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DCI Harry McNeil #7
Devil to Pay
Deadly loose ends. Homicidal obsession. A mind-boggling crime locked behind lost memories.
Scotland. DCI Harry McNeil feels uneasy about visiting his late father’s dementia-afflicted former colleague. But he’s stunned when the retired policeman’s daughter pulls him aside in the nursing home to offer nervous accusations and shocking photographs. And with the images displaying a murder victim from twenty years ago, McNeil fears the senile detective might be the real serial killer long thought dead and buried.
Unable to pry answers out of the confused senior, McNeil is alarmed to discover fresh bodies in both Glasgow and Edinburgh linked to the decades-old case. And with the slayings so intimately connected to him personally, McNeil believes it’s only a matter of time before he’s caught in the crosshairs… and he doesn’t know why.
Will McNeil expose a murderous hidden agenda before it costs him his life?
Scotland. DCI Harry McNeil feels uneasy about visiting his late father’s dementia-afflicted former colleague. But he’s stunned when the retired policeman’s daughter pulls him aside in the nursing home to offer nervous accusations and shocking photographs. And with the images displaying a murder victim from twenty years ago, McNeil fears the senile detective might be the real serial killer long thought dead and buried.
Unable to pry answers out of the confused senior, McNeil is alarmed to discover fresh bodies in both Glasgow and Edinburgh linked to the decades-old case. And with the slayings so intimately connected to him personally, McNeil believes it’s only a matter of time before he’s caught in the crosshairs… and he doesn’t know why.
Will McNeil expose a murderous hidden agenda before it costs him his life?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2020
951 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
John Carson
104 books163 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 39 reviews
September 10, 2020
I'm struggling to figure out how to rate this book. There were a lot of characters (and their relationships) to keep track of. There were characters who seemed bad and stayed bad, as well as some who seemed good and turned out to be bad, etc, etc, etc. With all of the twists and turns at the end, the ending seemed overly complicated and left me feeling confused as to which characters were actually good and which were actually bad. Maybe if I read it again it will make more sense to me. 😜
BIG thanks to my friend Rosy, for answering my questions!!!
BIG thanks to my friend Rosy, for answering my questions!!!
August 1, 2020
An ok read
I always have liked the Harry McNeil books but this one felt rushed and a bit over complicated. The Harry /Alex relationship got a bit irritating too. I have been generous with the 4 stars in reality.
I always have liked the Harry McNeil books but this one felt rushed and a bit over complicated. The Harry /Alex relationship got a bit irritating too. I have been generous with the 4 stars in reality.
August 11, 2020
Possibly the best Harry McNeil so far, great pace, great characters. Can’t wait for the next one
April 1, 2022
DCI Harry McNeil is back again when two fresh bodies – one in Glasgow and one in Edinburgh – are clearly linked and have strong ties back to two closed cases from twenty years ago. With his colleagues and Harry’s father’s retired old friend all helping can Harry and Alex discover what’s really going on and how it links to so far back in the past?
I really feel like John Carson is beginning to hit his stride with this series. I felt that the plot was multi-faceted and really well woven together – complicated enough I could get a good sense of what was happening without actually being able to untangle it all too quickly. I also was ecstatic Robbie and Jimmy were back yet again – they’re seriously becoming two of my other favourite characters outside of Harry and Alex. They add a good counterpart to Harry’s more serious outlook and it’s always a hoot when the four of them get together to solve a crime.
In many ways this book was a solid, very well written police procedural style of Scottish mystery, but that would ignore the fact a really strong world has been created in the last six books in this series. Alex and Harry’s relationship has progressed at a solid but steady pace and really laid some strong foundations. Harry in particular has grown as a character and I’m eager to see more of his deepening relationship with the young man his son, Chance, is becoming. And added into all this other solid writing was a complicated and engrossing set of two murders running concurrently yet clearly still tied together. Some of the “whodunit” aspect was shown right up front but the author did an excellent job in my opinion keeping enough of the how and why under wraps to keep me thinking and guessing and eager to turn the pages.
While this book is clearly in the middle of a series, I feel for the murder mystery readers can certainly pick this up as a stand alone. I do feel that all the intertwining character relationships and friendships would be better served with some of the previous stories having been read to give a bit more depth, but this shouldn’t have readers shy away from cracking this book open by itself and giving it a go. I found it well written, well paced and with an excellent mystery and well worth the time and energy in reading it cover to cover. Recommended.
