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DCI Alex Fleming #1
The Fifth Suspect
A DCI deals with a homicide on a boat in the Thames—and hostility from his own colleagues—in the debut of this police thriller series.
A shady London nightclub owner is found dead on his boat on the River Thames—and newly promoted DCI Alex Fleming, a man with a troubled past, is keen to prove his worth with his first murder case after joining the Major Crime Unit of Thames Valley Police.
But Bill Watson, a belligerent fellow DCI, gives Fleming a hostile reception and, as internal politics come into play, Fleming finds himself up against both a difficult case and his own colleagues. During the course of the investigation, Fleming and his sergeant identify five suspects. Now they need to eliminate them one by one—or figure out whether they should be looking somewhere else entirely—in this first book in an electrifying new crime series.
A shady London nightclub owner is found dead on his boat on the River Thames—and newly promoted DCI Alex Fleming, a man with a troubled past, is keen to prove his worth with his first murder case after joining the Major Crime Unit of Thames Valley Police.
But Bill Watson, a belligerent fellow DCI, gives Fleming a hostile reception and, as internal politics come into play, Fleming finds himself up against both a difficult case and his own colleagues. During the course of the investigation, Fleming and his sergeant identify five suspects. Now they need to eliminate them one by one—or figure out whether they should be looking somewhere else entirely—in this first book in an electrifying new crime series.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
135 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Robert McNeil
16 books17 followersRobert McNeil. Crime writer, born in Hawick, Scotland. His debut novel, The Janus File, was published in 2015. His first crime novel, The Fifth Suspect, was published by Bloodhound Books, followed by The Last Man, A Fatal Move and No Hiding Place in a series of four crime novels featuring DCI Alex Fleming.
Librarian note: There are multiple authors with this name in this data base.
Librarian note: There are multiple authors with this name in this data base.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 27, 2020
DCI Alex Fleming has just been recently promoted and is now facing his first homicide. A nightclub owner is found dead on his boat.... a man well known to police.
As Fleming and DS Harry Logan investigate, they have several suspects in mind ... all with motives to kill... his lover's husband, the men involved in his shady business, perhaps corrupt cops, a VIP government official.
Fleming, while trying to find a murderer, has other problems. He's being pressured to clear up a huge backlog of cold cases from those in high places, a small team of rookies, hostility from others who are a bit miffed at not getting the promotion, and a super who wants Fleming to not ruffle the feathers of anyone involved.
This is a well written police procedural with twists and turns and suspects who all have something to hide. But who is the killer? And why was this man murdered? The characters are skillfully drawn lending credibility to the story. Fleming survived a personal trauma as a child ... something he is still dealing with. And someone from his past rears his ugly head and waltzes into Fleming's present.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 27, 2020
This is a great read and a new author for me and I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by Robert McNeill.
Fleming is promoted to DI and soon has a murder case to get his teeth into.
He’s given two new detectives as part of his team but they all work well together.
There’s one fly in the ointment, that is Watson, who is annoyed his colleague didn’t get Fleming’s job.
He wanted his colleague to get it to ensure their corrupt dealings on a past case stay hidden, so he does all he can to get Fleming off the case.
The victim was killed on his boat but seems to have links to the crime underworld so Fleming and the team try and unpick this tangled world and find their suspect.
I loved the way the different strands of this story came together and really liked the character of Fleming.
This is a recommended read for any crime fiction fan.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Fleming is promoted to DI and soon has a murder case to get his teeth into.
He’s given two new detectives as part of his team but they all work well together.
There’s one fly in the ointment, that is Watson, who is annoyed his colleague didn’t get Fleming’s job.
He wanted his colleague to get it to ensure their corrupt dealings on a past case stay hidden, so he does all he can to get Fleming off the case.
The victim was killed on his boat but seems to have links to the crime underworld so Fleming and the team try and unpick this tangled world and find their suspect.
I loved the way the different strands of this story came together and really liked the character of Fleming.
This is a recommended read for any crime fiction fan.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
November 7, 2022
A good start to a series. Alex Fleming watched his mother get murdered when he was 12 years old. He escaped the killer but carries the trauma of that night with him as he tackles a new job as DCI investigating the murder of a shady bar owner. Interesting police procedural. I look forward to reading more from this series.
April 27, 2020
Despite being newly promoted and up against some very hostile colleagues DCI Alex Fleming is determined to do a good job and clear up his first murder case working at the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit. He starts with the full backing and support of Supt Liz Temple but his methods soon have her tearing her hair out. He is battling demons from his past which come back to haunt him in a big way, the chief constable Matthew Upson is demanding a better clear up rate and the police commissioner is on Upson's back, so no pressure then! In particular DCI Bill Watson really seems to be out to make trouble for him, holding an aggressive grudge because his sidekick DI Frank Jardine didn't get the promotion to DCI that was instead given to Alex. Alex's first murder investigation is that of a man called Nielson, the owner of a London nightclub who was found dead by his cleaning lady on his boat moored on the river Thames. Nielson has a chequered past, previously being suspected of drug dealing and also of being behind a killing where eventually one of his employees was convicted of the crime instead. He was a bit of a womaniser and was going through an acrimonious divorce. Alex is very likeable. He has selected a great team in DS Harry Logan and DC Naomi Anderson, both also relative newcomers and who have gelled almost immediately. Every step in this case sees him opening another can of worms. New suspects pop-up, some are discounted and some re-emerge into the spotlight. Five suspects in all and all of them had a very good reason for wanting Neilson dead. However one of them had more to lose than any of the others by letting him live, and it will take solid police work, a few good hunches and a little bit of luck for the detectives to track down the killer. This story has a great plot, with lots of threads coming together to make a thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable book. There are many twists in the investigation and attempts to thwart or discredit Alex Fleming, and he has to prove himself more than once. I look forward to reading more about him and his very likeable team of detectives in this new series. 5*
March 23, 2025
Probably deserves a 3.5. A decent enough plot, but feels like a B grade TV cop show that will end up on a UK Gold cable TV channel. The dialogue was overly simplistic, the chapters too brief. Recommended if you're looking for an easy and entertaining beach read.
July 1, 2023
I thought the dialogue was juvenille, the villains are acting and thinking like teenagers.
The story was good but it was not well executed through the plot and the dialogue.
The story was good but it was not well executed through the plot and the dialogue.
May 30, 2021
Oh I liked this, I liked it a lot. A new author to me and I am very impressed with his writing. He certainly knows how to draw in his readers. I want to read book two immediately while the characters are fresh in my mind. Such an exciting read and I was deeply engrossed thoughout. Ok, DCI Alex Fleming has baggage like a lot of leading detectives do but hey, he's a nice guy, I really took to him and his way of thinking. He has been recently promoted to DCI and we follow him on his first case with his new team. The story is well paced, with a clever twisty plot and full of suspense. I look forward to seeing how his character develops in future books.
February 20, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook, sadly yet again corrupt senior policemen and politician. It’s a complex storyline with at least 3 threads that ultimately all unite. I was surprised by the ending. Looking forward to the second instalment.
May 1, 2020
Overall 4.5*
DCI Alex Fleming is a detective with a past - one which he tries to forget but cannot. So when his first case with his new team in the MCU starts to overlap with his childhood demons and certain of his colleagues, who are annoyed that he's been given the chance to be DCI, decide to try and thwart his case, although there is a lot more going on in the background. It is a good well paced thriller with lots of twists and turns and an ending that you don't really expect. I look forward to reading more from Robert McNeil.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
DCI Alex Fleming is a detective with a past - one which he tries to forget but cannot. So when his first case with his new team in the MCU starts to overlap with his childhood demons and certain of his colleagues, who are annoyed that he's been given the chance to be DCI, decide to try and thwart his case, although there is a lot more going on in the background. It is a good well paced thriller with lots of twists and turns and an ending that you don't really expect. I look forward to reading more from Robert McNeil.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
March 26, 2021
This was a remarkably interesting read. The plot was complex and clearly had involved a lot of work, weaving both the story and the characters together. I found that I really had to concentrate on what I was reading to make sure I did not miss anything which would later be important to the solving of the crimes. I found DCI Alex Fleming engaging, which made a big difference having a senior police officer be so light-hearted and accommodating to his new team. The other characters in the story were well formed and interesting – although at times the banter between Logan and Anderson did start to get a bit wearing, but it was clear the author was trying to make the plot light-hearted in places to make up for the gore and bloodshed which was later to come.
Basically, the plot comes down to nightclubs, protection, politics, and corruption which was very cleverly written to make it exciting, believable, and very involving. The style of writing was somewhat colloquial rather than stiff and formal, which made it an easier read to counteract the challenge of the twists and turns encountered along the way. The chapters were short and punchy, which again made it much easier to read but at the same time meant that the urge was to keep moving on to the next chapter as the story got more and more exciting. When reading a mystery, I always like to try and work out who the perpetrator is and, obviously, the title indicated that there must be five suspects, although the fifth one was not as obvious until almost the end. This book kept me guessing right up until the final few chapters when it all became clear.
This was definitely a great read and it has definitely made me very keen to read the next in this series to find out how Fleming continues in his new job with his new colleagues.
Basically, the plot comes down to nightclubs, protection, politics, and corruption which was very cleverly written to make it exciting, believable, and very involving. The style of writing was somewhat colloquial rather than stiff and formal, which made it an easier read to counteract the challenge of the twists and turns encountered along the way. The chapters were short and punchy, which again made it much easier to read but at the same time meant that the urge was to keep moving on to the next chapter as the story got more and more exciting. When reading a mystery, I always like to try and work out who the perpetrator is and, obviously, the title indicated that there must be five suspects, although the fifth one was not as obvious until almost the end. This book kept me guessing right up until the final few chapters when it all became clear.
This was definitely a great read and it has definitely made me very keen to read the next in this series to find out how Fleming continues in his new job with his new colleagues.
August 9, 2024
Poor writing that could have been sharpened if there was even a suggestion of editing of which I have to believe there was none. There doesn’t need to be over 80 chapters in a 385 page book for starters but beyond that the dialogue was awful, the pacing atrocious, and the exposition made me want to tear my hair out. If I could convince myself that DNFing was a viable option for me, I would have. The introduction at nearly the beginning of the culprit who was in no way linked to the victim until close to the end basically gave the game away Columbo style but the thing there is we know who did it, Columbo knows who did it; it’s getting them to trip up that’s the fun bit…this was emphatically not that. The sad attempt at political intrigue aside I have no clue why a character was a politician or in what way their play to be prime minister made any difference let alone why I needed to listen to multiple “news” reports about them.
While I keep blaming the lack of editing, it feels disingenuous to not acknowledge that if a good editor had taken a red pen to this it would have probably ended up a short story at most and more likely a plot synopsis that would give Wikipedia a run for its money. The premise is mostly sound but it was poorly executed to say the least.
I’m almost positive this wanted to be a fanfic of Inspector Morse and even though I despise that show and character I wouldn’t subject any fan to this drivel…
While I keep blaming the lack of editing, it feels disingenuous to not acknowledge that if a good editor had taken a red pen to this it would have probably ended up a short story at most and more likely a plot synopsis that would give Wikipedia a run for its money. The premise is mostly sound but it was poorly executed to say the least.
I’m almost positive this wanted to be a fanfic of Inspector Morse and even though I despise that show and character I wouldn’t subject any fan to this drivel…
February 9, 2023
this feels like a typical cop show and if you're into those vibes you'll probably love this. It was "cozy" in that way. Like I zoned out multiple times but never felt I missed anything because it all felt so similar despite only being book 1? Like it feels like something you could walk in mid-episode and still like if it was on TV. Also appreciated that Fleming is traumatized and is actively seeking out therapy on page, its a minor thing but you don't really see it in fiction.
Also need more Anderson + Logan as their dynamic with Fleming was my favorite and most of my favorite moments involve them as a unit, chatting about the case together. Plz be in the next book working together again.
but like my other recent reviews: I hate villain/antagonist POVs because I feel like it always ruins the surprise/twist elements more often than not. Like a lot of reveals would be shocking to us if we didn't have Watson's POV in this. Also there is some fatphobia related things about how Watson (and I think other characters) are described, it isn't overbearing but it does happen a few times.
Also need more Anderson + Logan as their dynamic with Fleming was my favorite and most of my favorite moments involve them as a unit, chatting about the case together. Plz be in the next book working together again.
but like my other recent reviews: I hate villain/antagonist POVs because I feel like it always ruins the surprise/twist elements more often than not. Like a lot of reveals would be shocking to us if we didn't have Watson's POV in this. Also there is some fatphobia related things about how Watson (and I think other characters) are described, it isn't overbearing but it does happen a few times.
May 1, 2020
Alex Fleming has just been promoted to DCI with the Major Crime Unit of the Thames Valley Police. A detective who drives a classic car, shows a lack of respect for authority, is over-fond of whisky and likes to drink at The Trout… does that sound familiar? The character of Fleming seems to be heavily inspired by Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse, and references throughout the book show that this is no coincidence. With a plot worthy of Dexter’s Morse stories and enough suspects to keep even an Agatha Christie addict satisfied, it adds up to a compelling read that had me gripped from beginning to end.
Frequently while reading the book I wondered if it was starting to go around in circles, as suspicion rotated between the characters, but realised it was more like a series of complex spirals with various connections and crossing points – and working out which of those connections and crossing points point to the killer kept my attention from beginning to end. A great read.
Frequently while reading the book I wondered if it was starting to go around in circles, as suspicion rotated between the characters, but realised it was more like a series of complex spirals with various connections and crossing points – and working out which of those connections and crossing points point to the killer kept my attention from beginning to end. A great read.
April 24, 2021
The first of the DCI Alex Fleming series. Featuring a detective new to Thames Valley Police, Fleming is a Scot with a past, having been traumatised by witnessing his mother's murder. And the killer is about to be released at the end of his sentence.
Fleming catches the murder of a club owner as his first case. He is building a new team but faces the anger of older detectives, who think he is too young for the job, which he was appointed to over one of their own. That will cause him problems ... as will the possible involvement of a leading politician in his case.
This is a decent novel with a good plot and a developing cast of characters. There are a few obviously missed clues that leave the reader wondering though. The tension is also spoiled several times by the use of multiple points of view. An interview leaves the detectives in two minds, and then we are told directly by the suspect exactly what they know. Leave more for the reader to work out, please!
Fleming catches the murder of a club owner as his first case. He is building a new team but faces the anger of older detectives, who think he is too young for the job, which he was appointed to over one of their own. That will cause him problems ... as will the possible involvement of a leading politician in his case.
This is a decent novel with a good plot and a developing cast of characters. There are a few obviously missed clues that leave the reader wondering though. The tension is also spoiled several times by the use of multiple points of view. An interview leaves the detectives in two minds, and then we are told directly by the suspect exactly what they know. Leave more for the reader to work out, please!
April 29, 2020
This is a pulsating thriller that has absolutely everything in it. From bent cops, corrupt politicians, dodgy nightclubs and a very strong storyline you will not be left wanting.
DCI Alex Fleming is newly promoted to the Major Crime Unit of Thames Valley Police and is immediately placed with the murder of a questionable nightclub owner. In pursuit of the murderer he is met with internal politics, an increasing amount of potential suspects and decisions that could ultimately cost him his entire career.
This was an incredibly enjoyable book to read. Very well written and one in which the suspense keeps you gripped throughout.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
DCI Alex Fleming is newly promoted to the Major Crime Unit of Thames Valley Police and is immediately placed with the murder of a questionable nightclub owner. In pursuit of the murderer he is met with internal politics, an increasing amount of potential suspects and decisions that could ultimately cost him his entire career.
This was an incredibly enjoyable book to read. Very well written and one in which the suspense keeps you gripped throughout.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily
May 1, 2020
This book gripped me from the start, and I found that I liked the main characters and the relationships which they formed. They worked well as a team, and the dialogue was entertaining.
I did, however, find that the book slowed down a bit in the middle. I’m glad that I stuck with it though, as the ending was all neatly wrapped up, and it was one that I was unable to guess at, due to the number of suspects and the compelling cases for each of them being guilty.
I haven’t read any by books by this author before, but will definitely look for more to read, especially if they feature DCI Fleming and his team.
I did, however, find that the book slowed down a bit in the middle. I’m glad that I stuck with it though, as the ending was all neatly wrapped up, and it was one that I was unable to guess at, due to the number of suspects and the compelling cases for each of them being guilty.
I haven’t read any by books by this author before, but will definitely look for more to read, especially if they feature DCI Fleming and his team.
May 1, 2020
First time reading this author, and will definitely read more in the future.
DC Fleming, newly promoted has a dark past, a past that will soon resurface during his first investigation... When a local club owner is killed, many suspects are investigated, from his ex father-in-law to a high ranking politician. Will Fleming be able to count on his team to help him solve this case, or are some of them out to get him?
Even though, I was a bit wary when I first read the political sub-sub-plot, it didn't take anything away from the mystery as it was very lightly done and very well integrated into the story.
Definitely a good read!
DC Fleming, newly promoted has a dark past, a past that will soon resurface during his first investigation... When a local club owner is killed, many suspects are investigated, from his ex father-in-law to a high ranking politician. Will Fleming be able to count on his team to help him solve this case, or are some of them out to get him?
Even though, I was a bit wary when I first read the political sub-sub-plot, it didn't take anything away from the mystery as it was very lightly done and very well integrated into the story.
Definitely a good read!
March 18, 2023
The Fifth Suspect offers a twisty plot involving police and political corruption. The reader follows DCI Alex Flemming’s investigation into the murder of London club owner and drug supplier Ronnie Nielsen. Overwhelmed with an abundance of suspects, DCI Flemming and his team have to work through the evidence to identify the murderer. Having recently arrived at a new posting, Flemming finds himself confronting enemies past and present, known and unknown. When Flemming pushes the bounds of authority, he soon finds himself under police investigation. Reminiscent of BBC murder mysteries, this may prove to be a series to add to your reading list.
June 1, 2020
Best one so far
The characters in the story are evolving and getting more depth to them. The plot of this novel was intertwined with other crimes committed so you were following the other teams as well,this definitely moved the story along. His sergeant is fully fleshed out character and adds a lot to warm up a rather cut and dried police procedural. Looking forward to the next one and we see if Fleming gets a girlfriend.
The characters in the story are evolving and getting more depth to them. The plot of this novel was intertwined with other crimes committed so you were following the other teams as well,this definitely moved the story along. His sergeant is fully fleshed out character and adds a lot to warm up a rather cut and dried police procedural. Looking forward to the next one and we see if Fleming gets a girlfriend.
September 8, 2020
Excellent
Another blockbuster. It was thoroughly engaging and I laughed at the antics of the good detectives. However my bane is again the use of swearing and profanity which is a right put off so will probably not download any more of his writings because of this. I can see the appeal to read more. 4 stars awarded.
Another blockbuster. It was thoroughly engaging and I laughed at the antics of the good detectives. However my bane is again the use of swearing and profanity which is a right put off so will probably not download any more of his writings because of this. I can see the appeal to read more. 4 stars awarded.
May 3, 2021
Proper page turner!
I am a fan of Baldacci, Patterson, Peter James, Robert White and Mark Dawson. Robert McNeil has joined this list. An absolute cracking story that had me hooked within ten minutes. Read it over the same weekend that Line Of Duty finale was on TV. Lucky me! Give it a try, highly recommended.
I am a fan of Baldacci, Patterson, Peter James, Robert White and Mark Dawson. Robert McNeil has joined this list. An absolute cracking story that had me hooked within ten minutes. Read it over the same weekend that Line Of Duty finale was on TV. Lucky me! Give it a try, highly recommended.
December 16, 2021
Really loved this one. I read it in one afternoon/ evening. Tough as nails protagonist along with a lively support cast made for a solid thriller. Although I guessed the "killer" about half way through I was still riveted to this plot. I think this is book one in a series. I hope there are further books with DCI Fleming coming. A must read. Check it out.
April 28, 2020
Important to note that there is another Robert McNeil who spells his last name with two Ls. Both are excellent authors. This is the first in what will hopefully be a series about DI Fleming, a character you can root for. Good intricate plot and a very enjoyable read.
July 13, 2020
A great read!
I really liked this book; I liked the story line and the characters and the interaction between them. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and more by this author.
I really liked this book; I liked the story line and the characters and the interaction between them. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and more by this author.
April 21, 2021
Yes, enjoyed the book as I love this genre. Interesting storyline with murder afoot, political connotations and ‘bent coppers’ all nicely wound into the story. Probably deserved 9/10, (4.5 stars), but just short of the mark as the pages stopped turning at times, still recommended to all.
November 4, 2022
I liked the characters and the plot very much, but the author needs a better editor. There’s too much repetition, stating of the obvious and unnecessary patter and filler. I found myself reaching for a red pen in frustration at what could have been a better book.
March 20, 2023
This was a very classic British police whodunnit mystery. The story line was actually more surprising than I expected for such a trope-y genre. I liked the characters and their relationships. It was a good commute listen, but it won’t make my top 10 of the year.
July 17, 2023
Great Story
A great first story in the Alex Fleming series. A really good story line with plenty of twists and turns and a main character who does things his way much to the consternation of his superiors. Lots of good strong characters.Looking forward to reading more.
A great first story in the Alex Fleming series. A really good story line with plenty of twists and turns and a main character who does things his way much to the consternation of his superiors. Lots of good strong characters.Looking forward to reading more.
February 6, 2024
This book was well written and gripping until the end.
The plot twists were not very unexpected nor were the characters hyper competent, but the story feels real, like watching a crime documentary. Absolutely recommend the book!
The plot twists were not very unexpected nor were the characters hyper competent, but the story feels real, like watching a crime documentary. Absolutely recommend the book!
October 7, 2024
I really had to push myself to get through the first 40% of the book. The characters weren’t engaging and lacked personality. I think I really enjoyed the story towards the end where it picked up, but it took me so long to actually want to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews