous petty thugs. Ryan is an engaging detective, possibly a little inept with the fair sex, but far froom the cynical and trouble trope of the damaged sleuth only marginally morally less ambiguous than the wrong does he is pursuing. Being half Indian he encounters his share of prejudice, and that in itself brings about one of the cruelles twists of fate for a would-be mentee.
The plot and dialogue flow well, other big twists will await the reader: this thriller is first-class.
Wrong. Of course. There are mysterious deaths that turn out to be less innocent than they first seem. There is drug dealing. Big drug dealing, and now it seems the mob is pretty entwined with much of what goes on in this part of Australia. There are unsolved murders from way back that surely have no connection to the present. And then a foot washed up along the
ocean shore.
I the mean time, some of the local talent is showing an interest in Ryan, though the reality of being a policeman makes itself felt.
.
There is a rich array of characters within these pages: prickly colleagues, gangsters and their minions, murderous petty thugs. Ryan is an engaging detective, possibly a little inept with the fair sex, but far froom the cynical and trouble trope of the damaged sleuth only marginally morally less ambiguous than the wrong does he is pursuing. Being half Indian he encounters his share of prejudice, and that in itself brings about one of the cruelles twists of fate for a would-be mentee.
The plot and dialogue flow well, other big twists will await the reader: this thriller is first-class.
August 21, 2024
I enjoyed this mystery that takes place in a coastal town near Sydney Australia. The protagonist, Ramesh Ryan, is sent down from the Sydney Organized Crime Office to the small town where he discovers and gets involved in dealing with the deaths of a couple of locals. Australian mobsters and drug dealers are involved with some vindictive unpleasantness and there are hints to deeper doings. The characters seem a bit one-dimensional, but that dimension is well developed. I would have liked to have gotten to know the characters better, but there just wasn't that chance. The location is described enough to help the plot but not overwhelm it. There was a satisfactory ending. It will be interesting to see where this series goes in the future as both the protagonist and the author develop.
January 28, 2025
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts in any way.
Off Season by Clive Fleury is a crime fiction story that takes place in Australia. Detective Ramesh Ryan is banished from Sydney after losing a court case against a drug kingpin. He is sent to the small beach town of Barton. What follows are dead bodies, severed limbs, a vicious ferret and an unsolved cold case. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I'd be interested in reading more from this author.
Off Season by Clive Fleury is a crime fiction story that takes place in Australia. Detective Ramesh Ryan is banished from Sydney after losing a court case against a drug kingpin. He is sent to the small beach town of Barton. What follows are dead bodies, severed limbs, a vicious ferret and an unsolved cold case. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I'd be interested in reading more from this author.
December 30, 2025
OFF SEASONS - I like this story with its good characters, interesting story lines, and a few kinks to make it intriguing. I also like the writing style of the author. Although, over 400 pages, the pace made it a quick read. Source: BookSirens. 4*
July 31, 2024
‘Off Season’ is the latest offering from the pen of award-winning novelist, Clive Fleury. The book cover is reminiscent of spy novels set in the sixties but this is in fact a contemporary story. It is written in the third person and the past tense.
The opening chapter provides a sufficient historical hook to pique the reader’s interest. We then jump forward in time to meet Detective Ramesh Ryan, an Australian police officer of Indian heritage who spent some of his childhood in England. After losing what was believed to be a water-tight case against notorious drugs baron, Oscar Bruno, Ryan is dispatched from Sydney to the sleepy backwater beach town of Barton in its off season; hence the title. The small police department is run by a seasoned sergeant who likes a quiet life and a younger officer who is ambitious to move her career forward.
In addition, we have a parallel thread and spend time with two of Oscar’s sadistic enforcers who find the tables turned as they become targets of their ruthless employer. They are clearly hate figures at first but some readers may find they develop a small amount of sympathy for them as they struggle with their plight.
Hot on the heels of Ryan’s arrival in town, Barton is rocked by two deaths and a body part being washed up on the shore. He must make the connection between them by peeling back the layers of lies and misdirection to arrive at the truth, with his own safety being compromised in the process. Along the way, he finds himself drawn into a fledgling relationship which provides some contrasting light to the shade of the murky waters of his investigation.
The author’s scene-setting helps to build the backdrop for his characters to act out their parts. He also provides comprehensive physical and contextual descriptions of each of his large cast of players. If I’m being ultra-picky, I might suggest that some of the villains are rather stereotypical and I had to concentrate to make sure I remembered how everyone fitted into the plot. The highly intelligent but socially-isolated detective is also a tried and trusted angle, so readers will need to decide if Ryan is solid enough for the task the author has set him.
Overall, this is a fast-moving and lively tale which will satisfy readers who enjoy a thriller. Maybe it didn’t quite live up to the hopes I had for it after the intriguing opening but it is still worthy of a strong four stars.
The opening chapter provides a sufficient historical hook to pique the reader’s interest. We then jump forward in time to meet Detective Ramesh Ryan, an Australian police officer of Indian heritage who spent some of his childhood in England. After losing what was believed to be a water-tight case against notorious drugs baron, Oscar Bruno, Ryan is dispatched from Sydney to the sleepy backwater beach town of Barton in its off season; hence the title. The small police department is run by a seasoned sergeant who likes a quiet life and a younger officer who is ambitious to move her career forward.
In addition, we have a parallel thread and spend time with two of Oscar’s sadistic enforcers who find the tables turned as they become targets of their ruthless employer. They are clearly hate figures at first but some readers may find they develop a small amount of sympathy for them as they struggle with their plight.
Hot on the heels of Ryan’s arrival in town, Barton is rocked by two deaths and a body part being washed up on the shore. He must make the connection between them by peeling back the layers of lies and misdirection to arrive at the truth, with his own safety being compromised in the process. Along the way, he finds himself drawn into a fledgling relationship which provides some contrasting light to the shade of the murky waters of his investigation.
The author’s scene-setting helps to build the backdrop for his characters to act out their parts. He also provides comprehensive physical and contextual descriptions of each of his large cast of players. If I’m being ultra-picky, I might suggest that some of the villains are rather stereotypical and I had to concentrate to make sure I remembered how everyone fitted into the plot. The highly intelligent but socially-isolated detective is also a tried and trusted angle, so readers will need to decide if Ryan is solid enough for the task the author has set him.
Overall, this is a fast-moving and lively tale which will satisfy readers who enjoy a thriller. Maybe it didn’t quite live up to the hopes I had for it after the intriguing opening but it is still worthy of a strong four stars.
December 5, 2025
ITA
Siamo in Australia.
L'ispettore detective Ramesh Ryan si trova a un processo per giudicare colpevole, o innocente, Oscar Roberto Bruno.
Che dal nome capirete anche voi che è… un malavitoso, traffico persone, organi, sostanze stupefacenti, il peggio del peggio.
Il Signor Bruno verrà ritenuto innocente e il detective Ryan lanciato in un posto sperduto dell’Australia, per fare in modo che Bruno non si vendichi, la versione ufficiale, in realtà visto che la stampa deride e giudica gli agenti il capo di Ryan lo manda in un posto dove nessuno lo conosce.
Si ritrova in un posto in riva all’Oceano dove normalmente non succede mai nulla. E invece, viene trovato il corpo senza vita di un ragazzo, causa del decesso sembra un attacco di cuore. Ryan però non ne è convinto e procede con le indagini.
Inoltre, gli viene chiesto di esaminare le carte di un cold case, un ragazzo scomparso 18 anni. I casi sono in qualche modo e stranamente intrecciati, ma poi Bruno si vendica o no di Ryan?
Mi è piaciuto molto. Molto la mamma di Ryan, una signora indiana come si deve.
Ora che ho scritto la recensione posso leggere il secondo libro.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG
We are in Australia.
Detective Inspector Ramesh Ryan is at a trial where Oscar Roberto Bruno must be judged guilty or innocent.
From his name (Oscar Roberto Bruno), you can guess that he is a criminal: trafficking people, organs, and drugs—the worst of the worst.
Mr. Bruno will be found innocent, and Detective Ryan will be sent to a remote part of Australia to prevent Bruno from taking revenge. That's the official version, but in reality, since the press mocks and judges the agents, Ryan's boss sends him to a place where no one knows him.
He finds himself in a place by the ocean where nothing ever happens. However, the lifeless body of a young man is found, the cause of death appearing to be a heart attack. Ryan is not convinced and proceeds with the investigation.
He is also asked to examine the files of a cold case, a boy who disappeared 18 years ago. The cases are somehow strangely intertwined, but will Bruno take revenge on Ryan or not?
I really liked it. I especially liked Ryan's mother, a proper Indian lady.
Now that I've written the review, I can read the second book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Siamo in Australia.
L'ispettore detective Ramesh Ryan si trova a un processo per giudicare colpevole, o innocente, Oscar Roberto Bruno.
Che dal nome capirete anche voi che è… un malavitoso, traffico persone, organi, sostanze stupefacenti, il peggio del peggio.
Il Signor Bruno verrà ritenuto innocente e il detective Ryan lanciato in un posto sperduto dell’Australia, per fare in modo che Bruno non si vendichi, la versione ufficiale, in realtà visto che la stampa deride e giudica gli agenti il capo di Ryan lo manda in un posto dove nessuno lo conosce.
Si ritrova in un posto in riva all’Oceano dove normalmente non succede mai nulla. E invece, viene trovato il corpo senza vita di un ragazzo, causa del decesso sembra un attacco di cuore. Ryan però non ne è convinto e procede con le indagini.
Inoltre, gli viene chiesto di esaminare le carte di un cold case, un ragazzo scomparso 18 anni. I casi sono in qualche modo e stranamente intrecciati, ma poi Bruno si vendica o no di Ryan?
Mi è piaciuto molto. Molto la mamma di Ryan, una signora indiana come si deve.
Ora che ho scritto la recensione posso leggere il secondo libro.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
ENG
We are in Australia.
Detective Inspector Ramesh Ryan is at a trial where Oscar Roberto Bruno must be judged guilty or innocent.
From his name (Oscar Roberto Bruno), you can guess that he is a criminal: trafficking people, organs, and drugs—the worst of the worst.
Mr. Bruno will be found innocent, and Detective Ryan will be sent to a remote part of Australia to prevent Bruno from taking revenge. That's the official version, but in reality, since the press mocks and judges the agents, Ryan's boss sends him to a place where no one knows him.
He finds himself in a place by the ocean where nothing ever happens. However, the lifeless body of a young man is found, the cause of death appearing to be a heart attack. Ryan is not convinced and proceeds with the investigation.
He is also asked to examine the files of a cold case, a boy who disappeared 18 years ago. The cases are somehow strangely intertwined, but will Bruno take revenge on Ryan or not?
I really liked it. I especially liked Ryan's mother, a proper Indian lady.
Now that I've written the review, I can read the second book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2024
Australia is the setting for this procedural Crime Novel. After the Sydney jury verdict in his banner drug case is rigged by the mobster defendant, Detective Ramesh Ryan is banished – temporarily, he is told – to the humble, outpost of a beach town called Barton Beach.
As the descendant of Indian parents, he never really fit in with his big city colleagues, and he is even more out of his element in his new locale, where he is assigned for work for the small town police chief, a decent enough chap but who cringes at any hint of a crime wave and a neophyte constable, a young woman of Chinese descent who tries a bit to hard to measure up.
Things are normally quiet in Barton Beach. Ryan gets a room at a nearby motel. He meets some of the townsfolk, including a tavern owner and the tavern owner’s ex, who seems to have a thing for newcomer Ryan. But then bad things start happening.
Signs of cocaine use – and death – rear their ugly heads. The Chief isn’t happy and implies that everything had been peachy in his little seaside hamlet until big city copy, Ryan, arrived. Ignoring practically everything except the evidence and proper police procedure, Ryan works to solve the murders – and to be sure that they are murders.
Evil elements converge on him, and he doesn’t have many allies either back home in Sydney or in his new, temporary locale. Having to rely on his experience, nerve, and no small amount of guile, the young detective digs in as he pursues Australia’s biggest mobster.
The story moves from scene to scene, with each one presented from a single point of view, depending on which character is the focus of that particular scene. The bad guys – and gals – are as sociopathic as they come, and behave as one would expect sociopaths to behave, especially those who don’t have regular, lawful employment.
Fans of other procedural novels, especially those set in unique locales, will enjoy and appreciate the pacing, the interweaving of storylines, and the resiliency of the young detective.
As the descendant of Indian parents, he never really fit in with his big city colleagues, and he is even more out of his element in his new locale, where he is assigned for work for the small town police chief, a decent enough chap but who cringes at any hint of a crime wave and a neophyte constable, a young woman of Chinese descent who tries a bit to hard to measure up.
Things are normally quiet in Barton Beach. Ryan gets a room at a nearby motel. He meets some of the townsfolk, including a tavern owner and the tavern owner’s ex, who seems to have a thing for newcomer Ryan. But then bad things start happening.
Signs of cocaine use – and death – rear their ugly heads. The Chief isn’t happy and implies that everything had been peachy in his little seaside hamlet until big city copy, Ryan, arrived. Ignoring practically everything except the evidence and proper police procedure, Ryan works to solve the murders – and to be sure that they are murders.
Evil elements converge on him, and he doesn’t have many allies either back home in Sydney or in his new, temporary locale. Having to rely on his experience, nerve, and no small amount of guile, the young detective digs in as he pursues Australia’s biggest mobster.
The story moves from scene to scene, with each one presented from a single point of view, depending on which character is the focus of that particular scene. The bad guys – and gals – are as sociopathic as they come, and behave as one would expect sociopaths to behave, especially those who don’t have regular, lawful employment.
Fans of other procedural novels, especially those set in unique locales, will enjoy and appreciate the pacing, the interweaving of storylines, and the resiliency of the young detective.
July 23, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Off Season by Clive Fleury is a gripping crime thriller that plunges readers into the tumultuous life of Detective Ramesh Ryan. Once a rising star in Sydney’s Organized Crime Unit, Ryan’s career takes a nosedive after a high-profile case goes awry. Exiled to the sleepy beach town of Barton, Ryan expects a quiet off-season. However, Barton proves to be anything but peaceful as a series of mysterious deaths and a cold case resurface, thrusting Ryan into a web of intrigue and danger.
Fleury masterfully crafts a narrative that is both fast-paced and intricately plotted. The story kicks off with a bang and maintains its momentum throughout, with each chapter ending on a tantalizing cliffhanger. The plot is peppered with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers interested.
Detective Ramesh Ryan is a compelling protagonist. His fall from grace and subsequent struggle to adapt to his new environment make him relatable and human. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic locals to the shadowy figures from Ryan’s past, are well-developed and add depth to the story.
Off Season explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the thin line between truth and deception.
Fleury’s writing is crisp and engaging. His background in screenwriting is evident in the cinematic quality of his descriptions and the sharp, realistic dialogue.
Off Season is a standout entry in the crime thriller genre. With its well-crafted plot, dynamic characters, and relentless pace, it is a must-read for fans of detective stories and mysteries. Clive Fleury has delivered a novel that is entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his next work.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime thrillers with complex characters and intricate plots. Perfect for a weekend read or a long flight, Off Season will keep you hooked.
Off Season by Clive Fleury is a gripping crime thriller that plunges readers into the tumultuous life of Detective Ramesh Ryan. Once a rising star in Sydney’s Organized Crime Unit, Ryan’s career takes a nosedive after a high-profile case goes awry. Exiled to the sleepy beach town of Barton, Ryan expects a quiet off-season. However, Barton proves to be anything but peaceful as a series of mysterious deaths and a cold case resurface, thrusting Ryan into a web of intrigue and danger.
Fleury masterfully crafts a narrative that is both fast-paced and intricately plotted. The story kicks off with a bang and maintains its momentum throughout, with each chapter ending on a tantalizing cliffhanger. The plot is peppered with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers interested.
Detective Ramesh Ryan is a compelling protagonist. His fall from grace and subsequent struggle to adapt to his new environment make him relatable and human. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic locals to the shadowy figures from Ryan’s past, are well-developed and add depth to the story.
Off Season explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the thin line between truth and deception.
Fleury’s writing is crisp and engaging. His background in screenwriting is evident in the cinematic quality of his descriptions and the sharp, realistic dialogue.
Off Season is a standout entry in the crime thriller genre. With its well-crafted plot, dynamic characters, and relentless pace, it is a must-read for fans of detective stories and mysteries. Clive Fleury has delivered a novel that is entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his next work.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime thrillers with complex characters and intricate plots. Perfect for a weekend read or a long flight, Off Season will keep you hooked.
April 3, 2024
Off Season is a sensational and thrilling mystery that will take its reader on a journey of ups and downs and twists and turns galore while always entertaining and thrilling you! The reader in Off Season will meet the protagonist of the novel, Detective Ramesh Ryan whose career with Sydney’s prestigious Organized Crime Unit goes downhill after losing a court case against the city’s most notorious drug dealer. To save face Ramesh relocated to a tiny Australian beach town called Barton and it is here that the peace and serenity he was looking for gets turned into something much more sinister.
In the space of a few days, two bodies are discovered, and a mysterious foot washes ashore which has mysterious ties to an unsolved cold case 15 years prior and so our investigation begins. The reader will follow Detective Ramesh Ryan as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery while also exploring love and keeping safe and what follows is a thrilling journey like none other and this book lovers is the short premise of the incredible Off Season!
The story of Off Season is a stellar one that had me intrigued from the very start. I love any story with a mystery/thriller theme, so I knew from the beginning that Off Season would deliver thanks to this theme, and wow did it! From the start the reader is immediately thrust into the thick of the story, the reader will feel as if their breath has been knocked out of them by how fast the reader is pushed into the thick of the plot.
Clive Fleury is a phenomenal writer who places the reader in the thick of the story effortlessly. To write a good novel the reader needs to be fully immersed in the story and feel as if they are experiencing the same events as the protagonist(s) and Fleury manages to accomplish this with ease in his writing in Off Season, so Fleury is most certainly an author worthy of an abundance of praise!
In the space of a few days, two bodies are discovered, and a mysterious foot washes ashore which has mysterious ties to an unsolved cold case 15 years prior and so our investigation begins. The reader will follow Detective Ramesh Ryan as he embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery while also exploring love and keeping safe and what follows is a thrilling journey like none other and this book lovers is the short premise of the incredible Off Season!
The story of Off Season is a stellar one that had me intrigued from the very start. I love any story with a mystery/thriller theme, so I knew from the beginning that Off Season would deliver thanks to this theme, and wow did it! From the start the reader is immediately thrust into the thick of the story, the reader will feel as if their breath has been knocked out of them by how fast the reader is pushed into the thick of the plot.
Clive Fleury is a phenomenal writer who places the reader in the thick of the story effortlessly. To write a good novel the reader needs to be fully immersed in the story and feel as if they are experiencing the same events as the protagonist(s) and Fleury manages to accomplish this with ease in his writing in Off Season, so Fleury is most certainly an author worthy of an abundance of praise!
July 9, 2024
Off Season is an amazing and gripping mystery that will take readers on an adventure filled with ups and downs, turns and twists, and endless entertainment! In Off Season, the reader will get to know Detective Ramesh Ryan, the book's main character, whose career with Sydney's elite Organized Crime Unit takes a turn for the worse after he loses a legal battle against the most infamous drug dealer in the city. In an attempt to save his dignity, Ramesh moved to Barton, a small Australian beach town, where the calm and tranquilly he sought took on a darker, more sinister meaning.
They began by looking into a death, and things simply kept getting better. This novel has a large cast of diverse individuals, which helps to highlight the contrasts between large and small towns as well as the various influences, interactions, and police strategies that go along with them.
This Australian mystery novel instantly captures the reader's interest. This is an easy read with a cast of diverse characters—some eccentric, some predictable, but all generally likable—that flow through the narrative swiftly. The plot can continue developing swiftly and in-depth, so I appreciated that the chapters were mostly concise and to the point. It also gave me the impression that there might be more Detective Ryan stories to come, which I find exciting.
They began by looking into a death, and things simply kept getting better. This novel has a large cast of diverse individuals, which helps to highlight the contrasts between large and small towns as well as the various influences, interactions, and police strategies that go along with them.
This Australian mystery novel instantly captures the reader's interest. This is an easy read with a cast of diverse characters—some eccentric, some predictable, but all generally likable—that flow through the narrative swiftly. The plot can continue developing swiftly and in-depth, so I appreciated that the chapters were mostly concise and to the point. It also gave me the impression that there might be more Detective Ryan stories to come, which I find exciting.
June 19, 2024
📚My Review:- With an engrossing plot and well-developed characters, Clive Fleury creates a world that captivates readers from the first page. " Off Season " revolves around Detective Inspector Ramesh Ryan followed by the murders which were committed in a small beach town of Barton.. He had spent most of the time of his life in Australia but unfortunately after losing a case, Ryan had been sent temporarily to Barton.. With his entry, evolves new cases. The author beautifully showchased each emotions in the book in a very precise manner, mainly reading his relationship portrayed with his mother Mamta was fun.. He was accompanied by a senior Constable Zoe Yang—twenty-six years old, and the number two in Barton’s cop station. The mystery was getting intense with time.. What do you think will Defective Ryan be able to use his intelligence and skills to solve the murder cases & get his hands on the culprit ?? I absolutely loved how the author had focused on the journey of the detective & also gave a insight into his personal life. Are you read to join Ryan as he search around to discover the answers to his questions?? The language used is rich and lucid, easy to understand. Highly recommended. Overall, a perfect pick for anyone who loves reading detective stories & mystery reads !!
August 9, 2025
Off Season by Clive Fleury was I didn’t expect a small beach town to be hiding so much chaos. Detective Ramesh Ryan’s life turns upside down after losing a big case in Sydney, and what follows in Barton is full of murders, mystery, and madness. I was honestly not ready for so much to happen in such a quiet place.
What I liked the most is how real and relatable Ryan feels. He’s not some superhero cop — he’s tired, frustrated, but still sharp. His relationship with his overprotective mother made me laugh. It reminded me of how my own mom always checks in on me at the most random times. Those small moments of normal life made the story feel more real and enjoyable.
The plot had so many twists and so many characters that I had to pause a few times, but it never got boring. It felt like watching a crime drama on TV. The villains were well-written too — some scary, some funny, and all dangerous. The ending felt a little too clean for me, but the ride was worth it.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes fast-paced crime stories with a mix of action and emotion. It’s not just about solving a case — it’s about how a man rebuilds his life in the middle of mess. Great weekend read!
July 6, 2024
🌊Lots of action for a sleepy Australian coastal town💉
The cover caught my interest and the plot was bit complex, enough so that I had to maintain concentration to keep some of the secondary characters and their connection to the main story straight. Overall, Off Season was a solid, entertaining read, unpredictable and with plenty of action and a twist revealed at the end that I never, ever suspected. A few instances of malapropisms notwithstanding, I thought the book was generally well-written.
There's no shortage of villains involved in illegal drug shipments and distribution, kidnapping, killing, blackmail and deceit. And Sydney Detective Ryan, farmed out to the small police force in Barton after the high profile organized crime case he headed failed to get a conviction. He gets to deal with a show of prejudice and some fairly uninspired and unmotivated local officers apart from senior constable Zoe Yang while figuring out how all the crime spree is connected.
I would definitely read more in this vein by the author.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The cover caught my interest and the plot was bit complex, enough so that I had to maintain concentration to keep some of the secondary characters and their connection to the main story straight. Overall, Off Season was a solid, entertaining read, unpredictable and with plenty of action and a twist revealed at the end that I never, ever suspected. A few instances of malapropisms notwithstanding, I thought the book was generally well-written.
There's no shortage of villains involved in illegal drug shipments and distribution, kidnapping, killing, blackmail and deceit. And Sydney Detective Ryan, farmed out to the small police force in Barton after the high profile organized crime case he headed failed to get a conviction. He gets to deal with a show of prejudice and some fairly uninspired and unmotivated local officers apart from senior constable Zoe Yang while figuring out how all the crime spree is connected.
I would definitely read more in this vein by the author.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 9, 2024
The narrative commences with Detective Ramesh Ryan's case against a prominent drug dealer being humiliatingly defeated in court. Ryan is sent to a tiny coastal town by his boss for an undetermined period of time, citing this loss as justification. He might be able to look into one cold case from fifteen years ago because this town is supposed to be quiet, especially during the off-season. When Ryan moves to Barton, there's an odd spike in crimes, and all of a sudden the police station is hopping. Because so many people in the town are related and there is a lot of gossip, He has to be on his toes when it comes to keeping the public informed about the cases.
Detective Ryan, the main character, is personable and incredibly talented. In addition to being constantly watched over by his overly cautious and worried mother Mumta, he personally struggles to locate a lady. I laughed about Mumta's demand for constant communication with Ryan.
You were drawn in and kept reading the intriguing plot. I adored how the author highlighted the detective's path while also providing a glimpse into his personal life.
Detective Ryan, the main character, is personable and incredibly talented. In addition to being constantly watched over by his overly cautious and worried mother Mumta, he personally struggles to locate a lady. I laughed about Mumta's demand for constant communication with Ryan.
You were drawn in and kept reading the intriguing plot. I adored how the author highlighted the detective's path while also providing a glimpse into his personal life.
August 9, 2025
As a long-time fan of crime fiction, I approach detective novels with a sharp eye — and Off Season by Clive Fleury met a lot of my expectations. It’s structured like a well-edited crime series, packed with twists, character development, and a multi-threaded plotline that connects both present crimes and long-buried secrets.
Detective Ramesh Ryan is not your typical macho hero. He’s flawed but focused, and the storyline cleverly uses his professional fall from grace to build both tension and empathy. His relocation to Barton, a town that suddenly becomes a crime hub, sets up a layered mystery involving drug overdoses, a dismembered foot, and a fifteen-year-old disappearance.
One thing I appreciated was the balance between personal and professional plotlines. His relationship with his mother Mumta brings a surprisingly human warmth to a story full of danger. However, the sheer number of characters at times overwhelmed the pace — this would have translated beautifully to a visual medium.
For readers who appreciate crime fiction with depth, multiple threads, and morally grey areas, Off Season offers a well-paced, engaging ride with a protagonist you’ll want to see more of
Detective Ramesh Ryan is not your typical macho hero. He’s flawed but focused, and the storyline cleverly uses his professional fall from grace to build both tension and empathy. His relocation to Barton, a town that suddenly becomes a crime hub, sets up a layered mystery involving drug overdoses, a dismembered foot, and a fifteen-year-old disappearance.
One thing I appreciated was the balance between personal and professional plotlines. His relationship with his mother Mumta brings a surprisingly human warmth to a story full of danger. However, the sheer number of characters at times overwhelmed the pace — this would have translated beautifully to a visual medium.
For readers who appreciate crime fiction with depth, multiple threads, and morally grey areas, Off Season offers a well-paced, engaging ride with a protagonist you’ll want to see more of
August 9, 2025
Let me tell you what happened when I read Off Season by Clive Fleury — I thought I was just picking up a detective book, but I ended up in a whole mess of crime, beach-town gossip, and personal drama.
The story starts off with Detective Ryan getting transferred because of a big loss in court. He lands in a sleepy town called Barton. Sounds peaceful, right? Nope.Right after he arrives, two people die, drugs go missing, a foot washes up on the beach (yes, a foot), and the old mystery of a missing girl comes back. Suddenly, this guy is solving one thing after another, while trying to dodge death threats and calls from his worried mother.
What made this story stand out for me was how real it felt. I didn’t feel like I was reading some superhero cop story. Ryan’s tired. He’s unsure. But he still shows up and gets the job done. And the town of Barton? Feels like a character on its own — full of whispers, memories, and people with secrets.
Would I recommend it? Yes, It’s fun, fast, and full of moments where you go “wait, what just happened?!” Give it a try when you’re in the mood for a smart mystery that keeps you hooked till the last page.
The story starts off with Detective Ryan getting transferred because of a big loss in court. He lands in a sleepy town called Barton. Sounds peaceful, right? Nope.Right after he arrives, two people die, drugs go missing, a foot washes up on the beach (yes, a foot), and the old mystery of a missing girl comes back. Suddenly, this guy is solving one thing after another, while trying to dodge death threats and calls from his worried mother.
What made this story stand out for me was how real it felt. I didn’t feel like I was reading some superhero cop story. Ryan’s tired. He’s unsure. But he still shows up and gets the job done. And the town of Barton? Feels like a character on its own — full of whispers, memories, and people with secrets.
Would I recommend it? Yes, It’s fun, fast, and full of moments where you go “wait, what just happened?!” Give it a try when you’re in the mood for a smart mystery that keeps you hooked till the last page.
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