I really feel like John Carson is beginning to hit his stride with this series. I felt that the plot was multi-faceted and really well woven together – complicated enough I could get a good sense of what was happening without actually being able to untangle it all too quickly. I also was ecstatic Robbie and Jimmy were back yet again – they’re seriously becoming two of my other favourite characters outside of Harry and Alex. They add a good counterpart to Harry’s more serious outlook and it’s always a hoot when the four of them get together to solve a crime.
In many ways this book was a solid, very well written police procedural style of Scottish mystery, but that would ignore the fact a really strong world has been created in the last six books in this series. Alex and Harry’s relationship has progressed at a solid but steady pace and really laid some strong foundations. Harry in particular has grown as a character and I’m eager to see more of his deepening relationship with the young man his son, Chance, is becoming. And added into all this other solid writing was a complicated and engrossing set of two murders running concurrently yet clearly still tied together. Some of the “whodunit” aspect was shown right up front but the author did an excellent job in my opinion keeping enough of the how and why under wraps to keep me thinking and guessing and eager to turn the pages.
While this book is clearly in the middle of a series, I feel for the murder mystery readers can certainly pick this up as a stand alone. I do feel that all the intertwining character relationships and friendships would be better served with some of the previous stories having been read to give a bit more depth, but this shouldn’t have readers shy away from cracking this book open by itself and giving it a go. I found it well written, well paced and with an excellent mystery and well worth the time and energy in reading it cover to cover. Recommended.
October 11, 2020
Complex mystery w a lot of characters
The mystery storyline is very good, but I had problems with the rating, ultimately mulling for a day. I’m still ambivalent about the rating, because overall this book is a decent read, which I liked. But there are problems.
The storyline is intricate, and I enjoy convoluted plots but in this case, the author had too many elements in play. There are two “historical” serial killer cases—one twenty years ago in Edinburgh, and another ten years ago in Glasgow. Current time victims are found bearing MO-signatures of two serial killers. Edinburgh killer is dead, so did he have an accomplice? Is it the Glasgow killer back?
There are a lot of characters in this book, and had I not read earlier books, I may have been confused. If you’re new to this series, making a cast list may help. I did suspect one character early on, and later I guessed the second villain by association.
Conversations between the villains seem artificial, and at times deceptive to the point of artifice. Other characters’ behaviors were sometimes off or inappropriate—as were their responses to their loved ones’ actions and/or emotions. Oddly, police brass suffer no agita when detective partners are engaged to be married? A character’s actions are very strange—due to hallucinations, delusions, deception, playacting, or authorial prerogative? How did this character fool loved ones and friends? Oh, so many spoiler questions about this character.
2.5 stars, bumped to 3 stars because the mystery storyline is very good.
I’m in the minority of reviewers, so please read my review with a shaker of salt. If you’re a DCI Harry McNeil fan, you may love this book.
The mystery storyline is very good, but I had problems with the rating, ultimately mulling for a day. I’m still ambivalent about the rating, because overall this book is a decent read, which I liked. But there are problems.
The storyline is intricate, and I enjoy convoluted plots but in this case, the author had too many elements in play. There are two “historical” serial killer cases—one twenty years ago in Edinburgh, and another ten years ago in Glasgow. Current time victims are found bearing MO-signatures of two serial killers. Edinburgh killer is dead, so did he have an accomplice? Is it the Glasgow killer back?
There are a lot of characters in this book, and had I not read earlier books, I may have been confused. If you’re new to this series, making a cast list may help. I did suspect one character early on, and later I guessed the second villain by association.
Conversations between the villains seem artificial, and at times deceptive to the point of artifice. Other characters’ behaviors were sometimes off or inappropriate—as were their responses to their loved ones’ actions and/or emotions. Oddly, police brass suffer no agita when detective partners are engaged to be married? A character’s actions are very strange—due to hallucinations, delusions, deception, playacting, or authorial prerogative? How did this character fool loved ones and friends? Oh, so many spoiler questions about this character.
2.5 stars, bumped to 3 stars because the mystery storyline is very good.
I’m in the minority of reviewers, so please read my review with a shaker of salt. If you’re a DCI Harry McNeil fan, you may love this book.
Read
August 25, 2020A twisted killer, playing a vicious game. And only he knows the rules...
Twenty years ago, DCI Willie Dowd retired on a high, having stopped an elusive serial killer. Dowd killed Colin Harris in self-defense. Case closed.
Now, DCI Harry McNeil comes across evidence that suggests that maybe Harris wasn't guilty after all.
Willie Dowd is in a home now, suffering from Dementia. He doesn't know his family members at times, and certainly can't remember Colin Harris.
As Harry leads his team investigating the brutal murder of two women, he finds a link between them and the previous victims from Willie Dowd's time.
Harry is a pawn in a game he doesn't know he's playing. He doesn't know the rules yet. But he's going to find out. And by then, it will be game over.
Missing fingers with tattoos. Willie's daughter's husband is the killer.
Twenty years ago, DCI Willie Dowd retired on a high, having stopped an elusive serial killer. Dowd killed Colin Harris in self-defense. Case closed.
Now, DCI Harry McNeil comes across evidence that suggests that maybe Harris wasn't guilty after all.
Willie Dowd is in a home now, suffering from Dementia. He doesn't know his family members at times, and certainly can't remember Colin Harris.
As Harry leads his team investigating the brutal murder of two women, he finds a link between them and the previous victims from Willie Dowd's time.
Harry is a pawn in a game he doesn't know he's playing. He doesn't know the rules yet. But he's going to find out. And by then, it will be game over.
Missing fingers with tattoos. Willie's daughter's husband is the killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2020
Not the best
Having said that I read all the books in the series so far. The stories were well thought out and the characters ok.
It took me to book three to get a handle on who is who, might just be me but I found it a bit confusing. It wasn't always clear who was speaking and I had to double back a few times. I probably won't continue the series which is a shame because they could have been so much better.
I thought this was a first outing for the author but now know that he has numerous books under his belt.
Having said that I read all the books in the series so far. The stories were well thought out and the characters ok.
It took me to book three to get a handle on who is who, might just be me but I found it a bit confusing. It wasn't always clear who was speaking and I had to double back a few times. I probably won't continue the series which is a shame because they could have been so much better.
I thought this was a first outing for the author but now know that he has numerous books under his belt.
August 2, 2020
Love the banter in these books made laugh at even given the dark subject matter just enough to show how people would probably cope with that kind of job. Have to agree that the Alex and Harry relationship is becoming more of a negative in these books for me maybe she could transfer to a different team and still remain? Dunbar and Evans however I would love to read much more of them. Read this in two stints. Hopefully not heard the last of Harry and Glasgow boys.
May 8, 2021
If there is one thing I truly HATE is when an author ends a book with "Six Months Later." It is lazy and unfair to the reader who has invested money and time in a series of books. In DTP, Carson does just that, and skips MAJOR events in Harry's life, that we, the reader, are left to only guess at. It is just incredibly rude to ask people to connect with your characters, then skip past the parts we have been waiting for.
August 2, 2020
Wow!
Best one yet! Lots of murders and mayhem, seemingly unrelated but as investigations progress, all events start to entwine. This covers events that have occurred during 20 years plus and involve many seemingly unrelated people. The conclusion shocked me greatly and was totally unexpected! I was annoyed with Alex due to her rash and dangerous actions! Enjoy!
Best one yet! Lots of murders and mayhem, seemingly unrelated but as investigations progress, all events start to entwine. This covers events that have occurred during 20 years plus and involve many seemingly unrelated people. The conclusion shocked me greatly and was totally unexpected! I was annoyed with Alex due to her rash and dangerous actions! Enjoy!
August 4, 2020
Great Book!
Oh my goodness! I stayed up all night to read this book! Each book is better than the last. The story was perfect. I hope the Glasgow boys are in every book. I won’t spoil the book but it was most satisfying. I can’t wait for the next book. We need another Frank Miller now. I highly recommend this author.
Oh my goodness! I stayed up all night to read this book! Each book is better than the last. The story was perfect. I hope the Glasgow boys are in every book. I won’t spoil the book but it was most satisfying. I can’t wait for the next book. We need another Frank Miller now. I highly recommend this author.
August 13, 2020
Another excellent instalment in the DCI McNeil series.
Once again the author manages to create a fast paced, twisting plot with moments of laugh out loud humour. The characters are likeable and have good back stories which this story refers back to, so whilst there is no requirement to have read earlier books, this would be an advantage.
Brilliant once again, looking forward to Book 7 already!
Once again the author manages to create a fast paced, twisting plot with moments of laugh out loud humour. The characters are likeable and have good back stories which this story refers back to, so whilst there is no requirement to have read earlier books, this would be an advantage.
Brilliant once again, looking forward to Book 7 already!
April 15, 2022
My favorite book in this series thus far: Definitely an excellent serial killer read and Carson takes it to a new depraved low with this killer. Awesome banter between the characters as per usual. My only issue with this book was that the ending felt rushed, it would've been nice to read about their wedding.
August 4, 2020
Filled with intrigue, double-crosses, revenge, and peppered with the sarcastic Scottish humor of the characters book #6 of the DCI Harry McNeil mysteries delivers. Very enjoyable. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres mysteries)
August 9, 2020
l have really enjoy reading all your books I like the sense of humour you put in I find myself laughing alot
I like the way you write the story it makes me want to read more of your books grate jod
I like the way you write the story it makes me want to read more of your books grate jod
August 11, 2020
Great series of books, good stories and characters, especially love the joking between the 2 glaswegians as good to have a laugh and not all gloom and doom. Looking forward to next one as have read all so far
October 25, 2020
Another great story
Another great story featuring Inspector Harry McNeil and his colleagues. Full of action and lots of twists and turns with a great ending.Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Another great story featuring Inspector Harry McNeil and his colleagues. Full of action and lots of twists and turns with a great ending.Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
October 25, 2020
Awful
Read no further than half a dozen pages. Completely turned off by the unnecessary bad language. WHY use it when we have so many better words? It detracted from whatever the story may have become.
Read no further than half a dozen pages. Completely turned off by the unnecessary bad language. WHY use it when we have so many better words? It detracted from whatever the story may have become.
November 2, 2020
Serial killer resurfaces
This case was very personal to DCI Harry McNeil. It's a good job his colleagues from Glasgow were there to help him. Excellent storyline, easy to read and kept me up late until I finished the book. Onto the next one!
This case was very personal to DCI Harry McNeil. It's a good job his colleagues from Glasgow were there to help him. Excellent storyline, easy to read and kept me up late until I finished the book. Onto the next one!
January 30, 2021
Great characters and stories
I have enjoyed reading these books and the characters are all funny and personable. I will miss them when the series ends! Several times the banter has me laughing till I can't breathe. Thank you for that.
I have enjoyed reading these books and the characters are all funny and personable. I will miss them when the series ends! Several times the banter has me laughing till I can't breathe. Thank you for that.
January 14, 2022
Fascinating
The Harry McNeil books just keep getting better and better. I highly recommend this one. It's best to read it after you've read the previous books in this series though.
The Harry McNeil books just keep getting better and better. I highly recommend this one. It's best to read it after you've read the previous books in this series though.
May 17, 2023
This was an interesting read, with a lot of characters from past stories and new ones added. It gets confusing about whose father is a bad guy and whose isn't. It seems that everyone is either getting murdered or is a murderer. The ending was exciting.
January 2, 2024
Exciting from start to finish
This book like all the others before it was so exciting and full of suspense. The author really brings life to all the characters. I highly recommend this series
This book like all the others before it was so exciting and full of suspense. The author really brings life to all the characters. I highly recommend this series
August 1, 2020
Serial killer....grim tale.
August 1, 2020
I loved this book! The Harry McNeil series is up there with the best! Superman alter ego had me in stitches! More please! 😊
August 1, 2020
Great read
Started reading the book at 10.30am 31st July finished it at 2.30am 1st August. Yet again I couldn't put it down.
FABBY read
Started reading the book at 10.30am 31st July finished it at 2.30am 1st August. Yet again I couldn't put it down.
FABBY read
August 1, 2020
Great read enjoyed it immensely
August 29, 2020
Enthralling.
Once again I was left unable to put this down ! It kept me guessing to the very end.So many twists and turns, excellent.
Once again I was left unable to put this down ! It kept me guessing to the very end.So many twists and turns, excellent.
September 28, 2020
Brilliant series.
October 4, 2020
Good, easy read.
Another good Harry McNeil read from John Carson. Enjoyable and fast paced with a few good twists. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Another good Harry McNeil read from John Carson. Enjoyable and fast paced with a few good twists. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews