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DCI Harry McNeil #6
Blood and Tears
An audacious escape is made by two killers from the High Court in Edinburgh city centre. One is a ruthless Glaswegian gangster, Archie Higgins, being sentenced for the murder of his daughter's killer.The other is Glasgow doctor, Kenneth Conrad, who is thought to have murdered over a hundred of his patients.Both were being transported back to Barlinnie prison in Glasgow.Both are now on the run.As the manhunt is initiated, DCI Harry McNeil and his team is tasked with investigating who was involved in the breakout.DCI Jimmy Dunbar and his colleague, DS Robbie Evans, are ordered through in Edinburgh, to work with Harry and his team in tracking down the killers.It's thought that Higgins will avoid Glasgow, and maybe try to run abroad. As for Conrad, as leads come in, it's clear the doctor has started his killing spree again.Both men are on the run, both with an agenda, and they have nothing to lose...
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2020
631 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
John Carson
104 books169 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 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 11, 2020
I love DCI McNeil and his team! As usual, the story was gripping but there was also humor. NOT as usual, however, I found myself a little dissatisfied by how the book ended. It rather reminded of the comedy starring Sally Field and Kevin Kline, where everything was thrown at the viewer at the end of the movie. It worked in the movie, but not so much in Blood and Tears. That definitely doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the next Henry McNeil book, though!!
May 6, 2021
Again, from previous reviews, I love the characters, I like the plots, but the complete failure of the editors to catch huge mistakes drives me crazy. Chapter 47 was just a complete breakdown. Without spoiling anything, Harry was never tied up, he was never hit on the head, and he had not been bleeding. How can the author and the editors not catch this stuff???
December 23, 2020
So now I've read 6 in this series
And I can say the more I read, the less I liked. Understand that I read the books via Kindle Unlimited, so I didn't have to pay actual money beyond the KU monthly fee.
DCI Harry McNeill is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The first book has him transferred out of Professional Standards (U.S. Internal Affairs) into a cold case unit. We, the readers, are supposed to understand that Harry went from one dead end posting to another. It was in this unit that he meets DS Alexis Maxwell and other shadow characters (meaning they're not given much play in the stories) that become part of his unit. Turns out--McNeill is undercover to catch a dirty cop. The team is transformed into a Major Incident Team and from there the story lines just get dumber.
Harry and Alex fall in love and are living together by the second book. Informally engaged by the third. Meantime the team falls further into the shadows while Laurel & Hardy sound alikes from Glasgow show up to help solve crimes.
One issue I have with this series is the constant snipping that the main characters have as part of their romantic dynamic. It's bad enough with Dunbar & Evans (Laurel & Hardy), but I can't see a long term relationship when two people are forever taking jibes at each other.
Carson (the author) spends so much time on these supposedly good-natured snipings that it doesn't leave time for detective work. There is much driving around in beat up cars (we are to believe) so the stories are more like a travelogue, which could be interesting if that was Carson's intent. Sadly, he thinks he's writing a story.
The end of each story becomes a convoluted mess with more plots and counter plots than an Agatha Christie novel (which are far superior). Sometimes, Carson can't even keep the names straight. Or the action.
So why did I read six? I an an optimist. I kept hoping the stories would get better organized and the characters more developed. Didn't happen. The stories are choppy in their actions and the main characters don't grow beyond their sophomoric behaviors. There are too many other, and better, books to read.
And I can say the more I read, the less I liked. Understand that I read the books via Kindle Unlimited, so I didn't have to pay actual money beyond the KU monthly fee.
DCI Harry McNeill is based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The first book has him transferred out of Professional Standards (U.S. Internal Affairs) into a cold case unit. We, the readers, are supposed to understand that Harry went from one dead end posting to another. It was in this unit that he meets DS Alexis Maxwell and other shadow characters (meaning they're not given much play in the stories) that become part of his unit. Turns out--McNeill is undercover to catch a dirty cop. The team is transformed into a Major Incident Team and from there the story lines just get dumber.
Harry and Alex fall in love and are living together by the second book. Informally engaged by the third. Meantime the team falls further into the shadows while Laurel & Hardy sound alikes from Glasgow show up to help solve crimes.
One issue I have with this series is the constant snipping that the main characters have as part of their romantic dynamic. It's bad enough with Dunbar & Evans (Laurel & Hardy), but I can't see a long term relationship when two people are forever taking jibes at each other.
Carson (the author) spends so much time on these supposedly good-natured snipings that it doesn't leave time for detective work. There is much driving around in beat up cars (we are to believe) so the stories are more like a travelogue, which could be interesting if that was Carson's intent. Sadly, he thinks he's writing a story.
The end of each story becomes a convoluted mess with more plots and counter plots than an Agatha Christie novel (which are far superior). Sometimes, Carson can't even keep the names straight. Or the action.
So why did I read six? I an an optimist. I kept hoping the stories would get better organized and the characters more developed. Didn't happen. The stories are choppy in their actions and the main characters don't grow beyond their sophomoric behaviors. There are too many other, and better, books to read.
February 21, 2022
DCI Harry McNeil and his partner Alex once again join forces with their friends and counterparts in Glasgow – DCI Jimmy Dunbar and DS Robbie Evans – when a daring escape outside the High Court happens and two convicted murders escape in the mayhem. Time is of the essence to bring these two fugitives – and their conspirators – into line before everything turns to blood and tears.
This is the fifth book in the DCI Harry McNeil series, and I admit I am thoroughly hooked. I also feel the author has really hit his stride with both this series and his writing as a whole. I find it very “moreish” in that once I get started reading even when I’m busy with other things I just keep wanting to know what happens next, and then after that, and again. While there’s nothing trail blazing with this series, I find the plot has an exceptional balance between detective work and action, the characters are fun, realistic and appealing. I care what happens to the characters, but I also love being along for the ride as they put the puzzle pieces together and solve the crime.
This story in particular had a slightly different bend to it which I found equal parts refreshing and completely different. It’s completely normal for there to be a dead body, a killer and the police figuring out who is responsible – but this time the two murderers are known to the police from the very first page. This is a classic story about what happens AFTER justice is served and the police and court system has worked correctly. What happens when one of the guilty has a strong network of connections and ties and has unfinished business he has no intention of leaving behind?
The jailbreak (or “court break” I suppose) occurs right in the opening chapters and what follows is an action packed, fast paced chase after the two murderers who are seemingly strangers to each other, and each go their own way. I loved how this gave a glimpse into what might happen after the system has performed well and this different look at police work from a new perspective.
Readers who enjoy a good police procedural but want something slightly different to the usual “who dun it” mystery should find this is a breath of fresh air. I strongly feel this story can be picked up as a standalone though it’s a middle book in a series. While there is plenty of backstory between Harry and Alex in particular, and the teams their work with to a slightly lesser extent – I feel this story can absolutely be enjoyed fully if it’s picked up on a whim with no prior background. I’m really enjoying this author and looking forward to reading more by him.
This is the fifth book in the DCI Harry McNeil series, and I admit I am thoroughly hooked. I also feel the author has really hit his stride with both this series and his writing as a whole. I find it very “moreish” in that once I get started reading even when I’m busy with other things I just keep wanting to know what happens next, and then after that, and again. While there’s nothing trail blazing with this series, I find the plot has an exceptional balance between detective work and action, the characters are fun, realistic and appealing. I care what happens to the characters, but I also love being along for the ride as they put the puzzle pieces together and solve the crime.
This story in particular had a slightly different bend to it which I found equal parts refreshing and completely different. It’s completely normal for there to be a dead body, a killer and the police figuring out who is responsible – but this time the two murderers are known to the police from the very first page. This is a classic story about what happens AFTER justice is served and the police and court system has worked correctly. What happens when one of the guilty has a strong network of connections and ties and has unfinished business he has no intention of leaving behind?
The jailbreak (or “court break” I suppose) occurs right in the opening chapters and what follows is an action packed, fast paced chase after the two murderers who are seemingly strangers to each other, and each go their own way. I loved how this gave a glimpse into what might happen after the system has performed well and this different look at police work from a new perspective.
Readers who enjoy a good police procedural but want something slightly different to the usual “who dun it” mystery should find this is a breath of fresh air. I strongly feel this story can be picked up as a standalone though it’s a middle book in a series. While there is plenty of backstory between Harry and Alex in particular, and the teams their work with to a slightly lesser extent – I feel this story can absolutely be enjoyed fully if it’s picked up on a whim with no prior background. I’m really enjoying this author and looking forward to reading more by him.
December 11, 2021
Coulda Been…
Harry wasn’t even in most of this one. It’s this whole “melding the police forces from the area” thing, so rather than Harry having a team we get to know, he has a non-team we don’t. Dunbar and What’s-His-Face. WHY couldn’t all the coppers be under Harry’s ceiling, as well as his remit. Adds way unnecessary confusion. The plot started great (as do all the books in the series). The author gets good foundational ideas. Then he has no idea what to DO with them. So “things happen”. Blah, blah, blah. Other independent cops fall out of the walls. They do “things” and hundreds of confused and confusing pages pass. Stuff. It all ends nicely, I suppose with, again, the results being confessed rather than discovered. Cut to a final scene where Harrry and Alex make cute. The End. “Idea, confusion, confessions, cute”. It’s an okay template, but with 95% of the book close to unreadable, its all an unnecessary slog. A waste of the authors talent and his hopeful reader’s time. Shame that.
Harry wasn’t even in most of this one. It’s this whole “melding the police forces from the area” thing, so rather than Harry having a team we get to know, he has a non-team we don’t. Dunbar and What’s-His-Face. WHY couldn’t all the coppers be under Harry’s ceiling, as well as his remit. Adds way unnecessary confusion. The plot started great (as do all the books in the series). The author gets good foundational ideas. Then he has no idea what to DO with them. So “things happen”. Blah, blah, blah. Other independent cops fall out of the walls. They do “things” and hundreds of confused and confusing pages pass. Stuff. It all ends nicely, I suppose with, again, the results being confessed rather than discovered. Cut to a final scene where Harrry and Alex make cute. The End. “Idea, confusion, confessions, cute”. It’s an okay template, but with 95% of the book close to unreadable, its all an unnecessary slog. A waste of the authors talent and his hopeful reader’s time. Shame that.
October 12, 2020
I love these books by John Carson because I know Edinburgh like the back of my hand and it's great to see an area you know in print. The stories are all different and they keep the reader interested till the conclusion. Harry McNeil and his crew are very likable and they're ably assisted sometimes by DCI Jimmy Dunbar and DC Robbie Evans from Police Scotland's Glasgow division. If you haven't read any of the series I highly recommend you do so, it's gory at times, funny too and just a thoroughly good read.
July 23, 2022
I am enjoying this series of books. Stories aren't long but they rattle along quite well. I do, however, agree with another review where it was commented on that there is a wee lack in proper proofreading and editing which can let them down. If you can get this fixed, Mr. Carson, your ratings would probably be higher. All in all, a nice quick read and I will definitely carry on with the rest of the series.
June 2, 2020
Very disappointed
Normally I love these books but this one? It felt rushed, a plot that seemed initially interesting but I quickly became disenchanted with the story line resulting in, for me, a completely unsatisfying ending. I found it a very quick read too and even the banter between the characters, which has been enjoable in the past, seemed somewhat stale. Shame
Normally I love these books but this one? It felt rushed, a plot that seemed initially interesting but I quickly became disenchanted with the story line resulting in, for me, a completely unsatisfying ending. I found it a very quick read too and even the banter between the characters, which has been enjoable in the past, seemed somewhat stale. Shame
June 7, 2020
I have enjoyed all of John Carson’s books. This one was excellent. I really like the DCI McNeil team. They are all likable. There is always humor involved even as they investigate murders. I read all night to finish this book. I didn’t guess the “bad” guy. I highly recommend this author. You won’t be disappointed.
December 30, 2021
This is a twisty tale of jailbreak and murder that comes to an unanticipated (note: not fiendishly clever) conclusion, with little thanks to the investigative skills of McNeil and his colleagues. The writing veers occasionally into the hackneyed. Sometimes I felt McNeil and his paramour Alex were channeling Nick and Nora Charles. All they need is a pup named Asta. Not the most satisfying reading.
April 15, 2022
4.75/5⭐: Another enjoyable read in this series, it was surprisingly twisty. I Loved that we finally get to meet Harry's son Chance and that Harry finally asks Alex. Also having Dunbar and Evans in this book, especially when they helped Chance, was awesome. The only problem I had with this book is that it needed edited better.
August 8, 2022
Fantastic read!
John Carson really knows how to write a brilliant story. The characters jump off the page & you can imagine what they would look like. The banter that goes on between them is really funny,even if your not Scottish.
The plot has a massive twist at the end.
This book, this author I highly recommend
John Carson really knows how to write a brilliant story. The characters jump off the page & you can imagine what they would look like. The banter that goes on between them is really funny,even if your not Scottish.
The plot has a massive twist at the end.
This book, this author I highly recommend
November 3, 2022
Enjoy the read.
Highly recommend reading the next in the Harry McNeil series.
As always,a twist at the end, with a new family member pointing out the discrepancy, which leads to the twist in the ending.
And, as to the rather casual proposal style, I am married to a Scotsman as well and can attest to the style. But, worth the marriage!
Highly recommend reading the next in the Harry McNeil series.
As always,a twist at the end, with a new family member pointing out the discrepancy, which leads to the twist in the ending.
And, as to the rather casual proposal style, I am married to a Scotsman as well and can attest to the style. But, worth the marriage!
March 25, 2024
Super writer!!!
Love the story telling of this great writer. This is the sixth book I have read and so enjoyed reading all of them.
His characters come to life and have that wonderful Scot humor and dryness. You will never go wrong reading John Carson's fantastic works. Thank you
Love the story telling of this great writer. This is the sixth book I have read and so enjoyed reading all of them.
His characters come to life and have that wonderful Scot humor and dryness. You will never go wrong reading John Carson's fantastic works. Thank you
December 18, 2025
After two criminals are sentenced at court in Glasgow, all hell breaks loose as they escape. A serial killing Doctor and a crime guy convicted of murder. The guys from Glasgow will come to Edinburgh when the escapees seem to be murdering again in Harry's jurisdiction. This was a more complex story line and fun to read.
June 5, 2020
Wonderful!
Terrific series! Each mystery is unique but with the same engaging characters. This one is extremely exciting, with lots of red herrings! Conclusion was totally unexpected!!
Terrific series! Each mystery is unique but with the same engaging characters. This one is extremely exciting, with lots of red herrings! Conclusion was totally unexpected!!
June 9, 2020
Another exciting instalment in the Harry McNeil series.
The book is a fast paced, page turner as you would expect. The characters are well written and likeable, with great banter between them making these truly Scottish noir.
The book is a fast paced, page turner as you would expect. The characters are well written and likeable, with great banter between them making these truly Scottish noir.
June 17, 2020
Another great story
These DCI Harry McNeil books just keep getting better.The more you read the more you get to know the characters and and they appear as real people. Please keep them coming.
These DCI Harry McNeil books just keep getting better.The more you read the more you get to know the characters and and they appear as real people. Please keep them coming.
September 21, 2020
Some books actually do live up to the thriller they are described as. This is one of them. Excellent writing and pacing. The characters were well developed and it was a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend him as an author to read if you like this genre. You won't be disappointed.
November 26, 2020
I am loving this series! Harry,Alex, and their team plus the gang from Glasgow are smart, funny, and a delight to keep up with; I've read 7 of the series in a week (and am eagerly awaiting #8) keep them coming John Carson! And thank you for writing characters that I can root for
July 24, 2021
Another great addition to the DCI Harry McNeill series
Another great addition to the DCI Harry McNeill series. Great suspense and intertwining story line. Good to hear about the Glasgow crowd again.
Another great addition to the DCI Harry McNeill series. Great suspense and intertwining story line. Good to hear about the Glasgow crowd again.
November 28, 2021
Another clever complicated crime for Harry McNeill
A murdering doctor and a crime lord escape from a prison van. There's no connection between them, wrong time, wrong place. But......
A murdering doctor and a crime lord escape from a prison van. There's no connection between them, wrong time, wrong place. But......
March 17, 2022
Great book as always, starting the next now.
Great book as always, starting the next now. I like the personal experiences written into the case investigations and I enjoy the included humor. Thank You for a great reading experience.
Great book as always, starting the next now. I like the personal experiences written into the case investigations and I enjoy the included humor. Thank You for a great reading experience.
September 20, 2022
Great story line and characters
Very enjoyable reading. Confusing a couple of times when names weren't consistent. That's happened in his other books but overall not terribly distracting. Really like the cast.
Very enjoyable reading. Confusing a couple of times when names weren't consistent. That's happened in his other books but overall not terribly distracting. Really like the cast.
October 26, 2022
Gripping
What a great read really enjoyed the whole book. Characters are becoming known now. Dunbar is becoming a favorite, very funny.
Would highly recommend this whole series to everyone.
What a great read really enjoyed the whole book. Characters are becoming known now. Dunbar is becoming a favorite, very funny.
Would highly recommend this whole series to everyone.
May 9, 2023
Of all the previous Harry McNeil books this was probably the most enjoyable, until the very end when character names became confusing as they all gathered amidst intense action. I think the priest bolt hole was a bit of a slight of hand trick, but that's okay.
May 20, 2023
Blood and Tears Review
Loved the twists and turns of this well crafted murder mystery. The banter back and forth between characters had me chortling out loud. Couldn’t put it down and am now ready for the next one.
Loved the twists and turns of this well crafted murder mystery. The banter back and forth between characters had me chortling out loud. Couldn’t put it down and am now ready for the next one.
January 1, 2024
A twist of fate!
So many twists and turns in the book, every time they thought they knew who done it, they were wrong. A very exciting book from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book.
So many twists and turns in the book, every time they thought they knew who done it, they were wrong. A very exciting book from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book.
June 1, 2020
Another great read
Love both the Harry McNeil and Frank Miller books. Always funny and heart warming. Can we have another Miller book please soon.
Love both the Harry McNeil and Frank Miller books. Always funny and heart warming. Can we have another Miller book please soon.
June 4, 2020
Not as fun to read
Not as witty as the previous ones and the story was less complicated. No real surprises and not as many big laughs
Not as witty as the previous ones and the story was less complicated. No real surprises and not as many big laughs
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews